Development of Gd3N@C80 encapsulated redox nanoparticles for high-performance magnetic resonance imaging.

As novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, gadofullerene encapsulated redox nanoparticles (Gd3NPs) were prepared by encapsulation of Gd3N@C80 in the core of core-shell-type polymer micelles composed of original polyamine with a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging ability. Because Gd3NPs possess biocompatible PEG shell with a smaller size (ca. 50 nm), they had high colloidal stability in a physiological environment, and showed low cytotoxicity. Specific accumulation of Gd3NPs in a tumor was confirmed in tumor-bearing mice after systemic administration. The tumor/muscle (T/M) ratio of the Gd ion reached five at 7.5 h after the administration. T1-weighted MRI signal enhancement of the T/M ratio increased by 8% at 6 h postinjection of Gd3NPs (Gd dose:14.35 µmol/kg). Although Gd3NPs showed a tendency for extended blood circulation, they did not have severe adverse effects, probably due to the confinement of Gd in a hydrophobic fullerene in addition to the ROS-scavenging capacity of these nanoparticles. In sharp contrast, systemic administration of Gd-chelate nanoparticles (GdCNPs) to mice disrupts liver function, increases leukocyte counts, and destroys spleen and skin tissues. Leaking of Gd ions from GdCNPs may cause such adverse effects. Based on these results, we expect that Gd3NPs is high-performance MRI contrast agents for tumor diagnosis.

Addressing epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in non-small cell lung cancer.

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have significantly improved the survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR activating mutations. However, nearly all EGFR-mutant NSCLC tumors eventually acquire resistance to the currently used EGFR-TKIs and subsequently progress clinically. Acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs is thus a huge issue in the treatment of EGFR-mutant NSCLC at present. On one hand, T790M second-site mutation has been recognized as a key mechanism of EGFR-TKI resistance, and third generation EGFR-TKIs such as osimertinib and rociletinib have been developed to overcome tumor cells harboring the T790M mutation. On the other hand, combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy is also expected as another strategy for preventing the acquired resistance to current EGFR-TKIs and prolonging the survival benefits by EGFR-TKIs. Here, we review updated strategies for preventing or overcoming acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs.

Selective activation of mTORC1 signaling recapitulates microcephaly, tuberous sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been implicated in human neurological diseases such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), neurodegeneration, and autism. However, little is known about when and how mTOR is involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases, due to a lack of animal models that directly increase mTOR activity. Here, we generated transgenic mice expressing a gain-of-function mutant of mTOR in the forebrain in a temporally controlled manner. Selective activation of mTORC1 in embryonic stages induced cortical atrophy caused by prominent apoptosis of neuronal progenitors, associated with upregulation of HIF-1α. In striking contrast, activation of the mTORC1 pathway in adulthood resulted in cortical hypertrophy with fatal epileptic seizures, recapitulating human TSC. Activated mTORC1 in the adult cortex also promoted rapid accumulation of cytoplasmic inclusions and activation of microglial cells, indicative of progressive neurodegeneration. Our findings demonstrate that mTORC1 plays different roles in developmental and adult stages and contributes to human neurological diseases.

Non-HPLC rapid separation of metallofullerenes and empty cages with TiCl4 Lewis acid.

Rapid and efficient separation/purification of pure metallofullerenes M(x)@C(n) (M = metal; x = 1, 2; n > 70) and carbide metallofullerenes of the type M(y)C(2)@C(n-2) (y = 2, 3, 4; n - 2 > 68) has been reported. The present method utilizes rapid and almost perfect preferential formation of TiCl(4) (generally known as a Lewis acid)-metallofullerene complexes, which easily decompose to provide pure metallofullerene powders by a simple water treatment. The present method enables one to separate the metallofullerenes up to >99% purity within 10 min without using any type of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It is found that the oxidation potentials of the metallofullerenes are crucial factors for efficient purification. The current separation/purification technique may open a brand-new era for inducing further applications and commercialization of endohedral metallofullerenes.