Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giuseppe Francesco Racaniello, Valentino Laquintana, Juliette Vergnaud, Angela Lopedota, Annalisa Cutrignelli, Antonio Lopalco, Francesco Leonetti, Massimo Franco, Mauro Fiume, Paola Pontrelli, Loreto Gesualdo, Elias Fattal, Nunzio Denora
Summary: This study successfully developed a novel gene delivery agent derived from purified glycogen, which was proven to be effective and non-cytotoxic in transfecting breast and renal cancer cells by releasing siRNA efficiently.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adva Krivitsky, Sabina Pozzi, Eilam Yeini, Sahar Israeli Dangoor, Tal Zur, Sapir Golan, Vadim Krivitsky, Nitzan Albeck, Evgeny Pisarevsky, Paula Ofek, Asaf Madi, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
Summary: The use of a sulfonated amphiphilic poly(alpha)glutamate nanocarrier decorated with sulfonate groups shows potential for targeted siRNA delivery to GB brain tumors, leading to specific gene silencing and reduced cell viability in both chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant GB cells. This approach may strengthen therapeutic applications of siRNA for chemo-resistant GB tumors and serve as a combination therapy for chemo-sensitive GB tumors.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Manon Berger, Francois Toussaint, Sanaa Ben Djemaa, Erik Maquoi, Helene Pendeville, Brigitte Evrard, Christine Jerome, Jeanne Leblond Chain, Anna Lechanteur, Denis Mottet, Antoine Debuigne, Geraldine Piel
Summary: Lipid-based nanocarriers have shown great potential in delivering genetic material, but PEGylation can have adverse effects on cellular uptake and endosomal escape. This study proposes amphiphilic poly(N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide) (PNMVA) derivatives as alternatives to lipid-PEG for siRNA delivery. DSPE-PNMVA(24) demonstrates comparable stealth properties to DSPE-PEG, but without adverse impact on cellular uptake and endosomal escape. In vivo studies with mice show that DSPE-PNMVA(24) lipoplexes have good stealth properties, extended circulation time, reduced immunological reaction, and no systemic pro-inflammatory response.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivan V. Chernikov, Ulyana A. Ponomareva, Elena L. Chernolovskaya
Summary: The use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the clinic offers possibilities for treating previously incurable diseases, but the main challenge lies in delivering siRNA to target cells and organs. While siRNA delivery to liver cells has been solved through bioconjugation with N-acetylgalactosamine, it remains challenging for other organs. The structure and molecular weight of siRNA also play crucial roles in its delivery and activity, with smaller molecular weight siRNAs being more efficient at entering cells and larger ones having advantages at the organism level. This review aims to explore the relationship between siRNA structure and its biodistribution and activity to develop new strategies for improving siRNA performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Marco Paolino, Paola Varvara, Mario Saletti, Annalisa Reale, Mariangela Gentile, Eugenio Paccagnini, Germano Giuliani, Hartmut Komber, Mariano Licciardi, Andrea Cappelli
Summary: A coating technology using low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) and ferulic acid (FA) was applied to coat low generation poly(propylene imine) dendrimers, and the resulting HA-FA-HEG-PPID dendrimeric materials showed excellent loading capability for the anticancer drug doxorubicin. The stable nanostructured loaded delivery systems were able to internalize into CD44-expressing cells and exhibit high cytotoxicity comparable to free doxorubicin.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Goknur Kara, Soheil Malekghasemi, Bulent Ozpolat, Emir Baki Denkbas
Summary: SPIONs show potential as drug or gene carrier systems with unique superparamagnetism and theranostic capabilities, but face challenges of easy clearance in circulation and toxicological concerns. Silk protein, sericin, offers promise as a coating material to enhance the biocompatibility and stability of SPIONs.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Amina Selimovic, Goknur Kara, Emir Baki Denkbas
Summary: In this study, gelatin-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles loaded with mTOR-silencing siRNA were synthesized and demonstrated to have a significant therapeutic effect in colorectal cancer cells. Compared with a commercial siRNA transfection reagent, these nanoparticles showed similar or better inhibition of cell viability.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Benjamin J. Hulme, Kathrin K. Geyer, Josephine E. Forde-Thomas, Gilda Padalino, Dylan W. Phillips, Wannaporn Ittiprasert, Shannon E. Karinshak, Victoria H. Mann, Iain W. Chalmers, Paul J. Brindley, Cornelis H. Hokke, Karl F. Hoffmann
Summary: Alpha-galactosidase (α-GAL) and alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (α-NAGAL) are two glycosyl hydrolases responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating glycan substrates on proteins and lipids. The parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni also contains functionally important α-GAL and α-NAGAL proteins, and inhibiting their activities could lead to the development of novel chemotherapeutics. The study identified that Smp_089290 is the only S. mansoni protein containing the necessary amino acids for α-GAL/α-NAGAL substrate cleavage. Inhibition of α-NAGAL activity in the adult worms significantly reduced their motility and egg production. This study contributes to understanding the glycan processing and modification machinery of schistosomes and suggests that targeting α-NAGAL may be a potential strategy for controlling schistosomiasis.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Weiwei Jiang, Qing Fan, Jing Wang, Bingning Zhang, Tangna Hao, Qixian Chen, Lei Li, Lixue Chen, Hongxia Cui, Zhen Li
Summary: This study investigates the effects of D-alpha-tocopheryl succinate (VES) and distearoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine-poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE-PEG) on the encapsulation and controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX) in nano-assemblies, enhancing the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of DOX in cancerous cells. The hybrid nanocarriers demonstrate selective induction of intracellular ROS accumulation and increased cytoplasmic calcium ion levels, leading to improved cytotoxicity of DOX. In vivo, DOX-loaded VDPM2 shows promising antitumor efficacy with minimal systemic toxicity, suggesting its potential as a multifunctional chemotherapeutic nanomedicine system for clinical tumor therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Samantha Youles, Julian E. Bautista, Andreu Font-Ribera, David Bacon, James Rich, David Brooks, Tamara M. Davis, Kyle Dawson, Axel de la Macorra, Govinda Dhungana, Peter Doel, Kevin Fanning, Enrique Gaztanaga, Satya Gontcho A. Gontcho, Alma X. Gonzalez-Morales, Julien Guy, Klaus Honscheid, Vid Irsic, Robert Kehoe, David Kirkby, Theodore Kisner, Martin Landriau, Laurent Le Guillou, Michael E. Levi, Paul Martini, Andrea Munoz-Gutierrez, Nathalie Palanque-Delabrouille, Ignasi Perez-Rafols, Claire Poppett, Cesar Ramirez-Perez, Michael Schubnell, Gregory Tarle, Michael Walther
Summary: In this study, the impact of errors in quasar redshift estimation on Lyman-alpha correlation functions is investigated using synthetic Lyman-alpha forests from the DESI survey. The results show that redshift errors lead to a smearing of the BAO feature in the radial direction and an unphysical correlation for small separations transverse to the line of sight.
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Helen M. E. Duyvesteyn, Isaac Santos-Perez, Francesca Peccati, Ane Martinez-Castillo, Thomas S. Walter, David Reguera, Felix M. Goni, Gonzalo Jimenez-Oses, Hanna M. Oksanen, David Stuart, Nicola G. A. Abrescia
Summary: The study reported the three-dimensional structure of the double-stranded DNA bacteriophage PRD1 in complex with the antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine, demonstrating the mechanism of loading heterocyclic drugs by the viral capsid protein. X-ray studies and molecular dynamics simulations revealed the binding modes and organization of the drug with the protein.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Osman Yusuf, Raisuddin Ali, Abdullah H. Alomrani, Aws Alshamsan, Abdullah K. Alshememry, Abdulaziz M. Almalik, Afsaneh Lavasanifar, Ziyad Binkhathlan
Summary: This study synthesized biodegradable block copolymers based on TPGS-block-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) for a nanodelivery system, demonstrating that TPGS copolymers with PEG molecular weights >= 2000 Da can self-assemble into nanocarriers and enhance the solubility of PAX. Among the formulations, TPGS(5000)-b-PCL15000 showed the slowest in vitro release of PAX, indicating potential for efficient solubilization and controlled release.
Article
Polymer Science
Mariya-Desislava Atanasova, Georgy Grancharov, Petar D. Petrov
Summary: Novel micellar carriers with pendant cinnamyl moieties were successfully synthesized to enhance the solubilization of CAPE in water. Characterization of both blank and loaded carriers was performed using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microscopy
Masoumeh Souri, Mohammad Aref Bagherzadeh, Mirza Ali Mofazzal Jahromi, Hossein Mohammad-Beigi, Amir Abdoli, Hamed Mir, Abazar Roustazadeh, Majid Pirestani, Parham Sahandi Zangabad, Jafar Kiani, Amirmahmoud Bakhshayesh, Mehdi Jahani, Mohammad Taghi Joghataei, Mahdi Karimi
Summary: This study developed a novel DNA-loaded PLL/HA nanocarrier for gene delivery. The nanocarrier was prepared through masking DNA-loaded PLL molecules by HA and its physicochemical properties and cellular uptake rate were investigated. The nanocarrier exhibited a negative charge and had small, ellipsoid-shaped particles with smooth surfaces. MTT assay showed that it was non-toxic to cells. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated high potential cellular uptake of the nanocarrier for gene delivery to cells under optimized conditions.
JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Sarah R. Sheskey, David A. Antonetti, Rene C. Renteria, Cheng-Mao Lin
Summary: Diabetic retinopathy causes vision loss and retinal thinning, with significant correlation between blood glucose levels and visual function and structure changes.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Helena F. Florindo, Ron Kleiner, Daniella Vaskovich-Koubi, Rita C. Acurcio, Barbara Carreira, Eilam Yeini, Galia Tiram, Yulia Liubomirski, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lea Monteran, Nour Ershaid, Idan Sabah, Ibrahim Fahoum, Yael Zait, Ophir Shani, Noam Cohen, Anat Eldar-Boock, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, Neta Erez
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Correction
Biology
Lee Shaashua, Anabel Eckerling, Boaz Israeli, Gali Yanovich, Ella Rosenne, Suzana Fichman-Horn, Ido Ben Zvi, Liat Sorski, Rita Haldar, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, Tamar Geiger, Erica K. Sloan, Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carina Peres, Ana Matos, Liane I. F. Moura, Rita C. Acurcio, Barbara Carreira, Sabina Pozzi, Daniella Vaskovich-Koubi, Ron Kleiner, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, Helena F. Florindo
Summary: Targeted immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, but tumor heterogeneity and immunosuppression mechanisms have hindered the success of cancer vaccines. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions, but the selection of appropriate preclinical models is crucial.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Gali Yanovich-Arad, Paula Ofek, Eilam Yeini, Mariya Mardamshina, Artem Danilevsky, Noam Shomron, Rachel Grossman, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, Tamar Geiger
Summary: This study utilized high-resolution mass spectrometry proteomics and RNA sequencing to analyze 87 GBM patients, identifying specific immune, metabolic, and developmental processes associated with survival. The findings revealed a stronger association between proteomic profiles and survival, establishing proteomic heterogeneity in GBM as a key factor in understanding poor survival.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sabina Pozzi, Anna Scomparin, Sahar Israeli Dangoor, Daniel Rodriguez Ajamil, Paula Ofek, Lena Neufeld, Adva Krivitsky, Daniella Vaskovich-Koubi, Ron Kleiner, Pradip Dey, Shani Koshrovski-Michael, Noa Reisman, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
Summary: Three-dimensional cancer models have been developed to study a wide range of biological applications, including cell signaling pathways, metastatic cascade steps, and personalized medicine, in vitro. By combining different cell types and external stimuli, these models can more accurately mimic the biology and pathophysiology of in vivo tumors.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eilam Yeini, Paula Ofek, Sabina Pozzi, Nitzan Albeck, Dikla Ben-Shushan, Galia Tiram, Sapir Golan, Ron Kleiner, Ron Sheinin, Sahar Israeli Dangoor, Shlomit Reich-Zeliger, Rachel Grossman, Zvi Ram, Henry Brem, Thomas M. Hyde, Prerna Magod, Dinorah Friedmann-Morvinski, Asaf Madi, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
Summary: The study revealed the crucial role of P-selectin in promoting GB proliferation and invasion, showing that inhibiting P-selectin could reduce tumor growth and increase survival in mouse models. The findings shed light on the function of tumor-associated microglia/macrophages and the mechanisms by which GB cells suppress the immune system and invade the brain, paving the way to exploit P-selectin as a target for GB therapy.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adva Krivitsky, Sabina Pozzi, Eilam Yeini, Sahar Israeli Dangoor, Tal Zur, Sapir Golan, Vadim Krivitsky, Nitzan Albeck, Evgeny Pisarevsky, Paula Ofek, Asaf Madi, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
Summary: The use of a sulfonated amphiphilic poly(alpha)glutamate nanocarrier decorated with sulfonate groups shows potential for targeted siRNA delivery to GB brain tumors, leading to specific gene silencing and reduced cell viability in both chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant GB cells. This approach may strengthen therapeutic applications of siRNA for chemo-resistant GB tumors and serve as a combination therapy for chemo-sensitive GB tumors.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Luigi Battaglia, Anna Scomparin, Chiara Dianzani, Paola Milla, Elisabetta Muntoni, Silvia Arpicco, Roberta Cavalli
Summary: Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive solid tumor with low survival rates, and current clinical treatments include various methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems play a crucial role in improving therapeutic efficacy, especially in combination therapy. Italian researchers are focusing on developing nanoformulations for malignant melanoma therapy and there are numerous nanomedicines undergoing clinical trials in the country.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monica Argenziano, Irfan Aamer Ansari, Elisabetta Muntoni, Rita Spagnolo, Anna Scomparin, Roberta Cavalli
Summary: This study aims to improve the antioxidant activity and bioavailability of trans-resveratrol by developing lipid-coated nanocrystals. The nanocrystals obtained through a milling method showed faster dissolution rate compared to the coarse powder and did not impair the antioxidant properties of trans-resveratrol. Oral administration of the lipid-coated nanocrystals to rats resulted in increased bioavailability of trans-resveratrol.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sabina Pozzi, Anna Scomparin, Dikla Ben-Shushan, Eilam Yeini, Paula Ofek, Alessio D. Nahmad, Shelly Soffer, Ariel Ionescu, Antonella Ruggiero, Adi Barzel, Henry Brem, Thomas M. Hyde, Iris Barshack, Sanju Sinha, Eytan Ruppin, Tomer Weiss, Asaf Madi, Eran Perlson, Inna Slutsky, Helena F. Florindo, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
Summary: Resistance to chemo- and immunotherapies often develops in melanoma brain metastasis (MBM), with the brain microenvironment (BME) playing a role in promoting MBM progression. We found that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and its receptors, CCR2 and CCR4, were overexpressed in MBM compared to primary lesions. We demonstrated that melanoma cells alter astrocyte secretome and induce MCP-1 expression and secretion, enhancing tumorigenic properties of melanoma cells. Pharmacological blockade of MCP-1 or molecular knockout of CCR2/CCR4 increased infiltration of cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells and attenuated the immunosuppressive phenotype of the BME, leading to decreased MBM growth and prolonged survival in mice.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chiara Puricelli, Casimiro Luca Gigliotti, Ian Stoppa, Sara Sacchetti, Deepika Pantham, Anna Scomparin, Roberta Rolla, Stefania Pizzimenti, Umberto Dianzani, Elena Boggio, Salvatore Sutti
Summary: Chronic inflammation plays a role in the development of various diseases, but conventional anti-inflammatory drugs are not very effective and have adverse effects. Encapsulating bioactive molecules in nanoparticles (NPs) may enhance their pharmacological properties. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) NPs are widely used due to their compatibility, degradability, and ability to control erosion time, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties. This review focuses on the use of PLGA NPs in preclinical in vivo models of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation or imbalanced inflammatory responses.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Silvia Lucia Appleton, Maria Tannous, Monica Argenziano, Elisabetta Muntoni, Arianna Carolina Rosa, Davide Rossi, Fabrizio Caldera, Anna Scomparin, Francesco Trotta, Roberta Cavalli
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2020)
Article
Biology
Lee Shaashua, Anabel Eckerling, Boaz Israeli, Gali Yanovich, Ella Rosenne, Suzana Fichman-Horn, Ido Ben Zvi, Liat Sorski, Rita Haldar, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, Tamar Geiger, Erica K. Sloan, Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Evgeni Pisarevsky, Rachel Blau, Yana Epshtein, Dikla Ben-Shushan, Anat Eldar-Boock, Galia Tiram, Shani Koshrovski-Michael, Anna Scomparin, Sabina Pozzi, Adva Krivitsky, Gal Shenbach-Koltin, Eilam Yeini, Lidar Fridrich, Richard White, Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2020)