Radiation-induced lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 increases lysophosphatidylcholine and induces endothelial cell damage.

The cardiotoxicity of various anticancer therapies, including radiotherapy, can lead to cardiovascular complications. These complications can range from damaging cardiac tissues within the irradiation field to increasing the long-term risks of developing heart failure, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. We analyzed radiation-induced metabolites capable of mediating critical biological processes, such as inflammation, senescence, and apoptosis. Previously, by applying QTOF-MASS analysis to irradiated human fibroblasts, we identified that metabolite sets of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) were increased in these cells. In this study, radiation-induced LPC accumulation in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and senescence-associated-beta-galactosidase staining, in addition to decreasing their tube-forming ability. Knockdown of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) with small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the increased LPC production induced by radiation, and reduced the radiation-induced cell damage produced by ROS and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Lp-PLA2 depletion abolished the induction of proinflammatory factors, such as interleukin 1ß, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9, as well as adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and E-selection. Likewise, we showed that Lp-PLA2 expression was upregulated in the vasculature of irradiated rat, resulting in increased LPC production and LDL oxidation. Our data demonstrate that radiation-induced LPC production is a potential risk factor for cardiotoxicity that is mediated by Lp-PLA2 activity, suggesting that LPC and Lp-PLA2 offer potential diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cardiovascular damage during radiotherapy.

Silibinin treatment protects human skin cells from UVB injury through upregulation of estrogen receptors.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) from the sunlight is a major environmental cause for human skin damages, inducing cell death, inflammation, senescence and even carcinogenesis. The natural flavonoid silibinin, clinically used as liver protectant, has protective effects against UVB-caused skin injury in vivo and in vitro. Silibinin is often classified as a phytoestrogen, because it modulates the activation of estrogen receptors (ERs). However, whether silibinin's estrogenic effect contributes to the skin protection against UVB injury remains to be elucidated. The issue was explored in this study by using the human foreskin dermal fibroblasts (HFF) and human non-malignant immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). In HFF, pre-treatment with silibinin rescued UVB-irradiated cells from apoptosis. Interestingly, silibinin increased the whole cellular and nuclear levels of ERα and ERß in UVB-irradiated cells. Activation of ERs by treatment with estradiol elevated the cell survival and reduced apoptosis in UVB-treated cells. ERα agonist increased cell survival, while its antagonist decreased it. ERß agonist also increased cell survival, but the antagonist had no effect on cell survival. Transfection of the cells with the small interfering RNAs (si-RNAs) to ERα or ERß diminished the protective effect of silibinin on UVB-irradiated cells. In UVB-treated HaCaT cells, both ERα and ERß were increased by silibinin treatment. Inhibition of activation and expression of ERα or ERß by specific antagonists and si-RNAs, respectively, reduced cell survival in UVB-treated HaCaT cells regardless of silibinin treatment. Taken together, it is summarized that silibinin up-regulates both ERα and ERß pathways in UVB-treated dermal HFF cells and epidermal HaCaT cells, leading to protection of skin from UVB-damage.

Highly efficient photocontrolled targeted delivery of siRNA by a cyclodextrin-based supramolecular nanoassembly.

In this study, we have constructed a binary supramolecular nanoassembly composed of α-cyclodextrin-modified hyaluronic acid and an azobenzene-modified diphenylalanine derivative with a positively charged imidazole group. This nanoassembly can bind with siRNA through electrostatic interactions and efficiently delivered them into cancer cells and inhibited their growth.

NIR-light and GSH activated cytosolic p65-shRNA delivery for precise treatment of metastatic cancer.

Despite advances in cancer therapy, metastasis remains the dominate reason for cancer-related mortality. Herein, a novel, hybrid nanocomplex, RDG/shRNA, with tumor-targeting and dual stimuli responsive properties is described for the effective treatment of metastatic cancer. This multimodal therapeutic system was prepared by complexing RDG nanovectors with p65-shRNA, an anti-NF-κB agent, via the electrostatic interactions between negatively charged shRNA and the cationic DSPEI displayed on the surface of the nanovectors. Cytosolic release of shRNA from the complex is achieved by dual-stimulation from NIR laser irradiation and high intracellular GSH concentrations, resulting in effective gene silencing of metastatic 4T1 breast cancer cells, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. More importantly, the nanocomplex undergoes significant intratumoral accumulation due to the EPR effect and RGD-mediated endocytosis. In combination with localized NIR laser irradiation, the hybrid complex could effectively inhibit primary breast tumor growth and almost completely suppresses distant metastasis, significantly improving the therapeutic efficacy of the RDG/shRNA complex. Consequently, this NIR-light and GSH responsive complex with tumor targeting capabilities and cytosolic shRNA release is a promising nanoplatform for precise treatment of metastatic cancer.

Light-Patterned RNA Interference of 3D-Cultured Human Embryonic Stem Cells.

A new method of spatially controlled gene regulation in 3D-cultured human embryonic stem cells is developed using hollow gold nanoshells (HGNs) and near-infrared (NIR) light. Targeted cell(s) are discriminated from neighboring cell(s) by focusing NIR light emitted from a two-photon microscope. Irradiation of cells that have internalized HGNs releases surface attached siRNAs and leads to concomitant gene downregulation.

In Vitro-Pooled shRNA Screening to Identify Determinants of Radiosensitivity.

Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-pooled screening is a valuable and cost-effective tool for assaying the contribution of individual genes to cell viability and proliferation on a genomic scale. Here we describe the key considerations for the design and execution of a pooled shRNA screen to identify determinants of radiosensitivity.

Optochemical control of RNA interference in mammalian cells.

Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been widely used in mammalian tissue culture and model organisms to selectively silence genes of interest. One limitation of this technology is the lack of precise external control over the gene-silencing event. The use of photocleavable protecting groups installed on nucleobases is a promising strategy to circumvent this limitation, providing high spatial and temporal control over siRNA or miRNA activation. Here, we have designed, synthesized and site-specifically incorporated new photocaged guanosine and uridine RNA phosphoramidites into short RNA duplexes. We demonstrated the applicability of these photocaged siRNAs in the light-regulation of the expression of an exogenous green fluorescent protein reporter gene and an endogenous target gene, the mitosis motor protein, Eg5. Two different approaches were investigated with the caged RNA molecules: the light-regulation of catalytic RNA cleavage by RISC and the light-regulation of seed region recognition. The ability to regulate both functions with light enables the application of this optochemical methodology to a wide range of small regulatory RNA molecules.

NIR light controlled photorelease of siRNA and its targeted intracellular delivery based on upconversion nanoparticles.

The most notable role of small interfering RNA (siRNA) is in RNA interference (RNAi) and post-transcriptional gene silencing, which leads to a surge of interest in RNAi for both biomedical research and therapeutic applications. However, "naked" siRNA cannot cross cellular membranes freely because of highly negative charges which limits its utility for gene therapy. In this work, a system of near-infrared (NIR) light-induced siRNA release from silica coated upconversion nanoparticles (Si-UCNPs) is presented. These Si-UCNPs were functionalized with cationic photocaged linkers through covalent bonding, which could effectively adsorb anionic siRNA through electrostatic attractions and were easily internalized by living cells. Upon NIR light irradiation, the photocaged linker on the Si-UCNPs surface could be cleaved by the upconverted UV light and thus initiated the intracellular release of the siRNA. The in vitro agarose gel electrophoresis and intracellular imaging results indicated that the Si-UCNPs-based gene carrier system allowed effective siRNA delivery and the applications of NIR light instead of direct high energy UV irradiation may greatly guarantee less cell damage.

Photonic gene circuits by optically addressable siRNA-Au nanoantennas.

The precise perturbation of gene circuits and the direct observation of signaling pathways in living cells are essential for both fundamental biology and translational medicine. Current optogenetic technology offers a new paradigm of optical control for cells; however, this technology relies on permanent genomic modifications with light-responsive genes, thus limiting dynamic reconfiguration of gene circuits. Here, we report precise control of perturbation and reconfiguration of gene circuits in living cells by optically addressable siRNA-Au nanoantennas. The siRNA-Au nanoantennas fulfill dual functions as selectively addressable optical receivers and biomolecular emitters of small interfering RNA (siRNA). Using siRNA-Au nanoantennas as optical inputs to existing circuit connections, photonic gene circuits are constructed in living cells. We show that photonic gene circuits are modular, enabling subcircuits to be combined on-demand. Photonic gene circuits open new avenues for engineering functional gene circuits useful for fundamental bioscience, bioengineering, and medical applications.

Light-dependent RNA interference with nucleobase-caged siRNAs.

Within the past years RNA interference (RNAi) has become one of the most valuable tools for post-transcriptional gene silencing. Making RNAi temporally and/or spatially controllable would even enlarge its scope of application. Attaching a light-removable protection group to siRNAs is a very promising approach to achieve this control over RNAi. It has been reported that modifying siRNA nucleobases surrounding the mRNA cleavage site between the 10th and 11th nucleotides successfully suppresses RNAi. We investigated the influence of photolabile protection groups at these and the adjacent nucleobases on siRNA activity and chose to incorporate caged deoxynucleotides instead of ribonucleotides. The siRNAs designed by these means were shown to be completely inactive. By irradiation with UV light (366 nm) they could be fully reactivated and showed the same activity as their unmodified siRNA counterparts.

Tolerance of RNA interference toward modifications of the 5' antisense phosphate of small interfering RNA.

Bringing RNA interference (RNAi) under the control of light will allow the spacing, timing, and degree of gene expression to be controlled. We have previously shown that RNAi by small interfering (si) RNA can be modulated through randomly incorporated photolabile groups. Our and others interest is to find key locations on siRNA that can completely block RNAi until irradiation releases completely active siRNA. Some literature suggests that the 5' phosphate of the antisense strand of siRNA cannot be modified without completely blocking RNAi. We have examined this site as a potential switch for light control of RNAi and present evidence that siRNA modified at the 5' antisense phosphate can still cause RNAi, although not at the level effected by fully native siRNA. This contrasts with results from the literature, which suggest that modification of the 5' antisense phosphate will completely abrogate RNAi in siRNA. We have used mass spectrometry to identify and quantitate possible impurities that may be responsible for residual RNAi and show that they are present at 1% or less. Our results suggest that there is an inherent tolerance of the RNAi machinery toward modification of the 5' antisense phosphate.

Transient depletion of Ku70 and Xrcc4 by RNAi as a means to manipulate the non-homologous end-joining pathway.

Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway in mammalian cells and is likely responsible for the non-homologous integration of transgenes. In higher eukaryotes, this pathway predominates over the homologous recombination (HR) pathway and therefore may account for the low level of HR events that occur in mammalian cells. We evaluated the effects of transient RNAi-induced down-regulation of key components of the NHEJ pathway in human HCT116 cells. Treatment with siRNA targeting Ku70 and Xrcc4 reduced corresponding protein levels by 80-90% 48h after transfection, with a return to normal levels by 96h. Additionally, down-regulation of Ku70 and Xrcc4 resulted in a concomitant depletion of both Ku70 and Ku86 proteins. Biological consequences of transient RNAi-mediated depletion of Ku70 and Xrcc4 included sensitization to gamma radiation and a significant decrease in the expression of a linear GFP reporter gene. The results highlight the possibility of a successful means to manipulate the NHEJ pathway by RNAi.

Caged substrates applied to high content screening: an introduction with an eye to the future.

The use of photoremovable protecting groups in biology affords the end user high temporal, spatial, and concentration control of reagents and substrates. High content screening and other large-scale biology applications would benefit greatly from these advantages. Herein, we report progress in this field by highlighting the recent development of controllable siRNA (csiRNA), which is a dormant siRNA that can be activated using 365 nm light. Two different experimental designs are described to highlight the temporal and concentration variables that can be controlled. First, the RNAi process is activated at two timepoints, 24- and 48-h post-transfection, to demonstrate that the action of csiRNA does not begin until activated. Second, increasing light dosage exposure to cells transfected with csiRNA that controls the concentration of active siRNA molecules. All experiments are conducted in a 96-well format with light delivered through the UCOM device.

Silencing of p29 affects DNA damage responses with UV irradiation.

Human p29 is a newly identified nuclear protein whose function is largely undetermined. We found that p29 associated with chromatin, interacted with MCM3, and localized with proliferating cell nuclear antigen foci in the S phase. Silencing of p29 using small interfering RNA duplexes reduced DNA synthesis and increased the expression of p107, a member of the RB family, and of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, accompanied with a decreased expression of DNA polymerase alpha. Lethal events consisting of premature chromatin condensation with a reduced Chk1 phosphorylation were observed in p29-depleted cells in response to UV irradiation. Intriguingly, the phosphorylation of ataxia telangectasia-mutated kinases at S1981 was suppressed in p29-depleted HeLa cells with UV irradiation, but not in hydroxyurea- and ionizing radiation-treated cells. Taken together, these results reveal a novel function of p29 in the regulation of DNA replication checkpoint responses.

Overexpression of Aurora-A kinase promotes tumor cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line.

Aurora-A kinase, a serine/threonine protein kinase, is a potential oncogene. Amplification and overexpression of Aurora-A have been found in several types of human tumors, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). It has been demonstrated that cells overexpressing Aurora-A are more resistant to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating these effects remain largely unknown. In this report, we showed that overexpression of Aurora-A through stable transfection of pEGFP-Aurora-A in human ESCC KYSE150 cells significantly promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cisplatin- or UV irradiation-induced apoptosis. Cleavages of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in Aurora-A overexpressing cells were substantially reduced after cisplatin or UV treatment. Furthermore, we found that silencing of endogenous Aurora-A kinase with siRNA substantially enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin- or UV-induced apoptosis in human ESCC EC9706 cells. In parallel, overexpression of Aurora-A potently upregulated the expression of Bcl-2. Moreover, the knockdown of Bcl-2 by siRNA abrogated the Aurora-A's effect on inhibiting apoptosis. Taken together, these data provide evidence that Aurora-A overexpression promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, suggesting a novel mechanism that is closely related to malignant phenotype and anti-cancer drugs resistance of ESCC cells.

Light controllable siRNAs regulate gene suppression and phenotypes in cells.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is widely recognized as a powerful tool for targeted gene silencing. However, siRNA gene silencing occurs during transfection, limiting its use is in kinetic studies, deciphering toxic and off-target effects and phenotypic assays requiring temporal, and/or spatial regulation. We developed a novel controllable siRNA (csiRNA) that is activated by light. A single photo removable group is coupled during oligonucleotide synthesis to the 5' end of the antisense strand of the siRNA, which blocks the siRNA's activity. A low dose of light activates the siRNA, independent of transfection resulting in knock down of specific target mRNAs and proteins (GAPDH, p53, survivin, hNuf2) without stimulating non-specific effects such as regulated protein kinase PKR and induction of the interferon response. We demonstrate survivin and hNuf2 csiRNAs temporally knockdown their mRNAs causing multinucleation and cell death by mitotic arrest, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate a dose-dependent light regulation of hNuf2 csiRNA activity and resulting phenotype. The light controllable siRNAs are introduced into cells using commercially available reagents including the MPG peptide based delivery system. The csiRNAs are comparable to standard siRNAs in their transfection efficiency and potency of gene silencing. This technology should be of interest for phenotypic assays such as cell survival, cell cycle regulation, and cell development.