1
|
de Roode KE, Hashemi K, Verdurmen WPR, Brock R. Tumor-On-A-Chip Models for Predicting In Vivo Nanoparticle Behavior. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2402311. [PMID: 38700060 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Nanosized drug formulations are broadly explored for the improvement of cancer therapy. Prediction of in vivo nanoparticle (NP) behavior, however, is challenging, given the complexity of the tumor and its microenvironment. Microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip models are gaining popularity for the in vitro testing of nanoparticle targeting under conditions that simulate the 3D tumor (microenvironment). In this review, following a description of the tumor microenvironment (TME), the state of the art regarding tumor-on-a-chip models for investigating nanoparticle delivery to solid tumors is summarized. The models are classified based on the degree of compartmentalization (single/multi-compartment) and cell composition (tumor only/tumor microenvironment). The physiological relevance of the models is critically evaluated. Overall, microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip models greatly improve the simulation of the TME in comparison to 2D tissue cultures and static 3D spheroid models and contribute to the understanding of nanoparticle behavior. Interestingly, two interrelated aspects have received little attention so far which are the presence and potential impact of a protein corona as well as nanoparticle uptake through phagocytosing cells. A better understanding of their relevance for the predictive capacity of tumor-on-a-chip systems and development of best practices will be a next step for the further refinement of advanced in vitro tumor models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim E de Roode
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Khadijeh Hashemi
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, 329, Bahrain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Egberink RO, van Asbeck AH, Boswinkel M, Muradjan G, Dieker J, Brock R. Deciphering Structural Determinants Distinguishing Active from Inactive Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Cytosolic mRNA Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1822-1834. [PMID: 37733627 PMCID: PMC10587869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The formation of noncovalent complexes by mixing of positively charged polymers with negatively charged oligonucleotides (ONs) is a widely explored concept in nanomedicine to achieve cellular delivery of ONs. Uptake of ON complexes occurs through endocytosis, which then requires release of ON from endosomes. As one type of polymer, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are being used which are peptides of about 8-30 amino acids in length. However, only a few CPPs yield effective cytosolic ON delivery and activity. Several strategies have been devised to increase cellular uptake and enhance endosomal release, among which an increase of osmotic pressure through the so-called proton sponge effect, disruption of membrane integrity through membrane activity, and disulfide-mediated polymerization. Here, we address the relevance of these concepts for mRNA delivery by incorporating structural features into the human lactoferrin-derived CPP, which shows uptake but not delivery. The incorporation of histidines was explored to address osmotic pressure and structural motifs of the delivery-active CPP PepFect14 (PF14) to address membrane disturbance, and finally, the impact of polymerization was explored. Whereas oligomerization increased the stability of polyplexes against heparin-induced decomplexation, neither this approach nor the incorporation of histidine residues to promote a proton-sponge effect yielded activity. Also, the replacement of arginine residues with lysine or ornithine residues, as in PF14, was without effect, even though all polyplexes showed cellular uptake. Ultimately, sufficient activity could only be achieved by transferring amphipathic sequence motifs from PF14 into the hLF context with some benefit of oligomerization demonstrating overarching principles of delivery for CPPs, lipid nanoparticles, and other types of delivery polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rik Oude Egberink
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander H. van Asbeck
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Milou Boswinkel
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Grigor Muradjan
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Dieker
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department
of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Palacio-Castañeda V, van de Crommert B, Verploegen E, Overeem M, van Oostrum J, Verdurmen WP. Potent and selective eradication of tumor cells by an EpCAM-targeted Ras-degrading enzyme. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 30:16-26. [PMID: 37485031 PMCID: PMC10362089 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.06.002] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of efforts, an urgent need remains to develop tumor cell-selective rat sarcoma (Ras)-targeting therapies that can treat patients with Ras-driven tumors. Here we report modular engineered proteins that degrade Ras selectively in tumor cells that overexpress the tumor cell marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) by fusing the Ras degrader Ras-Rap1-specific endopeptidase with the translocation domain of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA) or diphtheria toxin (DT). Redirection to EpCAM is achieved by a designed ankyrin repeat protein. In two-dimensional tumor cell cultures, complete degradation of Ras proteins after 24 h was observed with EpCAM-targeted Ras degraders fused to ETA or DT in EpCAM-overexpressing MCF7 and HCT116 cells, with median inhibition concentration values at sub-nanomolar levels. The viability of EpCAM-low non-cancerous fibroblasts remained unaffected. In a three-dimensional (3D) tumor-on-a-chip system that mimics the natural tumor microenvironment, effective Ras degradation and selective toxicity toward tumor cells, particularly with the ETA-fused constructs, was determined on-chip. To conclude, we demonstrate the potential of modular engineered proteins to kill tumor cells highly selectively by simultaneously exploiting EpCAM as a tumor-specific cell surface molecule as well as Ras as an intracellular oncotarget in a 3D system mimicking the natural tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Palacio-Castañeda
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bas van de Crommert
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elke Verploegen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mike Overeem
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jenny van Oostrum
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter P.R. Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gil JF, Moura CS, Silverio V, Gonçalves G, Santos HA. Cancer Models on Chip: Paving the Way to Large-Scale Trial Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300692. [PMID: 37103886 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300692] [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: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer kills millions of individuals every year all over the world (Global Cancer Observatory). The physiological and biomechanical processes underlying the tumor are still poorly understood, hindering researchers from creating new, effective therapies. Inconsistent results of preclinical research, in vivo testing, and clinical trials decrease drug approval rates. 3D tumor-on-a-chip (ToC) models integrate biomaterials, tissue engineering, fabrication of microarchitectures, and sensory and actuation systems in a single device, enabling reliable studies in fundamental oncology and pharmacology. This review includes a critical discussion about their ability to reproduce the tumor microenvironment (TME), the advantages and drawbacks of existing tumor models and architectures, major components and fabrication techniques. The focus is on current materials and micro/nanofabrication techniques used to manufacture reliable and reproducible microfluidic ToC models for large-scale trial applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Ferreira Gil
- Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Marinha Grande, 2430-028, Portugal
- INESC Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN), Rua Alves Redol 9, Lisbon, 1000-029, Portugal
- TEMA, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Carla Sofia Moura
- Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Marinha Grande, 2430-028, Portugal
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Applied Research Institute, Coimbra, 3045-093, Portugal
| | - Vania Silverio
- INESC Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN), Rua Alves Redol 9, Lisbon, 1000-029, Portugal
- Department of Physics, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, 1049-001, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy - i4HB, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gil Gonçalves
- TEMA, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
- Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory (LASI), Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
- W.J. Korf Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Johnson A, Reimer S, Childres R, Cupp G, Kohs TCL, McCarty OJT, Kang Y(A. The Applications and Challenges of the Development of In Vitro Tumor Microenvironment Chips. Cell Mol Bioeng 2023; 16:3-21. [PMID: 36660587 PMCID: PMC9842840 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-022-00755-7] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical, yet mechanistically elusive role in tumor development and progression, as well as drug resistance. To better understand the pathophysiology of the complex TME, a reductionist approach has been employed to create in vitro microfluidic models called "tumor chips". Herein, we review the fabrication processes, applications, and limitations of the tumor chips currently under development for use in cancer research. Tumor chips afford capabilities for real-time observation, precise control of microenvironment factors (e.g. stromal and cellular components), and application of physiologically relevant fluid shear stresses and perturbations. Applications for tumor chips include drug screening and toxicity testing, assessment of drug delivery modalities, and studies of transport and interactions of immune cells and circulating tumor cells with primary tumor sites. The utility of tumor chips is currently limited by the ability to recapitulate the nuances of tumor physiology, including extracellular matrix composition and stiffness, heterogeneity of cellular components, hypoxic gradients, and inclusion of blood cells and the coagulome in the blood microenvironment. Overcoming these challenges and improving the physiological relevance of in vitro tumor models could provide powerful testing platforms in cancer research and decrease the need for animal and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Johnson
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Samuel Reimer
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Ryan Childres
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Grace Cupp
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| | - Tia C. L. Kohs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | - Owen J. T. McCarty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201 USA
| | - Youngbok (Abraham) Kang
- Department of Mechanical, Civil, and Biomedical Engineering, George Fox University, 414 N. Meridian Street, #6088, Newberg, OR 97132 USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Palacio-Castañeda V, Oude Egberink R, Sait A, Andrée L, Sala BM, Hassani Besheli N, Oosterwijk E, Nilvebrant J, Leeuwenburgh SCG, Brock R, Verdurmen WPR. Mimicking the Biology of Engineered Protein and mRNA Nanoparticle Delivery Using a Versatile Microfluidic Platform. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111944. [PMID: 34834361 PMCID: PMC8624409 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the delivery of next-generation macromolecular drugs, such as engineered proteins and mRNA-containing nanoparticles, there is an increasing push towards the use of physiologically relevant disease models that incorporate human cells and do not face ethical dilemmas associated with animal use. Here, we illustrate the versatility and ease of use of a microfluidic platform for studying drug delivery using high-resolution microscopy in 3D. Using this microfluidic platform, we successfully demonstrate the specific targeting of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) on cells overexpressing the protein in a tumor-mimicking chip system using affibodies, with CAIX-negative cells and non-binding affibodies as controls. Furthermore, we demonstrate this system’s feasibility for testing mRNA-containing biomaterials designed to regenerate bone defects. To this end, peptide- and lipid-based mRNA formulations were successfully mixed with colloidal gelatin in microfluidic devices, while translational activity was studied by the expression of a green fluorescent protein. This microfluidic platform enables the testing of mRNA delivery from colloidal biomaterials of relatively high densities, which represents a first important step towards a bone-on-a-chip platform. Collectively, by illustrating the ease of adaptation of our microfluidic platform towards use in distinct applications, we show that our microfluidic chip represents a powerful and flexible way to investigate drug delivery in 3D disease-mimicking culture systems that recapitulate key parameters associated with in vivo drug application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Palacio-Castañeda
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Rik Oude Egberink
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Arbaaz Sait
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
| | - Lea Andrée
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (L.A.); (N.H.B.); (S.C.G.L.)
| | - Benedetta Maria Sala
- Division of Protein Engineering, Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, AlbaNova University Center, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden; (B.M.S.); (J.N.)
| | - Negar Hassani Besheli
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (L.A.); (N.H.B.); (S.C.G.L.)
| | - Egbert Oosterwijk
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 26/28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Johan Nilvebrant
- Division of Protein Engineering, Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, AlbaNova University Center, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden; (B.M.S.); (J.N.)
| | - Sander C. G. Leeuwenburgh
- Department of Dentistry—Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (L.A.); (N.H.B.); (S.C.G.L.)
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain
- Correspondence: (R.B.); (W.P.R.V.)
| | - Wouter P. R. Verdurmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (V.P.-C.); (R.O.E.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (R.B.); (W.P.R.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Eijkenboom L, Palacio-Castañeda V, Groenman F, Braat D, Beerendonk C, Brock R, Verdurmen W, Peek R. Assessing the use of tumor-specific DARPin-toxin fusion proteins for ex vivo purging of cancer metastases from human ovarian cortex before autotransplantation. F&S SCIENCE 2021; 2:330-344. [PMID: 35559858 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the use of tumor-specific designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) fused to a domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A for purging of cancer metastases from the ovarian cortex. DESIGN Experimental study. SETTING University medical center. PATIENT(S) Human ovarian cortex. INTERVENTION(S) Ovarian cortex harboring artificially induced breast cancer metastases was treated with DARPins targeted to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The presence of any remaining cancer cells after purging was analyzed by (immuno)histochemistry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Effects on the viability of the ovarian cortex were determined by (immuno)histology, a follicular viability assay, and an assay to determine the in vitro growth capacity of small follicles. RESULT(S) After purging with EpCAM-targeted DARPin, all EpCAM-positive breast cancer cells were eradicated from the ovarian cortex. Although treatment had no effect on the morphology or viability of small follicles, a sharp decrease in oocyte viability during in vitro growth was observed, presumably due to low-level expression of EpCAM on oocytes. The HER2-targeted DARPins had no detrimental effects on the morphology, viability, or in vitro growth of small follicles. HER2-positive breast cancer foci were fully eliminated from the ovarian cortex, and the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction showed a decrease to basal levels of HER2 mRNA after purging. CONCLUSION(S) Purging cancer metastases from ovarian cortex without impairing ovarian tissue integrity is possible by targeting tumor cell surface proteins with exotoxin A-fused DARPins. By adapting the target specificity of the cytotoxic DARPin fusions, it should be possible to eradicate metastases from all types of malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Eijkenboom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Valentina Palacio-Castañeda
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Freek Groenman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Didi Braat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Catharina Beerendonk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Wouter Verdurmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ronald Peek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|