pH-Responsive polymer boosts cytosolic siRNA release for retinal neovascularization therapy

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has a promising future in the treatment of ocular diseases due to its high efficiency, specificity, and low toxicity in inhibiting the expression of target genes and proteins. However, due to the unique anatomical structure of the eye and various barriers, delivering nucleic acids to the retina remains a significant challenge. In this study, we rationally design PACD, an A-B-C type non-viral vector copolymer composed of a hydrophilic PEG block (A), a siRNA binding block (B) and a pH-responsive block (C). PACDs can self-assemble into nanosized polymeric micelles that compact siRNAs into polyplexes through simple mixing. By evaluating its pH-responsive activity, gene silencing efficiency in retinal cells, intraocular distribution, and anti-angiogenesis therapy in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, we demonstrate the efficiency and safety of PACD in delivering siRNA in the retina. We are surprised to discover that, the PACD/siRNA polyplexes exhibit remarkable intracellular endosomal escape efficiency, excellent gene silencing, and inhibit retinal angiogenesis. Our study provides design guidance for developing efficient nonviral ocular nucleic acid delivery systems.

Role of Small RNAs in Plant Immunity

Small RNAs play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression, operating at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional stages. These molecules have the ability to initiate target destruction or block translation. The activation of plant immunity is frequently associated with the increased expression of growth-regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) following the detection of pathogens. Additionally, conserved miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating auxin signaling. Plants are capable of generating two distinct categories of short RNA molecules, namely microRNAs and small interfering RNAs. Three highly prevalent miRNA families induce the generation of secondary siRNAs from 74 out of the 79 NLR transcripts that produce siRNAs. This phenomenon highlights the appeal of employing secondary siRNA-mediated control as a viable technique. Two microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from plants have been found to target virulence genes in the fungal disease Verticillium dahliae. Additionally, it has been observed that secondary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can increase plant protection by facilitating host-induced gene silence. TasiRNAs have been observed to exhibit enhanced mobility and resilience in the context of non-cell-autonomous silencing. The production and function of short RNAs in fungal and oomycete infections have been minimally investigated. Verticillium dahliae, has been seen to make small RNAs (sRNAs) that range in size from 18 to 25 nucleotides (nt) without a preference for one size over the other. Additionally, a specific microRNA (miRNA) known as VdmilR1, measuring 21 nt in length, has been thoroughly studied and its functional characteristics have been elucidated. Phytophthora species, which are filamentous eukaryotic microbes, have been found to inflict substantial economic losses in the fields of agriculture and forestry. RNA interference (RNAi) has the potential to regulate the expression of neighboring effector genes by inducing the creation of heterochromatin. In plants, the movement of small RNAs has been observed both locally and across extended distances. These small RNAs have the potential to enhance plant defense mechanisms against nonviral diseases by acting as systemic signaling molecules. The domain of sRNAs in plant-pathogen/parasite interactions has experienced significant advancements; nonetheless, numerous obstacles remain in the realm of trans-species gene silencing that require more investigation.

Reprogrammed siTNFα/neutrophil cytopharmaceuticals targeting inflamed joints for rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe synovial inflammation and cartilage damage. Despite great progress in RA therapy, there still lacks the drugs to completely cure RA patients. Herein, we propose a reprogrammed neutrophil cytopharmaceuticals loading with TNFα-targeting-siRNA (siTNFα) as an alternative anti-inflammatory approach for RA treatment. The loaded siTNFα act as not only the gene therapeutics to inhibit TNFα production by macrophages in inflamed synovium, but also the editors to reprogram neutrophils to anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Leveraging the active tendency of neutrophils to inflammation, the reprogrammed siTNFα/neutrophil cytopharmaceuticals (siTNFα/TP/NEs) can rapidly migrate to the inflamed synovium, transfer the loaded siTNFα to macrophages followed by the significant reduction of TNFα expression, and circumvent the pro-inflammatory activity of neutrophils, thus leading to the alleviated synovial inflammation and improved cartilage protection. Our work provides a promising cytopharmaceutical for RA treatment, and puts forward a living neutrophil-based gene delivery platform.

Concurrent silencing of TBCE and drug delivery to overcome platinum-based resistance in liver cancer

Platinum-based chemotherapy resistance is a key factor of poor prognosis and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, RNAseq analysis revealed that elevated tubulin folding cofactor E (TBCE) expression is associated with platinum-based chemotherapy resistance. High expression of TBCE contributes to worse prognoses and earlier recurrence among liver cancer patients. Mechanistically, TBCE silencing significantly affects cytoskeleton rearrangement, which in turn increases cisplatin-induced cycle arrest and apoptosis. To develop these findings into potential therapeutic drugs, endosomal pH-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) were developed to simultaneously encapsulate TBCE siRNA and cisplatin (DDP) to reverse this phenomena. NPs (siTBCE + DDP) concurrently silenced TBCE expression, increased cell sensitivity to platinum treatment, and subsequently resulted in superior anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo in orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Taken together, NP-mediated delivery and the co-treatment of siTBCE + DDP proved to be effective in reversing chemotherapy resistance of DDP in multiple tumor models.

Lipid nanomaterials-based RNA therapy and cancer treatment

We summarize the most important advances in RNA delivery and nanomedicine. We describe lipid nanoparticle-based RNA therapeutics and the impacts on the development of novel drugs. The fundamental properties of the key RNA members are described. We introduced recent advances in the nanoparticles to deliver RNA to defined targets, with a focus on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). We review recent advances in biomedical therapy based on RNA drug delivery and state-of-the-art RNA application platforms, including the treatment of different types of cancer. This review presents an overview of current LNPs based RNA therapies in cancer treatment and provides deep insight into the development of future nanomedicines sophisticatedly combining the unparalleled functions of RNA therapeutics and nanotechnology.

Preparation and cellular uptake study of anemoside B4 and PD-L1 siRNA co-delivered cRGD-modified targeting liposomes / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To prepare anemoside B4 （AB4） and programmed cell death ligand 1 （PDL1） siRNA （siP） co- delivered cRGD-modified targeting liposomes （AB4/siP-c-L）， and to study the cellular uptake in vitro. METHODS The cRGD- modified AB4-loaded targeted liposomes （AB4-c-L） were prepared by ethanol injection. AB4-c-L was mixed with 20 nmol/L siP in the same volume and AB4/siP-c-L was obtained through electrostatic adsorption. The particle size， Zeta potential， morphology， encapsulation efficiency and drug content， in vitro release behavior and serum stability of AB4/siP-c-L were investigated by laser scattering particle size tester， transmission electron microscopy， ultrafiltration centrifugation， dialysis and agar-gel electrophoresis block test. Cellular uptake of AB4/siP-c-L by Lewis lung cancer cells LLC and its intracellular localization were evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal laser scan technique. RESULTS The average particle size of AB4/siP-c-L was （187.4±3.1） nm， and the Zeta potential was （33.5±1.4） mV. AB4/siP-c-L was spheroidal in shape. The encapsulation efficiency and content of AB4 were （95.2±0.4） % and （1.0±0.2） mg/mL， respectively. AB4/siP-c-L could better package siP， and exhibited good serum stability， obvious pH sensitivity and sustained release property. The uptake rate of AB4/siP-c-L by LLC cells was significantly higher than that of free drug， and was able to accumulate in cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS AB4/siP-c-L can effectively realize the co-loading of AB4 and gene drug siP， which has certain in vitro targeting to LLC cells.

Synthesis and anti-HCC activity of full 2ʹ-F/OMe-siRNA encapsulated with neutral cytidinyl/cationic lipid / 药学学报

A variety of full 2ʹ-F/OMe-modified siRNAs were designed and synthesized, and the activity against hepatocellular carcinoma Huh-7 and HepG2 cells was evaluated. K&A DNA/RNA H-8 synthesizer was used to synthesize siRNAs, and neutral cytidinyl lipid DNCA mixed with cationic lipid CLD were used to transfect siRNA. By RT-qPCR and CCK-8 assay, the target gene silence and the proliferation of Huh-7 and HepG2 cells were detected. The siRNAs loading into Ago2 protein was detected by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation. Drug uptake and cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of PLK1 protein was detected by Western blot. Partial full 2ʹ-F/OMe modified siRNAs, especial siPLK1A3, increased the uptake of Huh-7 cells, enhanced their binding to Ago2 and gene silencing activity, down-regulated PLK1 protein, as well as induced more Huh-7 cell apoptosis and proliferation inhibition activity. It provides important data for the development of novel siRNA modification patterns and anti-HCC formulations.

Research progress on sRNA regulation of mosquito metabolic detoxification enzyme gene expression / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: With the development of molecular biology, non-coding sRNA has been found to play an important regulatory role in gene expression and protein activity, affecting various biological pathways including mosquito resistance against insecticides. Understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of drug resistance is essential for controlling mosquitoes, , of which metabolic resistance being the most critical mechanism, mainly referring to the high expression of metabolic detoxification enzyme-related genes (especially the cytochrome P450 enzyme system) in mosquitoes. On the basis of verification of insecticide resistance-related genes, further research on the correlation between sRNA and mosquito resistance-related genes provides new ideas and directions for further exploring the mechanism of mosquito resistance. The study of mosquito metabolic resistance mechanism is of great significance for the control of vector mosquitoes, drug resistance monitoring and novel insecticide development. This article reviews the progress of research on the resistance genes, sRNAs biosynthesis, genes involved in regulating mosquito metabolic detoxification enzymes and their applications.

Progress in RNA-targeting and Gene Editing Therapies for Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiomyopathy / 罕见病研究

Transthyretin(TTR) protein is a tetramer protein, synthesized mainly by the liver. TTR can be misfolded and deposited as amyloid fibrilae and deposited in the myocardial interstroma leading to transthyroxin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). ATTR-CM was included in China's First List of Rare Diseases. Therapeutic strategies for ATTR-CM include blocking TTR synthesis in the liver, stabilizing TTR tetramers and destroying TTR fibra. Small molecule drugs such as tafamidis and diflunisal offer new treatment options for patients. Chlorobenzolic acid became the first drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ATTR-CM. Small interfering RNA(siRNA)patisiran and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)inotersen block TTR expression in the liver and have been approved for the treatment of ATTR variant polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN)and are in phase Ⅲ trials for the treatment of ATTR-CM. Other siRNA drugs, vutrisiran, and ASO, eplontersen, are being evaluated for clinical efficacy. This article reviews the development of RNA-targeted therapeutics and gene-editing drugs using CRISPR-Cas9.

Silencing ZKSCAN3 gene expression aggravates lung injury induced by LPS in mice / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To explore the role of ZKSCAN3 in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: After verifying the efficacy of ZKSCAN3 siRNA, male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8): control group(group A), LPS group (group B), scrambled siRNA group (group C) and ZKSCAN3 siRNA group (group D). Mice in groups A and B were given 1 mL of PBS via tail vein; mice in groups C were given corresponding doses of PBS containing scrambled siRNA; and mice in group D were given corresponding doses of RNase-free PBS containing ZKSCAN3 siRNA (50 μg). After 24 hours, mice in groups B, C, and D were instilled with LPS solution (5 mg/kg) through tracheal intubation to create an ALI model; group A was given the corresponding dose of PBS (20 ΜL). The samples were collected and tested 24 hours after the modeling administration. RESULTS: Compared with group B, silencing ZKSCAN3 gene expression reduced SOD activity and Bcl-2 level; while MDA, Bax and caspase-3 increased; correspondingly, the content of protein and cells in BAL, the apoptosis rate of lung tissue and the pathological score significantly increased (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Silencing ZKSCAN3 gene expression aggravates the lung injury caused by LPS, which may aggravate the pathological damage of lung tissue in mice by weakening the antioxidant function and aggravating tissue necrosis.

Progress in non-viral localized delivery of siRNA therapeutics for pulmonary diseases

Emerging therapies based on localized delivery of siRNA to lungs have opened up exciting possibilities for treatment of different lung diseases. Localized delivery of siRNA to lungs has shown to result in severalfold higher lung accumulation than systemic route, while minimizing non-specific distribution in other organs. However, to date, only 2 clinical trials have explored localized delivery of siRNA for pulmonary diseases. Here we systematically reviewed recent advances in the field of pulmonary delivery of siRNA using non-viral approaches. We firstly introduce the routes of local administration and analyze the anatomical and physiological barriers towards effective local delivery of siRNA in lungs. We then discuss current progress in pulmonary delivery of siRNA for respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, acute lung injury, and lung cancer, list outstanding questions, and highlight directions for future research. We expect this review to provide a comprehensive understanding of current advances in pulmonary delivery of siRNA.

Doxorubicin-conjugated siRNA lipid nanoparticles for combination cancer therapy

Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer, attributed in part to overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). In a variety of cancer types, including lymphoma, Bcl-2 is overexpressed. Therapeutic targeting of Bcl-2 has demonstrated efficacy in the clinic and is the subject of extensive clinical testing in combination with chemotherapy. Therefore, the development of co-delivery systems for Bcl-2 targeting agents, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), and chemotherapeutics, such as doxorubicin (DOX), holds promise for enabling combination cancer therapies. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a clinically advanced nucleic acid delivery system with a compact structure suitable for siRNA encapsulation and delivery. Inspired by ongoing clinical trials of albumin-hitchhiking doxorubicin prodrugs, here we developed a DOX-siRNA co-delivery strategy via conjugation of doxorubicin to the surface of siRNA-loaded LNPs. Our optimized LNPs enabled potent knockdown of Bcl-2 and efficient delivery of DOX into the nucleus of Burkitts' lymphoma (Raji) cells, leading to effective inhibition of tumor growth in a mouse model of lymphoma. Based on these results, our LNPs may provide a platform for the co-delivery of various nucleic acids and DOX for the development of new combination cancer therapies.

Preparation and characterization of folic acid modified D ⁃α⁃tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate nanomaterials encapsulated with siRNA / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @# To construct folate modified D ⁃α ⁃tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate ( TPGS) oparticles on the cytotoxicity and spliced X ⁃box binding protein 1 ( XBP1s) of mouse leukemia cells of monocyte macrophage (RAW264. 7) .@*Methods @# Mixed FA⁃TPGS and rhodamine B (RhB) labeled XBP1 siRNA solution in a proportion of 5 ∶ 1 and obtained the nano⁃complex coated with XBP1 siRNA(FT@ XBP1) . FT@ XBP1 nanocarriers were characterized by transmission electron microscope , dynamic light scattering , ultraviolet visible spectrum analysis and/or fluorescence analysis. And the release of siRNA from FA⁃TPGS nano⁃carriers was calculated simultaneously. The cell cytotoxicity of FT@ XBP1 nanomaterials were detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) , CCK⁃8 and flow cytometry. And the inhibited effect of XBP1 s of RAW264. 7 cells was checked by Western blot.@*Results @#FA modified TPGS could effectively bind XBP1 siRNA. And the average particle size of FT@ XBP1 nanocarriers were(200 ± 20) nm. The relative release assays showed that acidic environments (pH 5. 0) was beneficial for siRNA to release from FT@ XBP1 . Both CCK⁃8 and apoptosis assay showed that the effects of FT@ XBP1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of RAW264. 7 cells were relatively small , and FT@ XBP1 could significantly inhibit the expression of XBP1 s protein in RAW264. 7(P < 0. 001) . Conclusion TPGS nanoparticles modified with folic acid can effectively encapsulate XBP1 siRNA and inhibit XBP1 s expression of RAW264. 7 cells with good cellular compatibility.

Preparation and characterization of folic acid modified D ⁃α⁃tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate nanomaterials encapsulated with siRNA / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To construct folate modified D ⁃α ⁃tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate ( TPGS) nanomaterials (FA⁃TPGS) , which can stably load and effectively release siRNA , and to observe the effects of nanoparticles on the cytotoxicity and spliced X ⁃box binding protein 1 ( XBP1s) of mouse leukemia cells of monocyte macrophage (RAW264. 7) .@*Methods @# Mixed FA⁃TPGS and rhodamine B (RhB) labeled XBP1 siRNA solution in a proportion of 5 ∶ 1 and obtained the nano⁃complex coated with XBP1 siRNA(FT@ XBP1) . FT@ XBP1 nanocarriers were characterized by transmission electron microscope , dynamic light scattering , ultraviolet visible spectrum analysis and/or fluorescence analysis. And the release of siRNA from FA⁃TPGS nano⁃carriers was calculated simultaneously. The cell cytotoxicity of FT@ XBP1 nanomaterials were detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) , CCK⁃8 and flow cytometry. And the inhibited effect of XBP1 s of RAW264. 7 cells was checked by Western blot.@*Results @#FA modified TPGS could effectively bind XBP1 siRNA. And the average particle size of FT@ XBP1 nanocarriers were(200 ± 20) nm. The relative release assays showed that acidic environments (pH 5. 0) was beneficial for siRNA to release from FT@ XBP1 . Both CCK⁃8 and apoptosis assay showed that the effects of FT@ XBP1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of RAW264. 7 cells were relatively small , and FT@ XBP1 could significantly inhibit the expression of XBP1 s protein in RAW264. 7(P < 0. 001) . @*Conclusion @# TPGS nanoparticles modified with folic acid can effectively encapsulate XBP1 siRNA and inhibit XBP1 s expression of RAW264. 7 cells with good cellular compatibility.

Establishment an aggregation-induced emission vesicle material based on supramolecular host-guest chemical assembly for siRNA delivery and study on its toxicity to tumor cells / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To establish an aggregation-induced emission vesicle material based on supramolecular host-guest chemical assembly (AIE-HG-Vesicle) for siRNA delivery and fluorescence imaging, and to explore its uptake effect by tumor cells and siRNA-based cell killing effect.Methods:By synthesizing β-cyclodextrin modified with polyethyleneimine dendrimer (H-β-CD-dendrimer) as a host compound and a Bola type adamantane containing tetrastyrene AIE group (G-Ada-AIE) as a guest compound, the nanovesicle material was prepared by a supramolecular host-guest self-assembly process for loading siRNA. The morphology and size of the materials were tested by transmission electron microscopy and the dynamic light scattering method. The aggregation-induced luminescence properties of the materials were investigated by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The loading effect of the material on siRNA was investigated by gel retardation experiments. The delivery effect of siRNA-loaded AIE-HG-Vesicle vesicles in tumor cells was observed by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The killing effect of siRNA-loaded AIE-HG-Vesicle vesicles on tumor cells was tested by an MTT assay.Results:The prepared host-guest compounds can be assembled into vesicles with a size of about 100 nm and wall thickness of 9 nm in solution, and the positively charged vesicles on the surface can efficiently load siRNA. The siRNA-loaded AIE-HG-Vesicle vesicles can deliver siRNA into HeLa tumor cells and can be observed through aggregation-induced luminescence. The siRNA-loaded vesicles have an obvious killing effect on HeLa tumor cells.Conclusions:A vesicle material with aggregation-induced luminescence properties was prepared by a method based on supramolecular host-guest chemical assembly, which can be used to deliver siRNA. The material has fluorescence imaging and siRNA-based tumor cytotoxic effects and is expected to be applied to tumor treatment in vivo.

Nanoparticles (NPs)-mediated lncBCMA silencing to promote eEF1A1 ubiquitination and suppress breast cancer growth and metastasis

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in cancer metastasis. Exploring metastasis-associated lncRNAs and developing effective strategy for targeted regulation of lncRNA function in vivo are of utmost importance for the treatment of metastatic cancer, which however remains a big challenge. Herein, we identified a new functional lncRNA (denoted lncBCMA), which could stabilize the expression of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1A1 (eEF1A1) via antagonizing its ubiquitination to promote triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) growth and metastasis. Based on this regulatory mechanism, an endosomal pH-responsive nanoparticle (NP) platform was engineered for systemic lncBCMA siRNA (siBCMA) delivery. This NPs-mediated siBCMA delivery could effectively silence lncBCMA expression and promote eEF1A1 ubiquitination, thereby leading to a significant inhibition of TNBC tumor growth and metastasis. These findings show that lncBCMA could be used as a potential biomarker to predict the prognosis of TNBC patients and NPs-mediated lncBCMA silencing could be an effective strategy for metastatic TNBC treatment.

Inhibition of choline kinase as an antiamoebic approach in Entamoeba histolytica infection

@#Entamoeba histolytica is the parasite responsible for amoebiasis, which can result in amoebic colitis or amoebic liver abscess. Metronidazole has been the conventional treatment for intestinal amoebiasis, but concerns regarding resistance have emerged due to the identification of resistance pathways in E. histolytica. This study investigates a novel anti-amoebic approach targeting the CDP-choline pathway. Inhibition studies were conducted using potential choline kinase (CK) inhibitors to inhibit the EhCK enzyme, and RNA interference was employed to knock down the EhCK gene. Km and Vmax of purified EhCK and hCKa2 proteins were determined by pyruvate kinase-lactate dehydrogenase (PK-LDH) coupled assay. The IC50 values for EhCK and hCKa2 were determined with several commercial CK inhibitors. Selected inhibitors were incubated with E. histolytica trophozoites for 48 hours to determine the EC50 for each inhibitor. Silencing of gene encoding EhCK was carried out using duplex siRNA and the gene expression level was measured by real-time qPCR. Based on the IC50 values, three of the inhibitors, namely CK37, flavopiridol and H-89 were more potent against EhCK than hCKa2. Trophozoites growth inhibition showed that only HDTAB, H-89 and control drug metronidazole could penetrate and induce cell death after 48-hour incubation. siRNA concentration of 10 µg/mL was used for the transfection of positive control GAPDH, EhCK, and non-targeting GFP siRNAs. RNAi experiment concluded with positive control GAPDH downregulated by 99% while the level of EhCK mRNA was downregulated by 47%. In this study, potential inhibitors of EhCK and siRNA have been identified, paving the way for further refinement and testing to enhance their potency against EhCK while sparing hCK. The utilization of these specific inhibitors and siRNA targeting EhCK represents a novel approach to impede the growth of E. histolytica by disrupting its phospholipid synthesis pathway.

Swertiamarin attenuates paraquat-induced pulmonary epithelial-like cell apoptosis via NOX4-mediated regulation of redox and mitochondrial function

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of swertiamarin (STM) in attenuating paraquat (PQ)-induced human lung alveolar epithelial-like cell (A549) apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms. A549 cells were pretreated with different concentrations of STM for 2 hr and then cultured with or without PQ (700 µM) for 24 hr. Cell survival was determined using the CCK8 assay. Morphological changes, MDA content, inflammatory factors, fibrogenesis parameters, apoptosis rates, redox status and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated. The expression of several genes involved in the modulation of redox status was measured by Western blotting. Cell viability and MMP were decreased, but the apoptosis rate and DCFH oxidation were elevated by PQ exposure. STM pretreatment notably increased cell viability and MMP and reduced the apoptosis rate and DCFH oxidation. Furthermore, TLR4- NOX4 signaling was significantly inhibited by STM. The downregulation of NOX4 by siRNA exerted the same protective effects as STM. This study provides the first evidence that STM attenuates PQ-induced pulmonary epithelial-like cell apoptosis via NOX4-mediated regulation of redox and mitochondrial function

Effects of Chitosan Nanoparticles with Long Synthetic siRNAs Targeting VEGF in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential angiogenic factor in breast cancer development and metastasis. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can specifically silence genes via the RNA interference pathway, therefore were investigated as cancer therapeutics. In this study, we investigated the effects of siRNAs longer than 30 base pairs (bp) loaded into chitosan nanoparticles in triple-negative breast cancer cells, compared with conventional siRNAs. 35 bp long synthetic siRNAs inhibited VEGF gene expression by 51.2% and increased apoptosis level by 1.75-fold in MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Furthermore, blank and siRNA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles induced expression of IFN-γ in breast cancer cells. These results suggest that long synthetic siRNAs can be as effective as conventional siRNAs, when introduced into cells with chitosan nanoparticles

Expression and regulation of keratin 6B in CD44+ bladder cancer stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer stem cells could promote the recurrence and drug resistance of bladder cancer. Numerous studies have shown that keratin 6B (KRT6B) is involved in the production and progression of tumors, and is closely related to the prognosis of tumors. OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of keratin 6B in CD44+ bladder cancer stem cells and to show the influence of keratin 6B on proliferation, migration, and self-renewal of bladder cancer stem cells, and to further explore the effect of keratin 6B expression on the prognosis of bladder cancer patients. METHODS: (1) CD44+ 5637 bladder cancer stem cells were isolated by magnetic active cell sorting. Cancer stem cell-related gene expression of SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG was detected via real-time polymerase chain reaction. The spheroid formation assay was used to detect the ability of self-renewal of cancer stem cells in CD44+ cells. Keratin 6B expression was detected in CD44+ bladder cancer stem cells by real-time polymerase chain reaction. (2) The CD44+5637 bladder cancer stem cells were divided into two groups. In the keratin 6B siRNA group, keratin 6B small interfering RNA was transfected into CD44+ bladder cancer stem cells. Untransfected CD44+ bladder cancer stem cells were used as the black control group. Cells were collected at 2 days post-transfection. The proliferation, migration, and self-renewal capacity of keratin 6B siRNA CD44+ bladder cancer stem cells were detected by the colony and wound healing assay and spheroid formation respectively. (3) Totally 24 bladder cancer tissues were used by immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of CD44v6 and keratin 6B. (4) ONCOMINE database was used to analyze the effect of keratin 6B expression on the overall survival of bladder cancer. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Cancer stem cell-related genes (SOX2, OCT4, NANOG) and keratin 6B expression was higher in CD44+ cells isolated by magnetic active cell sorting compared with CD44- cells (P < 0.05). Cell proliferation, migration, and in vitro spheroid formation were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Keratin 6B small interfering RNA down-regulated the expression of keratin 6B in CD44+ bladder cancer stem cells (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the blank control group, the proliferation and migration of CD44+ bladder cancer stem cells after transfection of keratin 6B small interfering RNA (P < 0.05), and the number of tumorsphere significantly diminished (P < 0.05); the expression of Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA increased (P < 0.05). (3) Keratin 6B and CD44v6 were significantly different in bladder cancer tissue (P=0.006). The overall survival rate of bladder cancer patients with high expression of keratin 6B was lower than that of patients with low expression of keratin 6B. (4) The results showed that keratin 6B was highly expressed in CD44+ bladder cancer stem cells, and could promote the proliferation, migration, and self-renewal capacity of bladder cancer stem cells. The high expression of keratin 6B contributes to improving the survival of bladder cancer patients.