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Abu SL, Hehar NK, Chigbu DI. Novel therapeutic receptor agonists and antagonists in allergic conjunctivitis. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:380-389. [PMID: 39079155 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000001010] [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: 08/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by the development of pathophysiological changes to the ocular surface, which occurs when pro-allergic and pro-inflammatory mediators interact with their cognate receptors expressed on immune and nonimmune cells. Traditional treatments with antihistamines and corticosteroids provide relief, but there is a need for more efficacious and tolerable long-term therapy with a better safety profile. This article aims to provide an overview of the mode of action and clinical application of agonist therapies targeting glucocorticoid, melanocortin, and toll-like receptors, as well as antagonist therapies targeting cytokine, chemokine, integrin, and histamine receptors. RECENT FINDINGS There has been considerable advancement in immunology and pharmacology, as well as a greater understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of allergic conjunctivitis. Recent research advancing therapy for allergic conjunctivitis has focused on developing synthetic molecules and biologics that can interfere with the process of the allergic immune reaction. SUMMARY This review discusses novel therapeutic receptors being explored agonistically or antagonistically to develop alternative treatment options for allergic conjunctivitis. These novel approaches hold promise for improving the management of allergic eye diseases, offering patients hope for more effective and safer treatment options in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampson L Abu
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus at Drexel University, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Ruminski PG, Rettig MP, DiPersio JF. Development of VLA4 and CXCR4 Antagonists for the Mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1003. [PMID: 39199390 PMCID: PMC11353233 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies typically includes hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as part of a therapeutic standard of care. The primary graft source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for HSCT is mobilized from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood of allogeneic donors or patients. More recently, these mobilized HSPCs have also been the source for gene editing strategies to treat diseases such as sickle-cell anemia. For a HSCT to be successful, it requires the infusion of a sufficient number of HSPCs that are capable of adequate homing to the bone marrow niche and the subsequent regeneration of stable trilineage hematopoiesis in a timely manner. Granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is currently the most frequently used agent for HSPC mobilization. However, it requires five or more daily infusions to produce an adequate number of HSPCs and the use of G-CSF alone often results in suboptimal stem cell yields in a significant number of patients. Furthermore, there are several undesirable side effects associated with G-CSF, and it is contraindicated for use in sickle-cell anemia patients, where it has been linked to serious vaso-occlusive and thrombotic events. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the cell surface integrin α4β1 (very late antigen 4 (VLA4)) are both involved in the homing and retention of HSPCs within the bone marrow microenvironment. Preclinical and/or clinical studies have shown that targeted disruption of the interaction of the CXCR4 or VLA4 receptors with their endogenous ligands within the bone marrow niche results in the rapid and reversible mobilization of HSPCs into the peripheral circulation and is synergistic when combined with G-CSF. In this review, we discuss the roles CXCR4 and VLA4 play in bone marrow homing and retention and will summarize more recent development of small-molecule CXCR4 and VLA4 inhibitors that, when combined, can synergistically improve the magnitude, quality and convenience of HSPC mobilization for stem cell transplantation and ex vivo gene therapy after the administration of just a single dose. This optimized regimen has the potential to afford a superior alternative to G-CSF for HSPC mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John F. DiPersio
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO 63105, USA
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Artone S, Ciafarone A, Augello FR, Lombardi F, Cifone MG, Palumbo P, Cinque B, Latella G. Evaluation of the Antifibrotic Effects of Drugs Commonly Used in Inflammatory Intestinal Diseases on In Vitro Intestinal Cellular Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8862. [PMID: 39201548 PMCID: PMC11354868 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanism underlying intestinal fibrosis, the main complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is not yet fully understood, and there is no therapy to prevent or reverse fibrosis. We evaluated, in in vitro cellular models, the ability of different classes of drugs currently used in IBD to counteract two pivotal processes of intestinal fibrosis, the differentiation of intestinal fibroblasts to activated myofibroblasts using CCD-18Co cells, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of intestinal epithelial cells using Caco-2 cells (IEC), both being processes induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The drugs tested included mesalamine, azathioprine, methotrexate, prednisone, methylprednisolone, budesonide, infliximab, and adalimumab. The expression of fibrosis and EMT markers (collagen-I, α-SMA, pSmad2/3, occludin) was assessed by Western blot analysis and by immunofluorescence. Of the drugs used, only prednisone, methylprednisolone, budesonide, and adalimumab were able to antagonize the pro-fibrotic effects induced by TGF-β1 on CCD-18Co cells, reducing the fibrosis marker expression. Methylprednisolone, budesonide, and adalimumab were also able to significantly counteract the TGF-β1-induced EMT process on Caco-2 IEC by increasing occludin and decreasing α-SMA expression. This is the first study that evaluates, using in vitro cellular models, the direct antifibrotic effects of drugs currently used in IBD, highlighting which drugs have potential antifibrotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Artone
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Pompeo Spennati, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (A.C.); (F.R.A.); (F.L.); (M.G.C.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
- PhD School in Medicine and Public Health, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciafarone
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Pompeo Spennati, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (A.C.); (F.R.A.); (F.L.); (M.G.C.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
- PhD School in Health & Environmental Sciences, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosaria Augello
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Pompeo Spennati, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (A.C.); (F.R.A.); (F.L.); (M.G.C.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Francesca Lombardi
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Pompeo Spennati, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (A.C.); (F.R.A.); (F.L.); (M.G.C.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Maria Grazia Cifone
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Pompeo Spennati, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (A.C.); (F.R.A.); (F.L.); (M.G.C.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Paola Palumbo
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Pompeo Spennati, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (A.C.); (F.R.A.); (F.L.); (M.G.C.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Benedetta Cinque
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Pompeo Spennati, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (A.C.); (F.R.A.); (F.L.); (M.G.C.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
| | - Giovanni Latella
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Pompeo Spennati, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.A.); (A.C.); (F.R.A.); (F.L.); (M.G.C.); (P.P.); (B.C.)
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Pompeo Spennati, Building Rita Levi Montalcini, Coppito, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Panda VK, Mishra B, Nath AN, Butti R, Yadav AS, Malhotra D, Khanra S, Mahapatra S, Mishra P, Swain B, Majhi S, Kumari K, Radharani NNV, Kundu GC. Osteopontin: A Key Multifaceted Regulator in Tumor Progression and Immunomodulation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1527. [PMID: 39062100 PMCID: PMC11274826 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of various cellular components such as tumor cells, stromal cells including fibroblasts, adipocytes, mast cells, lymphatic vascular cells and infiltrating immune cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and lymphocytes. The intricate interplay between these cells influences tumor growth, metastasis and therapy failure. Significant advancements in breast cancer therapy have resulted in a substantial decrease in mortality. However, existing cancer treatments frequently result in toxicity and nonspecific side effects. Therefore, improving targeted drug delivery and increasing the efficacy of drugs is crucial for enhancing treatment outcome and reducing the burden of toxicity. In this review, we have provided an overview of how tumor and stroma-derived osteopontin (OPN) plays a key role in regulating the oncogenic potential of various cancers including breast. Next, we dissected the signaling network by which OPN regulates tumor progression through interaction with selective integrins and CD44 receptors. This review addresses the latest advancements in the roles of splice variants of OPN in cancer progression and OPN-mediated tumor-stromal interaction, EMT, CSC enhancement, immunomodulation, metastasis, chemoresistance and metabolic reprogramming, and further suggests that OPN might be a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for the evolving landscape of cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venketesh K. Panda
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Barnalee Mishra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Angitha N. Nath
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Ramesh Butti
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA;
| | - Amit Singh Yadav
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; (A.S.Y.); (N.N.V.R.)
| | - Diksha Malhotra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Sinjan Khanra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Samikshya Mahapatra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Priyanka Mishra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Biswajit Swain
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Sambhunath Majhi
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Kavita Kumari
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
| | - N. N. V. Radharani
- Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden; (A.S.Y.); (N.N.V.R.)
| | - Gopal C. Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India; (V.K.P.); (B.M.); (A.N.N.); (D.M.); (S.K.); (S.M.); (P.M.); (B.S.); (S.M.); (K.K.)
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
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García-Chamé M, Wadhwani P, Pfeifer J, Schepers U, Niemeyer CM, Domínguez CM. A Versatile Microfluidic Platform for Extravasation Studies Based on DNA Origami-Cell Interactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318805. [PMID: 38687094 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The adhesion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to the endothelial lumen and their extravasation to surrounding tissues are crucial in the seeding of metastases and remain the most complex events of the metastatic cascade to study. Integrins expressed on CTCs are major regulators of the extravasation process. This knowledge is primarily derived from animal models and biomimetic systems based on artificial endothelial layers, but these methods have ethical or technical limitations. We present a versatile microfluidic device to study cancer cell extravasation that mimics the endothelial barrier by using a porous membrane functionalized with DNA origami nanostructures (DONs) that display nanoscale patterns of adhesion peptides to circulating cancer cells. The device simulates physiological flow conditions and allows direct visualization of cell transmigration through microchannel pores using 3D confocal imaging. Using this system, we studied integrin-specific adhesion in the absence of other adhesive events. Specifically, we show that the transmigration ability of the metastatic cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 is influenced by the type, distance, and density of adhesion peptides present on the DONs. Furthermore, studies with mixed ligand systems indicate that integrins binding to RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) and IDS (isoleucine-aspartic acid-serine) did not synergistically enhance the extravasation process of MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel García-Chamé
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces 1 (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Parvesh Wadhwani
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces 2 (IBG 2), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Juliana Pfeifer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Ute Schepers
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Christof M Niemeyer
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces 1 (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Carmen M Domínguez
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Biological Interfaces 1 (IBG 1), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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Li S, Zheng W, Deng W, Li Z, Yang J, Zhang H, Dai Z, Su W, Yan Z, Xue W, Yun X, Mi S, Shen J, Luo X, Wang L, Wu Y, Huang W. Logic-Based Strategy for Spatiotemporal Release of Dual Extracellular Vesicles in Osteoarthritis Treatment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2403227. [PMID: 38704731 PMCID: PMC11234466 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403227] [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: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
To effectively treat osteoarthritis (OA), the existing inflammation must be reduced before the cartilage damage can be repaired; this cannot be achieved with a single type of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here, a hydrogel complex with logic-gates function is proposed that can spatiotemporally controlled release two types of EVs: interleukin 10 (IL-10)+ EVs to promote M2 polarization of macrophage, and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9)+ EVs to increase cartilage matrix synthesis. Following dose-of-action screening, the dual EVs are loaded into a matrix metalloporoteinase 13 (MMP13)-sensitive self-assembled peptide hydrogel (KM13E) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate/gelatin methacryloyl-hydrogel microspheres (PGE), respectively. These materials are mixed to form a "microspheres-in-gel" KM13E@PGE system. In vitro, KM13E@PGE abruptly released IL-10+ EVs after 3 days and slowly released SOX9+ EVs for more than 30 days. In vivo, KM13E@PGE increased the CD206+ M2 macrophage proportion in the synovial tissue and decreased the tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β levels. The aggrecan and SOX9 expressions in the cartilage tissues are significantly elevated following inflammation subsidence. This performance is not achieved using anti-inflammatory or cartilage repair therapy alone. The present study provides an injectable, integrated delivery system with spatiotemporal control release of dual EVs, and may inspire logic-gates strategies for OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Li
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing ApplicationThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Weihan Zheng
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing ApplicationThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Wenfeng Deng
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing ApplicationThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Ziyue Li
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing ApplicationThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
- Department of BurnsNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Zhenning Dai
- Department of StomatologyGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development in Traditional Chinese MedicineGuangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine HospitalGuangzhou510095China
| | - Weiwei Su
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing ApplicationThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Zi Yan
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing ApplicationThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Wanting Xue
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Xinyi Yun
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Siqi Mi
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Jianlin Shen
- Department of OrthopedicsAffiliated Hospital of Putian UniversityPutian351100China
| | - Xiang Luo
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing ApplicationThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Digital Medicine and 3D PrintingGuigang City People's HospitalGuigang537000China
| | - Ling Wang
- Biomaterials Research CenterSchool of Biomedical EngineeringSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Yaobin Wu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- Guangdong Medical Innovation Platform for Translation of 3D Printing ApplicationThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing ApplicationGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and BiomechanicsNational Key Discipline of Human AnatomySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
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Paulus J, Sewald N. Small molecule- and peptide-drug conjugates addressing integrins: A story of targeted cancer treatment. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3561. [PMID: 38382900 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Targeted cancer treatment should avoid side effects and damage to healthy cells commonly encountered during traditional chemotherapy. By combining small molecule or peptidic ligands as homing devices with cytotoxic drugs connected by a cleavable or non-cleavable linker in peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) or small molecule-drug conjugates (SMDCs), cancer cells and tumours can be selectively targeted. The development of highly affine, selective peptides and small molecules in recent years has allowed PDCs and SMDCs to increasingly compete with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Integrins represent an excellent target for conjugates because they are overexpressed by most cancer cells and because of the broad knowledge about native binding partners as well as the multitude of small-molecule and peptidic ligands that have been developed over the last 30 years. In particular, integrin αVβ3 has been addressed using a variety of different PDCs and SMDCs over the last two decades, following various strategies. This review summarises and describes integrin-addressing PDCs and SMDCs while highlighting points of great interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Paulus
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Norbert Sewald
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Neri B, Mancone R, Fiorillo M, Schiavone SC, De Cristofaro E, Migliozzi S, Biancone L. Comprehensive overview of novel chemical drugs for ulcerative colitis: focusing on phase 3 and beyond. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:485-499. [PMID: 38591242 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2339926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the growing number of highly efficacious biologics and chemical drugs for ulcerative colitis (UC), steroid-free disease control is still difficult to achieve in subgroups of patients due to refractoriness, adverse events, primary or secondary failure. New treatments are therefore still required in order to optimize clinical management of patients with UC. AREAS COVERED The efficacy and safety of both currently available and newly developed small molecules have been summarized. The PubMed database and clinicaltrials.gov were considered in order to search for phase 2b and 3 trials on new chemical drugs for UC. The study drugs reviewed included Janus kinases (JAK) and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1Pr) inhibitors, α4 integrin antagonist, and micro-RNA-124 upregulators. EXPERT OPINION Rapidity of onset, low immunogenicity, and safety are the main characteristics of small molecules currently available or under evaluation for treatment patients with UC. Among the currently available chemical drugs, the selective JAK and the S1Pr inhibitors are characterized by a good safety profile combined with the ability to induce clinical remission in UC. A relatively low frequency of endoscopic improvement and healing currently appears associated with their use, being higher in UC patients treated with S1Pr inhibitor Etrasimod. Overall, additional new safe and effective drugs are still required in order to optimize disease control in a larger majority of UC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Neri
- Department of Systems Medicine, Gastroenterological Unit, University "Tor Vergata" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Mancone
- Department of Systems Medicine, Gastroenterological Unit, University "Tor Vergata" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariasofia Fiorillo
- Department of Systems Medicine, Gastroenterological Unit, University "Tor Vergata" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Concetta Schiavone
- Department of Systems Medicine, Gastroenterological Unit, University "Tor Vergata" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Cristofaro
- Department of Systems Medicine, Gastroenterological Unit, University "Tor Vergata" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Migliozzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, Gastroenterological Unit, University "Tor Vergata" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Biancone
- Department of Systems Medicine, Gastroenterological Unit, University "Tor Vergata" of Rome, Rome, Italy
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9
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Ma J, Jiang J. ATG8 inhibited endometriosis formation by regulating Treg cells differentiation via integrin α4β1 and Talin-1 interaction. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103646. [PMID: 38290387 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the relationship between ATG8 and integrin α4β1, Talin-1, and Treg cell differentiation, and the effects on endometriosis (EMS)? DESIGN First, the correlation between the ATG8, Talin-1, integrin α4β1, and differentiation of Treg cells and EMS was examined in clinical samples. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and endometrial stromal cells were extracted and identified, oe-ATG8 and oe-integrin α4β1 were transfected to overexpress ATG8 and integrin α4β1, and Tregs cell differentiation and endometrial stromal cells (ESC) function were detected. In addition, the molecular mechanism by which ATG8 inhibited EMS disease progression at the molecular and animal levels was investigated. RESULTS ATG8 expression was negatively correlated with positive proportion of Tregs cells (P = 0.0463). The expression of Talin-1 and integrin-α4β1 (both P < 0.0001) in PBMC decreased significantly after oe-ATG8 transfection, whereas the Treg cells' positive rate significantly increased (P = 0.0003). The ESC proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion (all P < 0.0001) declined after co-culture with Treg cells that underwent oe-ATG8 transfection. The expression of Talin-1 (P = 0.0025) and integrin-α4β1 (P = 0.0002) in PBMC increased significantly after oe-integrin α4β1 and oe-ATG8 transfection. In addition, this transfection reversed the corresponding regulation of oe-ATG8 transfection. Finally, animal experiments in vivo confirmed that ATG8 inhibited EMS disease progression. CONCLUSION The ATG8 regulated Treg cell differentiation and inhibited EMS formation by influencing the interaction between integrin α4β1 and Talin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhi Ma
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Jianfa Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China..
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10
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He T, Giacomini D, Tolomelli A, Baiula M, Gentilucci L. Conjecturing about Small-Molecule Agonists and Antagonists of α4β1 Integrin: From Mechanistic Insight to Potential Therapeutic Applications. Biomedicines 2024; 12:316. [PMID: 38397918 PMCID: PMC10887150 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface receptors that regulate cell-cell adhesion and cellular functions through bidirectional signaling. On the other hand, anomalous trafficking of integrins is also implicated in severe pathologies as cancer, thrombosis, inflammation, allergies, and multiple sclerosis. For this reason, they are attractive candidates as drug targets. However, despite promising preclinical data, several anti-integrin drugs failed in late-stage clinical trials for chronic indications, with paradoxical side effects. One possible reason is that, at low concentration, ligands proposed as antagonists may also act as partial agonists. Hence, the comprehension of the specific structural features for ligands' agonism or antagonism is currently of the utmost interest. For α4β1 integrin, the situation is particularly obscure because neither the crystallographic nor the cryo-EM structures are known. In addition, very few potent and selective agonists are available for investigating the mechanism at the basis of the receptor activation. In this account, we discuss the physiological role of α4β1 integrin and the related pathologies, and review the few agonists. Finally, we speculate on plausible models to explain agonism vs. antagonism by comparison with RGD-binding integrins and by analysis of computational simulations performed with homology or hybrid receptor structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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11
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Xie B, Olalekan S, Back R, Ashitey NA, Eckart H, Basu A. Exploring the tumor micro-environment in primary and metastatic tumors of different ovarian cancer histotypes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1297219. [PMID: 38328306 PMCID: PMC10847324 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1297219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease consisting of at least five different histological subtypes with varying clinical features, cells of origin, molecular composition, risk factors, and treatments. While most single-cell studies have focused on High grade serous ovarian cancer, a comprehensive landscape of the constituent cell types and their interactions within the tumor microenvironment are yet to be established in the different ovarian cancer histotypes. Further characterization of tumor progression, metastasis, and various histotypes are also needed to connect molecular signatures to pathological grading for personalized diagnosis and tailored treatment. In this study, we leveraged high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing technology to elucidate the cellular compositions on 21 solid tumor samples collected from 12 patients with six ovarian cancer histotypes and both primary (ovaries) and metastatic (omentum, rectum) sites. The diverse collection allowed us to deconstruct the histotypes and tumor site-specific expression patterns of cells in the tumor, and identify key marker genes and ligand-receptor pairs that are active in the ovarian tumor microenvironment. Our findings can be used in improving precision disease stratification and optimizing treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqing Xie
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Anindita Basu
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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12
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Rice-Boucher PJ, Mendonça SA, Alvarez AB, Sturtz AJ, Lorincz R, Dmitriev IP, Kashentseva EA, Lu ZH, Romano R, Selby M, Pingale K, Curiel DT. Adenoviral vectors infect B lymphocytes in vivo. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2600-2611. [PMID: 37452494 PMCID: PMC10492023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
B cells are the antibody-producing arm of the adaptive immune system and play a critical role in controlling pathogens. Several groups have now demonstrated the feasibility of using engineered B cells as a therapy, including infectious disease control and gene therapy of serum deficiencies. These studies have largely utilized ex vivo modification of the cells. Direct in vivo engineering would be of utility to the field, particularly in infectious disease control where the infrastructure needs of ex vivo cell modification would make a broad vaccination campaign highly challenging. In this study we demonstrate that engineered adenoviral vectors are capable of efficiently transducing murine and human primary B cells both ex vivo and in vivo. We found that unmodified human adenovirus C5 was capable of infecting B cells in vivo, likely due to interactions between the virus penton base protein and integrins. We further describe vector modification with B cell-specific gene promoters and successfully restrict transgene expression to B cells, resulting in a strong reduction in gene expression from the liver, the main site of human adenovirus C5 infection in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Rice-Boucher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Samir Andrade Mendonça
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aluet Borrego Alvarez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alexandria J Sturtz
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Reka Lorincz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Igor P Dmitriev
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Elena A Kashentseva
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zhi Hong Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rosa Romano
- Walking Fish Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark Selby
- Walking Fish Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kunal Pingale
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David T Curiel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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13
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Baiula M, Anselmi M, Musiani F, Ghidini A, Carbone J, Caligiana A, Maurizio A, Spampinato S, Gentilucci L. Design, Pharmacological Characterization, and Molecular Docking of Minimalist Peptidomimetic Antagonists of α 4β 1 Integrin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119588. [PMID: 37298541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin receptors mediate cell-cell interactions via the recognition of cell-adhesion glycoproteins, as well as via the interactions of cells with proteins of the extracellular matrix, and upon activation they transduce signals bi-directionally across the cell membrane. In the case of injury, infection, or inflammation, integrins of β2 and α4 families participate in the recruitment of leukocytes, a multi-step process initiated by the capturing of rolling leukocytes and terminated by their extravasation. In particular, α4β1 integrin is deeply involved in leukocyte firm adhesion preceding extravasation. Besides its well-known role in inflammatory diseases, α4β1 integrin is also involved in cancer, being expressed in various tumors and showing an important role in cancer formation and spreading. Hence, targeting this integrin represents an opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, some autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In this context, taking inspiration from the recognition motives of α4β1 integrin with its natural ligands FN and VCAM-1, we designed minimalist α/β hybrid peptide ligands, with our approach being associated with a retro strategy. These modifications are expected to improve the compounds' stability and bioavailability. As it turned out, some of the ligands were found to be antagonists, being able to inhibit the adhesion of integrin-expressing cells to plates coated with the natural ligands without inducing any conformational switch and any activation of intracellular signaling pathways. An original model structure of the receptor was generated using protein-protein docking to evaluate the bioactive conformations of the antagonists via molecular docking. Since the experimental structure of α4β1 integrin is still unknown, the simulations might also shed light on the interactions between the receptor and its native protein ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 40, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Ghidini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Carbone
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Andrea Maurizio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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14
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Swart LE, Fens MHAM, van Oort A, Waranecki P, Mata Casimiro LD, Tuk D, Hendriksen M, van den Brink L, Schweighart E, Seinen C, Nelson R, Krippner-Heidenreich A, O'Toole T, Schiffelers RM, Kooijmans S, Heidenreich O. Increased Bone Marrow Uptake and Accumulation of Very-Late Antigen-4 Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1603. [PMID: 37376052 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have evolved rapidly as promising delivery systems for oligonucleotides, including siRNAs. However, current clinical LNP formulations show high liver accumulation after systemic administration, which is unfavorable for the treatment of extrahepatic diseases, such as hematological disorders. Here we describe the specific targeting of LNPs to hematopoietic progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Functionalization of the LNPs with a modified Leu-Asp-Val tripeptide, a specific ligand for the very-late antigen 4 resulted in an improved uptake and functional siRNA delivery in patient-derived leukemia cells when compared to their non-targeted counterparts. Moreover, surface-modified LNPs displayed significantly improved bone-marrow accumulation and retention. These were associated with increased LNP uptake by immature hematopoietic progenitor cells, also suggesting similarly improved uptake by leukemic stem cells. In summary, we describe an LNP formulation that successfully targets the bone marrow including leukemic stem cells. Our results thereby support the further development of LNPs for targeted therapeutic interventions for leukemia and other hematological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Swart
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel H A M Fens
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anita van Oort
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Piotr Waranecki
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L Daniel Mata Casimiro
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - David Tuk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Hendriksen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Luca van den Brink
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth Schweighart
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cor Seinen
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ryan Nelson
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tom O'Toole
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond M Schiffelers
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kooijmans
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RY, UK
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15
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Mokhtari K, Peymani M, Rashidi M, Hushmandi K, Ghaedi K, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M. Colon cancer transcriptome. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 180-181:49-82. [PMID: 37059270 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the last four decades, methodological innovations have continuously changed transcriptome profiling. It is now feasible to sequence and quantify the transcriptional outputs of individual cells or thousands of samples using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). These transcriptomes serve as a connection between cellular behaviors and their underlying molecular mechanisms, such as mutations. This relationship, in the context of cancer, provides a chance to unravel tumor complexity and heterogeneity and uncover novel biomarkers or treatment options. Since colon cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies, its prognosis and diagnosis seem to be critical. The transcriptome technology is developing for an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of cancer which can provide better protectivity and prognostic utility to medical teams and patients. A transcriptome is a whole set of expressed coding and non-coding RNAs in an individual or cell population. The cancer transcriptome includes RNA-based changes. The combined genome and transcriptome of a patient may provide a comprehensive picture of their cancer, and this information is beginning to affect treatment decision-making in real-time. A full assessment of the transcriptome of colon (colorectal) cancer has been assessed in this review paper based on risk factors such as age, obesity, gender, alcohol use, race, and also different stages of cancer, as well as non-coding RNAs like circRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and siRNAs. Similarly, they have been examined independently in the transcriptome study of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatere Mokhtari
- Department of Modern Biology, ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Peymani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Anselmi M, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Artali R, He T, Gentilucci L. Design and Pharmacological Characterization of α 4β 1 Integrin Cyclopeptide Agonists: Computational Investigation of Ligand Determinants for Agonism versus Antagonism. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5021-5040. [PMID: 36976921 PMCID: PMC10108353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
α4β1 integrin is a cell adhesion receptor deeply involved in the migration and accumulation of leukocytes. Therefore, integrin antagonists that inhibit leukocytes recruitment are currently regarded as a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorder, including leukocyte-related autoimmune diseases. Recently, it has been suggested that integrin agonists capable to prevent the release of adherent leukocytes might serve as therapeutic agents as well. However, very few α4β1 integrin agonists have been discovered so far, thus precluding the investigation of their potential therapeutic efficacy. In this perspective, we synthesized cyclopeptides containing the LDV recognition motif found in the native ligand fibronectin. This approach led to the discovery of potent agonists capable to increase the adhesion of α4 integrin-expressing cells. Conformational and quantum mechanics computations predicted distinct ligand-receptor interactions for antagonists or agonists, plausibly referable to receptor inhibition or activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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17
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Tvaroška I, Kozmon S, Kóňa J. Molecular Modeling Insights into the Structure and Behavior of Integrins: A Review. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020324. [PMID: 36672259 PMCID: PMC9856412 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are heterodimeric glycoproteins crucial to the physiology and pathology of many biological functions. As adhesion molecules, they mediate immune cell trafficking, migration, and immunological synapse formation during inflammation and cancer. The recognition of the vital roles of integrins in various diseases revealed their therapeutic potential. Despite the great effort in the last thirty years, up to now, only seven integrin-based drugs have entered the market. Recent progress in deciphering integrin functions, signaling, and interactions with ligands, along with advancement in rational drug design strategies, provide an opportunity to exploit their therapeutic potential and discover novel agents. This review will discuss the molecular modeling methods used in determining integrins' dynamic properties and in providing information toward understanding their properties and function at the atomic level. Then, we will survey the relevant contributions and the current understanding of integrin structure, activation, the binding of essential ligands, and the role of molecular modeling methods in the rational design of antagonists. We will emphasize the role played by molecular modeling methods in progress in these areas and the designing of integrin antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Tvaroška
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravska cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence:
| | - Stanislav Kozmon
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravska cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Medical Vision o. z., Záhradnícka 4837/55, 821 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Kóňa
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravska cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Medical Vision o. z., Záhradnícka 4837/55, 821 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
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18
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Tang Y, Yin L, Gao S, Long X, Du Z, Zhou Y, Zhao S, Cao Y, Pan S. A small-diameter vascular graft immobilized peptides for capturing endothelial colony-forming cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1154986. [PMID: 37101749 PMCID: PMC10123284 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1154986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Combining synthetic polymers and biomacromolecules prevents the occurrence of thrombogenicity and intimal hyperplasia in small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs). In the present study, an electrospinning poly (L)-lactic acid (PLLA) bilayered scaffold is developed to prevent thrombosis after implantation by promoting the capture and differentiation of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs). The scaffold consists of an outer PLLA scaffold and an inner porous PLLA biomimetic membrane combined with heparin (Hep), peptide Gly-Gly-Gly-Arg-Glu-Asp-Val (GGG-REDV), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle goniometry were performed to determine successful synthesis. The tensile strength of the outer layer was obtained using the recorded stress/strain curves, and hemocompatibility was evaluated using the blood clotting test. The proliferation, function, and differentiation properties of ECFCs were measured on various surfaces. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of ECFCs on the surface. The outer layer of scaffolds exhibited a similar strain and stress performance as the human saphenous vein via the tensile experiment. The contact angle decreased continuously until it reached 56° after REDV/VEGF modification, and SEM images of platelet adhesion showed a better hemocompatibility surface after modification. The ECFCs were captured using the REDV + VEGF + surface successfully under flow conditions. The expression of mature ECs was constantly increased with the culture of ECFCs on REDV + VEGF + surfaces. SEM images showed that the ECFCs captured by the REDV + VEGF + surface formed capillary-like structures after 4 weeks of culture. The SDVGs modified by REDV combined with VEGF promoted ECFC capture and rapid differentiation into ECs, forming capillary-like structures in vitro. The bilayered SDVGs could be used as vascular devices that achieved a high patency rate and rapid re-endothelialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Tang
- Heart Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lu Yin
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Heart Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaojing Long
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhanhui Du
- Heart Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingchao Zhou
- Heart Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuiyan Zhao
- Heart Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yue Cao
- Heart Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Silin Pan
- Heart Center, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Silin Pan,
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Liu Z, Wan R, Bai H, Wang J. Damage-associated molecular patterns and sensing receptors based molecular subtypes in malignant pleural mesothelioma and implications for immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1104560. [PMID: 37033966 PMCID: PMC10079989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1104560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is characterized as an incredibly aggressive form of cancer with a dismal diagnosis and a dearth of specific biomarkers and therapeutic options. For MPM patients, the effectiveness of immunotherapy may be influenced by damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP)-induced immunogenic cell death (ICD).The objective of this work is to create a molecular profile associated with DAMPs to categorize MPM patients and predict their prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Methods The RNA-seq of 397 patients (263 patients with clinical data, 57.2% male, 73.0% over 60 yrs.) were gathered from eight public datasets as a training cohort to identify the DAMPs-associated subgroups of MPMs using K-means analysis. Three validation cohorts of patients or murine were established from TCGA and GEO databases. Comparisons were made across each subtype's immune status, gene mutations, survival prognosis, and predicted response to therapy. Results Based on the DAMPs gene expression, MPMs were categorized into two subtypes: the nuclear DAMPs subtype, which is classified by the upregulation of immune-suppressed pathways, and the inflammatory DAMPs subtype, which is distinguished by the enrichment of proinflammatory cytokine signaling. The inflammatory DAMPs subgroup had a better prognosis, while the nuclear DAMPs subgroup exhibited a worse outcome. In validation cohorts, the subtyping system was effectively verified. We further identified the genetic differences between the two DAMPs subtypes. It was projected that the inflammatory DAMPs subtype will respond to immunotherapy more favorably, suggesting that the developed clustering method may be implemented to predict the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Conclusion We constructed a subtyping model based on ICD-associated DAMPs in MPM, which might serve as a signature to gauge the outcomes of immune checkpoint blockades. Our research may aid in the development of innovative immunomodulators as well as the advancement of precision immunotherapy for MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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20
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Giancola R, Oliva F, Gallorini M, Michetti N, Gissi C, Moussa F, Antonetti Lamorgese Passeri C, Colosimo A, Berardi AC. CD200 as a Potential New Player in Inflammation during Rotator Cuff Tendon Injury/Repair: An In Vitro Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315165. [PMID: 36499497 PMCID: PMC9738060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rotator cuff tendon (RCT) disease results from multifactorial mechanisms, in which inflammation plays a key role. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and tendon stem cell/progenitor cells (TSPCs) have been shown to participate in the inflammatory response. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear. In this study, flow cytometry analyses of different subpopulations of RCT-derived TSPCs demonstrate that after three days of administration, TNFα alone or in combination with IFNγ significantly decreases the percentage of CD146+CD49d+ and CD146+CD49f+ but not CD146+CD109+ TSPCs populations. In parallel, the same pro-inflammatory cytokines upregulate the expression of CD200 in the CD146+ TSPCs population. Additionally, the TNFα/IFNγ combination modulates the protein expression of STAT1, STAT3, and MMP9, but not fibromodulin. At the gene level, IRF1, CAAT (CAAT/EBPbeta), and DOK2 but not NF-κb, TGRF2 (TGFBR2), and RAS-GAP are modulated. In conclusion, although our study has several important limitations, the results highlight a new potential role of CD200 in regulating inflammation during tendon injuries. In addition, the genes analyzed here might be new potential players in the inflammatory response of TSPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Giancola
- Department of Haematology, Transfusion Medicine and Biotechnologies, Cytofluorimetry and Cell Sorting Service, Ospedale Spirito Santo, 65122 Pescara, Italy
| | - Francesco Oliva
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
- Clinica Ortopedica, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Noemi Michetti
- Department of Haematology, Transfusion Medicine and Biotechnologies, Cytofluorimetry and Cell Sorting Service, Ospedale Spirito Santo, 65122 Pescara, Italy
| | - Clarissa Gissi
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Fadl Moussa
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Lebanese University, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | | | - Alessia Colosimo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Anna Concetta Berardi
- Department of Haematology, Transfusion Medicine and Biotechnologies, Laboratory of Stem Cells, Ospedale Spirito Santo, 65122 Pescara, Italy
- Correspondence: or
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21
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Firnau MB, Brieger A. CK2 and the Hallmarks of Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081987. [PMID: 36009534 PMCID: PMC9405757 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is commonly dysregulated in cancer, impacting diverse molecular pathways. CK2 is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase, constitutively active and ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotes. With over 500 known substrates and being estimated to be responsible for up to 10% of the human phosphoproteome, it is of significant importance. A broad spectrum of diverse types of cancer cells has been already shown to rely on disturbed CK2 levels for their survival. The hallmarks of cancer provide a rationale for understanding cancer’s common traits. They constitute the maintenance of proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling of replicative immortality, induction of angiogenesis, the activation of invasion and metastasis, as well as avoidance of immune destruction and dysregulation of cellular energetics. In this work, we have compiled evidence from the literature suggesting that CK2 modulates all hallmarks of cancer, thereby promoting oncogenesis and operating as a cancer driver by creating a cellular environment favorable to neoplasia.
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22
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Fernandez A, Asbell P, Roy N. Emerging therapies targeting eosinophil-mediated inflammation in chronic allergic conjunctivitis. Ocul Surf 2022; 26:191-196. [PMID: 35970432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Ocular allergy remains a significant burden to the population while the treatment for the severe, chronic forms of allergic conjunctivitis remains largely limited to non-specific immunosuppressants. Eosinophils are central to the pathophysiology and sustaining the immunologic response found in the chronic forms of ocular allergy such as vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Several mediators of eosinophil recruitment, chemotaxis, adhesion, activation, and survival have been identified that offer potential therapeutic targets for ocular allergy. Based on preclinical and clinical data available in both ocular and non-ocular allergy studies, these emerging therapies warrant further investigation in reducing the severity of disease in patients with chronic ocular allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Fernandez
- University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Penny Asbell
- University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Neeta Roy
- University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Now Affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
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23
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Shedding Light on the Drug-Target Prediction of the Anti-Inflammatory Peptide TnP with Bioinformatics Tools. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15080994. [PMID: 36015142 PMCID: PMC9412873 DOI: 10.3390/ph15080994] [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] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide–protein interactions are involved in various fundamental cellular functions, and their identification is crucial for designing efficacious peptide therapeutics. Drug–target interactions can be inferred by in silico prediction using bioinformatics and computational tools. We patented the TnP family of synthetic cyclic peptides, which is in the preclinical stage of developmental studies for chronic inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In an experimental autoimmune enceph-alomyelitis model, we found that TnP controls neuroinflammation and prevents demyelination due to its capacity to cross the blood–brain barrier and to act in the central nervous system blocking the migration of inflammatory cells responsible for neuronal degeneration. Therefore, the identification of potential targets for TnP is the objective of this research. In this study, we used bioinformatics and computational approaches, as well as bioactivity databases, to evaluate TnP–target prediction for proteins that were not experimentally tested, specifically predicting the 3D structure of TnP and its biochemical characteristics, TnP–target protein binding and docking properties, and dynamics of TnP competition for the protein/receptor complex interaction, construction of a network of con-nectivity and interactions between molecules as a result of TnP blockade, and analysis of similarities with bioactive molecules. Based on our results, integrins were identified as important key proteins and considered responsible to regulate TnP-governed pharmacological effects. This comprehensive in silico study will help to understand how TnP induces its anti-inflammatory effects and will also facilitate the identification of possible side effects, as it shows its link with multiple biologically important targets in humans.
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Integrin Signaling Shaping BTK-Inhibitor Resistance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142235. [PMID: 35883678 PMCID: PMC9322986 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrins are adhesion molecules that function as anchors in retaining tumor cells in supportive tissues and facilitating metastasis. Beta1 integrins are known to contribute to cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance in cancer. Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), a CD49d/CD29 heterodimer, is a beta1 integrin implicated in therapy resistance in both solid tumors and haematological malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A complex inside-out signaling mechanism activates VLA-4, which might include several therapeutic targets for CLL. Treatment regimens for this disease have recently shifted towards novel agents targeting BCR signaling. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a component of B cell receptor signaling and BTK inhibitors such as ibrutinib are highly successful; however, their limitations include indefinite drug administration, the development of therapy resistance, and toxicities. VLA-4 might be activated independently of BTK, resulting in an ongoing interaction of CD49d-expressing leukemic cells with their surrounding tissue, which may reduce the success of therapy with BTK inhibitors and increases the need for alternative therapies. In this context, we discuss the inside-out signaling cascade culminating in VLA-4 activation, consider the advantages and disadvantages of BTK inhibitors in CLL and elucidate the mechanisms behind cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance.
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25
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Ucaryilmaz Metin C, Ozcan G. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis reveals a cancer-associated fibroblast gene signature as a poor prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:692. [PMID: 35739492 PMCID: PMC9229147 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09736-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, currently available therapies have limited success. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are pivotal cells in the stroma of gastric tumors posing a great risk for progression and chemoresistance. The poor prognostic signature for CAFs is not clear in gastric cancer, and drugs that target CAFs are lacking in the clinic. In this study, we aim to identify a poor prognostic gene signature for CAFs, targeting which may increase the therapeutic success in gastric cancer. METHODS We analyzed four GEO datasets with a network-based approach and validated key CAF markers in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) cohorts. We implemented stepwise multivariate Cox regression guided by a pan-cancer analysis in TCGA to identify a poor prognostic gene signature for CAF infiltration in gastric cancer. Lastly, we conducted a database search for drugs targeting the signature genes. RESULTS Our study revealed the COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, FN1, and SPARC as the key CAF markers in gastric cancer. Analysis of the TCGA and ACRG cohorts validated their upregulation and poor prognostic significance. The stepwise multivariate Cox regression elucidated COL1A1 and COL5A1, together with ITGA4, Emilin1, and TSPAN9 as poor prognostic signature genes for CAF infiltration. The search on drug databases revealed collagenase clostridium histolyticum, ocriplasmin, halofuginone, natalizumab, firategrast, and BIO-1211 as the potential drugs for further investigation. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the central role of extracellular matrix components secreted and remodeled by CAFs in gastric cancer. The gene signature we identified in this study carries high potential as a predictive tool for poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Elucidating the mechanisms by which the signature genes contribute to poor patient outcomes can lead to the discovery of more potent molecular-targeted agents and increase the therapeutic success in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gulnihal Ozcan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Koc University School of Medicine, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey.
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26
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Vasconcelos D, Chaves B, Albuquerque A, Andrade L, Henriques A, Sartori G, Savino W, Caffarena E, Martins-Da-Silva JH. Development of New Potential Inhibitors of β1 Integrins through In Silico Methods-Screening and Computational Validation. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12070932. [PMID: 35888022 PMCID: PMC9325263 DOI: 10.3390/life12070932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are transmembrane receptors that play a critical role in many biological processes which can be therapeutically modulated using integrin blockers, such as peptidomimetic ligands. This work aimed to develop new potential β1 integrin antagonists using modeled receptors based on the aligned crystallographic structures and docked with three lead compounds (BIO1211, BIO5192, and TCS2314), widely known as α4β1 antagonists. Lead-compound complex optimization was performed by keeping intact the carboxylate moiety of the ligand, adding substituents in two other regions of the molecule to increase the affinity with the target. Additionally, pharmacokinetic predictions were performed for the ten best ligands generated, with the lowest docking interaction energy obtained for α4β1 and BIO5192. Results revealed an essential salt bridge between the BIO5192 carboxylate group and the Mg2+ MIDAS ion of the integrin. We then generated more than 200 new BIO5192 derivatives, some with a greater predicted affinity to α4β1. Furthermore, the significance of retaining the pyrrolidine core of the ligand and increasing the therapeutic potential of the new compounds is emphasized. Finally, one novel molecule (1592) was identified as a potential drug candidate, with appropriate pharmacokinetic profiles, similar dynamic behavior at the integrin interaction site compared with BIO5192, and a higher predicted affinity to VLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disraeli Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Beatriz Chaves
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Aline Albuquerque
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Luca Andrade
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Andrielly Henriques
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Geraldo Sartori
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratório de Pesquisa sobre o Timo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil;
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Neuroimunomodulação, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Rede de Pesquisa em Neuroimunomodulação, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Ernesto Caffarena
- Grupo de Biofísica Computacional e Modelagem Molecular, Programa de Computação Científica (PROCC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-222, Brazil;
| | - João Herminio Martins-Da-Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional em Biofármacos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Ceara, Eusebio 61773-270, Brazil; (D.V.); (B.C.); (A.A.); (L.A.); (A.H.); (G.S.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Neuroimunomodulação, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Merlo B, Baldassarro VA, Flagelli A, Marcoccia R, Giraldi V, Focarete ML, Giacomini D, Iacono E. Peptide Mediated Adhesion to Beta-Lactam Ring of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060734. [PMID: 35327131 PMCID: PMC8944785 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising potential treatment for chronic wounds in both human and veterinary medicine. Particularly, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be an attractive therapeutic tool for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering because these cells play a critical role in wound repair and tissue regeneration due to their immunosuppressive properties and multipotency. The use of biomaterials with integrin agonists could promote cell adhesion increasing tissue repair processes. This pilot study focuses on the adhesion ability of equine adult (adipose tissue) and fetal adnexa (Wharton’s jelly) derived MSCs mediated by GM18, an α4β1 integrin agonist, alone and combined with a biodegradable polymeric scaffold. Results show that a 24 h exposition to soluble GM18 affects equine MSCs adhesion ability with a donor-related variability and might suggest that WJ-MSCs more easily adhere to poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibers combined with GM18. These preliminary results need to be confirmed by further studies on the interactions between the different types of equine MSCs and GM18 incorporated PLLA scaffolds before drawing definitive conclusions on which cells and scaffolds could be successfully used for the treatment of decubitus ulcers. Abstract Regenerative medicine applied to skin lesions is a field in constant improvement. The use of biomaterials with integrin agonists could promote cell adhesion increasing tissue repair processes. The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the effect of an α4β1 integrin agonist on cell adhesion of equine adipose tissue (AT) and Wharton’s jelly (WJ) derived MSCs and to investigate their adhesion ability to GM18 incorporated poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds. Adhesion assays were performed after culturing AT- and WJ-MSCs with GM18 coating or soluble GM18. Cell adhesion on GM18 containing PLLA scaffolds after 20 min co-incubation was assessed by HCS. Soluble GM18 affects the adhesion of equine AT- and WJ-MSCs, even if its effect is variable between donors. Adhesion to PLLA scaffolds containing GM18 is not significantly influenced by GM18 for AT-MSCs after 20 min or 24 h of culture and for WJ-MSCs after 20 min, but increased cell adhesion by 15% GM18 after 24 h. In conclusion, the α4β1 integrin agonist GM18 affects equine AT- and WJ-MSCs adhesion ability with a donor-related variability. These preliminary results represent a first step in the study of equine MSCs adhesion to PLLA scaffolds containing GM18, suggesting that WJ-MSCs might be more suitable than AT-MSCs. However, the results need to be confirmed by increasing the number of samples before drawing definite conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Merlo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (E.I.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (E.I.)
- IRET Foundation, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Alessandra Flagelli
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Romina Marcoccia
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Valentina Giraldi
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Focarete
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Eleonora Iacono
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (E.I.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
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Clark KC, Wang D, Kumar P, Mor S, Kulubya E, Lazar S, Wang A. The Molecular Mechanisms Through Which Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Myelin Regeneration. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101099. [PMID: 35023637 PMCID: PMC9225676 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating degenerative disease characterized by an immunological attack on the myelin sheath leading to demyelination and axon degeneration. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become attractive targets as therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as MS due to their potent immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. The placenta is a unique source of MSCs (PMSCs), demonstrates "fetomaternal" tolerance during pregnancy, and serves as a novel source of MSCs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. PMSCs and PMSC-EVs have been shown to promote remyelination in animal models of MS, however, the molecular mechanisms by which modulation of autoimmunity and promotion of myelination occurs have not been well elucidated. The current review will address the molecular mechanisms by which PMSC-EVs can promote remyelination in MS.
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29
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Blythe EN, Weaver LC, Brown A, Dekaban GA. β2 Integrin CD11d/CD18: From Expression to an Emerging Role in Staged Leukocyte Migration. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775447. [PMID: 34858434 PMCID: PMC8630586 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CD11d/CD18 is the most recently discovered and least understood β2 integrin. Known CD11d adhesive mechanisms contribute to both extravasation and mesenchymal migration – two key aspects for localizing peripheral leukocytes to sites of inflammation. Differential expression of CD11d induces differences in monocyte/macrophage mesenchymal migration including impacts on macrophage sub-set migration. The participation of CD11d/CD18 in leukocyte localization during atherosclerosis and following neurotrauma has sparked interest in the development of CD11d-targeted therapeutic agents. Whereas the adhesive properties of CD11d have undergone investigation, the signalling pathways induced by ligand binding remain largely undefined. Underlining each adhesive and signalling function, CD11d is under unique transcriptional control and expressed on a sub-set of predominately tissue-differentiated innate leukocytes. The following review is the first to capture the nearly three decades of CD11d research and discusses the emerging role of CD11d in leukocyte migration and retention during the progression of a staged immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin N Blythe
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lynne C Weaver
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Arthur Brown
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory A Dekaban
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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30
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Design of α/β-Hybrid Peptide Ligands of α4β1 Integrin Equipped with a Linkable Side Chain for Chemoselective Biofunctionalization of Microstructured Materials. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111737. [PMID: 34829965 PMCID: PMC8615975 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-binding integrins, e.g., αvβ3, αvβ1, αvβ5 integrins, are currently regarded as privileged targets for the delivery of diagnostic and theranostic agents, especially in cancer treatment. In contrast, scarce attention has been paid so far to the diagnostic opportunities promised by integrins that recognize other peptide motifs. In particular, α4β1 integrin is involved in inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune diseases, therefore, it represents an interesting therapeutic target. Aiming at obtaining simple, highly stable ligands of α4β1 integrin, we designed hybrid α/β peptidomimetics carrying linkable side chains for the expedient functionalization of biomaterials, nano- and microparticles. We identified the prototypic ligands MPUPA-(R)-isoAsp(NHPr)-Gly-OH (12) and MPUPA-Dap(Ac)-Gly-OH (13) (MPUPA, methylphenylureaphenylacetic acid; Dap, 2,3-diamino propionic acid). Modification of 12 and 13 by introduction of flexible linkers at isoAsp or Dap gave 49 and 50, respectively, which allowed for coating with monolayers (ML) of flat zeolite crystals. The resulting peptide–zeolite MLs were able to capture selectively α4β1 integrin-expressing cells. In perspective, the α4β1 integrin ligands identified in this study can find applications for preparing biofunctionalized surfaces and diagnostic devices to control the progression of α4β1 integrin-correlated diseases.
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31
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Gutierrez A, Demond H, Brebi P, Ili CG. Novel Methylation Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Prognosis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1722. [PMID: 34827720 PMCID: PMC8615818 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) comprises the third most common cancer worldwide and the second regarding number of deaths. In order to make a correct and early diagnosis to predict metastasis formation, biomarkers are an important tool. Although there are multiple signaling pathways associated with cancer progression, the most recognized are the MAPK pathway, p53 pathway, and TGF-β pathway. These pathways regulate many important functions in the cell, such as cell cycle regulation, proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis formation, among others. Changes in expression in genes belonging to these pathways are drivers of carcinogenesis. Often these expression changes are caused by mutations; however, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are increasingly acknowledged to play a role in the deregulation of oncogenic genes. This makes DNA methylation changes an interesting biomarkers in cancer. Among the newly identified biomarkers for CRC metastasis INHBB, SMOC2, BDNF, and TBRG4 are included, all of which are highly deregulated by methylation and closely associated with metastasis. The identification of such biomarkers in metastasis of CRC may allow a better treatment and early identification of cancer formation in order to perform better diagnostics and improve the life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Priscilla Brebi
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile; (A.G.); (H.D.)
| | - Carmen Gloria Ili
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Centro de Excelencia en Medicina Traslacional (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile; (A.G.); (H.D.)
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32
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Baiula M, Cirillo M, Martelli G, Giraldi V, Gasparini E, Anelli AC, Spampinato SM, Giacomini D. Selective Integrin Ligands Promote Cell Internalization of the Antineoplastic Agent Fluorouracil. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1528-1542. [PMID: 34661072 PMCID: PMC8506610 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug conjugates consisting of an antineoplastic drug and a targeting receptor ligand could be effective to overcome the heavy side effects of unselective anticancer agents. To address this need, we report here the results of a project aimed to study agonist and antagonist integrin ligands as targeting head of molecular cargoes for the selective delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to cancer or noncancer cells. Initially, two fluorescent β-lactam-based integrin ligands were synthesized and tested for an effective and selective internalization mediated by α4β1 or α5β1 integrins in Jurkat and K562 cells, respectively. No cellular uptake was observed for both fluorescent compounds in HEK293 noncancerous control cells. Afterward, three conjugates composed of the β-lactam-based integrin ligand, suitable linkers, and 5-FU were realized. The best compound E, acting as α5β1 integrin agonist, is able to selectively deliver 5-FU into tumor cells, successfully leading to cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University
of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Cirillo
- Department
of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Martelli
- Department
of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Gasparini
- Department
of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Santi Mario Spampinato
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University
of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Department
of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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33
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Sartori A, Bugatti K, Portioli E, Baiula M, Casamassima I, Bruno A, Bianchini F, Curti C, Zanardi F, Battistini L. New 4-Aminoproline-Based Small Molecule Cyclopeptidomimetics as Potential Modulators of α 4β 1 Integrin. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26196066. [PMID: 34641610 PMCID: PMC8512764 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26196066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin α4β1 belongs to the leukocyte integrin family and represents a therapeutic target of relevant interest given its primary role in mediating inflammation, autoimmune pathologies and cancer-related diseases. The focus of the present work is the design, synthesis and characterization of new peptidomimetic compounds that are potentially able to recognize α4β1 integrin and interfere with its function. To this aim, a collection of seven new cyclic peptidomimetics possessing both a 4-aminoproline (Amp) core scaffold grafted onto key α4β1-recognizing sequences and the (2-methylphenyl)ureido-phenylacetyl (MPUPA) appendage, was designed, with the support of molecular modeling studies. The new compounds were synthesized through SPPS procedures followed by in-solution cyclization maneuvers. The biological evaluation of the new cyclic ligands in cell adhesion assays on Jurkat cells revealed promising submicromolar agonist activity in one compound, namely, the c[Amp(MPUPA)Val-Asp-Leu] cyclopeptide. Further investigations will be necessary to complete the characterization of this class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sartori
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Kelly Bugatti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Elisabetta Portioli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Irene Casamassima
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Agostino Bruno
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Claudio Curti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Franca Zanardi
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Lucia Battistini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-906040
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Impact of REDV peptide density and its linker structure on the capture, movement, and adhesion of flowing endothelial progenitor cells in microfluidic devices. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 129:112381. [PMID: 34579900 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ligand-immobilization to stents and vascular grafts is expected to promote endothelialization by capturing flowing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). However, the optimized ligand density and linker structure have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that flowing EPCs were selectively captured by the REDV peptide conjugated with a short linker. The microchannel surface was modified with the REDV peptide via Gly-Gly-Gly (G3), (Gly-Gly-Gly)3 (G9), and diethylene glycol (diEG) linkers, and the moving velocity and captured ratio were evaluated. On the unmodified microchannels, the moving velocity of the cells exhibited a unimodal distribution similar to the liquid flow. The velocity of the endothelial cells and EPCs on the peptide-immobilized surface indicated a bimodal distribution, and approximately 20 to 30% of cells moved slower than the liquid flow, suggesting that the cells were captured and rolled on the surface. When the immobilized ligand density was lower than 1 molecule/nm2, selective cell capture was observed only in REDV with G3 and diEG linkers, but not in G9 linkers. An in silico study revealed that the G9 linker tends to form a bent structure, and the REDV peptide is oriented to the substrate side. These results indicated that REDV captured the flowing EPC in a sequence-specific manner, and that the short linker was more adequate.
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35
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Borzouei S, Mohamadtaheri M, Zamani A, Behzad M. Reduced frequency and functional potency of CD49d - T regulatory cells in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Immunobiology 2021; 226:152113. [PMID: 34247018 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2021.152113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study set out to check the quantitative and qualitative properties of peripheral CD4+CD25+CD49d- T regulatory (CD49d- Treg) cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This work comprised 35 newly diagnosed patients and 35 healthy controls (HCs). The frequency of FoxP3 expressing CD49d- Treg cells was determined by flow cytometry. The gene expression of FoxP3 and CD49d was assessed by real-time PCR. Suppression assays with purified CD49d- Treg cells and CD4+CD25- T conventional (Tconv) cells were done by flow cytometry. The supernatants of Tconv/CD49d- Treg co-cultures were tested for IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and IL-10 using ELISA. The frequency of CD49d- Treg cells (by both CD4+CD25+CD49d- and CD4+CD25++CD49d- phenotypes) observed to be reduced in patients versus HCs. In the patients, decreased protein and gene expression of FoxP3 was seen in CD49d- Treg cells. Suppressive potency of CD49d- Treg cells to inhibit Tconv cells proliferation was diminished, and inversely related to fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c in the patients. Tconv cells from T2DM patients released higher amount of IL-17 and lower concentration of IL-10 versus HCs. In Tconv/CD49d- Tregs co-cultures, decreased IL-17 and increased IL-10 levels were seen in HCs, but not T2DM patients. CD49d- Treg cells from the patients have a fundamental defect and Treg cells fail to inhibit the aggressive inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Borzouei
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mina Mohamadtaheri
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Zamani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behzad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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36
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Ziani W, Shao J, Fang A, Connolly PJ, Wang X, Veazey RS, Xu H. Mucosal integrin α4β7 blockade fails to reduce the seeding and size of viral reservoirs in SIV-infected rhesus macaques. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21282. [PMID: 33484474 PMCID: PMC7839271 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002235r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cellular viral reservoirs are rapidly established in tissues upon HIV‐1/SIV infection, which persist throughout viral infection, even under long‐term antiretroviral therapy (ART). Specific integrins are involved in the homing of cells to gut‐associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) and inflamed tissues, which may promote the seeding and dissemination of HIV‐1/SIV to these tissue sites. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of prophylactic integrin blockade (α4β7 antibody or α4β7/α4β1 dual antagonist TR‐14035) on viral infection, as well as dissemination and seeding of viral reservoirs in systemic and lymphoid compartments post‐SIV inoculation. The results showed that blockade of α4β7/α4β1 did not decrease viral infection, replication, or reduce viral reservoir size in tissues of rhesus macaques after SIV infection, as indicated by equivalent levels of plasma viremia and cell‐associated SIV RNA/DNA to controls. Surprisingly, TR‐14035 administration in acute SIV infection resulted in consistently higher viremia and more rapid disease progression. These findings suggest that integrin blockade alone fails to effectively control viral infection, replication, dissemination, and reservoir establishment in HIV‐1/SIV infection. The use of integrin blockade for prevention or/and therapeutic strategies requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Widade Ziani
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Jiasheng Shao
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Angela Fang
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Patrick J Connolly
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Ronald S Veazey
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Huanbin Xu
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA, USA
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Lou HY, Yan HP, Yang LG, Fan JH, Cho WC, Xiao ZH, Li SJ. Integrin α4β1/VCAM-1 Interaction Evokes Dynamic Cell Aggregation Between Immune Cells and Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells at Infectious Hemolysis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:653143. [PMID: 33959020 PMCID: PMC8093802 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.653143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and viral infection is a common cause of pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even acute respiratory distress syndrome. Increasing evidence indicates that red blood cells (RBCs) may contribute to immune response and inflammation. However, the precise molecular mechanisms that link RBC and hemolysis to the development and progression of inflammatory pathologies are not entirely understood. In this study, we used bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to mimic an infectious hemolysis and found that RBCs dynamically regulated cell aggregation between immune cells and human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC). When RBCs were treated with LPS, integrin α4β1 was increased and was accompanied by cytokines and chemokines release (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, CXCL12, CCL5, CCL7 and CCL4). Upon α4β1 elevation, RBCs not only facilitated mature monocyte derived dendritic cell (mo-DCs) adhesion but also promoted HLMVEC aggregation. Furthermore, co-culture of the supernatant of LPS pre-treated RBCs with mo-DCs could promote naïve CD4 T cell proliferation. Notably, the filtered culture from LPS-lysed RBCs further promoted mo-DCs migration in a concentration dependent manner. From a therapeutic perspective, cyclic peptide inhibitor of integrin α4β1 combined with methylprednisolone (α4β1/Methrol) remarkably blocked RBCs aggregation to mo-DCs, HLMVEC, or mo-DCs and HLMVEC mixture. Moreover, α4β1/Methrol dramatically reduced mo-DCs migration up-regulated glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper in mo-DCs, and ultimately reversed immune cell dysfunction induced by hemolysis. Taken together, these results indicate that integrin α4β1 on RBCs could mediate cell-cell interaction for adaptive immunity through influencing cell adhesion, migration, and T cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yan Lou
- Emergency Center of Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hai-Peng Yan
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hunan Children's Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Long-Gui Yang
- Emergency Center of Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang-Hua Fan
- Emergency Center of Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zheng-Hui Xiao
- Emergency Center of Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang-Jie Li
- Department of Hepatopathy, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
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Baiula M, Spampinato S. Experimental Pharmacotherapy for Dry Eye Disease: A Review. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:345-358. [PMID: 33790661 PMCID: PMC8001578 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s237487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex multifactorial disease showing heterogenous symptoms, including dryness, photophobia, ocular discomfort, irritation and burning but also pain. These symptoms can affect visual function leading to restrictions in daily life activities and reduction in work productivity with a consequently high impact on quality of life. Several pathological mechanisms contribute to the disease: evaporative water loss leads to impairment and loss of tear homeostasis inducing either directly or indirectly to inflammation, in a self-perpetuating vicious cycle. Dysregulated ocular immune responses result in ocular surface damage, which further contributes to DED pathogenesis. Currently, DED treatment is based on a flexible stepwise approach to identify the most beneficial intervention. Although most of the available treatments may control to a certain extent some signs and symptoms of DED, they show significant limitations and do not completely address the needs of patients suffering from DED. This review provides an overview of the emerging experimental therapies for DED. Several promising therapeutic strategies are under development with the aim of dampening inflammation and restoring the homeostasis of the ocular surface microenvironment. Results from early phase clinical trials, testing the effects of EnaC blockers, TRPM8 agonist or mesenchymal stem cells in DED patients, are especially awaited to demonstrate their therapeutic value for the treatment of DED. Moreover, the most advanced experimental strategies in the pipeline for DED, tivanisiran, IL-1R antagonist EBI-005 and SkQ1, are being tested in Phase III clinical trials, still ongoing. Nevertheless, although promising results, further studies are still needed to confirm efficacy and safety of the new emerging therapies for DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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39
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Aira LE, Debes GF. Skin-Homing Regulatory B Cells Required for Suppression of Cutaneous Inflammation. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:1995-2005.e6. [PMID: 33577766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pro and anti-inflammatory B-cell subsets that localize to unperturbed and inflamed skin are newly emerging components of the skin immune system. To test the relevance of regulatory B cells (Bregs) in the suppression of cutaneous inflammation, we asked whether impaired migration of these cells into the skin exacerbates skin inflammation. Using a mouse model with a B-cell‒specific tamoxifen-inducible deletion of α4β1 integrin, we demonstrate that selective disruption of α4β1-integrin expression in B cells significantly decreases IL-10+ Bregs in inflamed skin, whereas it does not affect their counterparts in lymphoid tissues. Impaired skin homing and reduced cutaneous accumulation of IL-10+ Bregs lead to a significant increase in clinical and histopathological parameters of inflammation in both psoriasiform skin inflammation and cutaneous delayed contact hypersensitivity. Thus, our data show a crucial function of skin-homing IL-10+ Bregs in the suppression of skin inflammation, supporting the notion that Bregs are critical players in the cutaneous environment during inflammatory skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazaro Emilio Aira
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gudrun Fiona Debes
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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40
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Baiula M, Caligiana A, Bedini A, Zhao J, Santino F, Cirillo M, Gentilucci L, Giacomini D, Spampinato S. Leukocyte Integrin Antagonists as a Novel Option to Treat Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:617836. [PMID: 33584300 PMCID: PMC7878375 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.617836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex multifactorial degenerative disease that leads to irreversible blindness. AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the main cellular type affected in dry AMD. RPE cells form a monolayer between the choroid and the neuroretina and are in close functional relationship with photoreceptors; moreover, RPE cells are part of the blood retina barrier that is disrupted in ocular diseases such as AMD. During ocular inflammation lymphocytes and macrophages are recruited, contact RPE and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, which play an important role in AMD pathogenesis. The interaction between RPE and immune cells is mediated by leukocyte integrins, heterodimeric transmembrane receptors, and adhesion molecules, including VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. Within this frame, this study aimed to characterize RPE-leukocytes interaction and to investigate any potentially beneficial effects induced by integrin antagonists (DS-70, MN27 and SR714), developed in previous studies. ARPE-19 cells were co-cultured for different incubation times with Jurkat cells and apoptosis and necrosis levels were analyzed by flow cytometry. Moreover, we measured the mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and the expression of adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. We found that RPE-lymphocyte interaction increased apoptosis and necrosis levels in RPE cells and the expression of IL-1β. This interaction was mediated by the binding of α4β1 and αLβ2 integrins to VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, respectively. The blockade of RPE-lymphocyte interaction with blocking antibodies highlighted the pivotal role played by integrins. Therefore, α4β1 and αLβ2 integrin antagonists were employed to disrupt RPE-lymphocyte crosstalk. Small molecule integrin antagonists proved to be effective in reducing RPE cell death and expression of IL-1β, demonstrating that integrin antagonists could protect RPE cells from detrimental effects induced by the interaction with immune cells recruited to the retina. Overall, the leukocyte integrin antagonists employed in the present study may represent a novel opportunity to develop new drugs to fight dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Bedini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Santino
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Cirillo
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Specilization School of Hospital Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Rojas K, Baliu-Piqué M, Manzano A, Saiz-Ladera C, García-Barberán V, Cimas FJ, Pérez-Segura P, Pandiella A, Győrffy B, Ocana A. In silico transcriptomic mapping of integrins and immune activation in Basal-like and HER2+ breast cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:569-580. [PMID: 33469836 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00583-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Integrins, transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions, have been linked to several cancer-associated features. A less explored function of integrins in cancer is their role in leukocyte homing and activation. Understanding their relationship with immune cell infiltrates and immune checkpoints is an area of interest in cancer research. METHODS The expression of 33 different integrins was evaluated in relation with breast cancer patient outcome using transcriptomic data (Affymetrix dataset, exploratory cohort) and the METABRIC study (validation cohort). The TIMER online tool was used to assess the association of the identified integrin genes with immune cell infiltration, and the TCGA and METABRIC studies to assess correlations between integrin gene expression and genomic signatures of immune activation. RESULTS We identified 7 genes coding for integrin α and β subunits, i.e., ITGA4, ITGB2, ITGAX, ITGB7, ITGAM, ITGAL and ITGA8, which predict a favorable prognosis in Basal-like and HER2+ breast cancers. Their expression positively correlated with the presence of immune cell infiltrates within the tumor (dendritic cells, CD4+ T-cells, neutrophils, CD8+ T-cells and B-cells), with markers of T-cell activation and antigen presentation, and with gene signatures of immune surveillance (cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation and IFN gamma signature). By contrast, we found that genes coding for integrins that predicted a detrimental outcome (IBSP, ITGB3BP, ITGB6, ITGB1 and ITGAV) were not associated with any of these parameters. CONCLUSIONS We identified an integrin signature composed of 7 genes with potential to recognize immune infiltrated and activated Basal-like and HER2+ breast cancers with a favorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerin Rojas
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, Calle Del Prof Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariona Baliu-Piqué
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, Calle Del Prof Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Manzano
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, Calle Del Prof Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Saiz-Ladera
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, Calle Del Prof Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa García-Barberán
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, Calle Del Prof Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J Cimas
- Translational Research Unit, Translational Oncology Laboratory, Albacete University Hospital, Albacete, Spain
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Castilla-La Mancha University (CRIB-UCLM), Albacete, Spain
| | - Pedro Pérez-Segura
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, Calle Del Prof Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer and CIBERONC, CSIC , Salamanca, Spain
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- 2nd Department of Paediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- TTK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alberto Ocana
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, Calle Del Prof Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Baiula M. An in Vitro Assay to Study the Role of Opioids in Modulating Immune Cell Adhesion. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2201:163-169. [PMID: 32975797 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0884-5_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Opioids play a pivotal role in pain transmission but are also able to modulate immune cell functions. In the last decades a connection between opioids and integrins-adhesion molecules involved, among many other processes, in leukocyte recruitment at inflamed site-has been established. To study immune cell integrin-mediated adhesion, cell adhesion assay is a simple, reproducible, and valuable tool capable of unraveling concentration-dependent effects of a test candidate on integrin-mediated cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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43
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Park EJ, Myint PK, Ito A, Appiah MG, Darkwah S, Kawamoto E, Shimaoka M. Integrin-Ligand Interactions in Inflammation, Cancer, and Metabolic Disease: Insights Into the Multifaceted Roles of an Emerging Ligand Irisin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:588066. [PMID: 33195249 PMCID: PMC7649757 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.588066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are transmembrane proteins that mediate cellular adhesion and migration to neighboring cells or the extracellular matrix, which is essential for cells to undertake diverse physiological and pathological pathways. For integrin activation and ligand binding, bidirectional signaling across the cell membrane is needed. Integrins aberrantly activated under pathologic conditions facilitate cellular infiltration into tissues, thereby causing inflammatory or tumorigenic progressions. Thus, integrins have emerged to the forefront as promising targets for developing therapeutics to treat autoimmune and cancer diseases. In contrast, it remains a fact that integrin-ligand interactions are beneficial for improving the health status of different tissues. Among these ligands, irisin, a myokine produced mainly by skeletal muscles in an exercise-dependent manner, has been shown to bind to integrin αVβ5, alleviating symptoms under unfavorable conditions. These findings may provide insights into some of the underlying mechanisms by which exercise improves quality of life. This review will discuss the current understanding of integrin-ligand interactions in both health and disease. Likewise, we not only explain how diverse ligands play different roles in mediating cellular functions under both conditions via their interactions with integrins, but also specifically highlight the potential roles of the emerging ligand irisin in inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jeong Park
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Phyoe Kyawe Myint
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ito
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan.,Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Michael G Appiah
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Samuel Darkwah
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Eiji Kawamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan.,Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Motomu Shimaoka
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Integrins are a family of 24 cell adhesion receptors that play a role in the biggest unmet needs in medicine - cardiovascular disease, immunology and cancer. Their discovery promised huge potential for the pharmaceutical industry. Areas covered. Over 35-years since their discovery, there is little to show for the hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in anti-integrin drug discovery programmes. In this review the author discusses the reasons for the failure of this promising class of drugs and the future for this class of drugs. Expert opinion. Within 10-years, there was a plethora of potent, specific anti-integrin molecules and since their discovery, many of these agents have entered clinical trials. The success in discovering these agents was due to recently discovered monoclonal antibody technology. The integrin-recognition domain Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) provided the basis for discovering small molecule inhibitors to integrins - both cyclic peptides and peptidomimetics. Most agents failed in the Phase III clinical trials and those agents that did make it to the market were plagued with issues of toxicity and limited efficacy and were soon replaced with non-integrin targeting agents. Their failure was due to a combination of poor pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, complicated by the complex pathophysiology of integrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dermot Cox
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , Dublin, Ireland
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Liu J, Han J, Izawa K, Sato T, White S, Meanwell NA, Soloshonok VA. Cyclic tailor-made amino acids in the design of modern pharmaceuticals. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112736. [PMID: 32966895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tailor-made AAs are indispensable components of modern medicinal chemistry and are becoming increasingly prominent in new drugs. In fact, about 30% of small-molecule pharmaceuticals contain residues of tailor-made AAs or structurally related diamines and amino-alcohols. Cyclic tailor-made AAs present a particular value to rational structural design by virtue of their local conformational constraints and are widely used in lead optimization programs. The present review article highlights 34 compounds, all of which are derived from cyclic AAs, representing recently-approved, small-molecule pharmaceuticals as well as promising drug candidates currently in various phases of clinical study. For each compound, the discussion includes the discovery, therapeutic profile and optimized synthesis, with a focus on the preparation of cyclic tailor-made AA as the principal structural feature. The present review article is intended to serve as a reference source for organic, medicinal and process chemists along with other professionals working in the fields of drug design and pharmaceutical discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Liu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianlin Han
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kunisuke Izawa
- Hamari Chemicals Ltd., 1-4-29 Kunijima, Higashi-Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 533-0024, Japan.
| | - Tatsunori Sato
- Hamari Chemicals Ltd., 1-4-29 Kunijima, Higashi-Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 533-0024, Japan
| | - Sarah White
- Oakwood Chemical, Inc, 730 Columbia Hwy. N, Estill, SC, 29918, USA
| | - Nicholas A Meanwell
- Department of Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box, 4000, Princeton, NJ, 08543 4000, United States
| | - Vadim A Soloshonok
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel Lardizábal 3, 20018, San Sebastián, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, María Díaz de Haro 3, Plaza Bizkaia, 48013, Bilbao, Spain.
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Zhao J, Santino F, Giacomini D, Gentilucci L. Integrin-Targeting Peptides for the Design of Functional Cell-Responsive Biomaterials. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E307. [PMID: 32854363 PMCID: PMC7555639 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are a family of cell surface receptors crucial to fundamental cellular functions such as adhesion, signaling, and viability, deeply involved in a variety of diseases, including the initiation and progression of cancer, of coronary, inflammatory, or autoimmune diseases. The natural ligands of integrins are glycoproteins expressed on the cell surface or proteins of the extracellular matrix. For this reason, short peptides or peptidomimetic sequences that reproduce the integrin-binding motives have attracted much attention as potential drugs. When challenged in clinical trials, these peptides/peptidomimetics let to contrasting and disappointing results. In the search for alternative utilizations, the integrin peptide ligands have been conjugated onto nanoparticles, materials, or drugs and drug carrier systems, for specific recognition or delivery of drugs to cells overexpressing the targeted integrins. Recent research in peptidic integrin ligands is exploring new opportunities, in particular for the design of nanostructured, micro-fabricated, cell-responsive, stimuli-responsive, smart materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (J.Z.); (F.S.); (D.G.)
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Baiula M, Greco R, Ferrazzano L, Caligiana A, Hoxha K, Bandini D, Longobardi P, Spampinato S, Tolomelli A. Integrin-mediated adhesive properties of neutrophils are reduced by hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with chronic non-healing wound. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237746. [PMID: 32810144 PMCID: PMC7433869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several studies suggested that the ability of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to promote healing in patients with diabetic ulcers and chronic wounds is due to the reduction of inflammatory cytokines and to a significant decrease in neutrophils recruitment to the damaged area. α4 and β2 integrins are receptors mediating the neutrophil adhesion to the endothelium and the comprehension of the effects of hyperbaric oxygenation on their expression and functions in neutrophils could be of great importance for the design of novel therapeutic protocols focused on anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, the α4 and β2 integrins' expression and functions have been evaluated in human primary neutrophils obtained from patients with chronic non-healing wounds and undergoing a prolonged HBOT (150 kPa per 90 minutes). The effect of a peptidomimetic α4β1 integrin antagonist has been also analyzed under these conditions. A statistically significant decrease (68%) in β2 integrin expression on neutrophils was observed during the treatment with HBO and maintained one month after the last treatment, while α4 integrin levels remained unchanged. However, cell adhesion function of both neutrophilic integrins α4β1 and β2 was significantly reduced 70 and 67%, respectively), but α4β1 integrin was still sensitive to antagonist inhibition in the presence of fibronectin, suggesting that a combined therapy between HBOT and integrin antagonists could have greater antinflammatory efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Greco
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Ferrazzano
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Zheng Y, Leftheris K. Insights into Protein–Ligand Interactions in Integrin Complexes: Advances in Structure Determinations. J Med Chem 2020; 63:5675-5696. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Zheng
- Pliant Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Katerina Leftheris
- Pliant Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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