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Chan CKW, Szeto CC, Lee LKC, Xiao Y, Yin B, Ding X, Lee TWY, Lau JYW, Choi CHJ. A sub-10-nm, folic acid-conjugated gold nanoparticle as self-therapeutic treatment of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305662120. [PMID: 37812696 PMCID: PMC10589645 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305662120] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanomedicines for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) are on the horizon, yet their delivery to renal tubules where tubulointerstitial fibrosis occurs remains inefficient. We report a folic acid-conjugated gold nanoparticle that can transport into renal tubules and treat tubulointerstitial fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. The 3-nm gold core allows for the dissection of bio-nano interactions in the fibrotic kidney, ensures the overall nanoparticle (~7 nm) to be small enough for glomerular filtration, and naturally inhibits the p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase in the absence of chemical or biological drugs. The folic acids support binding to selected tubule cells with overexpression of folate receptors and promote retention in the fibrotic kidney. Upon intravenous injection, this nanoparticle can selectively accumulate in the fibrotic kidney over the nonfibrotic contralateral kidney at ~3.6% of the injected dose. Delivery to the fibrotic kidney depends on nanoparticle size and disease stage. Notably, a single injection of this self-therapeutic nanoparticle reduces tissue degeneration, inhibits genes related to the extracellular matrix, and treats fibrosis more effectively than standard Captopril therapy. Our data underscore the importance of constructing CKD nanomedicines based on renal pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Cheuk Chun Szeto
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Leo Kit Cheung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Bohan Yin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaofan Ding
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Thomas Wai Yip Lee
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - James Yun Wong Lau
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
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Zhang J, Shi H, Huang C, Mei L, Guo Q, Cheng K, Wu P, Su D, Chen Q, Gan S, Wing Chan CK, Shi J, Chen JL, Jonathan Choi CH, Yao SQ, Chen XK, Tang BZ, He J, Sun H. De Novo Designed Self-Assembling Rhodamine Probe for Real-Time, Long-Term and Quantitative Live-Cell Nanoscopy. ACS Nano 2023; 17:3632-3644. [PMID: 36744992 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Super-resolution imaging provides a powerful approach to image dynamic biomolecule events at nanoscale resolution. An ingenious method involving tuning intramolecular spirocyclization in rhodamine offers an appealing strategy to design cell-permeable fluorogenic probes for super-resolution imaging. Nevertheless, precise control of rhodamine spirocyclization presents a significant challenge. Through detailed study of the structure-activity relationship, we identified that multiple key factors control rhodamime spirocyclization. The findings provide opportunities to create fluorogenic probes with tailored properties. On the basis of our findings, we constructed self-assembling rhodamine probes for no-wash live-cell confocal and super-resolution imaging. The designed self-assembling probe Rho-2CF3 specifically labeled its target proteins and displayed high ring-opening ability, fast labeling kinetics (<1 min), and large turn-on fold (>80 folds), which is very difficult to be realized by the existing methods. Using the probe, we achieved high-contrast super-resolution imaging of nuclei and mitochondria with a spatial resolution of up to 42 nm. The probe also showed excellent photostability and proved ideal for real-time and long-term tracking of mitochondrial fission and fusion events with high spatiotemporal resolution. Furthermore, Rho-2CF3 could resolve the ultrastructure of mitochondrial cristae and quantify their morphological changes under drug treatment at nanoscale. Our strategy thus demonstrates its usefulness in designing self-assembling probes for super-resolution imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Heng Shi
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510530, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Le Mei
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Ke Cheng
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Pingzhou Wu
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Dan Su
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Qingxin Chen
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Shenglong Gan
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jiahai Shi
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jian Lin Chen
- Department of Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Shao Q Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore
| | - Xian-Kai Chen
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jufang He
- Departments of Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
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Yin B, Ho WKH, Xia X, Chan CKW, Zhang Q, Ng YM, Lam CYK, Cheung JCW, Wang J, Yang M, Wong SHD. A Multilayered Mesoporous Gold Nanoarchitecture for Ultraeffective Near-Infrared Light-Controlled Chemo/Photothermal Therapy for Cancer Guided by SERS Imaging. Small 2023; 19:e2206762. [PMID: 36593512 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging has emerged as a promising tool for guided cancer diagnosis and synergistic therapies, such as combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (chemo-PTT). Yet, existing therapeutic agents often suffer from low SERS sensitivity, insufficient photothermal conversion, or/and limited drug loading capacity. Herein, a multifunctional theragnostic nanoplatform consisting of mesoporous silica-coated gold nanostar with a cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-coated gold nanocluster shell (named RGD-pAS@AuNC) is reported that exhibits multiple "hot spots" for pronouncedly enhanced SERS signals and improved near-infrared (NIR)-induced photothermal conversion efficiency (85.5%), with a large capacity for high doxorubicin (DOX) loading efficiency (34.1%, named RGD/DOX-pAS@AuNC) and effective NIR-triggered DOX release. This nanoplatform shows excellent performance in xenograft tumor model of HeLa cell targeting, negligible cytotoxicity, and good stability both in vitro and in vivo. By SERS imaging, the optimal temporal distribution of injected RGD/DOX-pAS@AuNCs at the tumor site is identified for NIR-triggered local chemo-PTT toward the tumor, achieving ultraeffective therapy in tumor cells and tumor-bearing mouse model with 5 min of NIR irradiation (0.5 W cm-2 ). This work offers a promising approach to employing SERS imaging for effective noninvasive tumor treatment by on-site triggered chemo-PTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Yin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Willis Kwun Hei Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xinyue Xia
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yip Ming Ng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Ching Ying Katherine Lam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - James Chung Wai Cheung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jianfang Wang
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Mo Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Siu Hong Dexter Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
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Yan D, Cui D, Zhu Y, Chan CKW, Choi CHJ, Liu T, Lee NP, Law S, Tsao SW, Ma S, Cheung ALM. M6PR- and EphB4-Rich Exosomes Secreted by Serglycin-Overexpressing Esophageal Cancer Cells Promote Cancer Progression. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:625-640. [PMID: 36632458 PMCID: PMC9830512 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.79875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that exosomes participate in cancer progression. However, the functions of cancer cell exosome-transmitted proteins are rarely studied. Previously, we reported that serglycin (SRGN) overexpression promotes invasion and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. Here, we investigated the paracrine effects of exosomes from SRGN-overexpressing ESCC cells (SRGN Exo) on ESCC cell invasion and tumor angiogenesis, and used mass spectrometry to identify exosomal proteins involved. Cation-dependent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR) and ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EphB4) were pronouncedly upregulated in SRGN Exo. Upregulated exosomal M6PR mediated the pro-angiogenic effects of SRGN Exo both in vitro and in vivo, while augmented exosomal EphB4 mediated the pro-invasive effect of SRGN Exo on ESCC cells in vitro. In addition, in vitro studies showed that manipulation of M6PR expression affected the viability and migration of ESCC cells. Both M6PR and EphB4 expression levels were positively correlated with that of SRGN in the serum of patients with ESCC. High level of serum M6PR was associated with poor overall survival rates. Taken together, this study presents the first proof that exosomal M6PR and EphB4 play essential roles in tumor angiogenesis and malignancy, and that serum M6PR is a novel prognostic marker for ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Yan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Di Cui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Tengfei Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nikki P.Y. Lee
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Simon Law
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sai Wah Tsao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Annie Lai Man Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,✉ Corresponding author: Annie L.M. Cheung, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong SAR, China. Phone: 852-3917-9293; Fax: 852-2817-0857; E-mail:
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5
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Chan CKW, Lau SHG, Choi CHJ. Unbiased matchmaking. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:921-923. [PMID: 35953548 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Sze Ho Gwyneth Lau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
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Yan D, Cui D, Zhu Y, Chan CKW, Choi CHJ, Liu T, Tsao SW, Ma S, Cheung ALM. Serglycin-induced interleukin-1β from oesophageal cancer cells upregulate hepatocyte growth factor in fibroblasts to promote tumour angiogenesis and growth. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1031. [PMID: 35994394 PMCID: PMC9394751 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Yan
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Di Cui
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Yun Zhu
- Center for Clinical Big Data and AnalyticsThe Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | | | - Tengfei Liu
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Sai Wah Tsao
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
- The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Annie Lai Man Cheung
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Hong KongHong KongSARChina
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Yan D, Cui D, Zhu Y, Chan CKW, Choi CHJ, Liu T, Tsao SW, Ma S, Cheung ALM. Abstract 6124: Interleukin-1β and exosomal M6PR secreted by serglycin-overexpressing esophageal cancer cells instigate fibroblasts and endothelial cells to promote esophageal cancer progression. Cancer Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-6124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Non-tumor cells can be recruited and educated by cancer cells to facilitate cancer progression. Previously, we found that serum serglycin (SRGN), a secretory proteoglycan, was an independent prognostic marker for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and that the autocrine pro-invasive effect of SRGN on ESCC cells was mediated by midkine (MDK). Here, we investigated the effects of cancer cell-derived SRGN on human esophageal fibroblasts (HEF) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that conditioned medium from SRGN-overexpressing ESCC cells (SRGN-CM) promoted the migration and proliferation of HEF. After SRGN-CM treatment, HEF showed increased expression of fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and amphiregulin, and could enhance tumor growth in vivo. In addition, exosomes derived from SRGN-overexpressing ESCC cells (SRGN-Exo) enhanced the tube formation ability of HUVECs. We found that the effects of SRGN-CM on activation, migration and proliferation of HEF were mediated by MDK. To elucidate the mechanisms by which SRGN upregulates HGF and amphiregulin, and promotes endothelial tube formation, cytokine array and mass spectrometry were performed to analyze differentially expressed proteins in SRGN-CM and SRGN-Exo respectively. The results showed upregulated secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α in SRGN-CM, as well as enriched cation-dependent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR), integrin alpha-5, teneurin-2 and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 2 in SRGN-Exo, which were validated by Western blot. These effects were dependent on the glycosaminoglycan chains on SRGN. Our data also showed that the enhanced secretion of IL-1β promoted the expression of HGF in HEF by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase/activating protein-1. Treatment with SU11274, a c-Met (the receptor of HGF) inhibitor, attenuated the proliferation of ESCC cells co-cultured with HEF, which further indicates that IL-1β-induced HGF from HEF plays a significant role in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, the upregulated exosomal M6PR was found to mediate the enhancing effect of SRGN-Exo on endothelial tube formation ability. Notably, the expression level of M6PR in serum samples of patients with ESCC was positively correlated with that of SRGN and with poor survival. Taken together, SRGN overexpression in ESCC cells created a tumor-promoting microenvironment by altering the ESCC cell secretome including exosomes to exert influence on HEF and HUVECs. [This study was supported by Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong SAR, China, GRF Project No. 17100819]
Citation Format: Dongdong Yan, Di Cui, Yun Zhu, Cecilia Ka Wing Chan, Chung Hang Jonathan Choi, Tengfei Liu, Sai Wah Tsao, Stephanie Ma, Annie Lai-Man Cheung. Interleukin-1β and exosomal M6PR secreted by serglycin-overexpressing esophageal cancer cells instigate fibroblasts and endothelial cells to promote esophageal cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Yan
- 1School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Di Cui
- 1School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- 2Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tengfei Liu
- 1School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sai Wah Tsao
- 1School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- 1School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Li H, Ho LWC, Lee LKC, Liu S, Chan CKW, Tian XY, Choi CHJ. Intranuclear Delivery of DNA Nanostructures via Cellular Mechanotransduction. Nano Lett 2022; 22:3400-3409. [PMID: 35436127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c00667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanostructures are attractive gene carriers for nanomedicine applications, yet their delivery to the nucleus remains inefficient. We present the application of extracellular mechanical stimuli to activate cellular mechanotransduction for boosting the intranuclear delivery of DNA nanostructures. Treating mammalian cells with polythymidine-rich spherical nucleic acids (poly(T) SNAs) under gentle compression by a single coverslip leads to up to ∼50% nuclear accumulation without severe endosomal entrapment, cytotoxicity, or long-term membrane damage; no chemical modification or transfection reagent is needed. Gentle compression activates Rho-ROCK mechanotransduction and causes nuclear translocation of YAP. Joint compression and treatment with poly(T) oligonucleotides upregulate genes linked to myosin, actin filament, and nuclear import. In turn, Rho-ROCK, myosin, and importin mediate the nuclear entry of poly(T) SNAs. Treatment of endothelioma cells with poly(T) SNAs bearing antisense oligonucleotides under compression inhibits an intranuclear oncogene. Our data should inspire the marriage of DNA nanotechnology and cellular biomechanics for intranuclear applications.
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Ho LWC, Chan CKW, Han R, Lau YFY, Li H, Ho YP, Zhuang X, Choi CHJ. Mammalian Cells Exocytose Alkylated Gold Nanoparticles via Extracellular Vesicles. ACS Nano 2022; 16:2032-2045. [PMID: 35137580 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c07418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the exocytosis of nanoparticles (NPs) from cells is valuable because it informs design rules of NPs that support desirable cellular retention for nanomedicine applications, but investigations into the mechanism for the exocytosis of NPs remain scarce. We elucidate the mechanism for the exocytosis of dodecyl-terminated, polyethylene glycol-coated gold NPs (termed "dodecyl-PEG-AuNP"). The Au core enables ultrastructural differentiation of the exocytosed NPs from the nearby extracellular vesicles (EVs). The PEG shell prevents interparticle agglomeration or aggregation that disfavors exocytosis. The minute amounts of alkyl chains on the PEG shell not only promote cellular uptake but also improve exocytosis by up to 4-fold higher probability and upregulate exocytosis- and vesicle-related genes. After entering Kera-308 keratinocytes and trafficking to multivesicular bodies and lysosomes, these NPs exit the cell predominantly via unconventional exocytosis, accompanied by enhanced secretion of sub-100 nm, CD81-enriched exosomes. The pathway for NP exocytosis and subpopulation of EVs that are secreted alongside the exocytosed NPs depends on dodecyl loading. This work provides insights into dissecting the mechanism of NP exocytosis and its relationship with EV secretion.
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Lo CWS, Chan CKW, Yu J, He M, Choi CHJ, Lau JYW, Wong N. Development of CD44E/s dual-targeting DNA aptamer as nanoprobe to deliver treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nanotheranostics 2022; 6:161-174. [PMID: 34976591 PMCID: PMC8671951 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.62639] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant subtype of liver cancer with an extraordinary high mortality. Resistance to systemic therapy is a major cause of inferior clinical outcome in most patients with HCC. CD44 is a transmembrane cell-surface glycoprotein that is characterized by its variants displaying differential overexpression in human cancers. Aptamers, also known as chemical antibodies, can target cell-surface molecules with high affinity and specificity via structural recognition. Aptamer-mediated drug delivery hence is of high potentials in guiding therapy to improve efficacy. Methods: Variants CD44E and CD44s were studied for HCC relevance by investigating their expressions in primary HCC tumors, adjacent cirrhotic/fibrotic livers and normal livers using junction specific primers in qPCR assay. CD44E/s dual-targeted aptamers were uncovered by integrating loss-gain cell-SELEX and next generation sequencing. Selected aptamers were characterized for binding affinity and specificity, biostability, in vivo and in vitro cytotoxicity, in vivo homing and biodistribution, and ability to deliver 5-FU into targeted cells in vitro. Results: Both CD44E and CD44s isoforms showed significant upregulations in HCC tumors with CD44E/s activities promoting cell proliferation and migration. Loss-gain cell-SELEX uncover a CD44E/s dual-targeting aptamer, termed CD44-Apt1. Strong binding of CD44-Apt1 to cell-surface CD44 positive cells but not CD44-negative cells was demonstrated by flow-cytometry. CD44-Apt1 displayed strong affinity to CD44E and CD44s with KD as low as 1 nM but not the hyaluronic acid binding domain of CD44. Confocal imaging of CD44-positive cells stained with fluorescent-labeled CD44-Apt1 showed profound cytoplasmic localization, suggesting efficient cell-penetrating ability. Meanwhile, no apparent staining was observed in CD44-negative cells. CD44-Apt1 when conjugated with inhibitor 5-FU showed efficient guidance of 5-FU into HCC cells that significantly enhanced drug toxicity by more than thousands-fold. Both in vitro cell treatment and in vivo animal biodistribution indicated that CD44-Apt1 is non-toxic. In HCC xenograft model, CD44-Apt1 efficiently homed to tumor xenografts in a CD44 expression-dependent manner. Conclusion: Novel discovery of aptamer CD44-Apt1 that can bind both CD44E and CD44s illustrates high potential as nanoprobe to deliver anti-cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cario Wing-Sze Lo
- Department of Surgery at Sir Y.K. Pao Center for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Surgery at Sir Y.K. Pao Center for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianqing Yu
- Department of Surgery at Sir Y.K. Pao Center for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mian He
- Science Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - James Yun Wong Lau
- Department of Surgery at Sir Y.K. Pao Center for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Surgery at Sir Y.K. Pao Center for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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Han R, Ho LWC, Bai Q, Chan CKW, Lee LKC, Choi PCL, Choi CHJ. Alkyl-Terminated Gold Nanoparticles as a Self-Therapeutic Treatment for Psoriasis. Nano Lett 2021; 21:8723-8733. [PMID: 34618470 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We present a self-therapeutic nanoparticle for topical delivery to epidermal keratinocytes to prevent and treat psoriasis. Devoid of known chemical or biological antipsoriatic drugs, this sub-15 nm nanoparticle contains a 3 nm gold core and a shell of 1000 Da polyethylene glycol strands modified with 30% octadecyl chains. When it is applied to imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice without an excipient, the nanoparticle can cross the stratum corneum and preferentially enter keratinocytes. Applying the nanoparticles concurrently with imiquimod prevents psoriasis and downregulates genes that are enriched in the downstream of the interleukin-17 signaling pathway and linked to epidermis hyperproliferation and inflammation. Applying the nanoparticles after psoriasis is established treats the psoriatic skin as effectively as standard steroid and vitamin D analog-based therapy but without hair loss and skin wrinkling. The nanoparticles do not accumulate in major organs or induce long-term toxicity. Our nanoparticle offers a simple, safe, and effective alternative for treating psoriasis.
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Dai G, Chu JCH, Chan CKW, Choi CHJ, Ng DKP. Reactive oxygen species-responsive polydopamine nanoparticles for targeted and synergistic chemo and photodynamic anticancer therapy. Nanoscale 2021; 13:15899-15915. [PMID: 34522935 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr04278e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A thioketal-linked dimer of 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine was prepared which underwent self-polymerisation in the presence of doxorubicin (Dox) in an ethanol/water (1 : 4, v/v) mixture with ammonia. The resulting Dox-encapsulated polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles were further conjugated with molecules of a zinc(II) phthalocyanine (Pc)-based photosensitiser and a peptide containing the heptapeptide QRHKPRE sequence (labelled as QRH) that can target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpressed in cancer cells. Upon internalisation into these cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis, these nanoparticles labelled as PDA-Dox-Pc-QRH were disassembled gradually via cleavage of the thioketal linkages by the intrinsic intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The stacked Pc molecules were then disaggregated, resulting in activation of their photosensitising property upon irradiation. The ROS generated by the activated Pc promoted further degradation of the nanoparticles and release of Dox, thereby enhancing cell death by synergistic chemo and photodynamic therapy. Systemic injection of PDA-Dox-Pc-QRH into EGFR-overexpressed tumour-bearing nude mice led to targeted delivery to the tumour, and subsequent light irradiation caused complete tumour ablation without inducing notable toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaole Dai
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jacky C H Chu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Dennis K P Ng
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
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Yin B, Chan CKW, Liu S, Hong H, Wong SHD, Lee LKC, Ho LWC, Zhang L, Leung KCF, Choi PCL, Bian L, Tian XY, Chan MN, Choi CHJ. Intrapulmonary Cellular-Level Distribution of Inhaled Nanoparticles with Defined Functional Groups and Its Correlations with Protein Corona and Inflammatory Response. ACS Nano 2019; 13:14048-14069. [PMID: 31725257 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b06424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [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: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Concerns over the health risks associated with airborne exposure to ultrafine particles [PM0.1, or nanoparticles (NPs)] call for a comprehensive understanding in the interactions of inhaled NPs along their respiratory journey. We prepare a collection of polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles that bear defined functional groups commonly identified in atmospheric particulates (Au@PEG-X NPs, where X = OCH3, COOH, NH2, OH, or C12H25). Regardless of the functional group, these ∼50 nm NPs remain colloidally stable following aerosolization and incubation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), without pronouncedly crossing the air-blood barrier. The type of BALF proteins adhered onto the NPs is similar, but the composition of protein corona depends on functional group. By subjecting Balb/c mice to inhalation of Au@PEG-X NPs for 6 h, we demonstrate that the intrapulmonary distribution of NPs among the various types of cells (both found in BALF and isolated from the lavaged lung) and the acute inflammatory responses induced by inhalation are sensitive to the functional group of NPs and postinhalation period (0, 24, or 48 h). By evaluating the pairwise correlations between the three variables of "lung-nano" interactions (protein corona, intrapulmonary cellular-level distribution, and inflammatory response), we reveal strong statistical correlations between the (1) fractions of albumin or carbonyl reductase bound to NPs, (2) associations of inhaled NPs to neutrophils in BALF or macrophages in the lavaged lung, and (3) level of total protein in BALF. Our results provide insights into the effect of functional group on lung-nano interactions and health risks associated with inhalation of PM0.1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ken Cham-Fai Leung
- Department of Chemistry , Hong Kong Baptist University , Kowloon , Hong Kong
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Chen Z, Li H, Zhang L, Lee CK, Ho LWC, Chan CKW, Yang H, Choi CHJ. Specific Delivery of Oligonucleotides to the Cell Nucleus via Gentle Compression and Attachment of Polythymidine. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:27624-27640. [PMID: 31303000 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b11391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral delivery of nucleic acids to the cell nucleus typically requires chemical methods that do not guarantee specific delivery (e.g., transfection agent) or physical methods that may require extensive fabrication (e.g., microfluidics) or an elevated pressure (e.g., 105 Pa for microneedles). We report a method of delivering oligonucleotides to the nucleus with high specificity (relative to the cytosol) by synergistically combining chemical and physical approaches. Particularly, we demonstrate that DNA oligonucleotides appended with a polythymidine [poly(T)] segment (chemical) profusely accumulate inside the nucleus when the cells are under gentle compression imposed by the weight of a single glass coverslip (physical; ∼2.2 Pa). Our "compression-cum-poly(T)" delivery method is simple, can be generalizable to three "hard-to-transfect" cell types, and does not induce significant levels of cytotoxicity or long-term oxidative stress to the treated cells when provided the use of suitable compression times and oligonucleotide concentrations. In bEnd.3 endothelial cells, compression-aided intranuclear delivery of poly(T) is primarily mediated by importin β and nucleoporin 62. Our method significantly enhances the intranuclear delivery of antisense oligonucleotides to bEnd.3 endothelioma cells and the inhibition of two target genes, including a reporter gene encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein and an intranuclear lncRNA oncogene (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1), when compared with delivery without gentle compression or poly(T) attachment. Our data underscore the critical roles of pressure and nucleotide sequence on the intranuclear delivery of nucleic acids.
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Yin B, Li KHK, Ho LWC, Chan CKW, Choi CHJ. Toward Understanding in Vivo Sequestration of Nanoparticles at the Molecular Level. ACS Nano 2018; 12:2088-2093. [PMID: 29485854 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A longstanding and widely accepted bottleneck in the targeted delivery of intravenously injected nanoparticles lies in their clearance by macrophages in the liver and spleen. In this Perspective, we call for deeper understanding of the critical role of endothelial cells in the sequestration of nanoparticles in vivo. In this issue of ACS Nano, Campbell et al. used a combination of real-time imaging and genome-editing methods to demonstrate that stabilin-2 is an important receptor for removing anionic liposomes from blood circulation in a zebrafish model. Such mechanistic insights at the molecular level will provide a more holistic picture of the in vivo sequestration of administered nanoparticles beyond the cellular level and pose valuable design considerations for redistributing nanoparticles in vivo.
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Chan CKW, Zhang L, Cheng CK, Yang H, Huang Y, Tian XY, Choi CHJ. Recent Advances in Managing Atherosclerosis via Nanomedicine. Small 2018; 14:1702793. [PMID: 29239134 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201702793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, driven by chronic inflammation of the arteries and lipid accumulation on the blood vessel wall, underpins many cardiovascular diseases with high mortality rates globally, such as stroke and ischemic heart disease. Engineered bio-nanomaterials are now under active investigation as carriers of therapeutic and/or imaging agents to atherosclerotic plaques. This Review summarizes the latest bio-nanomaterial-based strategies for managing atherosclerosis published over the past five years, a period marked by a rapid surge in preclinical applications of bio-nanomaterials for imaging and/or treating atherosclerosis. To start, the biomarkers exploited by emerging bio-nanomaterials for targeting various components of atherosclerotic plaques are outlined. In addition, recent efforts to rationally design and screen for bio-nanomaterials with the optimal physicochemical properties for targeting plaques are presented. Moreover, the latest preclinical applications of bio-nanomaterials as carriers of imaging, therapeutic, or theranostic agents to atherosclerotic plaques are discussed. Finally, a mechanistic understanding of the interactions between bio-nanomaterials and the plaque ("athero-nano" interactions) is suggested, the opportunities and challenges in the clinical translation of bio-nanomaterials for managing atherosclerosis are discussed, and recent clinical trials for atherosclerotic nanomedicines are introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Ka Wing Chan
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shun Hing Institute of Advanced Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chak Kwong Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongrong Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shun Hing Institute of Advanced Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao Yu Tian
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shun Hing Institute of Advanced Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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