Smad4 deficiency inhibits lung metastases through enhancing phagocytosis of lung interstitial macrophages

Smad4, a critical mediator of TGF-β signaling, plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular functions, including immune responses. In this study, we investigated the impact of Smad4 knockout specifically in macrophages on anti-tumor immunity, focusing on lung metastasis of B16 melanoma cells. Using a mouse model with Smad4 knockout in macrophages established via Lyz2-cre mice and Smad4 flox/flox mice, we demonstrated a significant inhibition of B16 metastasis in the lungs. Interestingly, the inhibition of tumor growth was found to be independent of adaptive immunity, as no significant changes were observed in the numbers or activities of T cells, B cells, or NK cells. Instead, Smad4 knockout led to the emergence of an MCHIIlow CD206high subset of lung interstitial macrophages, characterized by enhanced phagocytosis function. Our findings highlight the crucial role of Smad4 in modulating the innate immune response against tumors and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting lung interstitial macrophages to enhance anti-tumor immunity.

Black phosphorus-incorporated novel Ti-12Mo-10Zr implant for multimodal treatment of osteosarcoma

The repair and reconstruction of large bone defects after bone tumor resection is still a great clinical challenge. At present, orthopedic implant reconstruction is the mainstream treatment for repairing bone defects. However, according to clinical feedback, local tumor recurrence and nonunion of bone graft are common reasons leading to the failure of bone defect repair and reconstruction after bone tumor resection, which seriously threaten the physical and mental health of patients. On this basis, here the self-developed low modulus Ti-12Mo-10Zr alloy (TMZ) was chosen as substrate material. To improve its biological activity and osteointegration, calcium, oxygen, and phosphorus co-doped microporous coating was prepared on TMZ alloy by microarc oxidation (MAO). Then, black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets were incorporated onto MAO treated TMZ alloy to obtain multifunctional composites. The obtained BP-MAO-TMZ implant exhibited excellent photothermal effects and effective ablation of osteosarcoma cancer cells under the irradiation of 808 nm near infrared laser, while no photothermal or therapeutic effects were observed for TMZ alloy. Meanwhile, the structure/component bionic coating obtained after MAO treatment as well as the P-driven in situ biomineralization performance after incorporation of BP nanosheets endowed BP-MAO-TMZ implant with synergistic promoting effect on MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts' activity, proliferation and differentiation ability. This study is expected to provide effective clinical solutions for problems of difficult bone regeneration and tumor recurrence after tumor resection in patients with bone tumors and to solve a series of medical problems such as poor prognosis and poor postoperative quality of patients life with malignant bone tumors.

Targeting TAF1 with BAY-299 induces antitumor immunity in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous breast cancer subtype with poor prognoses and limited therapeutic options. The TATA-box binding protein associated factor 1 (TAF1) is an essential protein involved in the transcriptional regulation of cancer development and progress. However, the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanism of targeting TAF1 in TNBC remain unknown. Here, using chemical probe BAY-299, we identify that TAF1 inhibition leads to the induction of endogenous retrovirus (ERVs) expression and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) formation, resulting in the activation of interferon responses and cell growth suppression in a subset of TNBC, resembling anti-viral mimicry effect. This correlation between TAF1 and interferon signature was validated in three independent breast cancer patient datasets. Furthermore, we observe heterogeneous responses to TAF1 inhibition across a set of TNBC cell lines. By integrating transcriptome and proteome data, we demonstrate that high levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein serve as a predictive biomarker associated with suppressive tumor immune responses in various cancers, which may limit the efficiency of TAF1 inhibition.

An immune related signature inhibits the occurrence and development of serous ovarian cancer by affecting the abundance of dendritic cells

Serous ovarian cancer is one of the major causes of cancer related death among women worldwide. The advanced diagnosis worsens the prognosis of patients with serous ovarian cancer. The immune system has an important impact on the progression of ovarian cancer. Herein, we aimed to establish an immune related prognostic signature to assist in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation of patients with serous ovarian cancer. Multiple public data sets and immune related genes were obtained from various online public databases, and immune related prognostic signatures were developed through differential expression analysis, univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression model. The nomogram model, Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and decision curve analysis showed that this signature had a good prediction potential. In conclusion, an immune related signature with good prediction efficiency was established through systematic bioinformatics analysis, which may play a tumor inhibition role by affecting the abundance of activated dendritic cells.

The Supplement of Magnesium Element to Inhibit Colorectal Tumor Cells

Magnesium ions are essential elements to the human body, with a daily intake of about 350 mg for an adult. Recently, a meta-analysis reported that magnesium ion intake is related to a reduced risk of colorectal tumors. In addition, implantation of biodegradable magnesium pins after colorectal tumor resection could potentially inhibit the residual tumor cells. These impressive results implied that magnesium ions possess inhibitory properties against colorectal carcinoma. However, this hypothesis has yet to be confirmed by experimental results. In this work, different concentrations of magnesium ions were modulated to investigate their inhibitory effects on cell viability through cell cycle arrest, subsequently inducing apoptosis by activating the caspase-3 pathway. The animal experiments revealed that magnesium injection restricted tumor growth after 3 weeks of treatment compared to the control group. According to the immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy results, the remarkable effect may be attributed to promoting the apoptotic rate of tumor cells. The evidence highlights the potential for the clinical use of magnesium implants to inhibit the growth of residual cells after colorectal tumor surgery.

Structural basis of the oncogenic KRAS mutant and GJ101 complex

KRAS mutations occur in a quarter of all human cancers. When activated in its GTP-bound form, RAS stimulates diverse cellular systems, such as cell division, differentiation, growth, and apoptosis through the activations of various signaling pathways, which include mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3 kinases (PI3K), and RAL-GEFs pathways. We found that GJ101 (⁶⁵LYDVA⁶⁹) binds directly to the KRAS mutant (G12V) and showed tumor-suppressive activity. In addition, the GJ101 peptide inhibited KRAS mutant as determined by a [α-³²P] guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding assay and suppressed pancreatic cell line in a cell proliferation assay. Herein, the complex structure of KRAS and GJ101 was clarified by X-ray crystallography. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that GJ101 binds highly with KRAS mutant and the complex structure of KRAS G12V^.GJ101 complex presented that the residue of Q61 directly interacted with L65 of GJ101. Overall, the results suggest GJ101 be considered a developmental starting point for KRAS G12V inhibitor.

Diversity of actinomycete and their metabolites isolated from Howz Soltan Lake, Iran

Saline environments are largely unexplored sources of actinomycetes with the potential to produce biologically active secondary metabolites. A total of 34 actinomycete isolates from water, sediments and mostly rhizosphere (82%) were collected from different sites at Howz Soltan Lake in Iran. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the isolates belonged to the genera Streptomyces, Nocardia and Saccharomonospora. Cytotoxic assay revealed extract from isolate act9 as the most potent (19.716±5.72 µg/ml) against the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell. Also, 38% of the isolates showed antimicrobial activity against some of the test microorganisms. The ethyl-acetate extract of isolate act18 showed the strongest antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA, and was further analyzed by GC/MS. Ar-tumerone (26.41%) and butyl isodecyl phthalate (21.77 %) were the main constituents detected in the extract. This is the first time Ar-tumerone is being detected in a prokaryote. Isolate act18 showed a high 16S rRNA sequence similarity to that of Streptomyces youssoufiensis DSM 41920. In addition, a number of the isolates produced different enzymes including lipase, amylase, protease, gelatinase, urease and lecithinase. Some of the isolates belonging to the genera Streptomyces and Nocardia exhibited plant growth promoting activity such as increased seed germination, stem length and the number of Echium leaves during the 20 days. Findings from this study indicated the diversity and biosynthetic potential of actinomycetes from saline environment.

Effect of chronic stress on tumorigenesis and development

Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to aggravates tumorigenesis and development. Although the importance of SNS and HPA in maintaining homeostasis has already attracted much attention, there is still a lot remained unknown about the molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress influence the occurrence and development of tumor. While some researches have already concluded the mechanisms underlying the effect of chronic stress on tumor, complicated processes of tumor progression resulted in effects of chronic stress on various stages of tumor remains elusive. In this reviews we concluded recent research progresses of chronic stress and its effects on premalignancy, tumorigenesis and tumor development, we comprehensively summarized the molecular mechanisms in between. And we highlight the available treatments and potential therapies for stressed patients with tumor.

[Self-Aggregating Porphyrin-Based Photosensitizer Nano Micelles for Photodynamic Therapy]

Objective

To prepare supramolecular photosensitizer that can be retained at the site of tumors and that has high light conversion efficiency so as to improve the efficacy of tumor photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Methods

A covalent organic framework material based on amino tetraphenyl porphyrin (Tapp), henceforth referred to as Tapp-COF, was synthesized. The spectral characteristics, energy gap characteristics and singlet oxygen generation ability of the material were characterized. Then, Tapp-COF was processed by thin film hydration method to derive T-C@PP, a nano micelle unstable in physiological environment. The same method was used to process Tapp in order to make T@PP micelles, which were used as the controls. The particle size, potential, surface morphology and stability were examined. B16F10 mouse melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously into C57 mice and T-C@PP or T@PP were injected intratumorally, followed by light exposure or no light exposure. We assessed the in vitro photodynamic killing efficiency of the nano micelles and the status of tumor cells co-cultured with the photosensitizer micelles and validated the tumor retention ability and killing efficiency of the micelles .

Results

Compared with Tapp, Tapp-COF displayed higher photodynamic conversion efficiency, and could produce more ROS. The T-C@PP micelles were unstable in physiological environment, and adsorptive aggregation would occur after co-culturing with tumor cells for a period of time. T-C@PP showed low cytotoxicity when there was no light exposure, but could kill tumor cells at relatively low concentration under 660 nm laser irradiation. T-C@PP could be retained in tumor tissue, and had better in vivo killing efficiency that that of T@PP.

Conclusion

In this study, highly efficient TPP-COF based T-C@PP micelles were prepared. Under physiological conditions, these micelles could achieve tumor retention through self-aggregation. Possessing sound safety, the nano micelles showed promise for potential application in tumor PDT.

Injectable hydrogel for postoperative synergistic photothermal-chemodynamic tumor and anti-infection therapy

Tumor surgery is usually accompanied by neoplasm residual, tissue defects, and multi-drug resistant bacterial infection, causing high tumor recurrence, low survival rate, and chronic wounds. Herein, a light-activated injectable hydrogel based on bioactive nanocomposite system is developed by incorporating Ag₂S nanodots conjugated Fe-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGN-Fe-Ag₂S) into biodegradable PEGDA and AIPH solution for inhibiting tumor growth, treating bacterial infection, and promoting wound healing. Under laser irradiation, the photothermal effect mediated by Ag₂S nanodots would trigger the decomposition of AIPH, generating alkyl radicals to initiate the gelation of PEGDA. The in-situ gelatinized hydrogel, with outstanding photothermal effect and chemodynamic effect derived from the doped Fe in BGN-Fe-Ag₂S, can not only eliminate multidrug-resistant bacteria but also efficiently ablated tumor during treatment. Moreover, the hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing with more skin appendages in the full-thickness cutaneous wounds model because of the hydrolysis of bioactive glass. These results manifest that this multifunctional hydrogel is a suitable biomaterial to inhibit tumor proliferation and overcome tissue bacterial infection after surgical removal of tumors.

Catalytic core-shell nanoparticles with self-supplied calcium and H2O2 to enable combinational tumor inhibition

Nanoparticles, presenting catalytic activity to induce intracellular oxidative species, have been extensively explored for tumor treatment, but suffer daunting challenges in the limited intracellular H₂O₂ and thus suppressed therapeutic efficacy. Here in this study, a type of composite nanoparticles, consisting CaO₂ core and Co-ferrocene shell, is designed and synthesized for combinational tumor treatment. The findings indicate that CaO₂ core can be hydrolyzed to produce large amounts of H₂O₂ and calcium ions at the acidic tumor sites. Meanwhile, Co-ferrocene shell acts as an excellent Fenton catalyst, inducing considerable ROS generation following its reaction with H₂O₂. Excessive cellular oxidative stress triggers agitated calcium accumulation in addition to the calcium ions released from the particles. The combined effect of intracellular ROS and calcium overload causes significant tumor inhibition both in vitro and in vivo.

Targeting Cullin-RING E3 Ubiquitin Ligase 4 by Small Molecule Modulators

Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase 4 (CRL4) plays an essential role in cell cycle progression. Recent efforts using high throughput screening and follow up hit-to-lead studies have led to identification of small molecules 33-11 and KH-4-43 that inhibit E3 CRL4's core ligase complex and exhibit anticancer potential. This review provides: 1) an updated perspective of E3 CRL4, including structural organization, major substrate targets and role in cancer; 2) a discussion of the challenges and strategies for finding the CRL inhibitor; and 3) a summary of the properties of the identified CRL4 inhibitors as well as a perspective on their potential utility to probe CRL4 biology and act as therapeutic agents.

Multifunctional carbon monoxide nanogenerator as immunogenic cell death drugs with enhanced antitumor immunity and antimetastatic effect

The limited effect of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy is subjected to the immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). It is still a challenge to reverse the immune-suppressive state in clinical cancer therapy. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a way for inducing the therapeutical tumor immune system. In this work, carbon monoxide (CO) gas therapy is used to boost antitumor immunity for tumor control, metastasis and recurrence prevention. Briefly, CO₂-g-C₃N₄-Au@ZIF-8@F127 (CCAZF) is proposed to integrate gas therapy and immunotherapy into a photocatalytic nanogenerator for overcoming the limitations of monotherapy. CCAZF exhibits a highly effective light-controllable release behavior of CO, which gradually aggravates the oxidative stress in tumor cells to induce ICD. With the induction of ICD, CO therapy enhances immune responses and enables efficient immune cells activated. When combined with ICB, CCAZF displays an enhanced immune effect, which mediates the regression of primary and distal tumors. This strategy of in-situ photocatalytic CO therapy furthest avoids the toxicity from CO leakage and provides a new method to design novel ICD inducers.

Ferroptosis-Strengthened Metabolic and Inflammatory Regulation of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Provokes Potent Tumoricidal Activities

Modulation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) holds promise for cancer treatment, mainly relying on M1 signaling activation and pro-inflammatory promotion. Nevertheless, the antitumor activity is often limited by the anti-inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the metabolic function of TAMs is also critical to tumor progression. However, there are a few strategies that can simultaneously regulate both inflammatory and metabolic functions to achieve safe and potent antitumor activation of TAMs. Herein, we demonstrate that an iron-based metal organic framework nanoparticle and a ferroptosis-inducing agent synergistically induce mitochondrial alternation in TAMs, resulting in a radical metabolic switch from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, which is resistant to anti-inflammatory stimuli challenge. The ferroptosis stress strengthened by the nanoformulation also drives multiple pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, enabling macrophage activation with potent tumoricidal activities. The ferroptosis-strengthened macrophage regulation strategy present in this study paves the way for TAM-centered antitumoral treatment to overcome the limitations of conventional methods.

Combined strategies for effective cancer immunotherapy with a novel anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody

CD47 is a widely expressed cell-surface protein that regulates phagocytosis mediated by cells of the innate immune system, such as macrophages and dendritic cells. CD47 serves as the ligand for a receptor on these innate immune cells, signal regulatory protein (SIRP)-α, which in turn inhibits phagocytosis. Several targeted CD47 therapeutic antibodies have been investigated clinically; however, how to improve its therapeutic efficacy remains unclear. Herein, we developed a CD47 blocking antibody, named IBI188, that could specifically block the CD47-SIRP-α axis, which transduces the "don't eat me" signal to macrophages. In vitro phagocytosis assays demonstrated the pro-phagocytosis ability of IBI188. Furthermore, several in vivo models were chosen to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of IBI188. IBI188 treatment upregulated cell movement- and inflammation-related genes in macrophages. Synergism was observed when combined with an anti-CD20 therapeutic antibody, whose function depends on antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity/phagocytosis (ADCC/ADCP). CD47 expression was evaluated following azacytidine (AZA) treatment, a standard-of-care for patients with multiple myeloma; enhanced anti-tumor efficacy was observed in the combination group in AML xenograft models. Notably, IBI188 treatment increased vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) levels in a solid tumor model, and combined treatment with an anti-VEGF-A antibody and IBI188 resulted in an enhanced anti-tumor effect. These data indicate that IBI188 is a therapeutic anti-CD47 antibody with anti-tumor potency, which can be enhanced when used in combination with standard-of-care drugs for cancer treatment.

Cure lies in nature: medicinal plants and endophytic fungi in curbing cancer

Success of targeted cancer treatment modalities has generated an ambience of plausible cure for cancer. However, cancer remains to be the major cause of mortality across the globe. The emergence of chemoresistance, relapse after treatment and associated adverse effects has posed challenges to the present therapeutic regimes. Thus, investigating new therapeutic agents of natural origin and delineating the underlying mechanism of action is necessary. Since ages and still in continuum, the phytochemicals have been the prime source of identifying bioactive agents against cancer. They have been exploited for isolating targeted specific compounds to modulate the key regulating signaling pathways of cancer pathogenesis and progression. Capsaicin (alkaloid compound in chilli), catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (phytochemicals in green tea), lutein (carotenoid found in yellow fruits), Garcinol (phenolic compound present in kokum tree) and many other naturally available compounds are also very valuable to develop the drugs to treat the cancer. An alternate repository of similar chemical diversity exists in the form of endophytic fungi inhabiting the medicinal plants. There is a high diversity of plant associated endophytic fungi in nature which are potent producers of anti-cancer compounds and offers even stronger hope for the discovery of an efficient anti-cancer drug. These fungi provide various bioactive molecules, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, quinines, steroids etc. exhibiting anti-cancerous property. The review discusses the relevance of phytochemicals in chemoprevention and as modulators of miRNA. The perspective advocates the imperative role of anti-cancerous secondary metabolites containing repository of endophytic fungi, as an alternative route of drug discovery.

Structural basis of the p53 DNA binding domain and PUMA complex

PUMA (p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis) is localized in mitochondria and a direct target in p53-mediated apoptosis. p53 elicits mitochondrial apoptosis via transcription-dependent and independent mechanisms. p53 is known to induce apoptosis via the transcriptional induction of PUMA, which encodes proapoptotic BH3-only members of the Bcl-2 protein family. However, the transcription-independent mechanisms of human PUMA remain poorly defined. For example, it is not known whether PUMA interacts directly with the DNA binding domain (DBD: residues 92-293) of p53 in vitro. Here, the structure of the complex between the DBD of p53 and PUMA peptide was elucidated by X-ray crystallography. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that PUMA peptide binds strongly with p53 DBD, and the crystal structure of p53-PUMA peptide complex revealed it contains four molecules of p53 DBD and one PUMA peptide per asymmetric unit in space group P₁. PUMA peptide bound to the N-terminal residues of p53 DBD. A cell proliferation assay demonstrated PUMA peptide inhibited the growth of a lung cancer cell line. These results contribute to understanding of the mechanism responsible for p53-mediated apoptosis.

Remodeling extracellular matrix based on functional covalent organic framework to enhance tumor photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment modality for tumor suppression. However, the hypoxic state of most solid tumors might largely hinder the efficacy of PDT. Here, a functional covalent organic framework (COF) is fabricated to enhance PDT efficacy by remodeling the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). Anti-fibrotic drug pirfenidone (PFD) is loaded in an imine-based COF (COF_TTA-DHTA) and followed by the decoration of poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) to fabricate PFD@COF_TTA-DHTA@PLGA-PEG, or PCPP. After injected intravenously, PCPP can accumulate and release PFD in tumor sites, leading to down-regulation of ECM compenents such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen I. Such depletion of tumor ECM reduces the intratumoral solid stress, a compressive force exerted by the ECM and cells, decompresses tumor blood vessels, and increases the density of effective vascular areas, resulting in significantly improved oxygen supply in tumor. Furthermore, PCPP-mediated tumor ECM depletion also enhances the tumor uptake of subsequently injected Protoporphyrinl IX (PPIX)-conjugated peptide formed nanomicelles (NM-PPIX) due to the improved enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Both the alleviated tumor hypoxia and improved tumor homing of photosensitizer (PS) molecules after PCPP treatment significantly increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in tumor and therefore realize greatly enhanced PDT effect of tumor in vivo.

A cocktail of polyclonal affinity enriched antibodies against melanoma mutations increases binding and inhibits tumor growth

BACKGROUND

Antibodies that target a single tumor antigen fail to cure stage IV cancer patients due to tumor heterogeneity and variable expression of antigen. Tumor cells with insufficient binding of antibody will not undergo antibody induced cytotoxicity. We describe targeting multiple tumor-specific antigens that resulted in homogeneous dense binding to mouse melanoma cells and significant tumor growth inhibition.

METHODS

Surface-related tumor-specific mutations on B16-F10 cells were identified. Peptides containing the single amino acid mutation were synthesized for 9 different neoantigens. Rabbits were vaccinated with each of these peptides and high affinity polyclonal antibodies to each peptide were obtained. The 9 antibodies were combined as a cocktail and mice with implanted B16-F10 cells were treated with and without PD1 inhibitor.

RESULTS

Even a single dose of the antibody cocktail inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival. PD1 inhibitor alone had little effect on tumor growth. The antibody cocktail plus PD1 inhibition increased tumor response and 4 doses of the cocktail completely prevented tumor growth in 50% of the mice. Complete responses were durable. The complete responders were highly resistant to tumor re-challenge at 6 months. No adverse events were identified in the antibody treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple tumor-specific cell surface-related neoantigens were abundant in B16-F10 cells. Antibodies to 9 of these neoantigens had variable binding but when combined had dense homogeneous binding. Even one dose of this cocktail of 9 antibodies improved survival and when multiple doses were combined with PD1 inhibition 50% of the mice were rendered permanently tumor free.

Pea-like nanocabins enable autonomous cruise and step-by-step drug pushing for deep tumor inhibition

Pea-like nanocabins (HA@APT§DOX) were designed for deep tumor inhibition. The AS1411 aptamer (APT) constituted "core shelf" which guaranteed DOX "beans" could be embedded, while the outer HA acted as "pea shell" coating. During the circulation (primary orbit), HA@APT§DOX could autonomously cruise until leak through tumor vasculature. Upon tumor superficial site, the "pea shell" could be degraded by highly expressed hyaluronic acid enzymes (HAase) and peel-off, resulting in orbit changing of released APT§DOX to reach the deep tumor tissue. Furthermore, APT§DOX could be specifically uptaken into A549 tumor cells (secondary orbit). Finally, DOX was released under the acidic environment of lysosome, and delivered into nuclear (targeting orbit) to achieve drug pushing for deep tumor inhibition. More importantly, the in vivo imaging and anti-tumor effects evaluations showed that these nanocabins could effectively enhance drugs accumulation in tumor sites and inhibit tumor growth, with reduced systemic toxicity in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice.

Inhibitory Effect of (2R)-1-(1-Benzofuran-2-yl)-N-propylpentan-2-amine on Lung Adenocarcinoma

BPAP is a potent enhancer substance with catecholaminergic and serotoninergic activity in the brain. It was discovered that it is also effective against certain types of experimental cancers, showing the most promising results in case of lung cancer. That is why we tested its efficacy in two different doses in a newly developed EGFR wild type mouse lung adenocarcinoma xenograft model. Experiments were conducted on FVB/N and SCID mouse strains treated with low and high dose of BPAP. Body weight, survival, and tumor volumes were recorded. Furthermore, the activity of major signaling pathways of NSCLC such as MAPK and Akt/mTOR as well as cell cycle regulation were determined. Significant inhibition of tumor growth was exerted by both doses, but the mechanism of action was different. High dose directly inhibited, whereas low dose activated the main signaling pathways. Exposure to low dose BPAP resulted in elevated activity of the mTOR pathway together with p16^INK-induced cell cycle arrest, a typical feature of geroconversion, a senescent state characterized by loss of cell proliferation. Finally the events culminated in cell cycle inhibition point in case of both doses mirrored by the decrease of cyclin D1, CDK4 and PCNA. In addition, BPAP treatment had a beneficial effect on bodyweight suggesting that the compound at least in part is able to compensate the cancer-related wasting. In view of the low toxicity and confirmed antitumor effect of BPAP against experimental lung adenocarcinoma, this novel compound deserves further attention.

Inhibition of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Tumor Growth by Electroacupuncture with Encircled Needling and Its Mechanisms in a Mice Xenograft Model

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer without effective targeted drugs. While breast cancer patients often use acupuncture for the relief of cancer-induced pain or the side effects of chemo- or radiation therapy, little information is known regarding the direct effects of electroacupuncture on TNBC tumor and its potential mechanisms. Here, we created a mice model of TNBC and electroacupuncture with encircled needling around the tumors was given to the animals daily for 3 weeks at 15-20 Hz (3 min, each time). For sham electroacupuncture control, the skin was punctured to a depth of 5 mm and then the needle was quickly withdrawn without electrical stimulation or manual needle manipulation. We found that electroacupuncture significantly inhibited TNBC tumor growth and the inhibitory rate increased gradually overtime. Mechanistic analysis showed that electroacupuncture inhibited tumor angiogenesis by reducing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), its receptor VEGF-R and neuropilin 1 (NRP-1). Electroacupuncture also led to a significant decrease of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression and an increase of tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP-2) expression. Additionally, the expression of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) p75 in TNBC tissue was significantly upregulated in response to electroacupuncture. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha level in the serum was dramatically reduced after electroacupuncture. These results showed that electroacupuncture could directly inhibit TNBC tumor growth through the inhibition of proteins related to tumor angiogenesis and extracellular matrix, the suppression of TNBC-induced inflammation and the upregulation of nerve growth factor receptors.

MEF2 plays a significant role in the tumor inhibitory mechanism of encapsulated RENCA cells via EGF receptor signaling in target tumor cells

Background

Agarose encapsulated murine renal adenocarcinoma cells (RENCA macrobeads) are currently being investigated in clinical trials as a treatment for therapy-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer. We have previously demonstrated the capacity of RENCA macrobeads to produce diffusible substances that markedly inhibit the proliferation of epithelial-derived tumor cells outside the macrobead environment. This study examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed inhibition in targeted tumor cells exposed to RENCA macrobeads.

Methods

We evaluated changes in transcription factor responses, participating intracellular signaling pathways and the involvement of specific cellular receptors in targeted tumor cells exposed to RENCA macrobeads.

Results

Factors secreted by RENCA macrobeads significantly up-regulated the activity of the MEF2 transcription factor as well as altered the transcription of MEF2b and MEF2d isoforms in targeted tumor cells. Suppression of individual or multiple MEF2 isoforms in target tumor cells markedly reduced the growth inhibitory effects of RENCA macrobeads. Furthermore, these effects were linked to the activation of the EGF receptor as attenuation of EGFR resulted in a substantial reduction of the cancer cell growth-inhibitory effect.

Conclusions

Since interruption of the EGFR signaling cascade did not eliminate RENCA macrobead-induced growth control, our data suggests that RENCA macrobeads exert their full growth inhibitory effects through the simultaneous activation of multiple signaling pathways. In contrast to a precision medicine approach targeting single molecular abnormalities, the RENCA macrobead functions as a biological-systems therapy to re-establish regulation in a highly dysfunctional and dysregulated cancer system.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5128-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Traditional Chinese medicine Gegen Qinlian decoction ameliorates irinotecan chemotherapy-induced gut toxicity in mice

BACKGROUND

Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQT), is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula chronicled in Shang Han Lun, and is widely used to treat diarrhea and inflammation symptoms in various gastrointestinal disorders. Although it has been found to inhibit delayed-onset mice diarrhea resulted from irinotecan (CPT-11) administration in preliminary experiments, the underlying mechanisms and chemical components remain elusive.

METHODS

The effective fraction of GQT by macroporous resin elution was obtained and screened using a diarrhea mouse model induced by CPT-11 and quantified by UPLC analysis. The protective effect of GQT extract towards alleviating diarrhea in mice following CPT-11 administration was further investigated. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and intestinal tight junction related proteins in colonic tissues were determined. The inhibitory effect of GQT extract against hCE2 was evaluated by a fluorescence-based method. Lastly, the synergistic effect of GQT extract combined with CPT-11 against tumor growth in a colorectal tumor mouse model, induced by HT-29 colon cancer cells xenograft subcutaneously, was investigated.

RESULTS

The obtained GQT extract, which profoundly ameliorated the gut toxicity induced by CPT-11, contained puerarin, liquiritin, berberine, and baicalin of 27.2 mg/g, 4.6 mg/g, 491.4 mg/g, and 304.2 mg/g, respectively. After 5 days of administration of GQT extract to mice with diarrhea induced by CPT-11, aberrantly elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, COX-2, ICAM-1, and TNF-α, were significantly decreased. Meanwhile, GQT extract also exhibited a remarkable anti-oxidative stress effect, involving activating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, and up-regulating the intestinal barrier function by enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1, HO-1, and occludin. Additionally, a potent inhibitory effect of GQT extract against hCE2 was observedin vitro, with its IC₅₀ value of 0.187 mg/ml, suggesting alleviating activity on hCE2-mediated severe diarrhea in patients suffered from CPT-11. Moreover, GQT extract was shown to improve inhibition of the colonic tumor growth synergistically with CPT-11.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicates that GQT extract can ameliorate CPT-11 induced gut toxicity in mice and improve CPT-11 efficacy in colorectal cancer treatment.

Specific tissue factor delivery using a tumor-homing peptide for inducing tumor infarction

Targeting the human blood coagulation-inducing protein tissue factor (TF) to the tumor vasculature to induce infarction and disrupt the blood vessels has proven to be an effective approach for tumor therapy. In this study, we investigated the thrombogenic activity and anti-tumor potential of a novel fusion protein (tTF-CREKA) comprising the extracellular domain of human tissue factor (truncated TF, tTF) and a tumor targeting pentapeptide, Cys-Arg-Glu-Lys-Ala (CREKA). tTF is soluble and inactive in its free state, but when it is targeted to the plasma membrane of both tumor vessel endothelial cells and stromal cells by the CREKA peptide, its native coagulation-inducing activity is restored. Systemic administration of the tTF-CREKA fusion protein into tumor-bearing mice induced tumor-selective intravascular thrombosis and reduced tumor blood perfusion, consequently inhibiting tumor growth. The development of tTF-CREKA introduces a new method for treating a wide spectrum of solid tumors by selectively blocking tumor blood supply.

High-activity chitosan/nano hydroxyapatite/zoledronic acid scaffolds for simultaneous tumor inhibition, bone repair and infection eradication

Implanted biomaterials combined tumor inhibition and bone repair property are urgently needed to address the huge bone destruction and the high local recurrence following primary surgery in bone tumor therapy. In this work, a high-activity chitosan/nano hydroxyapatite (CS/nHA) scaffold containing zoledronic acid (CS/nHA/Zol) was prepared with a facile method. The prepared CS/nHA/Zol scaffolds exhibited excellent tumor inhibition property towards giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) in vitro through inducing cells apoptosis by up-regulating pro-apoptosis genes expression and reducing the osteoclastic activity of tumor cells by down-regulating osteoclastic genes. Meanwhile, the prepared scaffolds possessed well biocompatibility and osteoinductivity as compared to pure CS/nHA scaffolds. Furthermore, the prepared scaffolds also presented outstanding antibacterial activity against clinical pathogenic S. aureus and E. coli. These overall findings successfully demonstrated the prepared CS/nHA/Zol scaffolds had a multifunction of tumor therapy, bone repair, and antibacterium, which provides a new approach possessed promising advantages in bone tumor therapy.

Therapeutic efficacy of an anti-PD-L1 antibody based immunocytokine in a metastatic mouse model of colorectal cancer

Immunocytokines (antibody-cytokine fusions) have been proved to be a promising class of therapeutic agents for tumors. Anti-PD-L1 antibodies or IL-2 have been used to treat a variety of cancers. Here, in order to remove T cell inhibition and increasing the IL-2 concentration in the tumor microenvironment, we engineered a novel anti-PD-L1 antibody based immunocytokine by fusing hIL-2 to the C-Term of atezolizumab, denoted as BIPI. Our results revealed that BIPI was effective in stimulating T cell activation in vitro and could selectively localize to the tumor. Furthermore, tumor regression and prolonged survival were also observed in the metastatic colorectal cancer mouse model. The obviously longer survival mice in BIPI treatment group turned out depending on the function of CD8⁺ T cells. The IFN- secreted from CD8⁺ T cells in the spleen also contributed to the better tumor inhibition profile in BIPI treatment group than in anti-PD-L1 or IL-2 treatment alone. Taken together, our data evidenced the enhanced antitumor potency of BIPI, suggesting its potential use for cancers with a low response to the anti-PD-L1 or IL-2 treatment.

A tissue-engineered therapeutic device inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo

Bone metastasis is one of the leading causes of death in breast cancer patients. The current treatment is performed as a palliative therapy and the adverse side effects can compromise the patients' quality of life. In order to both effectively treat bone metastasis and avoid the limitation of current strategies, we have invented a drug eluting scaffold with clay matrix release doxorubicin (DESCLAYMR_DOX) to mechanically support the structure after resecting the metastatic tissue while also releasing the anticancer drug doxorubicin which supplements growth inhibition and elimination of the remaining tumor cells. We have previously demonstrated that this device has the capacity to regenerate the bone and provide sustained release of the anticancer drug in vitro. In this study, we focus on the ability of the device to inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro as well as in vivo. Drug-release kinetics was investigated and the cell viability test showed that the tumor inhibitory effect is sustained for up to 4weeks in vitro. Subcutaneous implantation of DESCLAYMR_DOX in athymic mice resulted in significant growth inhibition of human tumor xenografts of breast origin and decelerated multi-organ metastasis formation. Fluorescence images, visualizing doxorubicin, showed a sustained drug release from the DESCLAYMR device in vivo. Furthermore, local use of DESCLAYMR_DOX implantation reduced the incidence of doxorubicin's cardio-toxicity. These results suggest that DESCLAYMR_DOX can be used in reconstructive surgery to support the structure after bone tumor resection and facilitate a sustained release of anticancer drugs in order to prevent tumor recurrence.

Heteroglucan-dendrimer glycoconjugate: a modulated construct with augmented immune responses and signaling phenomena

BACKGROUND

Newer strategies for augmenting immune responses of pharmacologically active glucans may serve to improve the medicinal potential of these biomolecules. With this aim, the present work was focused on generating targeted high molecular size glucan particles with magnified immune response activity.

METHODS

Heteroglucans were conjugated with PAMAM dendrimers using a Schiff base reductive amination reaction to generate a polytethered molecule with multiple glucan motifs. The modulated construct was characterized by FTIR, TEM, (1)H NMR and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. Effects of conjugated glucans were examined in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells as well as in S-180 murine tumor models.

RESULTS

Dendrimer-conjugated glucans were found to exhibit a two-fold increase in immune stimulation in comparison to unconjugated glucans. This may be corroborated by the predominant enhancement in immunological functions such as nitric oxide production, ROS generation and immune directed tumor inhibition in murine models. Immune cell surface markers (CD4, CD8, CD19, MHC-II) and cytokine levels were also found to be highly up-regulated in the splenocytes of mice subjected to particulate glucan administration. Our study also demonstrated that conjugated glucan treatment to RAW 264.7 cells strongly enhanced the phosphorylation of two downstream signalling molecules of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPKs) family: p38 and MEK1/2 relative to single glucans thereby relating molecular mechanisms with enhanced immune stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The results obtained thus support that particulate format of soluble heteroglucan will thereby improve its functionality and identify leads in therapeutic competence.

Antitumor properties of two traditional aromatic rice genotypes (Kalijira and Chinigura)

OBJECTIVE

Methanol extract of bran and unpolished grain of two traditional aromatic rice genotypes viz. Kalijira and Chinigura were assayed for their activity on the growth and initiation of crown-gall tumors on potato disks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three Agrobacterium tumefaciens (A. tumefaciens) strain AtSl0105, AtTa0112, and AtAc0114 were used as the tumor forming agent. Collected rice was separated to bran and unpolished grain by different milling processes and made into fine powder before extracting using methanol. Antitumor assay of plant extracts was performed according to standard potato disc bioassay. Disc diffusion assay (Kirby-Bauer Method) was used to screen A. tumefaciens sensitivity test.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated a high correlation between the ability of aromatic rice to inhibit the initiation and growth of crown-gall tumors on potato disks. Maximum tumor inhibitions were observed against the strain AtSl0105 by Kalijira bran (73.91%) and Chinigura bran (69.56%). Both unpolished grains showed significant effect (Kalijira 57.43%, Chinigura 55.53%) to inhibit the tumor.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that aromatic rice (Kalijira and Chinigura) might be a potential source of antitumor agent that can be used for further drug development for tumor treatment.

The formulation and delivery of curcumin with solid lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of on non-small cell lung cancer both in vitro and in vivo

Curcumin was determined to have anticancer potency on several kinds of carcinoma. However, its medical application was limited because of its poor bioavailability, unsatisfying dispersity and rapid metabolism in vivo. In this study, curcumin was delivered by solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for lung cancer treatment. The physiochemical characters of SLN-curcumin were detected by HPLC, TEM, Zeta potential analysis and FTIR, and the anticancer efficiency on lung cancer was determined both in vitro and in vivo. SLN-curcumin was synthesized by sol-gel method with the size ranged from 20 to 80 nm. After being loaded in SLN, the IC50 of SLN-curcumin on A549 cells was 4 μM, only 1/20 of plain drug. The plasmid concentration of curcumin was highly increased in mice via i.p. after loaded with SLN. Furthermore, SLN-curcumin enhanced the targeting of curcumin to lung and tumor, which finally increased the inhibition efficiency of curcumin from 19.5% to 69.3%. The Flow Cytometry (FCM) analysis and immuno staining confirmed that the inhibition effect mostly came from apoptosis, but not necrosis. The tumor targeting and profound tumor inhibition effect of SLN-curcumin indicated its medical application on lung cancer treatment, and also provided a novel method for new anticancer agents' development.