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Valiauga B, Bagdžiūnas G, Sharrock AV, Ackerley DF, Čėnas N. The Catalysis Mechanism of E. coli Nitroreductase A, a Candidate for Gene-Directed Prodrug Therapy: Potentiometric and Substrate Specificity Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4413. [PMID: 38673999 PMCID: PMC11049802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084413] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
E. coli nitroreductase A (NfsA) is a candidate for gene-directed prodrug cancer therapy using bioreductively activated nitroaromatic compounds (ArNO2). In this work, we determined the standard redox potential of FMN of NfsA to be -215 ± 5 mV at pH 7.0. FMN semiquinone was not formed during 5-deazaflavin-sensitized NfsA photoreduction. This determines the two-electron character of the reduction of ArNO2 and quinones (Q). In parallel, we characterized the oxidant specificity of NfsA with an emphasis on its structure. Except for negative outliers nitracrine and SN-36506, the reactivity of ArNO2 increases with their electron affinity (single-electron reduction potential, E17) and is unaffected by their lipophilicity and Van der Waals volume up to 386 Å. The reactivity of quinoidal oxidants is not clearly dependent on E17, but 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones were identified as positive outliers and a number of compounds with diverse structures as negative outliers. 2-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones are characterized by the most positive reaction activation entropy and the negative outlier tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone by the most negative. Computer modelling data showed that the formation of H bonds with Arg15, Arg133, and Ser40, plays a major role in the binding of oxidants to reduced NfsA, while the role of the π-π interaction of their aromatic structures is less significant. Typically, the calculated hydride-transfer distances during ArNO2 reduction are smallwer than for Q. This explains the lower reactivity of quinones. Another factor that slows down the reduction is the presence of positively charged aliphatic substituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjaminas Valiauga
- Institute of Biochemistry of Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (B.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Gintautas Bagdžiūnas
- Institute of Biochemistry of Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (B.V.); (G.B.)
| | - Abigail V. Sharrock
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington 6140, New Zealand; (A.V.S.); (D.F.A.)
| | - David F. Ackerley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington 6140, New Zealand; (A.V.S.); (D.F.A.)
| | - Narimantas Čėnas
- Institute of Biochemistry of Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University, Saulėtekio 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (B.V.); (G.B.)
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2
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Theys J, Patterson AV, Mowday AM. Clostridium Bacteria: Harnessing Tumour Necrosis for Targeted Gene Delivery. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:141-151. [PMID: 38302842 PMCID: PMC10925577 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00695-0] [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] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Necrosis is a common feature of solid tumours that offers a unique opportunity for targeted cancer therapy as it is absent from normal healthy tissues. Tumour necrosis provides an ideal environment for germination of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium from endospores, resulting in tumour-specific colonisation. Two main species, Clostridium novyi-NT and Clostridium sporogenes, are at the forefront of this therapy, showing promise in preclinical models. However, anti-tumour activity is modest when used as a single agent, encouraging development of Clostridium as a tumour-selective gene delivery system. Various methods, such as allele-coupled exchange and CRISPR-cas9 technology, can facilitate the genetic modification of Clostridium, allowing chromosomal integration of transgenes to ensure long-term stability of expression. Strains of Clostridium can be engineered to express prodrug-activating enzymes, resulting in the generation of active drug selectively in the tumour microenvironment (a concept termed Clostridium-directed enzyme prodrug therapy). More recently, Clostridium strains have been investigated in the context of cancer immunotherapy, either in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors or with engineered strains expressing immunomodulatory molecules such as IL-2 and TNF-α. Localised expression of these molecules using tumour-targeting Clostridium strains has the potential to improve delivery and reduce systemic toxicity. In summary, Clostridium species represent a promising platform for cancer therapy, with potential for localised gene delivery and immunomodulation selectively within the tumour microenvironment. The ongoing clinical progress being made with C. novyi-NT, in addition to developments in genetic modification techniques and non-invasive imaging capabilities, are expected to further progress Clostridium as an option for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Theys
- M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Alexandra M Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
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3
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Mowday AM, van de Laak JM, Fu Z, Henare KL, Dubois L, Lambin P, Theys J, Patterson AV. Tumor-targeting bacteria as immune stimulants - the future of cancer immunotherapy? Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38346140 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2311653] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies have been widely hailed as a breakthrough for cancer treatment in the last decade, epitomized by the unprecedented results observed with checkpoint blockade. Even so, only a minority of patients currently achieve durable remissions. In general, responsive patients appear to have either a high number of tumor neoantigens, a preexisting immune cell infiltrate in the tumor microenvironment, or an 'immune-active' transcriptional profile, determined in part by the presence of a type I interferon gene signature. These observations suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy can be enhanced through strategies that release tumor neoantigens and/or produce a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment. In principle, exogenous tumor-targeting bacteria offer a unique solution for improving responsiveness to immunotherapy. This review discusses how tumor-selective bacterial infection can modulate the immunological microenvironment of the tumor and the potential for combination with cancer immunotherapy strategies to further increase therapeutic efficacy. In addition, we provide a perspective on the clinical translation of replicating bacterial therapies, with a focus on the challenges that must be resolved to ensure a successful outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jella M van de Laak
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Zhe Fu
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Kimiora L Henare
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ludwig Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-Research School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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4
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Zhao X, Xie N, Zhang H, Zhou W, Ding J. Bacterial Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy: "Why" and "How". Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2214. [PMID: 37765183 PMCID: PMC10534357 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major diseases that endanger human health. However, the use of anticancer drugs is accompanied by a series of side effects. Suitable drug delivery systems can reduce the toxic side effects of drugs and enhance the bioavailability of drugs, among which targeted drug delivery systems are the main development direction of anticancer drug delivery systems. Bacteria is a novel drug delivery system that has shown great potential in cancer therapy because of its tumor-targeting, oncolytic, and immunomodulatory properties. In this review, we systematically describe the reasons why bacteria are suitable carriers of anticancer drugs and the mechanisms by which these advantages arise. Secondly, we outline strategies on how to load drugs onto bacterial carriers. These drug-loading strategies include surface modification and internal modification of bacteria. We focus on the drug-loading strategy because appropriate strategies play a key role in ensuring the stability of the delivery system and improving drug efficacy. Lastly, we also describe the current state of bacterial clinical trials and discuss current challenges. This review summarizes the advantages and various drug-loading strategies of bacteria for cancer therapy and will contribute to the development of bacterial drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangcheng Zhao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
| | - Nuli Xie
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hailong Zhang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
- Changsha Jingyi Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Changsha 410006, China
| | - Wenhu Zhou
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
| | - Jinsong Ding
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (X.Z.); (N.X.); (H.Z.)
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5
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Meng T, Ma W, Fan M, Tang W, Duan X. Enhancing the Contrast of Tumor Imaging for Image-Guided Surgery Using a Tumor-Targeting Probiotic with the Continuous Expression of a Biomarker. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10109-10117. [PMID: 35802615 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Tumor recurrence commonly results from tumor-positive resection margins and metastatic lesions. The complete removal of tumor-positive margins is particularly essential in clinics. Thus, we designed a strategy based on Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) nitroreductase (NTR) with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer coating (PC-EcN-NTR) to specifically target and colonize in tumors for high-contrast tumor imaging by providing a large amount of NTR as biomarkers in situ. NTR is a favorable biomarker for tumor detection and imaging. The nfsB-encoding plasmid with a 16S promoter was transfected into EcN for the continuous and stable expression of NTR (E. coli. NfsB). PC-EcN-NTR can accumulate and proliferate for a long time in tumors to substantially express NTR. When the NTR-activated fluorescence (FL) probe was sprayed on the tumor, the tumor region showed fluorescence signals within 5 min. Compared to the tumor without colonization with bacteria, the PC-EcN-NTR-colonized tumors displayed 3.15× enhanced fluorescence signals. Furthermore, the fluorescence signals of the whole tumor can last at least 3 h, which is suitable for a long and meticulous surgical operation. More importantly, in the PC-EcN-NTR-harboring tumor, obvious FL appeared even at the very edge (approximately 200 μm away from the edge) of the tumor tissue. A TCF-Based near-infrared-II fluorescent probe (probe 2) was designed and synthesized. Results similar to those of probe 1 were observed when probe 2 was used for in vivo tumor imaging, which further proved the generality of the enhancing ability of the tumor-targeting probiotic. This strategy will hopefully guide the surgical resection of tumors via monitoring intense NTR activity. It may spur the use of tumor-targeting probiotic and enzyme-activated fluorescent probes for the processes of tumor diagnosis and image-guided surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Meng
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 Xi Chang'an Street, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Ma
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 Xi Chang'an Street, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyue Fan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 Xi Chang'an Street, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 Xi Chang'an Street, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinrui Duan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 Xi Chang'an Street, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, People's Republic of China
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6
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Singleton DC, Mowday AM, Guise CP, Syddall SP, Bai SY, Li D, Ashoorzadeh A, Smaill JB, Wilson WR, Patterson AV. Bioreductive prodrug PR-104 improves the tumour distribution and titre of the nitroreductase-armed oncolytic adenovirus ONYX-411 NTR leading to therapeutic benefit. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1021-1032. [PMID: 34837065 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00409-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the field of cancer immunotherapy have stimulated renewed interest in adenoviruses as oncolytic agents. Clinical experience has shown that oncolytic adenoviruses are safe and well tolerated but possess modest single-agent activity. One approach to improve the potency of oncolytic viruses is to utilise their tumour selectivity to deliver genes encoding prodrug-activating enzymes. These enzymes can convert prodrugs into cytotoxic species within the tumour; however, these cytotoxins can interfere with viral replication and limit utility. In this work, we evaluated the activity of a nitroreductase (NTR)-armed oncolytic adenovirus ONYX-411NTR in combination with the clinically tested bioreductive prodrug PR-104. Both NTR-expressing cells in vitro and xenografts containing a minor population of NTR-expressing cells were highly sensitive to PR-104. Pharmacologically relevant prodrug exposures did not interfere with ONYX-411NTR replication in vitro. In vivo, prodrug administration increased virus titre and improved virus distribution within tumour xenografts. Colonisation of tumours with high ONYX-411NTR titre resulted in NTR expression and prodrug activation. The combination of ONYX-411NTR with PR-104 was efficacious against HCT116 xenografts, whilst neither prodrug nor virus were active as single agents. This work highlights the potential for future clinical development of NTR-armed oncolytic viruses in combination with bioreductive prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean C Singleton
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Alexandra M Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris P Guise
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sophie P Syddall
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sally Y Bai
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Dan Li
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Amir Ashoorzadeh
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jeff B Smaill
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William R Wilson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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7
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Karan S, Cho MY, Lee H, Park HS, Han EH, Song Y, Lee Y, Kim M, Cho JH, Sessler JL, Hong KS. Hypoxia-Responsive Luminescent CEST MRI Agent for In Vitro and In Vivo Tumor Detection and Imaging. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7106-7117. [PMID: 35580357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a feature of most solid tumors and a key determinant of cancer growth and propagation. Sensing hypoxia effectively could lead to more favorable clinical outcomes. Here, we report a molecular antenna-based bimodal probe designed to exploit the complementary advantages of magnetic resonance (MR)- and optical-based imaging. Specifically, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a dual-action probe (NO2-Eu) that permits hypoxia-activated chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MR and optical imaging. In CT26 cells, this NO2-Eu probe not only provides an enhanced CEST MRI signal but also turns "on" the optical signal under hypoxic conditions. Time-dependent in vivo CEST imaging in a hypoxic CT26 tumor xenograft mouse model revealed probe-dependent tumor detection by CEST MRI contrast in the tumor area. We thus suggest that dual-action hypoxia probes, like that reported here, could have a role to play in solid tumor diagnosis and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanu Karan
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea.,Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Mi Young Cho
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Hyunseung Lee
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Hye Sun Park
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Eun Hee Han
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Youngkyu Song
- Research Equipment Operations Division, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Youlee Lee
- Research Equipment Operations Division, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Mina Kim
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Science, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - Jee-Hyun Cho
- Research Equipment Operations Division, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea
| | - Jonathan L Sessler
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1224, United States
| | - Kwan Soo Hong
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Korea.,Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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8
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Li X, Yang X, Li Z, Zheng X, Peng YJ, Lin W, Zhou L, Cao D, Situ M, Tu Q, Huang H, Fan W, Feng G, Zhang X. Development of a Radiotracer for PET Imaging of the SNAP Tag. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:7550-7555. [PMID: 35284707 PMCID: PMC8908366 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapies have progressed to cures for hematopoietic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. However, only some patients can benefit from cell therapies even with prior screening. Due to the limited clinical methods to monitor the in vivo therapeutic functions of these transferred cells over time, the uncertain prognosis is hard to attenuate. Positron emission tomography (PET) cell tracking can provide comprehensive dynamic and spatial information on the proliferation status and whole-body distribution of the therapeutic cell. In this work, we designed and synthesized the first SNAP-tagged PET radiotracer. SNAP tag is an O 6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase that can form an irreversible bond with 18F-BG-surface for in vivo cell tracking based on a reporter gene system. 18F-BG-surface was obtained by the F-Al radiolabeling method in 32 ± 7% radiochemical yield and showed a high in vitro stability in mouse serum. SNAP-tagged cells could be selectively targeted by 18F-BG-surface both in vitro (4.81 ± 0.08%AD/106 cell vs 2.26 ± 0.10%AD/106 cell) and in vivo (1.90 ± 0.05 vs 0.55 ± 0.02% ID/g, p < 0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinling Li
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of
Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer
Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer
Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Xiaochun Yang
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of
Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer
Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer
Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Zhijian Li
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of
Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer
Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer
Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Xiaobin Zheng
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of
Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer
Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer
Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Yong-jian Peng
- State
Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation
Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Wenjie Lin
- State
Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation
Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Sun
Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China;
Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Dehai Cao
- State
Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation
Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Minyi Situ
- State
Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation
Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Qingqiang Tu
- Laboratory
Animal Center, Sun Yat-sen University Zhongshan
School of Medicine, 74 Zhongshan 2th Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510085, China
| | - Huiqiang Huang
- State
Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation
Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Wei Fan
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of
Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer
Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer
Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Guokai Feng
- State
Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation
Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen
University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of
Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer
Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer
Center, 651 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
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9
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Yin T, Diao Z, Blum NT, Qiu L, Ma A, Huang P. Engineering Bacteria and Bionic Bacterial Derivatives with Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2104643. [PMID: 34908239 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202104643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural bacteria are interesting subjects for cancer treatments owing to their unique autonomy-driven and hypoxic target properties. Genetically modified bacteria (such as bacteria with msbB gene and aroA gene modifications) can effectively cross sophisticated physiological barriers and transport antitumor agents into deep tumor tissues, and they have good biosafety. Additionally, bacteria can secrete cytokines (such as interleukin-224, interferon-gamma [IFN-γ], and interleukin-1β) and activate antitumor immune responses in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in tumor inhibition. All of these characteristics can be easily utilized to develop synergistic antitumor strategies by combining bacteria-based agents with other therapeutic approaches. Herein, representative studies of bacteria-instructed multimodal synergistic cancer therapy are introduced (e.g., photothermal therapy, chemoimmunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and photocontrolled bacterial metabolite therapy), and their key advantages are systematically expounded. The current challenges and future prospects in advancing the development of bacteria-based micro/nanomedicines in the field of synthetic biology research are also emphasized, which will hopefully promote the development of related bacteria-based cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yin
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, P. R. China
| | - Zhenying Diao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, P. R. China
| | - Nicholas Thomas Blum
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, International Cancer Center, Laboratory of Evolutionary Theranostics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Long Qiu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, P. R. China
| | - Aiqing Ma
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, P. R. China
| | - Peng Huang
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, International Cancer Center, Laboratory of Evolutionary Theranostics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
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10
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Use of an optimised enzyme/prodrug combination for Clostridia directed enzyme prodrug therapy induces a significant growth delay in necrotic tumours. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:178-188. [PMID: 33558701 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Necrosis is a typical histological feature of solid tumours that provides a selective environment for growth of the non-pathogenic anaerobic bacterium Clostridium sporogenes. Modest anti-tumour activity as a single agent encouraged the use of C. sporogenes as a vector to express therapeutic genes selectively in tumour tissue, a concept termed Clostridium Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (CDEPT). Here, we examine the ability of a recently identified Neisseria meningitidis type I nitroreductase (NmeNTR) to metabolise the prodrug PR-104A in an in vivo model of CDEPT. Human HCT116 colon cancer cells stably over-expressing NmeNTR demonstrated significant sensitivity to PR-104A, the imaging agent EF5, and several nitro(hetero)cyclic anti-infective compounds. Chemical induction of necrosis in human H1299 xenografts by the vascular disrupting agent vadimezan promoted colonisation by NmeNTR-expressing C. sporogenes, and efficacy studies demonstrated moderate but significant anti-tumour activity of spores when compared to untreated controls. Inclusion of the pre-prodrug PR-104 into the treatment schedule provided significant additional activity, indicating proof-of-principle. Successful preclinical evaluation of a transferable gene that enables metabolism of both PET imaging agents (for vector visualisation) and prodrugs (for conditional enhancement of efficacy) is an important step towards the prospect of CDEPT entering clinical evaluation.
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Interrogation of the Structure–Activity Relationship of a Lipophilic Nitroaromatic Prodrug Series Designed for Cancer Gene Therapy Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020185. [PMID: 35215297 PMCID: PMC8877822 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PR-104A is a dual hypoxia/nitroreductase gene therapy prodrug by virtue of its ability to undergo either one- or two-electron reduction to its cytotoxic species. It has been evaluated extensively in pre-clinical GDEPT studies, yet off-target human aldo-keto reductase AKR1C3-mediated activation has limited its use. Re-evaluation of this chemical scaffold has previously identified SN29176 as an improved hypoxia-activated prodrug analogue of PR-104A that is free from AKR1C3 activation. However, optimization of the bystander effect of SN29176 is required for use in a GDEPT setting to compensate for the non-uniform distribution of therapeutic gene transfer that is often observed with current gene therapy vectors. A lipophilic series of eight analogues were synthesized from commercially available 3,4-difluorobenzaldehyde. Calculated octanol-water partition coefficients (LogD7.4) spanned > 2 orders of magnitude. 2D anti-proliferative and 3D multicellular layer assays were performed using isogenic HCT116 cells expressing E. coli NfsA nitroreductase (NfsA_Ec) or AKR1C3 to determine enzyme activity and measure bystander effect. A variation in potency for NfsA_Ec was observed, while all prodrugs appeared AKR1C3-resistant by 2D assay. However, 3D assays indicated that increasing prodrug lipophilicity correlated with increased AKR1C3 activation and NfsA_Ec activity, suggesting that metabolite loss from the cell of origin into media during 2D monolayer assays could mask cytotoxicity. Three prodrugs were identified as bono fide AKR1C3-negative candidates whilst maintaining activity with NfsA_Ec. These were converted to their phosphate ester pre-prodrugs before being taken forward into in vivo therapeutic efficacy studies. Ultimately, 2-(5-(bis(2-bromoethyl)amino)-4-(ethylsulfonyl)-N-methyl-2-nitrobenzamido)ethyl dihydrogen phosphate possessed a significant 156% improvement in median survival in mixed NfsA_Ec/WT tumors compared to untreated controls (p = 0.005), whilst still maintaining hypoxia selectivity comparable to PR-104A.
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Vaughan HJ, Green JJ. Recent Advances in Gene Therapy for Cancer Theranostics. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 20:100300. [PMID: 34738046 PMCID: PMC8562678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2021.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is great interest in developing gene therapies for many disease indications, including cancer. However, successful delivery of nucleic acids to tumor cells is a major challenge, and in vivo efficacy is difficult to predict. Cancer theranostics is an approach combining anti-tumor therapy with imaging or diagnostic capabilities, with the goal of monitoring successful delivery and efficacy of a therapeutic agent in a tumor. Successful theranostics must maintain a high degree of anticancer targeting and efficacy while incorporating high-contrast imaging agents that are nontoxic and compatible with clinical imaging modalities. This review highlights recent advancements in theranostic strategies, including imaging technologies and genetic engineering approaches. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jordan J. Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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Ruiz de Garibay G, García de Jalón E, Stigen E, Lund KB, Popa M, Davidson B, Safont MM, Rygh CB, Espedal H, Barrett TM, Haug BE, McCormack E. Repurposing 18F-FMISO as a PET tracer for translational imaging of nitroreductase-based gene directed enzyme prodrug therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:6044-6057. [PMID: 33897898 PMCID: PMC8058731 DOI: 10.7150/thno.55092] [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: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitroreductases (NTR) are a family of bacterial enzymes used in gene directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) that selectively activate prodrugs containing aromatic nitro groups to exert cytotoxic effects following gene transduction in tumours. The clinical development of NTR-based GDEPT has, in part, been hampered by the lack of translational imaging modalities to assess gene transduction and drug cytotoxicity, non-invasively. This study presents translational preclinical PET imaging to validate and report NTR activity using the clinically approved radiotracer, 18F-FMISO, as substrate for the NTR enzyme. Methods: The efficacy with which 18F-FMISO could be used to report NfsB NTR activity in vivo was investigated using the MDA-MB-231 mammary carcinoma xenograft model. For validation, subcutaneous xenografts of cells constitutively expressing NTR were imaged using 18F-FMISO PET/CT and fluorescence imaging with CytoCy5S, a validated fluorescent NTR substrate. Further, examination of the non-invasive functionality of 18F-FMISO PET/CT in reporting NfsB NTR activity in vivo was assessed in metastatic orthotopic NfsB NTR expressing xenografts and metastasis confirmed by bioluminescence imaging. 18F-FMISO biodistribution was acquired ex vivo by an automatic gamma counter measuring radiotracer retention to confirm in vivo results. To assess the functional imaging of NTR-based GDEPT with 18F-FMISO, PET/CT was performed to assess both gene transduction and cytotoxicity effects of prodrug therapy (CB1954) in subcutaneous models. Results:18F-FMISO retention was detected in NTR+ subcutaneous xenografts, displaying significantly higher PET contrast than NTR- xenografts (p < 0.0001). Substantial 18F-FMISO retention was evident in metastases of orthotopic xenografts (p < 0.05). Accordingly, higher 18F-FMISO biodistribution was prevalent ex vivo in NTR+ xenografts. 18F-FMISO NfsB NTR PET/CT imaging proved useful for monitoring in vivo NTR transduction and the cytotoxic effect of prodrug therapy. Conclusions:18F-FMISO NfsB NTR PET/CT imaging offered significant contrast between NTR+ and NTR- tumours and effective resolution of metastatic progression. Furthermore, 18F-FMISO NfsB NTR PET/CT imaging proved efficient in monitoring the two steps of GDEPT, in vivo NfsB NTR transduction and response to CB1954 prodrug therapy. These results support the repurposing of 18F-FMISO as a readily implementable PET imaging probe to be employed as companion diagnostic test for NTR-based GDEPT systems.
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Nitroreductase Activites in Giardia lamblia: ORF 17150 Encodes a Quinone Reductase with Nitroreductase Activity. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020129. [PMID: 33513906 PMCID: PMC7912051 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal diplomonadid Giardia lamblia is a causative agent of persistent diarrhea. Current treatments are based on nitro drugs, especially metronidazole. Nitro compounds are activated by reduction, yielding toxic intermediates. The enzymatic systems responsible for this activation are not completely understood. By fractionating cell free crude extracts by size exclusion chromatography followed by mass spectrometry, enzymes with nitroreductase (NR) activities are identified. The protein encoded by ORF 17150 found in two pools with NR activities is overexpressed and characterized. In pools of fractions with main NR activities, previously-known NRs are identified, as well as a previously uncharacterized protein encoded by ORF 17150. Recombinant protein 17150 is a flavoprotein with NADPH-dependent quinone reductase and NR activities. Besides a set of previously identified NRs, we have identified a novel enzyme with NR activity.
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Molecular Imaging of Gene Therapy. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00064-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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