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Kos Š, Jesenko T, Blagus T. In Vivo Wound Healing Model for Characterization of Gene Electrotransfer Effects in Mouse Skin. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2773:87-96. [PMID: 38236539 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3714-2_9] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex biological response to injury characterized by a sequence of interdependent and overlapping physiological actions. To study wound healing and cutaneous regeneration processes, the complexity of wound healing requires the use of animal models. In this chapter, we describe the protocol to generate skin wounds in a mouse model. In the mouse splinted excisional wound model, two full-thickness wounds are firstly created on the mouse dorsum, which is followed by application of silicone splint around wounded area. A splinting ring tightly adheres to the skin around full-thickness wound, preventing wound contraction and replicating human processes of re-epithelialization and new tissue formation. The wound is easily accessible for treatment as well as for daily monitoring and quantifying the wound closure.This technique represents valuable approach for the study of wound healing mechanisms and for evaluation of new therapeutic modalities. In this protocol, we describe how to utilize the model to study the effect of gene electrotransfer of plasmid DNA coding for antiangiogenic molecules. Additionally, we also present how to precisely regulate electrical parameters and modify electrode composition to reach optimal therapeutic effectiveness of gene electrotransfer into skin around wounded area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Špela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Jesenko
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Blagus
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Potočnik T, Maček Lebar A, Kos Š, Reberšek M, Pirc E, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Effect of Experimental Electrical and Biological Parameters on Gene Transfer by Electroporation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122700. [PMID: 36559197 PMCID: PMC9786189 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122700] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The exact mechanisms of nucleic acid (NA) delivery with gene electrotransfer (GET) are still unknown, which represents a limitation for its broader use. Further, not knowing the effects that different experimental electrical and biological parameters have on GET additionally hinders GET optimization, resulting in the majority of research being performed using a trial-and-error approach. To explore the current state of knowledge, we conducted a systematic literature review of GET papers in in vitro conditions and performed meta-analyses of the reported GET efficiency. For now, there is no universal GET strategy that would be appropriate for all experimental aims. Apart from the availability of the required electroporation device and electrodes, the choice of an optimal GET approach depends on parameters such as the electroporation medium; type and origin of cells; and the size, concentration, promoter, and type of the NA to be transfected. Equally important are appropriate controls and the measurement or evaluation of the output pulses to allow a fair and unbiased evaluation of the experimental results. Since many experimental electrical and biological parameters can affect GET, it is important that all used parameters are adequately reported to enable the comparison of results, as well as potentially faster and more efficient experiment planning and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjaša Potočnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Maček Lebar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Reberšek
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Pirc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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Sremački I, Kos Š, Bošnjak M, Jurov A, Serša G, Modic M, Leys C, Cvelbar U, Nikiforov A. Plasma Damage Control: From Biomolecules to Cells and Skin. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:46303-46316. [PMID: 34569240 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12232] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The antibacterial and cell-proliferative character of atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) helps in the healing process of chronic wounds. However, control of the plasma-biological target interface remains an open issue. High vacuum ultraviolet/ultraviolet (VUV/UV) radiation and RONS flux from plasma may cause damage of a treated tissue; therefore, controlled interaction is essential. VUV/UV emission from argon APPJs and radiation control with aerosol injection in plasma effluent is the focus of this research. The aerosol effect on radiation is studied by a fluorescent target capable of resolving the plasma oxidation footprint. In addition, DNA damage is evaluated by plasmid DNA radiation assay and cell proliferation assay to assess safety aspects of the plasma jet, the effect of VUV/UV radiation, and its control with aerosol injection. Inevitable emission of VUV/UV radiation from plasmas during treatment is demonstrated in this work. Plasma has no antiproliferative effect on fibroblasts in short treatments (t < 60 s), while long exposure has a cytotoxic effect, resulting in decreased cell survival. Radiation has no effect on cell survival in the medium due to absorption. However, a strong cytotoxic effect on the attached fibroblasts without the medium is apparent. VUV/UV radiation contributes 70% of the integral plasma effect in induction of single- and double-strand DNA breaks and cytotoxicity of the attached cells without the medium. Survival of the attached cells increases by 10% when aerosol is introduced between plasma and the cells. Injection of aerosol in the plasma effluent can help to control the plasma-cell/tissue interaction. Aerosol droplets in the effluent partially absorb UV emission from the plasma, limiting photon flux in the direction of the biological target. Herein, cold and safe plasma-aerosol treatment and a safe operational mode of treatment are demonstrated in a murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Sremački
- Department of Applied Physics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Špela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Maša Bošnjak
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Andrea Jurov
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska 2, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Martina Modic
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Christophe Leys
- Department of Applied Physics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Uroš Cvelbar
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Anton Nikiforov
- Department of Applied Physics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, Gent 9000, Belgium
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Wang L, Porto CL, Palumbo F, Modic M, Cvelbar U, Ghobeira R, De Geyter N, De Vrieze M, Kos Š, Serša G, Leys C, Nikiforov A. Synthesis of antibacterial composite coating containing nanocapsules in an atmospheric pressure plasma. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2020; 119:111496. [PMID: 33321597 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Antibacterial coating is an important strategy preventing bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. One-step synthesis of nanocapsule-containing antibacterial coatings with controlled release of Ag+ ions was achieved in the current work by aerosol-assisted atmospheric pressure plasma deposition. The experimental parameters of deposition including the discharge power, silver nitrate concentration, aerosol flow rate, continuous and pulsed mode of operation were studied in order to analyze their effects on surface morphology and chemical composition of the coating. Formation of nanocapsules embedded in the polymeric coating was observed. A core-shell structure was found for nanocapsule with silver in the core and polymer in the shell. Antibacterial coatings on polyethylene terephthalate film were studied in terms of Ag+ ion release, antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and cytotoxicity with murine fibroblasts. Two-phase release kinetics of Ag+ ions was observed as initially a short-term burst release followed by a long-term slow release. It was revealed that high antibacterial efficiency of the coatings deposited on polyethylene terephthalate films can be coupled with low cytotoxicity. These biocompatible antibacterial coatings are very promising in different fields including biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Applied Physics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41 B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Chiara Lo Porto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Palumbo
- Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council of Italy, Department of Chemistry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Martina Modic
- Laboratory for Gaseous Electronics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Cvelbar
- Laboratory for Gaseous Electronics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rouba Ghobeira
- Department of Applied Physics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41 B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathalie De Geyter
- Department of Applied Physics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41 B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Špela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christophe Leys
- Department of Applied Physics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41 B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anton Nikiforov
- Department of Applied Physics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41 B4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Lopes A, Vanvarenberg K, Kos Š, Lucas S, Colau D, Van den Eynde B, Préat V, Vandermeulen G. Combination of immune checkpoint blockade with DNA cancer vaccine induces potent antitumor immunity against P815 mastocytoma. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15732. [PMID: 30356111 PMCID: PMC6200811 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33933-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccination against cancer has become a promising strategy for inducing a specific and long-lasting antitumor immunity. However, DNA vaccines fail to generate potent immune responses when used as a single therapy. To enhance their activity into the tumor, a DNA vaccine against murine P815 mastocytoma was combined with antibodies directed against the immune checkpoints CTLA4 and PD1. The combination of these two strategies delayed tumor growth and enhanced specific antitumor immune cell infiltration in comparison to the corresponding single therapies. The combination also promoted IFNg, IL12 and granzyme B production in the tumor microenvironment and decreased the formation of liver metastasis in a very early phase of tumor development, enabling 90% survival. These results underline the complementarity of DNA vaccination and immune checkpoint blockers in inducing a potent immune response, by exploiting the generation of antigen-specific T cells by the vaccine and the ability of immune checkpoint blockers to enhance T cell activity and infiltration in the tumor. These findings suggest how and why a rational combination therapy can overcome the limits of DNA vaccination but could also allow responses to immune checkpoint blockers in a larger proportion of subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Lopes
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
| | - Kevin Vanvarenberg
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
| | - Špela Kos
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sophie Lucas
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
| | - Didier Colau
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
| | - Benoît Van den Eynde
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
| | - Véronique Préat
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium.
| | - Gaëlle Vandermeulen
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium
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Mitrović A, Sosič I, Kos Š, Tratar UL, Breznik B, Kranjc S, Mirković B, Gobec S, Lah T, Serša G, Kos J. Addition of 2-(ethylamino)acetonitrile group to nitroxoline results in significantly improved anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2017; 8:59136-59147. [PMID: 28938624 PMCID: PMC5601720 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal cysteine peptidase cathepsin B, involved in multiple processes associated with tumor progression, is validated as a target for anti-cancer therapy. Nitroxoline, a known antimicrobial agent, is a potent and selective inhibitor of cathepsin B, hence reducing tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. In order to further improve its anti-cancer properties we developed a number of derivatives using structure-based chemical synthesis. Of these, the 7-aminomethylated derivative (compound 17) exhibited significantly improved kinetic properties over nitroxoline, inhibiting cathepsin B endopeptidase activity selectively. In the present study, we have evaluated its anti-cancer properties. It was more effective than nitroxoline in reducing tumor cell invasion and migration, as determined in vitro on two-dimensional cell models and tumor spheroids, under either endpoint or real time conditions. Moreover, it exhibited improved action over nitroxoline in impairing tumor growth in vivo in LPB mouse fibrosarcoma tumors in C57Bl/6 mice. Taken together, the addition of a 2-(ethylamino)acetonitrile group to nitroxoline at position 7 significantly improves its pharmacological characteristics and its potential for use as an anti-cancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mitrović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urša Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,International Postgraduate School Jožef Stefan, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojana Mirković
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Lah
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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7
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Vrtačnik P, Kos Š, Bustin SA, Marc J, Ostanek B. Influence of trypsinization and alternative procedures for cell preparation before RNA extraction on RNA integrity. Anal Biochem 2014; 463:38-44. [PMID: 24983903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2014.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The accuracy of techniques such as microarrays, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing is critically dependent on RNA quality. We have repeatedly observed extensive RNA degradation following trypsinization, a routine procedure used to dissociate adherent tissue culture cells prior to RNA extraction. This study investigated the cause of this degradation and identifies an alternative procedure that enables extraction of intact high-quality RNA. Trypsinization and several alternative procedures were used to dissociate a range of different cell lines prior to RNA extraction. The contribution of exogenous ribonucleases or induction of endogenous ribonucleases by trypsin reagent proteases to RNA degradation was examined. Trypsinization resulted in a complete degradation of RNA regardless of cell line type, differentiation stage, or passage number. This occurred when intact RNA was incubated directly with trypsin and was not suppressed by inhibiting trypsin's protease activity. Prevention of degradation by sodium hypochlorite treatment of trypsin reagent identified the presence of ribonucleases in trypsin derived from animal pancreas. Consistent extraction of high-quality RNA requires the use of direct cell lysis with a phenol guanidine-based reagent or an animal origin-free protease-based dissociation agent if enzymatic detachment prior to RNA extraction cannot be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Vrtačnik
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Špela Kos
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Stephen A Bustin
- Postgraduate Medical Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Janja Marc
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Ostanek
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
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