Potentials of ribosomopathy gene as pharmaceutical targets for cancer treatment

Ribosomopathies encompass a spectrum of disorders arising from impaired ribosome biogenesis and reduced functionality.Mutation or dysexpression of the genes that disturb any finely regulated steps of ribosome biogenesis can result in different types of ribosomopathies in clinic,collectively known as ribosomopathy genes.Emerging data suggest that ribosomopathy patients exhibit a significantly heightened susceptibility to cancer.Abnormal ribosome biogenesis and dysregulation of some ribosomopathy genes have also been found to be intimately associated with cancer development.The correlation between ribosome biogenesis or ribosomopathy and the development of malignancies has been well established.This work aims to review the recent advances in the research of ribosomopathy genes among human cancers and meanwhile,to excavate the potential role of these genes,which have not or rarely been reported in cancer,in the disease development across cancers.We plan to establish a theoretical framework between the ribosomopathy gene and cancer development,to further facilitate the potential of these genes as diagnostic biomarker as well as pharmaceutical targets for cancer treatment.

Biointerface engineering nanoplatforms for cancer-targeted drug delivery

Over the past decade,nanoparticle-based therapeutic modalities have become promising strategies in cancer therapy.Selective delivery of anticancer drugs to the lesion sites is critical for elimination of the tumor and an improved prognosis.Innovative design and advanced biointerface engineering have promoted the development of various nanocarriers for optimized drug delivery.Keeping in mind the biological framework of the tumormicroenvironment,biomembrane-camouflaged nanoplatforms have been a research focus,reflecting their superiority in cancer targeting.In this review,we summarize the development of various biomimetic cell membrane-camouflaged nanoplatforms for cancertargeted drug delivery,which are classified according to the membranes fromdifferent cells.The challenges and opportunities of the advanced biointerface engineering drug delivery nanosystems in cancer therapy are discussed.

Efficacy and Safety of Chemotherapy with or without Targeted Therapy in Biliary Tract Cancer:A Meta-analysis of 7 Randomized Controlled Trials

The systematic treatment based on gemcitabine plus cisplatin is recommended as the current standard chemotherapy for unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancers.However,the exact benefits from the recognized regime are still dismal.We thus elicit this study in an attempt to analyze whether targeted therapy coupled with various chemotherapy could produce improvement of survival benefits.The clinical trials were searched electronically from databases till July 2016 published in English and Chinese.Nine hundred and sixty-four patients from 7 trials were identified in our analysis.The overall analysis achieved a significantly higher overall response rate（ORR） among the patients treated with targeted drugs plus chemotherapy than chemotherapy alone（OR=1.87;95% CI：1.37–2.57;P=0.000）,but failed in the overall progression-free survival（PFS） [mean difference（MD）=0.63;95% CI：–0.45–1.72;P=0.26] and overall survival（OS）（MD=–0.67;95% CI：–2.54–1.20;P=0.49）.In the sub analysis,better ORR was obtained with the addition of EGFR（OR=1.75;95% CI：1.20–2.56;P=0.004） and VEGFR（OR=2.5;95% CI：1.28–4.87;P=0.007） targeted therapy.Furthermore,the sub analysis of EGFR target showed an significant improvement on PFS（MD=1.36;95% CI：0.29–2.43;P=0.01）.No significant differences were observed in the incidences of neutropenia（OR=1.37;95% CI：0.89–2.12）,thrombocytopenia（OR=1.40;95% CI：0.83–2.39）,anemia（OR=1.21;95% CI：0.62–2.38）,peripheral neuropathy（OR=1.52;95% CI：0.81–2.88）,increased AST/ALT（OR=1.40;95% CI：0.82–2.39） as well as fatigue（OR=1.65;95% CI：0.96–2.84） in either of the treatment groups.In conclusion,better ORR associated with chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy（both targeting EGFR and VEGF） is found in the present meta-analysis without the cost of increased unacceptable toxicities,but regretfully not for the OS.The sub-analysis of targeting EGFR instead of VEGF obtains a superior PFS.Otherwise,there is no statistically significant difference in the overall PFS between the combination regime and chemotherapy alone.Given the paucity of favorable data,we need further studies to characterize optimal targeted agents to confirm the potential value to biliary tract cancer.

A self-assembled affibody-PROTAC conjugate nanomedicine for targeted cancer therapy

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have recently emerged as promising therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. However, their clinical application is considerably hindered by the poor membrane permeability and insufficient tumor distribution of PROTACs. Here we proposed a nanoengineered targeting strategy to construct a self-assembled affibody-PROTAC conjugate nanomedicine (APCN) for tumor-specific delivery of PROTACs. As proof of concept, a hydrophobic PROTAC MZ1 (a bromodomain-containing protein 4 degrader) was selected to couple with a hydrophilic affibody ZHER2:342 (an affinity protein of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, HER2) via a smart linker containing disulfide bond to form an amphiphilic ZHER2:342-MZ1 conjugate. It spontaneously self-assembled into nanoparticles (ZHER2:342-MZ1 APCN) in water. Upon the excellent targeting property of ZHER2:342 and HER2 receptor-mediated endocytosis, ZHER2:342-MZ1 APCN was accumulated in tumor sites and internalized by cancer cells effectively in vitro. Under the intracellular high level of glutathione (GSH), ZHER2:342-MZ1 APCN released MZ1 to specifically degrade bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and subsequently induced BRD4 deficiency-mediated apoptosis of cancer cells. By the tail-vein injection, ZHER2:342-MZ1 APCN showed the outstanding tumor-specific targeting ability, drug accumulation capacity, enhanced BRD4 degradation and antitumor efficacy in vivo for an HER2-positive SKOV-3 tumor model. Such an affibody mediated nanoengineered strategy would facilitate the application of PROTACs for targeted cancer therapy.

Evolving role of adiponectin in cancer-controversies and update

Adiponectin(APN), an adipokine produced by adipocytes, has been shown to have a critical role in the pathogenesis of obesityassociated malignancies. Through its receptor interactions, APN may exert its anti-carcinogenic effects including regulating cell survival, apoptosis and metastasis via a plethora of signalling pathways. Despite the strong evidence supporting this notion, some work may indicate otherwise. Our review addresses all controversies critically. On the whole, hypoadiponectinaemia is associated with increased risk of several malignancies and poor prognosis. In addition, various genetic polymorphisms may predispose individuals to increased risk of obesity-associated malignancies. We also provide an updated summary on therapeutic interventions to increase APN levels that are of key interest in this field. To date efforts to manipulate APN levels have been promising, but much work remains to be done.

Self-Assembled Nanomicelles of Affibody-Drug Conjugate with Excellent Therapeutic Property to Cure Ovary and Breast Cancers

Affibody molecules are small nonimmunoglobulin affinity proteins,which can precisely target to some cancer cells with specific overexpressed molecular signatures.However,the relatively short in vivo half-life of them seriously limited their application in drug targeted delivery for cancer therapy.Here an amphiphilic affibody-drug conjugate is self-assembled into nanomicelles to prolong circulation time for targeted cancer therapy.As an example of the concept,the nanoagent was prepared through molecular self-assembly of the amphiphilic conjugate of Z_(HHR2:342)-Cys with auristatin E derivate,where the affibody used is capable of binding to the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2).Such a nanodrug not only increased the blood circulation time,but also enhanced the tumor targeting capacity(abundant affibody arms on the nanoagent surface) and the drug accumulation in tumor.As a result,this affibody-based nanoagent showed excellent antitumor activity in vivo to HER2-positive ovary and breast tumor models,which nearly eradicated both small solid tumors(about 100 mm^(3)) and large established tumors(exceed 500 mm^(3)).The relative tumor proliferation inhibition ratio reaches 99.8% for both models.

Advances in understanding the molecular mechanism of pancreatic cancer metastasis

BACKGROUND： Pancreatic cancer（PC） is usually diagnosed at the late-stage and therefore, has widespread metastasis and a very high mortality rate. The mechanisms underlying PC metastasis are not well understood. Recent advances in genomic sequencing have identified groups of gene mutations that affect PC metastasis, but studies elucidating their roles are lacking. The present review was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of PC metastasis.DATA SOURCES： Relevant articles on PC metastasis were searched in MEDLINE via Pub Med prior to April 2015. The search was limited in English publications.RESULTS： PC metastatic cascades are multi-factorial events including both intrinsic and extrinsic elements. This review highlights the most important genetic alterations and other mechanisms that account for PC invasion and metastasis, with particular regard to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammation, stress response, and circulating tumor cells.CONCLUSIONS： Analyses of relevant gene functions and signaling pathways are needed to establish the gene regulatory network and to define the pivotal modulators. Another promising area of study is the genotyping and phenotyping of circulating tumor cells, which could lead to a new era of personalized therapy by identifying specific markers and targets.

Changing the paradigm：the potential for targeted therapy in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC) remains a highly morbid and fatal disease. Historically, it has been a model example for organ preservation and treatment stratification paradigms. Unfortunately, survival for LSCC has stagnated over the past few decades. As the era of next-generation sequencing and personalized treatment for cancer approaches, LSCC may be an ideal disease for consideration of further treatment stratification and personalization. Here, we will discuss the important history of LSCC as a model system for organ preservation, unique and potentially targetable genetic signatures of LSCC, and methods for bringing stratified, personalized treatment strategies to the 21^(st) century.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF TARGETING THERAPY OF GASTRIC CANCER WITH ^(131)-I LABELED McAbs

To investigate the radioimmunotherapeutic efficacy, radio-immunoconjugate 131-I-3G9, 811-I-3H11 and 131-I-NMIgG (irre levant antibody) were i.p. injected into nude mice bearing human gastric cancer xenograftes. Each animal received a single doses of 555MBq. Over 14 days the accumulative absorbed doses in tumors were 13.7 Gy for 131-I-3H11 and 12.17 Gy for 131-I-3G9. Both were significantly higher than that for 131-I-NMIgG (3.23 Gy). Thera peutic efficacy appeared most sharply from 2 to 3 weeks after injection. The inhibition ratio of tumor were 86% and 70% for 131-I-3H11 and 131-I-3G9 respectively. Histopathological evidance indicated that in tumor tissues radioactive damage was showed as karyopyknosis, karyorrhexis and necrosis or partial disappearance of tumor cells, while in the other tissues no radioactive damage was observed. WBC counts of all animals did not show significant difference before and after treatment, which indicated that the haemopoietic function of bone marrow was not affected.

Increased Activity of the Human Telomerase Catalytic Subunit Promoter by the VEGF Enhancer in Human Cancer Cells

We attempted to improve the activity of hTERT promoter by fusing the vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） enhancer. To determine the potential as cancer specific promoters, we measured the reporter gene transfection assay driven by the hTERT promoter and the VEGF enhancer in human cancer cells. We found that the hTERT promoter containing VEGF enhancer conferred strong expression of the reporter gene only in different cancer cell lines but not in normal human cells. Retrovirus vector expressing HSV-TK controlled by the hTERT promoter and the VEGF enhancer was constructed. A549 cells infected with LN-enh-hT-TK was significantly suppressed and induced to apoptosis more than those infected with LN-hT-TK. The apoptosis ratio ofA549 cell infected with two kinds of retrovirus cell with GCV in lower concentration is 20.94% and 50.7%. It suggested that there is significant differentiation between the assay groups. Our results demonstrated the possible application of hTERT promoter and the VEGF enhancer in targeted cancer gene therapy.

Met as a target in human cancer

Inappropriate Met-hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor （HGF/SF） signaling is a hallmark of most types of solid tumors in humans and often correlates with poor prognosis. There are several mechanisms by which Met signaling is deregulated including Met and/or HGF/SF overexpression, mutation, autocrine signaling, and ligand-independent activation. Because Met is an attractive therapeutic target for a multitude of cancers, extensive research towards finding Met and HGF/SF inhibitors is ongoing.？ In parallel with these efforts, several mouse models have been developed in our lab that will be valuable for preclinical testing of Met-targeted therapeutics.

Searching for Better Outcomes among Patients with Metastatic Triple- Negative Breast Cancer – Do We Have Novel Options on the Treatment Landscape?

Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC),which accounts for approximately 15%of breast cancers(BCs)is characterized by a lack of expression of the hormone receptors(HRs)(estrogen receptor(ER)and progesterone receptor(PR)),and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2).TNBC reveals very aggressive behavior and often leads to poor prognosis.Unfortunately,standard chemotherapy(CHT)is related to low response rates and short progression-free survival(PFS)in patients with metastatic TNBC,creating an unmet need.However,recent recognition of different molecular subtypes and mutations within TNBC has allowed exploring some innovative targeted therapies,bringing new hope for women suffering from TNBC.Currently,some promising systemic treatment options in this area have been developed,including targeted therapies,such as poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)inhibitors,immune checkpoint inhibitors,antibody-drug conjugates,and AKT inhibitors.The aim of this mini-review is to address these novel treatment modalities and highlight the main directions for further research and clinical practice in the advanced or metastatic forms of TNBC.This article presents poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)inhibitors(e.g.,olaparib,talazoparib,and valaparib for treatment of BRCA-mutated,HER2-negative metastatic BC),immune checkpoint inhibitors(atezolizumab and pembrolizumab),an antibody-drug conjugate(ADC)(sacituzumab govitecan),and AKT inhibitors(ipatasertib and capivasertib).A brief outline of the main clinical trials leading to the approval of these new medications has been provided.Moreover,this overview discusses the efficacy and safety of these innovative treatment options,focusing on women with metastatic TNBC.In addition,this paper comments on some recent considerations,regarding avenues of delivering care and conduct clinical trials in patients with BC,during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MicroRNA-216a: a potential therapeutic target for drug resistance and recurrent of liver cancer

The Editor welcomes submissions for possible publication in the Letters to the Editor section.Letters commenting on an article published in the Journal or other interesting pieces will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published.Authors of the article being commented on will be given an opportunity to offer a timely response to the letter.Authors of letters will be notified that the letter has been received.Unpublished letters cannot be returned.

Targeting DNA-repair systems brings hopes to cancer patients

CAS researchers have recently raised a hypothesis to circumvent tumor resistance to radio-and

Self-assembled multifunctional DNA nanoflowers for the circumvention of multidrug resistance in targeted anticancer drug delivery

Cancer chemotherapy has been limited by its side effects and multidrug resistance （MDR）, the latter of which is partially caused by drug efflux from cancer cells. Thus, targeted drug delivery systems that can circumvent MDR are needed. Here, we report multifunctional DNA nanoflowers （NFs） for targeted drug delivery to both chemosensitive and MDR cancer cells that circumvented MDR in both leukemia and breast cancer cell models. NFs are self-assembled via potential co-precipitation of DNA and magnesium pyrophosphate generated by rolling circle replication, during which NFs are incorporated using aptamers for specific cancer cell recognition, fluorophores for bioimaging, and doxorubicin （Dox）- binding DNA for drug delivery. NF sizes are tunable （down to N200 nm in diameter）, and the densely packed drug-binding motifs and porous intrastructures endow NFs with a high drug-loading capacity （71.4%, wt/wt）. Although the Dox- loaded NFs （NF-Dox） are stable at physiological pH, drug release is facilitated under acidic or basic conditions. NFs deliver Dox into target chemosensitive and MDR cancer cells, preventing drug efflux and enhancing drug retention in MDR cells. NF-Dox induces potent cytotoxicity in both target chemosensitive cells and MDR cells, but not in nontarget cells, thus concurrently circumventing MDR and reducing side effects. Overall, these NFs are promising tools for circumventing MDR in targeted cancer therapy.

Useful detection of CD147 (EMMPRIN) for pathological diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma in needle biopsy samples

AIM:To make clear whether CD147 (EMMPRIN) expression in pathological tumor samples with a fine-needle aspiration biopsy is useful for pathological diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS:Twenty-two patients (15 men and 7 women; median age 68 years,range 56-81 years) underwent a liver tissue biopsy in order to make a diagnosis of HCC. Paraffin-embedded liver biopsy tissue samples from 22 patients were stained with anti-CD147 antibody,murine monoclonal antibody 12C3 (MAb12C3) for immunohistochemical analysis. An immunohistochemical analysis of CD147 was performed and the degree of staining compared between tumor and non-tumor tissue. In addition,the degree of staining within tumor tissue was compared according to a number of clinicopathological variables. RESULTS:The degree of staining of CD147 was significantly higher in tumor tissues than non-tumor tissues,even in tumors less than 15 mm in diameter.The expression of this protein was significantly elevated in HCC tissue specimens from patients with a low value of serum AST and γ-GTP.

Editorial Preface for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Chemotherapy has been used for treatment of human cancer since early 1900 with purified natural products or synthetic compounds to kill rapidly growing tumor cells or to reduce their growth.However,chemotherapy is also toxic to some rapidly proliferating normal cells such as bone marrow,therefore causing undesirable

Self-assembled Nanoparticles based on Folic Acid Modifi ed Carboxymethyl Chitosan Conjugated with Targeting Antibody

Nanoparticles conjugated with antibody were designed as active drug delivery system to reduce the toxicity and side effects of drugs for acute myeloid leukemia（AML）.Moreover,methotrexate（MTX）was chosen as modeldrug and encapsulate within folic acid modified carboxymethylchitosan（FACMCS）nanoparticles through self-assembling.The chemicalstructure,morphology,release and targeting of nanoparticles were characterized by routine detection.It is demonstrated that the mean diameter is about 150 nm,the release rate increases with the decreasing of p H,the binding rate of CD33 antibody and FA-CMCS nanoparticles is about 5：2,and nanoparticles can effectively bind onto HL60 cells in vitro.The experimentalresults indicate that the FA-CMCS nanoparticles conjugated with antibody may be used as a potentialp Hsensitive drug delivery system with leukemic targeting properties.

pH-triggered cancer-targeting polymers:From extracellular accumulation to intracellular release

Stimuli-responsive polymers are promising to achieve targeted delivery,improved stability during circulation,and controlled release of therapeutic and diagnostic agents.Among them,pH-responsive polymeric nanocarriers have attracted significant attention as pH varies in different body fluids(e.g.,stomach,intestine,and colon)and intracellular organelles(e.g.,endosome,lysosome,and mitochondria)to maintain homeostasis,while distinctive pH changes are also found in certain pathological states.For example,the extracellular environment of the tumor is acidic,which can be employed to drive selective delivery.During the internalization process,since most nanocarriers enter cells upon endocytosis where a drop of pH from 6.5 to 5.0 can occur from endosome to lysosome,pH-sensitive groups have been developed for enhanced cargo release.In this review,both non-covalent and covalent interactions responsive to pH changes are introduced,with a focus on the structure-property relationship and their applications in cancer targeting and endosomal escape.