Experimental study on the inhibition effect of miR-106a inhibitor on tumor growth of ovarian cancer xenografts mice

Objective:To study the inhibition effect of miR-106 a inhibitor on tumor growth of ovarian cancer xenografts mice.Methods:BALB/c mice were selected as experimental animals,ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells transfected with miR-106 a inhibitor and its negative control were inoculated subcutaneously,intratumoral injection of miR-106 a inhibitor and its negative control were continued after tumor formation,and they were enrolled as treatment group and model group,respectively.Tumor volume and weight as well as Ki-67 and programmed cell death 4(PDCD4) expression were determined;miR-106 a inhibitor and its negative control as well as miR-106 a mimic and its negative control were transfected into SKOV-3 cells,and expression of PDCD4 in cells was determined.Results:Tumor tissue volume and weight as well as mR NA expression and protein expression of Ki-67 in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the model group while m RNA expression and protein expression of PDCD4 were significantly higher than those in the model group;transfection of mi R-106 a mimic could decrease m RNA expression and protein expression of PDCD4 in SKOV-3 cells,and transfection of miR-106 a inhibitor could increase mR NA expression and protein expression of PDCD4 in SKOV-3 cells.Conclusions:Transfection of mi R-106 a inhibitor can inhibit the growth of tumor in ovarian cancer xenografts mice through increasing the expression of PDCD4.

Effect of lentivirus-mediated integrin αVβ3-sh RNA on tumor growth of mice with lung cancer xenografts

Objective: To study the effect of lentivirus-mediated integrin αVβ3-sh RNA on tumor growth of mice with lung cancer xenograft. Methods: Lung cancer tissue, paracancer tissue and normal tissue were collected and integrin αVβ3 expression was detected; BALB/c nude mice were selected, divided into integrin αVβ3 knockdown group(KD group) and negative control group(NC group), and inoculated with cells stably infected by integrin αVβ3-sh RNA lentivirus and cells stably infected by negative control-sh RNA lentivirus respectively, the growth of tumor tissue was continuously observed, and the number of apoptosis cells as well as the expression of angiogenesis, apoptosis and invasion genes in tumor tissue were detected. Results: m RNA content and protein content of integrin αVβ3 in lung cancer tissue were significantly higher than those in paracancer tissue and normal tissue; increasing trend of tumor tissue volume of KD group was weaker than that of NC group, and tumor volume at various points in time of KD group was lower than that of NC group; m RNA contents and protein contents of VEGF, FGF, EGF, Bcl-2, MMP-9, MMP-12 and MMP-13 in tumor tissue of KD group were lower than those of NC group, and apoptosis index as well as m RNA content and protein content of Bax were higher than those of NC group. Conclusions: The expression of integrin αVβ3 increases in lung cancer tissue, and lentivirus-mediated integrin αVβ3-sh RNA can inhibit tumor growth of mice with lung cancer xenografts.

Molecular phenotypes reveal heterogeneous engraftments of patient-derived hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts

Objective:Patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models provide a promising preclinical platform for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,the molecular features associated with successful engraftment of PDX models have not been revealed.Methods:HCC tumor samples from 76 patients were implanted in immunodeficient mice.The molecular expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Patient and tumor characteristics as well as tumor molecular expressions were compared for PDX engraftment using the Chi-square test.The independent prediction parameters were identified by logistic regression analyses.Results:The engraftment rate for PDX models from patients with HCC was 39.47%(30/76).Tumors from younger patients and patients with elevated preoperative alpha-fetoprotein level had higher engraftment rates.Tumors with poor differentiation and vascular invasion were related to engraftment success.The positive expression of CK19,CD133,glypican-3(GPC3),and Ki67 in tumor samples was associated with engraftment success.Logistic regression analyses indicated that GPC3 and Ki67 were two of the strongest predictors of PDX engraftment.Tumors with GPC3/Ki67 phenotypes showed heterogeneous engraftment rates,with 71.9%in GPC3^(+)/Ki67^(+)tumors,30.8%in GPC3^(-)/Ki67^(+)tumors,15.0%in GPC3^(+)/Ki67^(-)tumors,and 0 in GPC3^(-)/Ki67^(-)tumors.Conclusions:Successful engraftment of HCC PDXs was significantly related to molecular features.Tumors with the GPC3+/Ki67+phenotype were the most likely to successfully establish HCC PDXs.

A STUDY OF THE BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN HEPATOMA XENOGRAFTS IN NUDE MICE AFTER IRRADIATION

Cell growth kinetics and changes in AFP in nude mice with human hepatoma xenografts were evaluated using the flow cytometry method. After receiving 10 Gy of radiation, the mice showed a marked delay in tumor growth; approximately 1 Gy of radiation caused a tumor growth delay of one day. Irradiation altered various phases of the cell cycle. An acute and temporary block of G2 cells was characteristic; FCM measurements demonstrated that about 58% of cells were blocked in the G2 phase and this blocking effect lasted 90 hours after an irradiation of 10 Gy. This indicated that human hepatoma xenografts in nude mice were quite sensitive to irradiation. It was also noted that the AFP decreased for 96 hours after irradiation. Changes in G2 cells after irradiation may be closely related to changes in AFP.

Advantages and limitations in the establishment and utilization of patient-derived xenografts in gastric cancer

Owing to the high genetic heterogeneity of tumors, small number of therapeutic strategies available, and frequent presentation of drug resistance, the prognosis for patients with advanced gastric cancer(AGC) are unsatisfactory. The utility of traditional cancer cell lines in translational research is limited by their poor correspondence to the genomic alterations and expression profiles that occur in actual patient tumors. In the last decade, increasing attention has been given to patient-derived tumor xenografts(PDTXs), which can faithfully recapitulate the histopathology, molecular characteristics, and therapeutic responses of the patient's tumor. However, the widespread development and utilization of PDTXs is restricted by factors such as the timeframe of establishment, lymphoma transformation during passaging, the immunodeficient microenvironment, and pharmacokinetic differences between mice and humans. In this review, we summarize the establishment and characterization of PDTX models for gastric cancer(GC). We then weigh the advantages and limitations of PDTXs when used to evaluate novel compounds, identify effective biomarkers, demonstrate resistance mechanisms, and predict clinical outcomes.

Mutation Status of KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA and Expression Level of AREG and EREG Identify Responders to Cetuximab in a Large Panel of Patient Derived Colorectal Carcinoma Xenografts of All Four UICC Stages

To advance preclinical testing of novel targeted drugs in colorectal cancer (CRC) we established a panel of 133 mouse xenograft models from fresh tumor specimens of 239 patients with CRC of all four UICC stages. A subgroup of 67 xenograft models was treated with cetuximab, bevacizumab and oxaliplatin as single agents. Mutation status of KRAS (G12, G13, A146T), BRAF (V600E) and PIK3CA (E542K, E545K, H1047R) was assessed in all xenografts by allelespecific real-time PCR. KRAS codon 61 was assessed by conventional sequencing. AREG and EREG expression levels were analyzed by real-time PCR expression assays. In the treatment experiment we observed response rates of 27% (18/67) for cetuximab, 3% (2/67) for bevacizumab, and 6% (4/67) for oxaliplatin. Classification based on KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutation status identified 15 of the responders (sensitivity 83%, confidence interval at p = 0.05 (CI): 59% - 96%), and 38 nonresponders (specificity 78%, CI: 63% - 88%). If any mutation except in KRAS codon 13 were considered, the classifier reached sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 69%. We improved specificity of the classifiers to 90% and 86% respectively by adding AREG and EREG RNA expression thresholds retrospectively. In patient-derived xenograft models, we found a predictive classifier for response to cetuximab that is more accurate than established biomarkers. We confirmed its potential performance in primary human tumors. For patients, the classifier’s sensitivity promises increased response rates and its specificity limits unnecessary toxicity. Given the scope of our xenograft models across all UICC stages, this applies not only to mCRC but also to the adjuvant setting of earlier stages. The xenograft collection allows to mimic randomized phase II trials and to test novel drugs effectively as single agents or in combinations. It also enables the development of highly accurate companion diagnostics as demonstrated by us for cetuximab.

The evolution of cancer genomic medicine in Japan and the role of the National Cancer Center Japan

The journey to implement cancer genomic medicine(CGM)in oncology practice began in the 1980s,which is considered the dawn of genetic and genomic cancer research.At the time,a variety of activating oncogenic alterations and their functional significance were unveiled in cancer cells,which led to the development of molecular targeted therapies in the 2000s and beyond.Although CGM is still a relatively new discipline and it is difficult to predict to what extent CGM will benefit the diverse pool of cancer patients,the National Cancer Center(NCC)of Japan has already contributed considerably to CGM advancement for the conquest of cancer.Looking back at these past achievements of the NCC,we predict that the future of CGM will involve the following:1)A biobank of paired cancerous and non-cancerous tissues and cells from various cancer types and stages will be developed.The quantity and quality of these samples will be compatible with omics analyses.All biobank samples will be linked to longitudinal clinical information.2)New technologies,such as whole-genome sequencing and artificial intelligence,will be introduced and new bioresources for functional and pharmacologic analyses(e.g.,a patient-derived xenograft library)will be systematically deployed.3)Fast and bidirectional translational research(bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-bench)performed by basic researchers and clinical investigators,preferably working alongside each other at the same institution,will be implemented;4)Close collaborations between academia,industry,regulatory bodies,and funding agencies will be established.5)There will be an investment in the other branch of CGM,personalized preventive medicine,based on the individual's genetic predisposition to cancer.

Delivery of triptolide with reduction-sensitive polymer nanoparticles for liver cancer therapy on patient-derived xenografts models

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has become the fourth predominant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide,and HCC is still one of the worst prognoses for survival as it is poorly responsive to both chemotherapy and surgical treatment due to drug resista nce and great toxic effects.Triptolide(TP),a key ingredient from the traditional Chinese medical herb,has been utilized to treat inflammation and antitumor for centuries.However,investigations of this potent agent have been met with only limited success due to the severe systemic toxicities in patients and low water solubility as well as its high toxicity over the past two decades.Herein,we reported the development of a reduction-responsive drug delive ry system loaded with TP fo r glutathione(GSH)-trigge red drug release for cancer therapy.With the GSH-sensitive TP loaded nanoparticles,the remarkable increases in tumor accumulation and amelioration of drug toxicity in animals are demonstrated,which is likely due to sustained stepwise release of active TP within cancer cells.Moreover,in a patient-derived tumor xenograft model of liver cancer,administration of tritolide nanoparticles enhances the antitumor efficacy relative to administration of free TP.These findings indicate that GSH-sensitive release of TP may be a promising strategy for cancer treatment.

Application of patient-derived tumor models in anticancer drug development and individualized medicine

Malignant tumor is the second leading cause of death due to its high incidence, lack of effective treatment and poor prognosis. The evaluation of anticancer drugs used to based on NCI-60 cell line models, but the limited heterogeneity and the divorce from clinical practice of models lead to extremely low success rate of novel anticancer drugs during clinical trials (less than 10%). In recent years, because of the high heterogeneity and human derived tumor matrix, patient-derived tumor models have been gradually applied to the preclinical evaluation of various antitumor drugs, which shows certain advantages in predicting the clinical efficacy of antitumor drugs. Optimize the drug combination through patient-derived tumor models to achieve individualized medicine has gradually become an indispensable strategy in clinical cancer therapy. The current review summarized the development of patient-derived tumor models, characterized the application, advantages and challenges of them in preclinical antitumor drug evaluation and clinical precise medicine, which will provide a scientific basis and novel insights for further basic research, drug development and clinical application.

Radiolabeling LyP-1 peptide and preliminary biodistribution evaluation in mice bearing MDA-MB-435 xenografts

Background Recent studies have shown the LyP-1 peptide can home to either tumor lymphatics or the tumor cells and be internalized by targeted cells. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of using Na1311 labeled LyP-1 peptide as an imaging agent or a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical in breast carcinoma and its metastasis. Methods The 10-mer cyclic peptide contained the LyP-1 sequence （YCGNKRTRGC） was synthesized by the solid phase method. Disulfide bonds between the cysteines maintain the cyclic structure. The LyP-1 peptide was labeled with Na1311 using the chloramine-T method. The [1311] LyP-1 peptide and a [1311] control peptide were injected via tail vein into nude mice bearing MDA-MB-435 tumor xenografts. Biodistribution and imaging results in vivo were obtained. Results The labeling efficiencies of LyP-1 peptide reached 80%＋5% （n=5）. The radiochemical purity was about 96%. The radiochemical purity of the labeled compound remains 92% at 24 hours in human serum at 37~C. In the biodistribution studies, the [1311] LyP-1 peptide accumulated in the tumor to a higher level than in other organs. The [1311] LyP-1 peptide can successfully image the tumor in nude mice bearing MDA-MB-435 tumor xenografts. Conclusions The LyP-1 peptide could be effectively labeled with Na1311 and the labeled compound is stable in human serum at 37℃ for 24 hours. The high specificity of [1311] LyP-1 peptide suggests it may be a promising new radiotracer for identifying tumors.

Characterization of drug responses of mini patient-derived xenografts in mice for predicting cancer patient clinical therapeutic response

Background:Patient-derived organoids and xenografts(PDXs)have emerged as powerful models in functional diag-nostics with high predictive power for anticancer drug response.However,limitations such as engraftment failure and time-consuming for establishing and expanding PDX models followed by testing drug efficacy,and inability to subject to systemic drug administration for ex vivo organoid culture hinder realistic and fast decision-making in selecting the right therapeutics in the clinic.The present study aimed to develop an advanced PDX model,namely MiniPDX,for rapidly testing drug efficacy to strengthen its value in personalized cancer treatment.Methods:We developed a rapid in vivo drug sensitivity assay,OncoVee®MiniPDX,for screening clinically relevant regimens for cancer.In this model,patient-derived tumor cells were arrayed within hollow fiber capsules,implanted subcutaneously into mice and cultured for 7 days.The cellular activity morphology and pharmacokinetics were systematically evaluated.MiniPDX performance(sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values)was examined using PDX as the reference.Drug responses were examined by tumor cell growth inhibition rate and tumor growth inhibition rate in PDX models and MiniPDX assays respectively.The results from MiniPDX were also used to evaluate its predictive power for clinical outcomes.Results:Morphological and histopathological features of tumor cells within the MiniPDX capsules matched those both in PDX models and in original tumors.Drug responses in the PDX tumor graft assays correlated well with those in the corresponding MiniPDX assays using 26 PDX models generated from patients,including 14 gastric cancer,10 lung cancer and 2 pancreatic cancer.The positive predictive value of MiniPDX was 92%,and the negative predictive value was 81%with a sensitivity of 80%and a specificity of 93%.Through expanding to clinical tumor samples,Min-iPDX assay showed potential of wide clinical application.Conclusions:Fast in vivo MiniPDX assay based on capsule implantation was developed-to assess drug responses of both PDX tumor grafts and clinical cancer specimens.The high correlation between drug responses of paired MiniPDX and PDX tumor graft assay,as well as translational data suggest that MiniPDX assay is an advanced tool for personalized cancer treatment.

Personalized treatment based on mini patient-derived xenografts and WES/RNA sequencing in a patient with metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma

Background:Treatment guidelines for a variety of cancers have been increasingly used in clinical practice,and have resulted in major improvement in patient outcomes.However,recommended regimens(even first-line treat-ments)are clearly not ideal for every patients.In the present study,we used mini patient-derived xenograft(mini-PDX)and next-generation sequencing to develop personalized treatment in a patient with metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma.Methods:Resected metachronous metastatic tumor tissues were implanted into SCID mice to determine the sensitivity to a variety of drug regimens.Mutation profiles were assessed using both DNA whole-exome sequencing(DNA-WES)and RNA sequencing.The results of the analyses were used to select optimal treatment for the patient with metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma.Results:Assessment with mini-PDX models took only 7 days.The results showed high sensitivity to S-1 plus cis-platin,gemcitabine plus cisplatin and everolimus alone.The patient received gemcitabine plus cisplatin initially,but the treatment was terminated due to toxicity.The patient was then switched to treatment with S-1 alone.The overall disease-free survival was 34 months.DNA-WES and RNA sequencing identified KRAS mutation(A146T),TP53(C229Yfs*10)and RICTOR amplification in the metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma.These findings provided further support to the results of the mini-PDX,and suggest mTOR inhibitors should be used if and when relapse eventually occurs in this patient.Conclusions:Mini-PDX model combined with WES/RNA sequencing can rapidly assess drug sensitivity in cancer patients and reveal key genetic alterations.Further research on this technology for personalized therapy in patients with refractory malignant tumors is warranted.

Novel dual inhibitor for targeting PIM1 and FGFR1 kinases inhibits colorectal cancer growth in vitro and patient-derived xenografts in vivo

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. The pro-viral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1(PIM1) is a proto-oncogene and belongs to the serine/threonine kinase family, which are involved in cell proliferation, migration,and apoptosis. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1(FGFR1) is a tyrosine kinase that has been implicated in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. Small molecule HCI-48 is a derivative of chalcone, a class of compounds known to possess anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However,the underlying mechanism of chalcones against colorectal cancer remains unclear. This study reports that HCI-48 mainly targets PIM1 and FGFR1 kinases, thereby eliciting antitumor effects on colorectal cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. HCI-48 inhibited the activity of both PIM1 and FGFR1 kinases in an ATPdependent manner, as revealed by computational docking models. Cell-based assays showed that HCI-48inhibited cell proliferation in CRC cells(HCT-15, DLD1, HCT-116 and SW620), and induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase through modulation of cyclin A2. HCI-48 also induced cellular apoptosis, as evidenced by an increase in the expression of apoptosis biomarkers such as cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 7. Moreover, HCI-48 attenuated the activation of downstream components of the PIM1 and FGFR1 signaling pathways. Using patient-derived xenograft(PDX) murine tumor models,we found that treatment with HCI-48 diminished the PDX tumor growth of implanted CRC tissue expressing high protein levels of PIM1 and FGFR1. This study suggests that the inhibitory effect of HCI-48 on colorectal tumor growth is mainly mediated through the dual-targeting of PIM1 and FGFR1kinases. This work provides a theoretical basis for the future application of HCI-48 in the treatment of clinical CRC.

Acellular nerve xenografts based on supercritical extraction technology for repairing long-distance sciatic nerve defects in rats

Compared to conventional artificial nerve guide conduits (NGCs) prepared using natural polymers or synthetic polymers, acellular nerve grafts (ACNGs) derived from natural nerves with eliminated immune components have natural bionic advantages in composition and structure that polymer materials do not have. To further optimize the repair effect of ACNGs, in this study, we used a composite technology based on supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO_(2)) extraction to process the peripheral nerve of a large mammal, the Yorkshire pig, and obtained an innovative Acellular nerve xenografts (ANXs, namely, CD + scCO_(2) NG). After scCO_(2) extraction, the fat and DNA content in CD + scCO_(2) NG has been removed to the greatest extent, which can better supported cell adhesion and proliferation, inducing an extremely weak inflammatory response. Interestingly, the protein in the CD + scCO_(2) NG was primarily involved in signaling pathways related to axon guidance. Moreover, compared with the pure chemical decellularized nerve graft (CD NG), the DRG axons grew naturally on the CD + scCO_(2) NG membrane and extended long distances. In vivo studies further revealed that the regenerated nerve axons had basically crossed the CD + scCO_(2) NG 3 weeks after surgery. 12 weeks after surgery, CD + scCO_(2) NG was similar to autologous nerves in improving the quality of nerve regeneration, target muscle morphology and motor function recovery and was significantly better than hollow NGCs and CD NG. Therefore, we believe that the fully decellularized and fat-free porcine ACNGs may be the most promising “bridge” for repairing human nerve defects at this stage and for some time to come.

First report on establishment and characterization of the extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma sarcoma cell line CBC2T-2

BACKGROUND Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma sarcoma is extremely rare in clinical practice.These cells consist of both epithelial and mesenchymal cells.Patient-derived cell lines that maintain tumor characteristics are valuable tools for studying the molecular mechanisms associated with carcinosarcoma.However,cholangiocarcinoma sarcoma cell lines are not available in cell banks.AIM To establish and characterize a new extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma sarcoma cell line,namely CBC2T-2.METHODS We conducted a short tandem repeat(STR)test to confirm the identity of the CBC2T-2 cell line.Furthermore,we assessed the migratory and invasive properties of the cells and performed clonogenicity assay to evaluate the ability of individual cells to form colonies.The tumorigenic potential of CBC2T-2 cells was tested in vivo using nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient(NOD/SCID)mice.The cells were injected subcutaneously and tumor formation was observed.In addition,immunohistochemical analysis was carried out to examine the expression of epithelial marker CK19 and mesenchymal marker vimentin in both CBC2T-2 cells and xenografts.The CBC2T-2 cell line was used to screen the potential therapeutic effects of various clinical agents in patients with cholangiocarcinoma sarcoma.Lastly,whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify genetic alterations and screen for somatic mutations in the CBC2T-2 cell line.RESULTS The STR test showed that there was no cross-contamination and the results were identical to those of the original tissue.The cells showed round or oval-shaped epithelioid cells and mesenchymal cells with spindle-shaped or elongated morphology.The cells exhibited a high proliferation ratio with a doubling time of 47.11 h.This cell line has migratory,invasive,and clonogenic abilities.The chromosomes in the CBC2T-2 cells were polyploidy,with numbers ranging from 69 to 79.The subcutaneous tumorigenic assay confirmed the in vivo tumorigenic ability of CBC2T-2 cells in NOD/SCID mice.CBC2T-2 cells and xenografts were positive for both the epithelial marker,CK19,and the mesenchymal marker,vimentin.These results suggest that CBC2T-2 cells may have both epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics.The cells were also used to screen clinical agents in patients with cholangiocarcinoma sarcoma,and a combination of paclitaxel and gemcitabine was found to be the most effective treatment option.CONCLUSION We established the first human cholangiocarcinoma sarcoma cell line,CBC2T-2,with stable biogenetic traits.This cell line,as a research model,has a high clinical value and would facilitate the understanding of the pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma sarcoma.

A biomimetic nanoplatform for customized photothermal therapy of HNSCC evaluated on patient-derived xenograft models

Cancer cell membrane(CCM)derived nanotechnology functionalizes nanoparticles(NPs)to recognize homologous cells,exhibiting translational potential in accurate tumor therapy.However,these nanoplatforms are majorly generated from fixed cell lines and are typically evaluated in cell line-derived subcutaneous-xenografts(CDX),ignoring the tumor heterogeneity and differentiation from inter-and intra-individuals and microenvironments between heterotopic-and orthotopic-tumors,limiting the therapeutic efficiency of such nanoplatforms.Herein,various biomimetic nanoplatforms(CCM-modified gold@Carbon,i.e.,Au@C-CCM)were fabricated by coating CCMs of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)cell lines and patient-derived cells on the surface of Au@C NP.The generated Au@C-CCMs were evaluated on corresponding CDX,tongue orthotopic xenograft(TOX),immunecompetent primary and distant tumor models,and patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models.The Au@C-CCM generates a photothermal conversion efficiency up to 44.2% for primary HNSCC therapy and induced immunotherapy to inhibit metastasis via photothermal therapy-induced immunogenic cell death.The homologous CCM endowed the nanoplatforms with optimal targeting properties for the highest therapeutic efficiency,far above those with mismatched CCMs,resulting in distinct tumor ablation and tumor growth inhibition in all four models.This work reinforces the feasibility of biomimetic NPs combining modular designed CMs and functional cores for customized treatment of HNSCC,can be further extended to other malignant tumors therapy.

A nanocomposite competent to overcome cascade drug resistance in ovarian cancer via mitochondria dysfunction and NO gas synergistic therapy

Ovarian cancer(OC)is one of the most common and recurring malignancies in gynecology.Patients with relapsed OC always develop"cascade drug resistance"(CDR)under repeated chemotherapy,leading to subsequent failure of chemotherapy.To overcome this challenge,amphiphiles(P1)carrying a nitric oxide(NO)donor(Isosorbide 5-mononitrate,ISMN)and high-density disulfide are synthesized for encapsulatingmitochondria-targeted tetravalent platinum prodrug(TPt)to construct a nanocomposite(INP@TPt).Mechanism studies indicated that INP@TPt significantly inhibited drug-resistant cells by increasing cellular uptake and mitochondrial accumulation of platinum,depleting glutathione,and preventing apoptosis escape through generating highly toxic peroxynitrite anion(ONOO−).To better replicate the microenvironmental and histological characteristics of the drug resistant primary tumor,an OC patient-derived tumor xenograft(PDXOC)model in BALB/c nude mice was established.INP@TPt showed the best therapeutic effects in the PDXOC model.The corresponding tumor tissues contained high ONOO−levels,which were attributed to the simultaneous release of O_(2)^(·−)and NO in tumor tissues.Taken together,INP@TPtbased systematic strategy showed considerable potential and satisfactory biocompatibility in overcoming platinum CDR,providing practical applications for ovarian therapy.

Establishment and characterization of a new human ampullary carcinoma cell line,DPC-X1

BACKGROUND An in-depth study of the pathogenesis and biological characteristics of ampullary carcinoma is necessary to identify appropriate treatment strategies. To date, only eight ampullary cancer cell lines have been reported, and a mixed-type ampullary carcinoma cell line has not yet been reported.AIM To establish a stable mixed-type ampullary carcinoma cell line originating from Chinese.METHODS Fresh ampullary cancer tissue samples were used for primary culture and subculture. The cell line was evaluated by cell proliferation assays, clonal formation assays, karyotype analysis, short tandem repeat(STR) analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Drug resistances against oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, gemcitabine and 5-FU were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay. Subcutaneous injection 1 × 106 cells to three BALB/c nude mice for xenograft studies. The hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect the pathological status of the cell line. The expression of biomarkers cytokeratin 7(CK7), cytokeratin 20(CK20), cytokeratin low molecular weight(CKL), Ki67 and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) were determined by immunocytochemistry assay.RESULTS DPC-X1 was continuously cultivated for over a year and stably passaged for more than 80 generations;its population doubling time was 48 h. STR analysis demonstrated that the characteristics of DPC-X1 were highly consistent with those of the patient’s primary tumor. Furthermore, karyotype analysis revealed its abnormal sub-tetraploid karyotype. DPC-X1 could efficiently form organoids in suspension culture. Under the transmission electron microscope, microvilli and pseudopods were observed on the cell surface, and desmosomes were visible between the cells. DPC-X1 cells inoculated into BALB/C nude mice quickly formed transplanted tumors, with a tumor formation rate of 100%. Their pathological characteristics were similar to those of the primary tumor. Moreover, DPC-X1 was sensitive to oxaliplatin and paclitaxel and resistant to gemcitabine and 5-FU. Immunohistochemistry showed that the DPC-X1 cells were strongly positive for CK7, CK20, and CKL;the Ki67 was 50%, and CEA was focally expressed.CONCLUSION Here, we have constructed a mixed-type ampullary carcinoma cell line that can be used as an effective model for studying the pathogenesis of ampullary carcinoma and drug development.

Patient-derived xenograft model in colorectal cancer basic and translational research

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most popular malignancies globally,with 930000 deaths in 2020.The evaluation of CRC-related pathogenesis and the discovery of po-tential therapeutic targets will be meaningful and helpful for improving CRC treat-ment.With huge efforts made in past decades,the systematic treatment regimens have been applied to improve the prognosis of CRC patients.However,the sensitivity of CRC to chemotherapy and targeted therapy is different from person to person,which is an important cause of treatment failure.The emergence of patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models shows great potential to alleviate the straits.PDX models possess similar genetic and pathological characteristics as the features of primary tu-mors.Moreover,PDX has the ability to mimic the tumor microenvironment of the original tumor.Thus,the PDX model is an important tool to screen precise drugs for individualized treatment,seek predictive biomarkers for prognosis supervision,and evaluate the unknown mechanism in basic research.This paper reviews the recent advances in constructed methods and applications of the CRC PDX model,aiming to provide new knowledge for CRC basic research and therapeutics.

Transitioning of renal transplant pathology from allograft to xenograft and tissue engineering pathology:Are we prepared?

Currently,the most feasible and widely practiced option for patients with endstage organ failure is the transplantation of part of or whole organs,either from deceased or living donors.However,organ shortage has posed and is still posing a big challenge in this field.Newer options being explored are xenografts and engineered/bioengineered tissues/organs.Already small steps have been taken in this direction and sooner or later,these will become a norm in this field.However,these developments will pose different challenges for the diagnosis and management of problems as compared with traditional allografts.The approach to pathologic diagnosis of dysfunction in these settings will likely be significantly different.Thus,there is a need to increase awareness and prepare transplant diagnosticians to meet this future challenge in the field of xenotransplantation/regenerative medicine.This review will focus on the current status of transplant pathology and how it will be changed in the future with the emerging scenario of routine xenotransplantation.