The Preparation of Golgi Apparatus-Targeted Polymer Dots Encapsulated with Carbon Nanodots of Bright Near-Infrared Fluorescence for Long-Term Bioimaging.

As a vital organelle in eukaryotic cells, the Golgi apparatus is responsible for processing and transporting proteins in cells. Precisely monitoring the status of the Golgi apparatus with targeted fluorescence imaging technology is of enormous importance but remains a dramatically challenging task. In this study, we demonstrate the construction of the first Golgi apparatus-targeted near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanoprobe, termed Golgi-Pdots. As a starting point of our investigation, hydrophobic carbon nanodots (CNDs) with bright NIR fluorescence at 674 nm (fluorescence quantum yield: 12.18%), a narrow emission band of 23 nm, and excellent stability were easily prepared from Magnolia Denudata flowers using an ultrasonic method. Incorporating the CNDs into a polymer matrix modified with Golgi-targeting molecules allowed for the production of the water-soluble Golgi-Pdots, which showed high colloidal stability and similar optical properties compared with pristine CNDs. Further studies revealed that the Golgi-Pdots showed good biocompatibility and Golgi apparatus-targeting capability. Based on these fascinating merits, utilizing Golgi-Pdots for the long-term tracking of the Golgi apparatus inside live cells was immensely successful.

[Antitumour study with combined IL-2 gene therapy and radiation for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of combination therapy with IL-2 gene transfer and radiation in an immunocompetent murine model that parallel more closely the clinical therapy of head and neck Squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC). METHOD: Tumors were established in the floor of mouth in C3H/HeJ mice with SCC VII cell line. Lipid-DNA complexed (lipoplexes) by using polycationic liposome-Mediated transduction for HNSCC were transducted in tumor-bearing mouse by direct intratumoral gene transfer. The local tumor radiation with 2 Gy were done in second day. Tumor size were measured before and after the treatment as compared to different single treatment groups and the controls. After tumors were subcultured, the supernatants were collected for IL-2 expression by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Natural killer (NK) cell activity and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity were also assayed by LDH method. CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphcyte in tumour tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULT: HNSCC tumor growth was significantly inhibited after a combined IL-2 gene and radiation therapy as compared to the controls. Increased secreted levels of IL-2 protein expression were found in combined and single IL-2 gene treated groups. The combination and IL-2 gene treated groups produced greater activation of CTL and NK than the other groups. The significant CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration was distributed in tumor tissues after IL-2 gene therapy. CONCLUSION: Combined IL-2 gene therapy and radiation could significantly inhibited HNSCC tumor growth in the murine model and efficiently induced antitumor immunity of the host.

[Combination radiation and gene therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the murine model].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the antitumour efficacy and investigate immunological mechanism of combination therapy of IL-2 gene and IL-12 gene transfer with radiation in an immunocompetent murine model that parallel more closely the clinical therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: Tumors were established in the floor of mouth in C3H/HeJ mice with SCCVII cell line. Lipid-DNA complexed (lipoplexes) by using polycationic liposome-Mediated transduction for HNSCC was transduced in tumor-bearing mouse by direct intratumoral gene transfer. The local tumor was radiated with a dose of 2 Gy in the second day. Tumor sizes were measured before and after the treatment as compared to the different single treatment groups and the controls. After tumors were subculture, the supernatants were collected for IL-2 and IL-12 expression by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Natural killer (NK) cell activity and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity were also assayed by LDH method. CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte in tumor tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: HNSCC tumor growth was significantly inhibited following combined IL-2 and IL-12 gene therapy with radiation as compared to IL-2 or IL-12 gene therapy with radiation, single IL-2 or IL-12 gene therapy, radiation alone and the controls. Increased secreted levels of IL-2 and IL-12 protein expression were found in combined and single IL-2 gene or IL-12 gene treated groups. The combination and single gene treated groups produced greater activation of CTL and NK than the controls of all concerned test. The significant CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration was distributed and the numerous necrosis were seen in tumor tissues after combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Combined IL-2 gene and IL-12 gene therapy with radiation could significantly inhibited HNSCC tumor growth in the murine model and efficiently induced antitumor immunity of the host.