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Palma E, Içhedef C, Fernandes C, Belchior A, Raposinho P, Gano L, Miranda A, Moreira D, Lourenço P, Cruz C, Pires AS, Botelho MF, Paulo A. Targeting of G-quadruplex DNA with 99mTc(I)/Re(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes Carrying Pyridostatin Derivatives. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400285. [PMID: 38386665 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The main goal of this work was to elucidate the potential relevance of (radio)metal chelates of 99mTc and Re targeting G-quadruplex structures for the design of new tools for cancer theranostics. 99mTc provides the complexes with the ability to perform single-photon-emission computed tomography imaging studies, while the Re complexes should act as anticancer agents upon interaction with specific G4 DNA or RNA structures present in tumor tissues. Towards this goal, we have developed isostructural 99mTc(I) and Re(I) tricarbonyl complexes anchored by a pyrazolyl-diamine (Pz) chelator carrying a pendant pyridostatin (PDS) fragment as the G4-binding motif. The interaction of the PDF-Pz-Re (8) complex with different G4-forming oligonucleotides was studied by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and FRET-melting assays. The results showed that the Re complex retained the ability to bind and stabilize G4-structures from different DNA or RNA sequences, namely those present on the SRC proto-oncogene and telomeric RNA (TERRA sequence). PDF-Pz-Re (8) showed low to moderate cytotoxicity in PC3 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, as typically observed for G4-binders. Biodistribution studies of the congener PDF-Pz-99mTc (12) in normal mice showed that the complex undergoes a fast blood clearance with a predominant hepatobiliary excretion, pointing also for a high in vitro stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Palma
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Cigdem Içhedef
- Ege University, Institute of Nuclear Sciences, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Célia Fernandes
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Ana Belchior
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Paula Raposinho
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - André Miranda
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - David Moreira
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro Lourenço
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Pires
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Botelho
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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Lourenço P, Miranda A, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Louis-Mergny J, Cruz C. Targeting proto-oncogene B-MYB G-quadruplex with a nucleic acid-based fluorescent probe. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131055. [PMID: 38522681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The B-MYB gene encodes a transcription factor (B-MYB) that regulates cell growth and survival. Abnormal expression of B-MYB is frequently observed in lung cancer and poses challenges for targeted drug therapy. Oncogenes often contain DNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) in their promoter regions, and B-MYB is no exception. These G4s play roles in genetic regulation and are potential cancer treatment targets. In this study, a probe was designed to specifically identify a G4 within the promoter region of the B-MYB gene. This probe combines an acridine derivative ligand with a DNA segment complementary to the target sequence, enabling it to hybridize with the adjacent sequence of the G4 being investigated. Biophysical studies demonstrated that the acridine derivative ligands C5NH2 and C8NH2 not only effectively stabilized the G4 structure but also exhibited moderate affinity. They were capable of altering the G4 topology and exhibited enhanced fluorescence emission in the presence of this quadruplex. Additionally, these ligands increased the number of G4s observed in cellular studies. Through various biophysical studies, the target sequence was shown to form a G4 structure, even with an extra nucleotide tail added to its flanking region. Cellular studies confirmed the co-localization between the target sequence and the developed probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Lourenço
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - André Miranda
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Jean Louis-Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Departamento de Química da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal.
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3
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Palma E, Santos JF, Fernandes C, Paulo A. DNA-Targeted Complexes of Tc and Re for Biomedical Applications. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303591. [PMID: 38038361 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Due to their favorable chemical features, Re and Tc complexes have been widely used for the development of new therapeutic agents and imaging probes to solve problems of biomedical relevance. This review provides an update of the most relevant research efforts towards the development of novel cancer theranostic agents using Re and Tc-based compounds interacting with specific DNA structures. This includes a variety of homometallic complexes, namely those containing M(CO)3 (M=Re, Tc) moieties, that exhibit different modes of interaction with DNA, such as covalent binding, intercalation, groove binding or G-quadruplex DNA binding. Additionally, heterometallic complexes, designed to potentiate synergistic effects of different metal centers to improve DNA-targeting, cytotoxicity and fluorescence properties, are also reviewed. Particular attention is also given to 99m Tc- and 188 Re-labeled oligonucleotides that have been widely explored to develop imaging and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals through the in vivo hybridization with a specific complementary DNA or RNA target sequence to provide useful molecular tools in precision medicine for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the need for further improvement of DNA-targeted Re and Tc-based compounds as potential therapeutic and diagnostic agents is highlighted, and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Palma
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias, Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana F Santos
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias, Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Célia Fernandes
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias, Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
- DECN - Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias, Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
- DECN - Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
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Lopes-Nunes J, Simões P, Moreira D, Leandro K, Nobre RJ, Pereira de Almeida L, Campello MPC, Oliveira MC, Paulo A, Coutinho A, Melo AM, Tomaz C, Cruz C. RNA-based liposomes for oral cancer: From biophysical characterization to biological evaluation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129157. [PMID: 38199539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Oral cancer incidence and mortality are increasing over time. The most common therapies for oral cancers are surgery and radiotherapy, either used alone or combined, and immunotherapy can be also an option. Although there are several therapeutic options, none of them are completely effective, and in addition, there are numerous associated side effects. To overcome these limitations, researchers have been trying to reduce these drawbacks by using drug delivery systems that carry drugs for specific delivery to cancer cells. For that purpose, RNA-coated liposomes to selectively deliver the ligands C8 (acridine orange derivative) and dexamethasone to oral cancer cells were produced, characterized, and biologically evaluated. Firstly, the RNA structure and binding interaction with ligands (C8 and dexamethasone) were evaluated by circular dichroism (CD), thermal difference spectroscopy (TDS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and fluorescence titrations. The biophysical assays evidenced the formation of an RNA hairpin and duplex structure. Moreover, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence intensity and anisotropy experiments show that C8 forms a complex with RNA and adopts an open conformation upon RNA binding. Then, RNA-coated liposomes were characterized by dynamic light scattering, and diameters near 160 nm were observed. Time-resolved anisotropy measurements of C8 loaded in RNA-functionalized liposomes indicate the co-existence of free C8 in solution (inside the liposome) and C8 bound to RNA at the external liposome surface. The RNA-functionalized liposomes loaded with C8 or dexamethasone mediated a significant reduction in the cell viability of malignant UPCI-SCC-154 cells while maintaining viable non-malignant NHDF cells. Additionally, the liposomes were able to internalize the cells, with higher uptake by the malignant cell line. Overall, the results obtained in this work can contribute to the development of new drug delivery systems based on RNA-coated liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro Simões
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - David Moreira
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Kevin Leandro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Jorge Nobre
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Viral Vectors for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 16 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Viral Vectors for Gene Transfer Core Facility, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Ana Coutinho
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Dep. Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M Melo
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cândida Tomaz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal.
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Antunes J, Pinto CIG, Campello MPC, Santos P, Mendes F, Paulo A, Sampaio JM. Utility of realistic microscopy-based cell models in simulation studies of nanoparticle-enhanced photon radiotherapy. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2024; 10:025015. [PMID: 38237176 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ad2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
To enhance the effect of radiation on the tumor without increasing the dose to the patient, the combination of high-Z nanoparticles with radiotherapy has been proposed. In this work, we investigate the effects of the physical parameters of nanoparticles (NPs) on the Dose Enhancement Factor (DEF), and on the Sensitive Enhancement Ratio (SER) by applying a version of the Linear Quadratic Model. A method for constructing voxelized realistic cell geometries in Monte Carlo simulations from confocal microscopy images was developed and applied to Gliobastoma Multiforme cell lines (U87 and U373). The comparison of simulations with realistic geometry and spherical geometry shows that there is significant impact on the survival curves obtained for the same irradiation conditions. Using this model, the DEF and the SER are determined as a function of the concentration, size and distribution of gold nanoparticles within the cell. For small NPs,dAuNP= 10 nm, no clear trend in the DEF and SER was observed when the number of NPs within the cell increases. Experimentally, the variable number of NPs measured inside the U373 cells (ranging between 1.48 × 105and 1.19 × 106) also did not influence much the observed cell survival upon irradiation of the cells with a Co-60 source. The same lack of trend is obtained when the Au content in the cell is kept constant, 0.897 mg/g, but the size of the NPs is changed. However, if the number of NPs is kept constant (7.91 × 105) and the size changes, there is a critical diameter above which the dose effect increases significantly. Using the realistic geometries, it was verified that the key parameter for the DEF and the SER enhancement is the volume fraction of Au in the cell, with NP size being a more important parameter than the number of NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Antunes
- Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 2, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento de Física da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Rua Ernesto de Vasconcelos, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina I G Pinto
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Santos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Filipa Mendes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jorge M Sampaio
- Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 2, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento de Física da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Rua Ernesto de Vasconcelos, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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Santos JF, Braz MT, Raposinho P, Cleeren F, Cassells I, Leekens S, Cawthorne C, Mendes F, Fernandes C, Paulo A. Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of PSMA-Targeted 111In-Radioconjugates Containing a Mitochondria-Tropic Triphenylphosphonium Carrier. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:216-233. [PMID: 37992229 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear DNA is the canonical target for biological damage induced by Auger electrons (AE) in the context of targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) of cancer, but other subcellular components might also be relevant for this purpose, such as the energized mitochondria of tumor cells. Having this in mind, we have synthesized novel DOTA-based chelators carrying a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) inhibitor and a triphenyl phosphonium (TPP) group that were used to obtain dual-targeted 111In-radioconjugates ([111In]In-TPP-DOTAGA-PSMA and [111In]In-TPP-DOTAGA-G3-PSMA), aiming to promote a selective uptake of an AE-emitter radiometal (111In) by PSMA+ prostate cancer (PCa) cells and an enhanced accumulation in the mitochondria. These dual-targeted 111In-radiocomplexes are highly stable under physiological conditions and in cell culture media. The complexes showed relatively similar binding affinities toward the PSMA compared to the reference tracer [111In]In-PSMA-617, in line with their high cellular uptake and internalization in PSMA+ PCa cells. The complexes compromised cell survival in a dose-dependent manner and in the case of [111In]In-TPP-DOTAGA-G3-PSMA to a higher extent than observed for the single-targeted congener [111In]In-PSMA-617. μSPECT imaging studies in PSMA+ PCa xenografts showed that the TPP pharmacophore did not interfere with the excellent in vivo tumor uptake of the "golden standard" [111In]In-PSMA-617, although it led to a higher kidney retention. Such kidney retention does not necessarily compromise their usefulness as radiotherapeutics due to the short tissue range of the Auger/conversion electrons emitted by 111In. Overall, our results provide valuable insights into the potential use of mitochondrial targeting by PSMA-based radiocomplexes for efficient use of AE-emitting radionuclides in TRT, giving impetus to extend the studies to other AE-emitting trivalent radiometals (e.g., 161Tb or 165Er) and to further optimize the designed dual-targeting constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana F Santos
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Maria T Braz
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Paula Raposinho
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN - Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Frederik Cleeren
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Irwin Cassells
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Nuclear Medical Applications, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Simon Leekens
- Laboratory for Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christopher Cawthorne
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filipa Mendes
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN - Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Célia Fernandes
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN - Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN - Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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Battistin F, Fernandes C, Raposinho PD, Blacque O, Paulo A, Alberto R. In vivo and in vitro studies of [M(η 6-pseudoerlotinib) 2] + sandwich complexes (M = Re, 99mTc). Dalton Trans 2023; 52:15757-15766. [PMID: 37846621 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt03011c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The pursuit of molecular imaging for tumors has led to endeavors focused on targeting epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) through monoclonal antibodies or radionuclide-labelled EGF analogs with 99mTc, 111In, or 131I. In this context, various 99mTc-labeled EGFR inhibitors using quinazoline structures have been reported based on the so-called pendant approach and on two types of complexes and labelling strategies: "4 + 1" mixed ligand complexes and fac-tricarbonyl complexes. Apart from this approach, which alters lead structures by linking pharmacophores to chelator frameworks through different connectors, the integrated incorporation of topoisomerase and tyrosine kinase inhibitors into Re and 99mTc complexes has not been explored. Here we present [M(η6-inhibitor)2]+ (M = Re, 99mTc) and [Re(η6-bz)(η6-inhibitor)]+ complexes, where the core structure of an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor binds directly to the metal center. These complexes exhibit potential for tumor imaging: initial biological investigations highlight the influence of one versus two bound inhibitors on the metal center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Battistin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Célia Fernandes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Paula D Raposinho
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Olivier Blacque
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Roger Alberto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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8
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Bolcaen J, Gizawy MA, Terry SYA, Paulo A, Cornelissen B, Korde A, Engle J, Radchenko V, Howell RW. Marshalling the Potential of Auger Electron Radiopharmaceutical Therapy. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:1344-1351. [PMID: 37591544 PMCID: PMC10478825 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.122.265039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Auger electron (AE) radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) may have the same therapeutic efficacy as α-particles for oncologic small disease, with lower risks of normal-tissue toxicity. The seeds of using AE emitters for RPT were planted several decades ago. Much knowledge has been gathered about the potency of the biologic effects caused by the intense shower of these low-energy AEs. Given their short range, AEs deposit much of their energy in the immediate vicinity of their site of decay. However, the promise of AE RPT has not yet been realized, with few agents evaluated in clinical trials and none becoming part of routine treatment so far. Instigated by the 2022 "Technical Meeting on Auger Electron Emitters for Radiopharmaceutical Developments" at the International Atomic Energy Agency, this review presents the current status of AE RPT based on the discussions by experts in the field. A scoring system was applied to illustrate hurdles in the development of AE RPT, and we present a selected list of well-studied and emerging AE-emitting radionuclides. Based on the number of AEs and other emissions, physical half-life, radionuclide production, radiochemical approaches, dosimetry, and vector availability, recommendations are put forward to enhance and impact future efforts in AE RPT research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bolcaen
- SSC Laboratory, Radiation Biophysics, NRF iThemba LABS, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mohamed A Gizawy
- Egyptian Second Research Reactor Complex, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samantha Y A Terry
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Bart Cornelissen
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Aruna Korde
- Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Application, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonathan Engle
- University of Wisconsin Cyclotron Research Group, Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Valery Radchenko
- TRIUMF, Life Sciences Division, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
- University of British Columbia, Chemistry Department, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Roger W Howell
- Division of Radiation Research, Department of Radiology and Center for Cell Signaling, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey
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9
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Moreira D, Lopes-Nunes J, Santos FM, Campello MPC, Oliveira MC, Paulo A, Tomaz C, Cruz C. Assessment of Aptamer as a Potential Drug Targeted Delivery for Retinal Angiogenesis Inhibition. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050751. [PMID: 37242534 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
AT11-L0 is an aptamer derivative of AS1411 composed of G-rich sequences that can adopt a G-quadruplex (G4) structure and target nucleolin (NCL), a protein that acts as a co-receptor for several growth factors. Hence, this study aimed to characterize the AT11-L0 G4 structure and its interaction with several ligands for NCL targeting and to evaluate their capacity to inhibit angiogenesis using an in vitro model. The AT11-L0 aptamer was then used to functionalize drug-associated liposomes to increase the bioavailability of the aptamer-based drug in the formulation. Biophysical studies, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, and fluorescence titrations, were performed to characterize the liposomes functionalized with the AT11-L0 aptamer. Finally, these liposome formulations with the encapsulated drugs were tested on the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model to assess their antiangiogenic capacity. The results showed that the AT11-L0 aptamer-ligand complexes are highly stable, presenting melting temperatures from 45 °C to 60 °C, allowing for efficient targeting of NCL with a KD in the order of nM. The aptamer-functionalized liposomes loaded with ligands C8 and dexamethasone did not show cytotoxic effects in HUVEC cells compared with the free ligands and AT11-L0, as assessed by cell viability assays. AT11-L0 aptamer-functionalized liposomes encapsulating C8 and dexamethasone did not present a significant reduction in the angiogenic process when compared with the free ligands. In addition, AT11-L0 did not show anti-angiogenic effects at the concentrations tested. However, C8 shows potential as an angiogenesis inhibitor, which should be further developed and optimized in future experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Moreira
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Fátima Milhano Santos
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Calle Darwin 3, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Cândida Tomaz
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Universityof Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Universityof Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
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10
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Santos T, Silva M, Imbert L, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Amrane S, Salgado GF, Cruz C, Cabrita EJ. A Structural Perspective into the Interaction of an Oncogenesis-Relevant pre-miRNA G-Quadruplex Ligand Carrier with the Protein Nucleolin. Chemistry 2023:e202301181. [PMID: 37115041 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The structural determinants of the interaction of the G-quadruplex (G4) motif found in precursor miRNA 149 (rG4) with the acridine orange derivative C8, a G4 ligand stabilizer possessing anticancer activity, and the protein nucleolin (overexpressed in cancer cells) were investigated by NMR spectroscopy. For the rG4/C8 complex, the results revealed a strong stabilizing interaction between the aromatic core and the iodinated ring of the C8 ligand with the rG4 structure. The NMR study revealed also different interaction patterns between nucleolin and rG4 and nucleolin and rG4/C8 complex. In the absence of the ligand, rG4 establishes interactions with polar residues of the protein while for the rG4/C8 complex, these contacts are mainly established with amino acids that have hydrophobic side chains. However, nucleolin chemical shift perturbation studies in the presence of rG4 or rG4/C8 reveal the same location between domains 1 and 2 of the protein, which suggests that the rG4 and rG4/C8 complex bind in this region. This puzzling structural study opens a new framework to study rG4/ligand/nucleolin complexes that might impact the biogenesis of miRNA 149.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Santos
- CICS-UMinho: Centro Interdisciplinar de Ciencias Sociais Polo da Universidade do Minho, Medical Sciences, PORTUGAL
| | - Micael Silva
- Univesity of Beira Interior: Universidade da Beira Interior, CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, PORTUGAL
| | - Lionel Imbert
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, Univ Grenoble, FRANCE
| | - Maria P C Campello
- Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior Tecnico, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, PORTUGAL
| | - António Paulo
- Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior Tecnico, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, PORTUGAL
| | | | | | - Carla Cruz
- Universidade da Beira Interior, CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, PORTUGAL
| | - Eurico J Cabrita
- NOVA School of Science and Technology: Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, Chemistry, Quinta da Torre, 2829-516, Caparica, PORTUGAL
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11
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Leitao RCF, Silva F, Ribeiro GH, Santos IC, Guerreiro JF, Mendes F, Batista AA, Pavan FR, da S Maia PI, Paulo A, Deflon VM. Gallium and indium complexes with isoniazid-derived ligands: Interaction with biomolecules and biological activity against cancer cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 240:112091. [PMID: 36527994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.112091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gallium and indium octahedral complexes with isoniazid derivative ligands were successfully prepared. The ligands, isonicotinoyl benzoylacetone (H2L1) and 4-chlorobenzoylacetone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (H2L2), and their respective coordination compounds with gallium and indium [GaL1(HL1)] (GaL1), [GaL2(HL2)] (GaL2), [InL1(HL1)] (InL1) and [InL2(HL2)] (InL2) were investigated by NMR, ESI-MS, UV-Vis, IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. In vitro interaction studies with human serum albumin (HSA) evidenced a moderate affinity of all complexes with HSA through spontaneous hydrophobic interactions. The greatest suppression of HSA fluorescence was caused by GaL2 and InL2, which was associated to the higher lipophilicity of H2L2. In vitro interaction studies with CT-DNA indicated weak interactions of the biomolecule with all complexes. Cytotoxicity assays with MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), PC-3 (prostate carcinoma) and RWPE-1 (healthy human prostate epithelial) cell lines showed that complexes with H2L2 are more active and selective against MCF-7, with the greatest cytotoxicity observed for InL2 (IC50 = 10.34 ± 1.69 μM). H2L1 and H2L2 were labelled with gallium-67, and it was verified that 67GaL2 has a greater lipophilicity than 67GaL1, as well as higher stability in human serum or in the presence of apo-transferrin. Cellular uptake assays with 67GaL1 and 67GaL2 evidenced that the H2L2-containing radiocomplex has a higher accumulation in MCF-7 and PC-3 cells than the non-halogenated congener 67GaL1. The anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis assays revealed that both ligands and metal complexes are potent growth inhibitors, with MIC90 (μg mL-1) values observed from 0.419 ± 0.05 to 1.378 ± 0.21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan C F Leitao
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, 13566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Gabriel H Ribeiro
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabel C Santos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana F Guerreiro
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Filipa Mendes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alzir A Batista
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Pavan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Araraquara, 14.800-903 Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ivo da S Maia
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, 38025-440 Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Victor M Deflon
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, 13566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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12
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Silva F, Mendes C, D'Onofrio A, Campello MPC, Marques F, Pinheiro T, Gonçalves K, Figueiredo S, Gano L, Ravera M, Gabano E, Paulo A. Image-Guided Nanodelivery of Pt(IV) Prodrugs to GRP-Receptor Positive Tumors. Nanotheranostics 2023; 7:22-40. [PMID: 36593794 PMCID: PMC9760368 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.78807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have proven to be remarkable tools for drug delivery and theranostic applications in cancer treatment. On the other hand, Pt(IV) prodrugs have been employed as an interesting alternative to the more common Pt(II) complexes, such as cisplatin, for cancer chemotherapy. Searching to design an image-guided nanocarrier to deliver selectively Pt(IV) prodrugs to tumors expressing the gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), we have synthesized small core AuNPs carrying a thiolated DOTA derivative, a GRPR-targeting bombesin analog (BBN[7-14]) and a Pt(IV) prodrug attached to the AuNPs without (AuNP-BBN-Pt1) or with a PEGylated linker (AuNP-BBN-Pt2 and AuNP-BBN-Pt3). In the GRPR+ prostate cancer PC3 cell line, the cytotoxic activity of the designed AuNP-BBN-Pt nanoparticles is strongly influenced by the presence of the PEGylated linker. Thus, AuNP-BBN-Pt1 displayed the lowest IC50 value (9.3 ± 2.3 µM of Pt), which is comparable to that exhibited by cisplatin in the same cell line. In contrast, AuNP-BBN-Pt1 showed an IC50 value of 97 ± 18 µM of Pt in the non-tumoral RWPE-1 prostate cells with a much higher selective index (SI) towards PC3 cells (SI = 10) when compared with cisplatin (SI = 1.3). The AuNPs were also successfully labeled with 67Ga and the resulting 67Ga-AuNP-BBN-Pt were used to assess their cellular uptake in PC3 cells, with AuNP-BBN-Pt1 also displaying the highest cellular internalization. Finally, intratumoral administration of 67Ga-AuNP-BBN-Pt1 in a PC3 tumor-bearing mice showed a prolonged retention of the nanoparticle compared to that of cisplatin, with optimal in vivo stability and 20% of the injected platinum remaining in the tumor after 72 h post-injection. Furthermore, microSPECT imaging studies confirmed the uptake and considerable retention of the 67Ga-labeled AuNPs in the tumors. Overall, these results show the potential of these targeted AuNPs loaded with Pt(IV) prodrugs for prostate cancer theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.,✉ Corresponding authors: António Paulo, E-mail: ; Francisco Silva, E-mail: , present address: Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Fundação Champalimaud, E-mail:
| | - Carolina Mendes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Alice D'Onofrio
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.,Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Marques
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.,Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pinheiro
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.,iBB - Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Kyle Gonçalves
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Figueiredo
- Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), LARSyS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal,H&TRC - Health &Technology Research Center, ESTeSL/IPL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa/Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.,Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mauro Ravera
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Viale Teresa Michel 11, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Gabano
- Dipartimento per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile e la Transizione Ecologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Piazza Sant'Eusebio 5, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.,Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.,✉ Corresponding authors: António Paulo, E-mail: ; Francisco Silva, E-mail: , present address: Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Fundação Champalimaud, E-mail:
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13
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D’Onofrio A, Silva F, Gano L, Raposinho P, Fernandes C, Sikora A, Wyczółkowska M, Mikołajczak R, Garnuszek P, Paulo A. Bioorthogonal Chemistry Approach for the Theranostics of GRPR-Expressing Cancers. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122569. [PMID: 36559063 PMCID: PMC9785946 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) antagonists with improved in vivo behavior have been recently developed and tested in the clinic. However, despite the generally mild side effects of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), toxicity has been observed due to high doses delivered to nontarget tissues, especially in the kidneys and pancreas. Previous experiences with radiolabeled peptides opened a unique opportunity to explore GRPR pretargeting using clickable bombesin antagonists. Toward this goal, we used clickable DOTA-like radiocomplexes which have been previously evaluated by our group. We functionalized a potent GRPR antagonist with a clickable TCO moiety using two different linkers. These precursors were then studied to select the compound with the highest GRPR binding affinity and the best pharmacokinetics to finally explore the advantages of the devised pretargeting approach. Our results provided an important proof of concept toward the development of bioorthogonal approaches to GRPR-expressing cancers, which are worth investigating further to improve the in vivo results. Moreover, the use of clickable GRPR antagonists and DOTA/DOTAGA derivatives allows for fine-tuning of their pharmacokinetics and metabolic stability, leading to a versatile synthesis of new libraries of (radio)conjugates useful for the development of theranostic tools toward GRPR-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice D’Onofrio
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Paula Raposinho
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Célia Fernandes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Arkadiusz Sikora
- National Centre for Nuclear Research, Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, 05-400 Otwock, Poland
| | - Monika Wyczółkowska
- National Centre for Nuclear Research, Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, 05-400 Otwock, Poland
| | - Renata Mikołajczak
- National Centre for Nuclear Research, Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, 05-400 Otwock, Poland
| | - Piotr Garnuszek
- National Centre for Nuclear Research, Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, 05-400 Otwock, Poland
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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14
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Miranda A, Lopez-Blanco R, Lopes-Nunes J, Melo AM, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Oliveira MC, Mergny JL, Oliveira PA, Fernandez-Megia E, Cruz C. Gallic Acid-Triethylene Glycol Aptadendrimers Synthesis, Biophysical Characterization and Cellular Evaluation. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112456. [PMID: 36432647 PMCID: PMC9696068 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we describe the synthesis of an aptadendrimer by covalent bioconjugation of a gallic acid-triethylene glycol (GATG) dendrimer with the G-quadruplex (G4) AT11 aptamer (a modified version of AS1411) at the surface. We evaluated the loading and interaction of an acridine orange ligand, termed C8, that acts as an anticancer drug and binder/stabilizer of the G4 structure of AT11. Dynamic light scattering experiments demonstrated that the aptadendrimer was approximately 3.1 nm in diameter. Both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy evidenced the interaction between the aptadendrimer and C8. Additionally, we demonstrated that the iodine atom of the C8 ligand acts as an effective intramolecular quencher in solution, while upon complexation with the aptadendrimer, it adopts a more extended conformation. Docking studies support this conclusion. Release experiments show a delivery of C8 after 4 h. The aptadendrimers tend to localize in the cytoplasm of various cell lines studied as demonstrated by confocal microscopy. The internalization of the aptadendrimers is not nucleolin-mediated or by passive diffusion, but via endocytosis. MTT studies with prostate cancer cells and non-malignant cells evidenced high cytotoxicity mainly due to the C8 ligand. The rapid internalization of the aptadendrimers and the fluorescence properties make them attractive for the development of potential nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Miranda
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Roi Lopez-Blanco
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Melo
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Paula A. Oliveira
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Fernandez-Megia
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.F.-M.); (C.C.)
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- Correspondence: (E.F.-M.); (C.C.)
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Fernandes C, Santos J, Braz M, Silva F, Raposinho P, Guerreiro J, Cleeren F, Cassells I, Mendes F, Paulo A. Mitochondria-targeted radiocomplexes for cancer theranostics. Nucl Med Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8051(22)02194-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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16
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Raposinho P, Silva F, D’Onofrio A, Mendes C, Campello MP, Oliveira MC, Belchior A, Marques F, Paulo A. Radiolabeled gold nanoseeds containing substance P peptides: synthesis, characterization and evaluation in glioblastoma cells. Nucl Med Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8051(22)02152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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17
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Mamdouh AA, Ibrahim ABM, Reyad NEHA, Elsayed TR, Santos IC, Paulo A, Mahfouz RM. (NH4)2[Co(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O Vs. (NH4)2[Ni(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O: Structural, Spectral and Thermal Analyses and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activities. J CLUST SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10876-022-02326-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis paper presents the synthesis of two cluster compounds {(NH4)2[Co(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O (C1) and (NH4)2[Ni(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O (C2)} which were obtained as single crystals suitable for XRD analysis that revealed their crystallization in the monoclinic (C2/c) and triclinic (P-1) space groups, respectively. Additionally, C1 and C2 were characterized using CHN analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy and their thermal decomposition mechanisms were investigated. The antibacterial activities of both compounds were determined against three human pathogenic bacterial strains {Bacillus cereus ATCC 33,018, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027} and one phytopathogenic bacterial strain {Ralstonia solanacearum}, while drug standards {chloramphenicol and streptomycin} were used as control. The inhibitory activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the tested compounds clearly indicated higher antibacterial activities of the nickel compound against B. cereus ATCC 33,018, E. coli O157 and R. solanacearum with MIC values of 3.150, 3.150 and 6.300 mg/ml, respectively. On the other hand, (NH4)2[Co(H2O)6]2V10O28·4H2O exhibited higher antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 (MIC value of 6.300 mg/ml) in comparison to the nickel analog. In general, the measured activities are lower than that obtained for the standards except for the higher activity given by C2 in comparison to streptomycin against the R. solanacearum strain.
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Marques A, Belchior A, Silva F, Marques F, Campello MPC, Pinheiro T, Santos P, Santos L, Matos APA, Paulo A. Dose Rate Effects on the Selective Radiosensitization of Prostate Cells by GRPR-Targeted Gold Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095279. [PMID: 35563666 PMCID: PMC9105611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
For a while, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been recognized as potential radiosensitizers in cancer radiation therapy, mainly due to their physical properties, making them appealing for medical applications. Nevertheless, the performance of AuNPs as radiosensitizers still raises important questions that need further investigation. Searching for selective prostate (PCa) radiosensitizing agents, we studied the radiosensitization capability of the target-specific AuNP-BBN in cancer versus non-cancerous prostate cells, including the evaluation of dose rate effects in comparison with non-targeted counterparts (AuNP-TDOTA). PCa cells were found to exhibit increased AuNP uptake when compared to non-tumoral ones, leading to a significant loss of cellular proliferation ability and complex DNA damage, evidenced by the occurrence of multiple micronucleus per binucleated cell, in the case of PC3 cells irradiated with 2 Gy of γ-rays, after incubation with AuNP-BBN. Remarkably, the treatment of the PC3 cells with AuNP-BBN led to a much stronger influence of the dose rate on the cellular survival upon γ-photon irradiation, as well as on their genomic instability. Overall, AuNP-BBN emerged in this study as a very promising nanotool for the efficient and selective radiosensitization of human prostate cancer PC3 cells, therefore deserving further preclinical evaluation in adequate animal models for prostate cancer radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marques
- Departamento de Física, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (P.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Ana Belchior
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (P.S.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (P.S.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Fernanda Marques
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (P.S.); (A.P.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (P.S.); (A.P.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Teresa Pinheiro
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Santos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (P.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Luis Santos
- Laboratório de Metrologia, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - António P. A. Matos
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário, Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (P.S.); (A.P.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
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Maocha IG, Carvalho J, Lopes-Nunes J, Rosado T, Gallardo E, Tomás M, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Cruz C. Drug formulations for localized treatment of Human Papillomavirus-induced lesions. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:2230-2238. [PMID: 35182543 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for over 90% of all cervical cancer cases. The use of vaginal gels is often indicated for local vaginal drug delivery. Previous studies have shown that Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TEO) exhibits anticancer properties besides antifungal and antibacterial properties. Its activity derives from a specific increase in free radicals and oxidative stress caused in cancer cells. Furthermore, mitoxantrone (MTX), an anthracenedione and C8, an acridine orange derivative, were shown to inhibit the growth of the cervical cancer cell line HeLa. RESULTS The results showed that TEO + C8 is the most promising formulation in terms of viscosity and osmolality properties in vaginal fluid simulant (VFS). The combined action of TEO with the compound's MTX and C8 resulted in HeLa cell viability reduction compared with the effect obtained with the individual formulations containing each one of the compounds. CONCLUSIONS The formulation TEO + C8 holds promise in terms of cost-benefit and topical application of the active compound for the HeLa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izamara Gomes Maocha
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tiago Rosado
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal; C4 - Cloud Computing Competence Centre, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-284, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Gallardo
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mariana Tomás
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal; Labfit - HPRD Health Products Research and Development, Lda, Edifício UBIMEDICAL Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal; CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Labfit - HPRD Health Products Research and Development, Lda, Edifício UBIMEDICAL Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - José Martinez-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; DECN -Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; DECN -Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal.
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Santos T, Miranda A, Imbert L, Jardim A, Caneira CRF, Chu V, Conde JP, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Salgado G, Cabrita EJ, Cruz C. Pre-miRNA-149 G-quadruplex as a molecular agent to capture nucleolin. Eur J Pharm Sci 2022; 169:106093. [PMID: 34922315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the most significant challenges in capturing and detecting biomarkers is the choice of an appropriate biomolecular receptor. Recently, RNA G-quadruplexes emerged as plausible receptors due to their ability to recognize with high-affinity proteins. Herein, we have unveiled and characterized the capability of the precursor microRNA 149 to form a G-quadruplex structure and determined the role that some ligands may have in its folding and binding capacity to nucleolin. The G-quadruplex formation was induced by K+ ions and stabilized by ligands, as demonstrated by nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism experiments. Surface plasmon resonance measurements showed a binding affinity of precursor microRNA 149 towards ligands in the micromolar range (10-5-10-6 M) and a strong binding affinity to nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2 (8.38 × 10-10 M). Even in the presence of the ligand PhenDC3, the binding remains almost identical and in the same order of magnitude (4.46 × 10-10 M). The molecular interactions of the RNA G-quadruplex motif found in precursor miRNA 149 (5'-GGGAGGGAGGGACGGG- 3') and nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2 were explored by means of molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies. The results showed that RNA G-quadruplex binds to a cavity between domains 1 and 2 of the protein. Then, complex formation was also evaluated through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results suggest that precursor microRNA 149/ligands and precursor microRNA 149/nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2 form stable molecular complexes. The in vitro co-localization of precursor microRNA 149 and nucleolin in PC3 cells was demonstrated using confocal microscopy. Finally, a rapid and straightforward microfluidic strategy was employed to check the ability of precursor microRNA 149 to capture nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2. The results revealed that precursor microRNA 149 can capture nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2 labeled with Fluorescein 5-isothiocyanate in a concentration-dependent manner, but PhenDC3 complexation seems to decrease the ability of precursor microRNA 149 to capture the protein. Overall, our results proved the formation of the G-quadruplex structure in the precursor microRNA 149 and the ability to recognize and detect nucleolin. This proof-of-concept study could open up a new framework for developing new strategies to design improved molecular receptors for capture and detection of nucleolin in complex biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Santos
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - André Miranda
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Lionel Imbert
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, EMBL Integrated Structural Biology Grenoble (ISBG), Grenoble, France
| | - Andreia Jardim
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN) and IN - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina R F Caneira
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN) and IN - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Virgínia Chu
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN) and IN - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João P Conde
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN) and IN - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 1397), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; DECN -Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 1397), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; DECN -Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gilmar Salgado
- Univ. Bordeaux, ARNA Laboratory INSERM, U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Pessac, France
| | - Eurico J Cabrita
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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21
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Silva F, D’Onofrio A, Mendes C, Pinto C, Marques A, Campello MPC, Oliveira MC, Raposinho P, Belchior A, Di Maria S, Marques F, Cruz C, Carvalho J, Paulo A. Radiolabeled Gold Nanoseeds Decorated with Substance P Peptides: Synthesis, Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation in Glioblastoma Cellular Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020617. [PMID: 35054798 PMCID: PMC8775581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite some progress, the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) remains extremely poor. In this context, there is a pressing need to develop innovative therapy strategies for GBM, namely those based on nanomedicine approaches. Towards this goal, we have focused on nanoparticles (AuNP-SP and AuNP-SPTyr8) with a small gold core (ca. 4 nm), carrying DOTA chelators and substance P (SP) peptides. These new SP-containing AuNPs were characterized by a variety of analytical techniques, including TEM and DLS measurements and UV-vis and CD spectroscopy, which proved their high in vitro stability and poor tendency to interact with plasma proteins. Their labeling with diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides was efficiently performed by DOTA complexation with the trivalent radiometals 67Ga and 177Lu or by electrophilic radioiodination with 125I of the tyrosyl residue in AuNP-SPTyr8. Cellular studies of the resulting radiolabeled AuNPs in NKR1-positive GBM cells (U87, T98G and U373) have shown that the presence of the SP peptides has a crucial and positive impact on their internalization by the tumor cells. Consistently, 177Lu-AuNP-SPTyr8 showed more pronounced radiobiological effects in U373 cells when compared with the non-targeted congener 177Lu-AuNP-TDOTA, as assessed by cell viability and clonogenic assays and corroborated by Monte Carlo microdosimetry simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Alice D’Onofrio
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Carolina Mendes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Catarina Pinto
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Ana Marques
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Paula Raposinho
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Ana Belchior
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Salvatore Di Maria
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Marques
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (C.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (C.C.); (J.C.)
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (A.D.); (C.M.); (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.P.C.C.); (M.C.O.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (S.D.M.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (A.P.)
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22
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Lopes-Nunes J, Agonia AS, Rosado T, Gallardo E, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Fonseca-Moutinho J, Campello MPC, Paiva A, Paulo A, Vulgamott A, Ellignton AD, Oliveira PA, Cruz C. Aptamer-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery to Gynecological Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4038. [PMID: 34439193 PMCID: PMC8391588 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers and is one of the major cause of deaths in women, especially in underdeveloped countries. The patients are usually treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, these treatments can cause several side effects and may lead to infertility. Another concerning gynecologic cancer is endometrial cancer, in which a high number of patients present a poor prognosis with low survival rates. AS1411, a DNA aptamer, increases anticancer therapeutic selectivity, and through its conjugation with gold nanoparticles (AS1411-AuNPs) it is possible to improve the anticancer effects. Therefore, AS1411-AuNPs are potential drug carriers for selectively delivering therapeutic drugs to cervical cancer. In this work, we used AS1411-AuNPs as a carrier for an acridine orange derivative (C8) or Imiquimod (IQ). The AS1411 aptamer was covalently bound to AuNPs, and each drug was associated via supramolecular assembly. The final nanoparticles presented suitable properties for pharmaceutical applications, such as small size, negative charge, and favorable drug release properties. Cellular uptake was characterized by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, and effects on cellular viability were determined by MTT assay. The nanoparticles were then incorporated into a gel formulation of polyethylene glycol, suitable for topical application in the female genital tract. This gel showed promising tissue retention properties in Franz cells studies in the porcine vaginal epithelia. These findings suggest that the tested nanoparticles are promising drug carriers for cervical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.L.-N.); (T.R.); (E.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (J.F.-M.)
| | - Ana S. Agonia
- Labfit-HPRD Health Products Research and Development, Lda, Edifício UBIMEDICAL Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Tiago Rosado
- CICS-UBI Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.L.-N.); (T.R.); (E.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (J.F.-M.)
- C4-Cloud Computing Competence Centre, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Gallardo
- CICS-UBI Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.L.-N.); (T.R.); (E.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (J.F.-M.)
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.L.-N.); (T.R.); (E.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (J.F.-M.)
- Labfit-HPRD Health Products Research and Development, Lda, Edifício UBIMEDICAL Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Universidade de Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.L.-N.); (T.R.); (E.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (J.F.-M.)
- Labfit-HPRD Health Products Research and Development, Lda, Edifício UBIMEDICAL Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - José Martinez-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.L.-N.); (T.R.); (E.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (J.F.-M.)
| | - José Fonseca-Moutinho
- CICS-UBI Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.L.-N.); (T.R.); (E.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (J.F.-M.)
- Quinta do Alvito, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira, 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (M.P.C.C.); (A.P.)
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Artur Paiva
- Unidade de Gestão Operacional em Citometria, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CIMAGO/iCBR/CIBB, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ciências Biomédicas Laboratoriais, Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC-Coimbra Health School, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (M.P.C.C.); (A.P.)
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Alexa Vulgamott
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; (A.V.); (A.D.E.)
| | - Andrew D. Ellignton
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; (A.V.); (A.D.E.)
| | - Paula A. Oliveira
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás os Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.L.-N.); (T.R.); (E.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (J.F.-M.)
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23
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Santos T, Miranda A, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Salgado G, Cabrita EJ, Cruz C. Recognition of nucleolin through interaction with RNA G-quadruplex. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 189:114208. [PMID: 32860827 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel biomarkers for early-stage diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) has attracted the attention of researchers in the last decade. Nucleolin (NCL) has emerged as a possible biomarker of PCa due to its high expression levels in the surface of PCa cells and affinity towards parallel G4s since it contains four RNA-binding domains (RBDs). Herein, we developed a novel strategy based on a microfluidic platform for the detection of NCL in biological samples, such as human plasma. The RNA G4 (rG4) sequence found in human precursor microRNA 92b (pre-miR-92b) was used as a molecular recognition probe since it forms a single dominant parallel rG4 conformation in the presence of 0.1 mM K+ as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. The additional stability of the rG4 structure was provided by the acridine orange derivative ligand C8, which stabilizes the pre-miR-92b rG4 structure, as denoted by an increase in more than 30 °C of its melting temperature. FRET-melting assay revealed a remarkable synergistic effect of NCL RBD1,2 and C8 on the stabilization of the pre-miR-92b rG4. The binding of pre-miR-92b to NCL RBD1,2 was determined by in silico studies, which revealed a binding pocket formed by a 12-residue linker between RBD1 and RBD2. Both, pre-miR-92b rG4 and pre-miR-92b rG4/C8 complex demonstrated high affinity towards NCL RBD1,2, as proved by fluorimetric titrations (KD range between 10-12 and 10-9 M). The stability and nuclease resistance of pre-miR-92b rG4 and pre-miR-92b rG4/C8 complex were evaluated as molecular recognition probes to capture and detect NCL. Finally, the microfluidic platform detects NCL in complex biological samples, such as human plasma. Overall, this work demonstrates the usefulness of the microfluidic platform based on the pre-miR-92b to detect NCL and the possibility to be used as a valuable biomedical tool in PCa diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Santos
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - André Miranda
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria P C Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Gilmar Salgado
- Univ. Bordeaux, ARNA Laboratory, INSERM, U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Eurico J Cabrita
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã, Portugal.
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24
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Carvalho J, Lopes-Nunes J, Vialet B, Rosado T, Gallardo E, Vale J, Eloy C, Ferreira S, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Barthélémy P, Mergny JL, Salgado GF, Queiroz JA, Ellington AD, Cruz C. Nanoaggregate-forming lipid-conjugated AS1411 aptamer as a promising tumor-targeted delivery system of anticancer agents in vitro. Nanomedicine 2021; 36:102429. [PMID: 34174419 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles offer targeted delivery of drugs with minimal toxicity to surrounding healthy tissue and have great potential in the management of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases. We synthesized lipid-modified AS1411 aptamers capable of forming nanoaggregates in solution containing Mg2+. The nanoaggregates presented suitable properties for pharmaceutical applications such as small size (100 nm), negative charge, and drug release. The nanoaggregates were loaded with acridine orange derivative C8 for its specific delivery into cervical cancer cell lines and HPV-positive tissue biopsies. This improved inhibition of HeLa proliferation and cell uptake without significantly affecting healthy cells. Finally, the nanoaggregates were incorporated in a gel formulation with promising tissue retention properties aiming at developing a local delivery strategy of the nanoaggregates in the female genital tract. Collectively, these findings suggest that the nanoformulation protocol has great potential for the delivery of both anticancer and antiviral agents, becoming a novel modality for cervical cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Brune Vialet
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tiago Rosado
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; C4 - Cloud Computing Competence Centre, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João Vale
- Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica, Ipatimup Diagnósticos, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eloy
- Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica, Ipatimup Diagnósticos, Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Ferreira
- C4 - Cloud Computing Competence Centre, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, Covilhã, Portugal; Labfit, HPRD - Health Products Research and Development, Lda, Edifício UBIMEDICAL, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- Labfit, HPRD - Health Products Research and Development, Lda, Edifício UBIMEDICAL, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; DECN - Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; DECN - Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, Bordeaux, France
| | - João A Queiroz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Andrew D Ellington
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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25
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Palma E, Carvalho J, Cruz C, Paulo A. Metal-Based G-Quadruplex Binders for Cancer Theranostics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:605. [PMID: 34201682 PMCID: PMC8308583 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of fluorescent small molecules, such as metal complexes, to selectively recognize G-quadruplex (G4) structures has opened a route to develop new probes for the visualization of these DNA structures in cells. The main goal of this review is to update the most recent research efforts towards the development of novel cancer theranostic agents using this type of metal-based probes that specifically recognize G4 structures. This encompassed a comprehensive overview of the most significant progress in the field, namely based on complexes with Cu, Pt, and Ru that are among the most studied metals to obtain this class of molecules. It is also discussed the potential interest of obtaining G4-binders with medical radiometals (e.g., 99mTc, 111In, 64Cu, 195mPt) suitable for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications within nuclear medicine modalities, in order to enable their theranostic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Palma
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal;
| | - Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - António Paulo
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal;
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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26
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Cudalbeanu M, Peitinho D, Silva F, Marques R, Pinheiro T, Ferreira AC, Marques F, Paulo A, Soeiro CF, Sousa SA, Leitão JH, Tăbăcaru A, Avramescu SM, Dinica RM, Campello MPC. Sono-Biosynthesis and Characterization of AuNPs from Danube Delta Nymphaea alba Root Extracts and Their Biological Properties. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:1562. [PMID: 34198512 PMCID: PMC8231883 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Root extracts from Danube Delta Nymphaea alba were used to prepare gold nanoparticles (AuNPRn) by reducing HAuCl4 at different pHs (6.4-8.4) using ultrasonic irradiation: an easy, cheap, eco-friendly and green approach. Their antibacterial and anticancer activities were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and A2780 ovarian cancer cells, respectively. The AuNPRn were characterized concerning their phytoconstituents (polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins) and gold content. All of the nanoparticles were negatively charged. AuNPRn exhibited a hydrodynamic size distribution ranging from 32 nm to 280 nm, with the larger nanoparticles being obtained with an Au/root extract ratio of 0.56, pH 7 and 10 min of sonication (AuNPR1), whereas the smallest were obtained with an Au/root extract ratio of 0.24, pH 7.8 and 40 min of sonication (AuNPR4). The TEM/SEM images showed that the AuNPRn had different shapes. The ATR-FTIR indicated that AuNPRn interact mainly with hydroxyl groups present in the polyphenol compounds, which also confirm their high antioxidant capacity, except for AuNPR2 obtained at pH 6.4. Among the AuNPRn, the smallest ones exhibited enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Cudalbeanu
- Faculty of Sciences and Environment, Department of Chemistry Physical and Environment, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galati, 111 Domnească Street, 800201 Galati, Romania; (M.C.); (A.T.)
- Research Center for Environmental Protection and Waste Management, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - David Peitinho
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.M.); (F.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.M.); (F.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Rosa Marques
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.M.); (F.M.); (A.P.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal;
| | - Teresa Pinheiro
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal;
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB-Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.F.S.); (S.A.S.); (J.H.L.)
| | - Ana C. Ferreira
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal;
| | - Fernanda Marques
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.M.); (F.M.); (A.P.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal;
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.M.); (F.M.); (A.P.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal;
| | - Catarina F. Soeiro
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB-Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.F.S.); (S.A.S.); (J.H.L.)
| | - Sílvia Andreia Sousa
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB-Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.F.S.); (S.A.S.); (J.H.L.)
| | - Jorge Humberto Leitão
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB-Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.F.S.); (S.A.S.); (J.H.L.)
| | - Aurel Tăbăcaru
- Faculty of Sciences and Environment, Department of Chemistry Physical and Environment, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galati, 111 Domnească Street, 800201 Galati, Romania; (M.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Sorin Marius Avramescu
- Research Center for Environmental Protection and Waste Management, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Catalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 90-92 Soseaua Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rodica Mihaela Dinica
- Faculty of Sciences and Environment, Department of Chemistry Physical and Environment, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galati, 111 Domnească Street, 800201 Galati, Romania; (M.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.M.); (F.M.); (A.P.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal;
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D'Onofrio A, Silva F, Gano L, Karczmarczyk U, Mikołajczak R, Garnuszek P, Paulo A. Clickable Radiocomplexes With Trivalent Radiometals for Cancer Theranostics: In vitro and in vivo Studies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:647379. [PMID: 34179038 PMCID: PMC8225959 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.647379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-targeting approaches based on the inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder (iEDDA) reaction between strained trans-cyclooctenes (TCO) and electron-deficient tetrazines (Tz) have emerged in recent years as valid alternatives to classic targeted strategies to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic properties of radioactive probes. To explore these pre-targeting strategies based on in vivo click chemistry, a small family of clickable chelators was synthesized and radiolabelled with medically relevant trivalent radiometals. The structure of the clickable chelators was diversified to modulate the pharmacokinetics of the resulting [111In]In-radiocomplexes, as assessed upon injection in healthy mice. The derivative DOTA-Tz was chosen to pursue the studies upon radiolabelling with 90Y, yielding a radiocomplex with high specific activity, high radiochemical yields and suitable in vitro stability. The [90Y]Y-DOTA-Tz complex was evaluated in a prostate cancer PC3 xenograft by ex-vivo biodistribution studies and Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI). The results highlighted a quick elimination through the renal system and no relevant accumulation in non-target organs or non-specific tumor uptake. Furthermore, a clickable bombesin antagonist was injected in PC3 tumor-bearing mice followed by the radiocomplex [90Y]Y-DOTA-Tz, and the mice imaged by CLI at different post-injection times (p.i.). Analysis of the images 15 min and 1 h p.i. pointed out an encouraging quick tumor uptake with a fast washout, providing a preliminary proof of concept of the usefulness of the designed clickable complexes for pre-targeting strategies. To the best of our knowledge, the use of peptide antagonists for this purpose was not explored before. Further investigations are needed to optimize the pre-targeting approach based on this type of biomolecules and evaluate its eventual advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice D'Onofrio
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Urszula Karczmarczyk
- National Centre for Nuclear Research, Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, Otwock, Poland
| | - Renata Mikołajczak
- National Centre for Nuclear Research, Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, Otwock, Poland
| | - Piotr Garnuszek
- National Centre for Nuclear Research, Radioisotope Centre POLATOM, Otwock, Poland
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Palma E, Raposinho P, Campello MPC, Belo D, Guerreiro JF, Alves V, Fonseca A, Abrunhosa AJ, Paulo A, Mendes F. Anticancer Activity and Mode of Action of Copper(II)‐Bis(thiosemicarbazonato) Complexes with Pendant Nitrogen Heterocycles. Eur J Inorg Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202100168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Palma
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Paula Raposinho
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
- DECN Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
- DECN Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Dulce Belo
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
- DECN Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Joana F. Guerreiro
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Vítor Alves
- CIBIT/ICNAS Instituto de Ciências Nucleares Aplicadas à Saúde Universidade de Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - Alexandra Fonseca
- CIBIT/ICNAS Instituto de Ciências Nucleares Aplicadas à Saúde Universidade de Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - Antero J. Abrunhosa
- CIBIT/ICNAS Instituto de Ciências Nucleares Aplicadas à Saúde Universidade de Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
- DECN Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Filipa Mendes
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
- DECN Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Estrada Nacional 10 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
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29
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Prado VS, Leitao RCF, Silva F, Gano L, Santos IC, Marques FLN, Paulo A, Deflon VM. Gallium and indium complexes with new hexadentate bis(semicarbazone) and bis(thiosemicarbazone) chelators. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:1631-1640. [PMID: 33480908 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt04028b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of two new hexadentate potentially tetra-anionic acyclic chelators, an N2O4-donor bis(semicarbazone) (H4bsc) and an N2O2S2-donor bis(thiosemicarbazone) (H4btsc), is described. Coordination reactions of the ligands with gallium and indium precursors were investigated and yielded the complexes [Ga(Hbsc)] (1) and [In(Hbtsc)] (2), respectively. Ligands and complexes structures were confirmed by several techniques, including FTIR, NMR (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC), ESI(+)-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The radioactive congeners [67Ga(Hbsc)] (1*) and [111In(Hbtsc)] (2*) were also synthesized and their radiolabeling yield and radiochemical purity were certified by HPLC and ITLC analyses. Biodistribution assays in groups of CD-1 mice showed a high uptake of both radiocomplexes in liver and intestine where 1* presented higher retention. In vitro and in vivo assays revealed higher stability of 1* compared with 2*, namely in the blood. The results suggest that radiocomplex 1* is a candidate for further investigation as it could be prepared in high yields (>95%), at low temperature (20-25 °C) and at fast reaction time (15 min), which are very desirable synthesis conditions for potential new radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana S Prado
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 13566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Renan C F Leitao
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 13566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Isabel C Santos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Fabio L N Marques
- Laboratório de Medicina Nuclear (LIM-43), Departamento de Radiologia e Oncologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, CEP 05403-911 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Victor M Deflon
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 13566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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30
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Figueiredo D, Fernandes C, Silva F, Palma E, Raposinho P, Belchior A, Vaz P, Paulo A. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 99mTc(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes Dual-Targeted at Tumoral Mitochondria. Molecules 2021; 26:441. [PMID: 33467760 PMCID: PMC7830118 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
For effective Auger therapy of cancer, the Auger-electron emitters must be delivered to the tumor cells in close proximity to a radiosensitive cellular target. Nuclear DNA is considered the most relevant target of Auger electrons to have augmented radiotoxic effects and significant cell death. However, there is a growing body of evidence that other targets, such as the mitochondria, could be relevant subcellular targets in Auger therapy. Thus, we developed dual-targeted 99mTc(I) tricarbonyl complexes containing a triphenylphosphonium (TPP) moiety to promote accumulation of 99mTc in the mitochondria, and a bombesin peptide to provide specificity towards the gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPr) overexpressed in prostate cancer cells. The designed dual-targeted complex, 99mTc-TPP-BBN, is efficiently internalized by human prostate cancer PC3 cells through a specific GRPr-mediated mechanism of uptake. Moreover, the radioconjugate provided an augmented accumulation of 99mTc in the mitochondria of the target tumor cells, most probably following its intracellular cleavage by cathepsin B. In addition, 99mTc-TPP-BBN showed an enhanced ability to reduce the survival of PC3 cells, in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Figueiredo
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.F.); (F.S.); (E.P.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Célia Fernandes
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.F.); (F.S.); (E.P.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (P.V.)
- DECN—Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Francisco Silva
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.F.); (F.S.); (E.P.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Elisa Palma
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.F.); (F.S.); (E.P.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Paula Raposinho
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.F.); (F.S.); (E.P.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (P.V.)
- DECN—Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Ana Belchior
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.F.); (F.S.); (E.P.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (P.V.)
| | - Pedro Vaz
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.F.); (F.S.); (E.P.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (P.V.)
- DECN—Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- C2TN Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (D.F.); (F.S.); (E.P.); (P.R.); (A.B.); (P.V.)
- DECN—Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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31
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Silva F, Cabral Campello MP, Paulo A. Radiolabeled Gold Nanoparticles for Imaging and Therapy of Cancer. Materials (Basel) 2020; 14:E4. [PMID: 33375074 PMCID: PMC7792784 DOI: 10.3390/ma14010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the Last decades, nanotechnology has provided novel and alternative methodologies and tools in the field of medical oncology, in order to tackle the issues regarding the control and treatment of cancer in modern society. In particular, the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in radiopharmaceutical development has provided various nanometric platforms for the delivery of medically relevant radioisotopes for SPECT/PET diagnosis and/or radionuclide therapy. In this review, we intend to provide insight on the methodologies used to obtain and characterize radiolabeled AuNPs while reporting relevant examples of AuNPs developed during the last decade for applications in nuclear imaging and/or radionuclide therapy, and highlighting the most significant preclinical studies and results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Silva
- CTN—Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (F.S.); (M.P.C.C.)
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- CTN—Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (F.S.); (M.P.C.C.)
- DECN—Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- CTN—Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (F.S.); (M.P.C.C.)
- DECN—Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
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32
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Ferreira VFC, Oliveira BL, D'Onofrio A, Farinha CM, Gano L, Paulo A, Bernardes GJL, Mendes F. In Vivo Pretargeting Based on Cysteine-Selective Antibody Modification with IEDDA Bioorthogonal Handles for Click Chemistry. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 32:121-132. [PMID: 33295756 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pretargeted imaging has emerged as an effective multistep strategy aiming to improve imaging contrast and reduce patient radiation exposure through decoupling of the radioactivity from the targeting vector. The inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reaction between a trans-cyclooctene (TCO)-conjugated antibody and a labeled tetrazine holds great promise for pretargeted imaging applications due to its bioorthogonality, rapid kinetics under mild conditions, and formation of stable products. Herein, we describe the use of functionalized carbonylacrylic reagents for site-specific incorporation of TCO onto a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) antibody (THIOMAB) containing an engineered unpaired cysteine residue, generating homogeneous conjugates. Precise labeling of THIOMAB-TCO with a fluorescent or radiolabeled tetrazine revealed the potential of the TCO-functionalized antibody for imaging the HER2 after pretargeting in a cellular context in a HER2 positive breast cancer cell line. Control studies with MDA-MD-231 cells, which do not express HER2, further confirmed the target specificity of the modified antibody. THIOMAB-TCO was also evaluated in vivo after pretargeting and subsequent administration of an 111In-labeled tetrazine. Biodistribution studies in breast cancer tumor-bearing mice showed a significant activity accumulation on HER2+ tumors, which was 2.6-fold higher than in HER2- tumors. Additionally, biodistribution studies with THIOMAB without the TCO handle also resulted in a decreased uptake of 111In-DOTA-Tz on HER2+ tumors. Altogether, these results clearly indicate the occurrence of the click reaction at the tumor site, i.e., pretargeting of SK-BR-3 HER2-expressing cells with THIOMAB-TCO and reaction through the TCO moiety present in the antibody. The combined advantages of site-selectivity and stability of TCO tagged-antibodies could allow application of biorthogonal chemistry strategies for pretargeting imaging with minimal side-reactions and background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera F C Ferreira
- Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Bruno L Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM-JLA), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alice D'Onofrio
- Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Carlos M Farinha
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.,Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.,Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo J L Bernardes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM-JLA), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Filipa Mendes
- Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.,Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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Carvalho J, Lopes-Nunes J, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Milici J, Meyers C, Mergny JL, Salgado GF, Queiroz JA, Cruz C. Human Papillomavirus G-Rich Regions as Potential Antiviral Drug Targets. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 31:68-81. [PMID: 33121376 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we report, for the first time, the screening of several ligands in terms of their ability to bind and stabilize G-quadruplexes (G4) found in seven human Papillomavirus (HPV) genomes. Using a variety of biophysical assays, HPV G-quadruplexes were shown to possess a high degree of structural polymorphism upon ligand binding, which may have an impact on transcription, replication, and viral protein production. A sequence found in high-risk HPV16 genotype folds into multiple non-canonical DNA structures; it was converted into a major G4 conformation upon interaction with a well-characterized highly selective G4 ligand, PhenDC3, which may have an impact on the viral infection. Likewise, HPV57 and 58, which fold into multiple G4 structures, were found to form single stable complexes in the presence of two other G4 ligands, C8 and pyridostatin, respectively. In addition, one of the selected compounds, the acridine derivative C8, demonstrated a significant antiviral effect in HPV18-infected organotypic raft cultures. Altogether, these results indicate that targeting HPV G4s may be an alternative route for the development of novel antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Janice Milici
- Department Microbiology & Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Craig Meyers
- Department Microbiology & Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Pessac, France.,Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, v.v.i., Brno, Czech Republic.,Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Pessac, France
| | - João A Queiroz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Belchior A, Di Maria S, Fernandes C, Vaz P, Paulo A, Raposinho P. Radiobiological and dosimetric assessment of DNA-intercalated 99mTc-complexes bearing acridine orange derivatives. EJNMMI Res 2020; 10:79. [PMID: 32661612 PMCID: PMC7359215 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-020-00663-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, a new family of 99mTc(I)-tricarbonyl complexes bearing an acridine orange (AO) DNA targeting unit and different linkers between the Auger emitter (99mTc) and the AO moiety was evaluated for Auger therapy. Among them, 99mTc-C3 places the corresponding radionuclide at a shortest distance to DNA and produces important double strand breaks (DSB) yields in plasmid DNA providing the first evidence that 99mTc can efficiently induce DNA damage when well positioned to the double helix. Here in, we have extended the studies to human prostate cancer PC3 cells using the 99mTc-C3 and 99mTc-C5 complexes, aiming to assess how the distance to DNA influences the radiation-induced biological effects in this tumoral cell line, namely, in which concerns early and late damage effects. RESULTS Our results highlight the limited biological effectiveness of Auger electrons, as short path length radiation, with increasing distances to DNA. The evaluation of the radiation-induced biological effects was complemented with a comparative microdosimetric study based on intracellular dose values. The comparative study, between MIRD and Monte Carlo (MC) methods used to assess the cellular doses, revealed that efforts should be made in order to standardize the bioeffects modeling for DNA-incorporated Auger electron emitters. CONCLUSIONS 99mTc might not be the ideal radionuclide for Auger therapy but can be useful to validate the design of new classes of Auger-electron emitting radioconjugates. In this context, our results highlight the crucial importance of the distance of Auger electron emitters to the target DNA and encourage the development of strategies for the fine tuning of the distance to DNA for other medical radionuclides (e.g., 111In or 161Tb) in order to enhance their radiotherapeutic effects within the Auger therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belchior
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
| | - Salvatore Di Maria
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Célia Fernandes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Pedro Vaz
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Paula Raposinho
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
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Silva F, Paulo A, Pallier A, Même S, Tóth É, Gano L, Marques F, Geraldes CF, Castro MMC, Cardoso AM, Jurado AS, López-Larrubia P, Lacerda S, Cabral Campello MP. Dual Imaging Gold Nanoplatforms for Targeted Radiotheranostics. Materials (Basel) 2020; 13:ma13030513. [PMID: 31978954 PMCID: PMC7040626 DOI: 10.3390/ma13030513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are interesting for the design of new cancer theranostic tools, mainly due to their biocompatibility, easy molecular vectorization, and good biological half-life. Herein, we report a gold nanoparticle platform as a bimodal imaging probe, capable of coordinating Gd3+ for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and 67Ga3+ for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging. Our AuNPs carry a bombesin analogue with affinity towards the gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPr), overexpressed in a variety of human cancer cells, namely PC3 prostate cancer cells. The potential of these multimodal imaging nanoconstructs was thoroughly investigated by the assessment of their magnetic properties, in vitro cellular uptake, biodistribution, and radiosensitisation assays. The relaxometric properties predict a potential T1- and T2- MRI application. The promising in vitro cellular uptake of 67Ga/Gd-based bombesin containing particles was confirmed through biodistribution studies in tumor bearing mice, indicating their integrity and ability to target the GRPr. Radiosensitization studies revealed the therapeutic potential of the nanoparticles. Moreover, the DOTA chelating unit moiety versatility gives a high theranostic potential through the coordination of other therapeutically interesting radiometals. Altogether, our nanoparticles are interesting nanomaterial for theranostic application and as bimodal T1- and T2- MRI / SPECT imaging probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.S.); (A.P.); (L.G.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.S.); (A.P.); (L.G.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Agnès Pallier
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS, UPR 4301, Université d’Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans CEDEX 2, France; (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Sandra Même
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS, UPR 4301, Université d’Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans CEDEX 2, France; (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Éva Tóth
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS, UPR 4301, Université d’Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans CEDEX 2, France; (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.S.); (A.P.); (L.G.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Marques
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.S.); (A.P.); (L.G.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Carlos F.G.C. Geraldes
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-393 Coimbra, Portugal (A.S.J.)
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBIT/ICNAS Instituto de Ciências Nucleares Aplicadas à Saúde. Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M. Margarida C.A. Castro
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-393 Coimbra, Portugal (A.S.J.)
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Cardoso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research of the University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Amália S. Jurado
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-393 Coimbra, Portugal (A.S.J.)
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Pilar López-Larrubia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” CSIC/UAM, c/ Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Sara Lacerda
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS, UPR 4301, Université d’Orléans, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans CEDEX 2, France; (A.P.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.P.C.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Campus Tecnológico e Nuclear, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; (F.S.); (A.P.); (L.G.); (F.M.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares (DECN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- Correspondence: (M.P.C.C.); (S.L.)
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Mendes F, Gano L, Grilo J, Cunha S, Fernandes C, Paulo A. Imaging probes for non-invasive tumoral detection and functional monitoring of cancer multidrug resistance. CDR 2020; 3:209-224. [PMID: 35582609 PMCID: PMC9090594 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Several cationic radiotracers originally developed as myocardial perfusion agents have shown potential for both early detection of cancer and non-invasive monitoring of multiple drug resistance (MDR) by single photon emission computed tomography. We have introduced two cationic complexes, 99mTc-DMEOP [di-methoxy-tris-pyrazolyl-99mTc-(CO)3] and 99mTc-TMEOP [tri-methoxy-tris-pyrazolyl-99mTc-(CO)3], which showed excellent preclinical results as cardiac imaging probes, namely a persistent heart uptake with rapid blood and liver clearance. This study aimed at the evaluation of their usefulness for tumoral detection and functional assessment of MDR. Methods: The uptake and efflux kinetics of 99mTc-DMEOP and 99mTc-TMEOP were evaluated in human prostate, lung, and breast cancer cell lines, including drug-resistant cell lines that are known to overexpress the MDR P-glycoprotein (Pgp). The effects of MDR modulators were also studied. In vivo studies were performed in xenografted tumor models, and the MDR phenotype of the tumors was confirmed by Western blot. Results: The uptake kinetics of both complexes in human cancer cell lines is comparable with the one found for 99mTc-Sestamibi, increasing over time. The uptake of 99mTc-TMEOP is greatly reduced in cells overexpressing Pgp and increased in the presence of a Pgp modulator. In nude mice, the tumor uptake of 99mTc-TMEOP was higher in the MCF-7 xenografts compared with the MCF7 Pgp tumors. Conclusion: The uptake kinetics of both complexes in human cancer cell lines is comparable with the one found for 99mTc-Sestamibi, increasing over time. The uptake of 99mTc-TMEOP is greatly reduced in cells overexpressing Pgp, and increased in the presence of a Pgp modulator. In nude mice, the tumor uptake of 99mTc-TMEOP was higher in the MCF-7 xenografts compared with the MCF7 Pgp tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Mendes
- DECN- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Sciences and CTN - Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
- Authors contributed equally
- Correspondence Address: Dr. Filipa Mendes, Department of Nuclear Engineering and Sciences and CTN - Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal. E-mail:
| | - Lurdes Gano
- DECN- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Sciences and CTN - Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Jorge Grilo
- DECN- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Sciences and CTN - Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
- (Present adress) iMed. Ulisboa - Research Institute for Medicines, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, Lisboa 1649-003, Portugal
| | - Susana Cunha
- DECN- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Sciences and CTN - Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
| | - Célia Fernandes
- DECN- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Sciences and CTN - Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- DECN- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Sciences and CTN - Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
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Carvalho J, Lopes-Nunes J, Lopes AC, Cabral Campello MP, Paulo A, Queiroz JA, Cruz C. Aptamer-guided acridine derivatives for cervical cancer. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 17:2992-3002. [PMID: 30810582 DOI: 10.1039/c9ob00318e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
DNA aptamers represent a way to target cancer cells at a molecular level and continue to be developed with a view to improve treatment and imaging in cancer medicine. AT11-L0, derived from the DNA sequence AT11, forms a single major parallel G-quadruplex (G4) conformation and exhibits an anti-proliferative activity similar to that of AT11 and AS1411 aptamers. On the other side, acridine orange derivatives represent a valuable class of G4 ligands. Herein, we evaluate AT11-L0 G4 as a supramolecular carrier for the delivery of acridine ligands C3, C5 and C8 to HeLa cancer cells. The CD titrations suggest no changes in the chiroptical signal upon addition of an excess of ligands maintaining the parallel G4 topology and C8 stabilizes the structure for more than 20 °C. All the ligands exhibit high affinity (micromolar range) towards AT11-L0 G4, and the respective complexes against nucleolin (nanomolar range) suggesting that the ligands do not negatively affect the recognition of the nucleolin by AT11-L0 G4. NMR studies showed that AT11-L0 forms a G4 containing four G-tetrad layers. Ligand C8 binds AT11-L0 G4 through π-π stacking of the acridine moiety onto the top-tetrad with the involvement of additional interactions with the ligand's side chain and iodobenzene ring. In vitro, the complexes lowered the ligand's cytotoxicity towards non-malignant cells but have a weak inhibitory effect in HeLa cancer cells, except for the AT11-L0-C5 complex. All complexes are efficiently internalized into nucleolin-positive HeLa cells. Overall, these results suggest that AT11-L0 can act as an aptamer by targeting nucleolin and a delivery system of cytotoxic ligands for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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Santos T, Pereira P, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Queiroz JA, Cabrita E, Cruz C. RNA G-quadruplex as supramolecular carrier for cancer-selective delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 142:473-479. [PMID: 31325486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers have emerged as an attractive class of carrier molecules due to their ability to bind with high affinity to specific ligands; their high chemical flexibility; as well as tissue penetration capability. RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) sequences have been described as structures with high stability and selectivity towards cancer cells. Recently, precursor microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) have been described as new G4 forming molecules. Surface nucleolin (NCL) is a known target of aptamer G4 AS1411 and is overexpressed on prostate cancer cells when compared with normal cells. We have shown that the sequence 5' GGGAGGGAGGGACGGG 3' found in pre-miR-149 forms a rG4 parallel structure, which can bind NCL. Also, another rG4 sequence with a longer loop was evaluated in terms of G4 formation, stabilization and binding affinity to NCL. Both rG4s sequences were studied as supramolecular carriers for the cancer-selective delivery of acridine ligand C8. The rG4s-C8 complexes showed high affinity (KD = 10-6 M) and stabilization (Tm > 30 °C). The affinity of the rG4s-C8 complexes against NCL was in the low nanomolar range, indicating that C8 did not affect NCL binding. Noteworthy, the short loop rG4-C8 complex showed selective antiproliferative effects in prostate cancer cells when compared with normal prostatic cells. The stability and nuclease resistance of rG4 and rG4-C8 complex were evaluated in biological conditions and revealed the maintenance of G4 structure and complex stability. Furthermore, confocal microscopy studies confirmed the potential of rG4s-C8 complexes in the targeting of prostate cancer cells. Overall, it is here demonstrated that the rG4 found in pre-miR-149 can be used as a cancer-selective delivery carrier of C8 to prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Santos
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Oeiras 2780-157, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), Bobadela LRS 2695-066, Portugal
| | - João A Queiroz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal
| | - Eurico Cabrita
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal.
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Figueiredo J, Lopes-Nunes J, Carvalho J, Antunes F, Ribeiro M, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Paiva A, Salgado GF, Queiroz JA, Mergny JL, Cruz C. AS1411 derivatives as carriers of G-quadruplex ligands for cervical cancer cells. Int J Pharm 2019; 568:118511. [PMID: 31301466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers can specifically bind to target molecules on the cell membrane that mediate their entrance into the cells. Their small size, high binding affinity, specificity, good biocompatibility, stability and low immunogenicity make them ideal drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. These biopharmaceuticals have potential for the delivery of anticancer compounds to diseased tissues, increasing their effectiveness while mitigating the off-target toxicity towards healthy cells. Herein, we have studied two quadruplex-forming DNA sequences derived from the nucleolin-targeted aptamer AS1411 as supramolecular carriers for the cancer-selective delivery of acridine orange derivatives (C3, C5 and C8) in cervical cancer cells. The devised delivery strategy relied on the non-covalent association of the acridine derivatives and the G-quadruplex (G4) structures. This association is done with a high binding strength, as suggested by the obtained KD values in the 10-6-10-7 M range, leading to the thermal stabilization of the G4 structures, particularly for C8. The stability of the resulting supramolecular conjugates was evaluated in fetal bovine serum, which proved their resistance against serum nucleases up to 48 h. Previous studies showed that the tested acridine orange derivatives were cytotoxic towards cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and non-malignant cells. However, when conjugated to AS1411 derivatives, the cytotoxicity of the free ligands towards non-malignant cells was restrained. Furthermore, conjugated C3 showed an enhanced cytotoxicity against HeLa cancer cells. Confocal microscopy indicated that both G4 sequences appear to colocalize with nucleolin, suggesting their ability to recognize and bind nucleolin on the cell surface. Additionally, the results confirmed the internalization of these delivery systems into HeLa cancer cells and their sustained cell trafficking, although being able to dissociate intracellularly to deliver C8 to the nucleoli. Overall, we showed that AS1411-derived G4s can be used as a potential cancer drug delivery system for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Figueiredo
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Francisca Antunes
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Márcia Ribeiro
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Artur Paiva
- Unidade de Gestão Operacional em Citometria, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Portugal; CIMAGO/iCBR/CIBB, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal; Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC-Coimbra Health School, Ciências Biomédicas Laboratoriais, Portugal
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- Université de Bordeaux, ARNA Laboratory, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - João A Queiroz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Université de Bordeaux, ARNA Laboratory, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France; Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, v.v.i., Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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Carvalho J, Paiva A, Cabral Campello MP, Paulo A, Mergny JL, Salgado GF, Queiroz JA, Cruz C. Aptamer-based Targeted Delivery of a G-quadruplex Ligand in Cervical Cancer Cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7945. [PMID: 31138870 PMCID: PMC6538641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AS1411 is a G-rich DNA oligonucleotide that functions as an aptamer of the protein nucleolin, found at high levels on the surface of cancer cells but not on the surface of normal cells. Herein, we have studied AS1411 as a supramolecular carrier for the delivery of an acridine-based G-quadruplex ligand, C8, to HeLa cancer cells. Two AS1411 derivatives, LNA-AS1411 and U-AS1411, were also tested, in an attempt to compare AS1411 pharmacological properties. The results showed that AS1411-C8 complexation was made with great binding strength and that it lowered the ligand's cytotoxicity towards non-malignant cells. This effect was suggested to be due to a decreased internalization of the complexed versus free C8 as shown by flow cytometry. The AS1411 derivatives, despite forming a stable complex with C8, lacked the necessary tumour-selective behaviour. The binding of C8 to AS1411 G-quadruplex structure did not negatively affect the recognition of nucleolin by the aptamer. The AS1411-C8 repressed c-MYC expression at the transcriptional level, possibly due to C8 ability to stabilize the c-MYC promoter G-quadruplexes. Overall, this study demonstrates the usefulness of AS1411 as a supramolecular carrier of the G-quadruplex binder C8 and the potential of using its tumour-selective properties for the delivery of ligands for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Artur Paiva
- Unidade de Gestão Operacional em Citometria, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- CIMAGO/iCBR/CIBB, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC-Coimbra Health School, Ciências Biomédicas Laboratoriais, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela, LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066, Bobadela, LRS, Portugal
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Univ. Bordeaux, ARNA laboratory, INSERM, U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600, Pessac, France
- Institute of Biophysics, AS CR, v.v.i. Kralovopolska 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- Univ. Bordeaux, ARNA laboratory, INSERM, U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - João A Queiroz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
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Cabral Campello MP, Palma E, Correia I, Paulo PMR, Matos A, Rino J, Coimbra J, Pessoa JC, Gambino D, Paulo A, Marques F. Lanthanide complexes with phenanthroline-based ligands: insights into cell death mechanisms obtained by microscopy techniques. Dalton Trans 2019; 48:4611-4624. [DOI: 10.1039/c9dt00640k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The biological properties of four lanthanide complexes with phenanthroline derivatives in ovarian cancer cells.
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Ibrahim AB, Farh MK, El-Gyar S, EL-Gahami M, Fouad DM, Silva F, Santos IC, Paulo A. Synthesis, structural studies and antimicrobial activities of manganese, nickel and copper complexes of two new tridentate 2‑formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone ligands. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2018.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Di Maria S, Belchior A, Romanets Y, Paulo A, Vaz P. Monte Carlo dose distribution calculation at nuclear level for Auger-emitting radionuclide energies. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 135:72-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Quental L, Raposinho P, Mendes F, Santos I, Navarro-Ranninger C, Alvarez-Valdes A, Huang H, Chao H, Rubbiani R, Gasser G, Quiroga AG, Paulo A. Combining imaging and anticancer properties with new heterobimetallic Pt(ii)/M(i) (M = Re, 99mTc) complexes. Dalton Trans 2018; 46:14523-14536. [PMID: 28164201 DOI: 10.1039/c7dt00043j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we report on the development of new metal-based anticancer agents with imaging, chemotherapeutic and photosensitizing properties. Hence, a new heterobimetallic complex (Pt-LQ-Re) was prepared by connecting a non-conventional trans-chlorido Pt(ii) complex to a photoactive Re tricarbonyl unit (LQ-Re), which can be replaced by 99mTc to allow for in vivo imaging. We describe the photophysical and biological properties of the new complexes, in the dark and upon light irradiation (DNA interaction, cellular localization and uptake, and cytotoxicity). Furthermore, planar scintigraphic images of mice injected with Pt-LQ-Tc clearly showed that the radioactive compound is taken up by the excretory system organs, namely liver and kidneys, without significant retention in other tissues. All in all, the strategy of conjugating a chemotherapeutic compound with a PDT photosensitizer endows the resulting complexes with an intrinsic cytotoxic activity in the dark, driven by the non-classical platinum core, and a selective activity upon light irradiation. Most importantly, the possibility of integrating a SPECT imaging radiometal (99mTc) in the structure of these new heterobimetallic complexes might allow for in vivo non-invasive visualization of their tumoral accumulation, a crucial issue to predict therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Quental
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
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Di Maria S, Belchior A, Pereira E, Quental L, Oliveira M, Mendes F, Lavrado J, Paulo A, Vaz P. Dosimetry assessment of DNA damage by Auger-emitting radionuclides: Experimental and Monte Carlo studies. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2017.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Medrano MA, Morais M, Ferreira VFC, Correia JDG, Paulo A, Santos I, Navarro-Ranninger C, Valdes AA, Casini A, Mendes F, Quiroga AG. Nonconventionaltrans-Platinum Complexes Functionalized with RDG Peptides: Chemical and Cytototoxicity Studies. Eur J Inorg Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201700072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angeles Medrano
- IadChem. and Departamento de Química Inorgánica; Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Maurício Morais
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares; Instituto Superior Técnico; Universidade de Lisboa; Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7) 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Vera F. C. Ferreira
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares; Instituto Superior Técnico; Universidade de Lisboa; Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7) 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares; Instituto Superior Técnico; Universidade de Lisboa; Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7) 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares; Instituto Superior Técnico; Universidade de Lisboa; Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7) 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Isabel Santos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares; Instituto Superior Técnico; Universidade de Lisboa; Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7) 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Carmen Navarro-Ranninger
- IadChem. and Departamento de Química Inorgánica; Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Amparo Alvarez Valdes
- IadChem. and Departamento de Química Inorgánica; Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Angela Casini
- School of Chemistry; Instituto Superior Técnico; Cardiff University; Park Place CF10 3AT Cardiff United Kingdom
| | - Filipa Mendes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares; Instituto Superior Técnico; Universidade de Lisboa; Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7) 2695-066 Bobadela LRS Portugal
| | - Adoración G. Quiroga
- IadChem. and Departamento de Química Inorgánica; Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; 28049 Madrid Spain
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Pereira E, do Quental L, Palma E, Oliveira MC, Mendes F, Raposinho P, Correia I, Lavrado J, Di Maria S, Belchior A, Vaz P, Santos I, Paulo A. Evaluation of Acridine Orange Derivatives as DNA-Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals for Auger Therapy: Influence of the Radionuclide and Distance to DNA. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42544. [PMID: 28211920 PMCID: PMC5304164 DOI: 10.1038/srep42544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A new family of 99mTc(I)- tricarbonyl complexes and 125I-heteroaromatic compounds bearing an acridine orange (AO) DNA targeting unit was evaluated for Auger therapy. Characterization of the DNA interaction, performed with the non-radioactive Re and 127I congeners, confirmed that all compounds act as DNA intercalators. Both classes of compounds induce double strand breaks (DSB) in plasmid DNA but the extent of DNA damage is strongly dependent on the linker between the Auger emitter (99mTc or 125I) and the AO moiety. The in vitro evaluation was complemented with molecular docking studies and Monte Carlo simulations of the energy deposited at the nanometric scale, which corroborated the experimental data. Two of the tested compounds, 125I-C5 and 99mTc-C3, place the corresponding radionuclide at similar distances to DNA and produce comparable DSB yields in plasmid and cellular DNA. These results provide the first evidence that 99mTc can induce DNA damage with similar efficiency to that of 125I, when both are positioned at comparable distances to the double helix. Furthermore, the high nuclear retention of 99mTc-C3 in tumoral cells suggests that 99mTc-labelled AO derivatives are more promising for the design of Auger-emitting radiopharmaceuticals than the 125I-labelled congeners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Pereira
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Letícia do Quental
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Elisa Palma
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.,Centro Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Filipa Mendes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Paula Raposinho
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Isabel Correia
- Centro Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Lavrado
- iMed.ULisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Salvatore Di Maria
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Ana Belchior
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Pedro Vaz
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Isabel Santos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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Palma E, Mendes F, Morais GR, Rodrigues I, Santos IC, Campello MPC, Raposinho P, Correia I, Gama S, Belo D, Alves V, Abrunhosa AJ, Santos I, Paulo A. Biophysical characterization and antineoplastic activity of new bis(thiosemicarbazonato) Cu(II) complexes. J Inorg Biochem 2017; 167:68-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2016.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Silva F, Gano L, Cabral Campello MP, Marques R, Prudêncio I, Zambre A, Upendran A, Paulo A, Kannan R. In vitro/in vivo “peeling” of multilayered aminocarboxylate gold nanoparticles evidenced by a kinetically stable 99mTc-label. Dalton Trans 2017; 46:14572-14583. [DOI: 10.1039/c7dt00864c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The BBN-Au-DTDTPA coating is selectively released upon interaction with glutathione (GSH), rendering this nanoplatform potentially useful for GSH-mediated drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares
- Instituto Superior Técnico
- Universidade de Lisboa
- 2695-066 Bobadela LRS
- Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares
- Instituto Superior Técnico
- Universidade de Lisboa
- 2695-066 Bobadela LRS
- Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares
- Instituto Superior Técnico
- Universidade de Lisboa
- 2695-066 Bobadela LRS
- Portugal
| | - Rosa Marques
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares
- Instituto Superior Técnico
- Universidade de Lisboa
- 2695-066 Bobadela LRS
- Portugal
| | - Isabel Prudêncio
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares
- Instituto Superior Técnico
- Universidade de Lisboa
- 2695-066 Bobadela LRS
- Portugal
| | - Ajit Zambre
- Department of Radiology
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia
- USA
| | - Anandhi Upendran
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Science
- School of Medicine
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia
- USA
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares
- Instituto Superior Técnico
- Universidade de Lisboa
- 2695-066 Bobadela LRS
- Portugal
| | - Raghuraman Kannan
- Department of Radiology
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia
- USA
- Department of BioEngineering
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