Name: synthesis and characterization of placental chondroitin sulfate a (plcsa)-targeting lipid-polymer nanoparticles
Uploaded: 2018-09-18T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Synthesis and Characterization of Placental Chondroitin Sulfate A plCSA-Targeting Lipid-Polymer Nanoparticles at JoVE.com

This work was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFC1000402), the National Natural Sciences Foundation (81571445 and 81771617) and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (2016A030313178) to X.F. and the Shenzhen Basic Research Fund (JCYJ20170413165233512) to X.F.

1. Preparation of Stock Solutions
<ol>
	<li>Prepare an aqueous solution of 4% ethanol by diluting 4 mL of absolute ethanol with 100 mL of ultrapure water. Store the solution at 4 &#176;C. 
	NOTE: Ultrapure water is defined as water without contaminants such as bacteria, particulates, ions, or nucleases. Ultrapure water was obtained from a water purification system with a target resistivity of up to 18.2 m&#937;&#183;cm, which means low anionic contamination.</li>
	<li>Prepare a 1 mg/mL soybean lecithin stock solut...

<ol>
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H., Aryal, S., Hu, C. -. M. J., Zhang, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quick+synthesis+of+lipid&#8722;+polymer+hybrid+nanoparticles+with+low+polydispersity+using+a+single-step+sonication+method.">Quick synthesis of lipid&#8722; polymer hybrid nanoparticles with low polydispersity using a single-step sonication method.</a> Langmuir. 26 (22), 16958-16962 (2010).</li><li>Gu, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Folate-modified,+indocyanine+green-loaded+lipid-polymer+hybrid+nanoparticles+for+targeted+delivery+of+cisplatin.">Folate-modified, indocyanine green-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for targeted delivery of cisplatin.</a> Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. 28 (7), 690-702 (2017).</li><li>Mandal, B., Mittal, N. 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V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide+active+esters:+bis(N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide)+esters+of+two+dicarboxylic+acids+are+hydrophilic,+membrane-impermeant,+protein+cross-linkers.">N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide active esters: bis(N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide) esters of two dicarboxylic acids are hydrophilic, membrane-impermeant, protein cross-linkers.</a> Biochemistry. 21 (17), 3950-3955 (1982).</li><li>Valencia, P. 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This protocol provides an efficient and reproducible method for synthesizing plCSA-BP-conjugated lipid-polymer nanoparticles. The single-step sonication method to prepare lipid-polymer nanoparticles is fast, reproducible and different from typical nanoprecipitation methods that involve heating, vortexing, or evaporation. Hence, the developed method significantly reduces the synthesis time. In addition, the EDC/NHS bioconjugate used in this protocol is a commonly used and convenient technique to conjugate peptides and ant...

An effective cancer therapeutic method reduces and eliminates tumors with minimal systemic toxicity. Hence, selective tumor targeting is the key to exploring successful therapeutic methods. Nanoparticles offer a promising opportunity for cancer therapy, and molecular assemblies with different functional groups will enhance drug efficacy and reduce associated side effects1,2. Moreover, nanoparticle systems mainly utilize passive and active targeting to reach target tumors3.
Passive targeting exploits the innate characteristics of nanoparticles and enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects to reach tumor cells. Cationic liposomes have been successfully used to deliver various anticancer drugs to tumors in clinical applications4,5,6. Despite the potential effective cancer therapeutic effect, a low drug concentration in the tumor region and an inability to distinguish tumor cells from normal tissues are two major limitations of passive-targeting nanoparticles7.
Active targeting strategies take advantage of antigen-antibody, ligand-receptor and other molecular recognition interactions to specifically deliver drugs to tumors8. The glycosaminoglycan placental chondroitin sulfate A (plCSA) is broadly expressed on most cancer cells and placental trophoblasts. Moreover, the malarial protein VAR2CSA can specifically bind to plCSA9,10. Hence, VAR2CSA can be a tool for targeting human cancer cells. However, when VAR2CSA is conjugated to nanoparticles, the full-length protein may limit the penetration of nanoparticles into tumor cells. Recently, we discovered a plCSA binding peptide (plCSA-BP), derived from the malarial protein VAR2CSA. plCSA-BP-conjugated lipid-polymer nanoparticles rapidly bonded to choriocarcinoma cells and significantly increased doxorubicin (DOX) anticancer activity in vivo11; these particles also specifically bonded to placental trophoblasts and could serve as a tool for the targeted delivery of drugs to the placenta12.
Lipid-polymer nanoparticles consist of a lipid monolayer shell and a hydrophobic polymeric core and represent a new carrier for drug delivery. These nanoparticles combine the advantages of liposomes and polymeric nanocarriers, such as controllable nanoparticle size, high biocompatibility, sustained drug release, high drug loading efficiency (LE), and excellent stability13. In this work, we used a single-step sonication method to synthesize lipid-polymer nanoparticles. This method is fast, convenient and suitable for scale-up and has been widely used to prepare lipid-polymer nanoparticles by our group11,14 and others15,16,17,18.
1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) is a popular carbodiimide used as a crosslinking agent for conjugating biomolecules containing amines and carboxylates19. In addition to EDC, N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (NHS) is the most common conjugation reagent in surface and nanoparticle conjugation reactions20,21. NHS can reduce the number of side reactions and enhance the stability and yield of ester intermediates22,23.
Here, we describe a protocol for synthesizing plCSA-targeted lipid-polymer nanoparticles. First, the single-step sonication synthesis of DOX-loaded lipid-polymer nanoparticles (DNPs) is described. Then, an EDC/NHS bioconjugate technique for generating plCSA-BP-conjugated lipid-polymer nanoparticles is introduced. This bioconjugate technique can also be used to conjugate other antibodies and peptides to nanoparticles. Finally, we describe the physicochemical properties and in vitro assay used to characterize the plCSA-targeted lipid-polymer nanoparticles. We believe that these plCSA-targeted lipid-polymer nanoparticles could constitute an effective system for the targeted delivery of drugs to most human cancers and the targeted delivery of payloads to the placenta to treat placental disorders.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>plCSA peptide</td>
			<td>Shanghai GL Biochem</td>
			<td>573518</td>
			<td>for peptide synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol absolute</td>
			<td>Sinopharm Chemical</td>
			<td>10009218</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Soybean lecithin</td>
			<td>Avanti Polar Lipids</td>
			<td>441601</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DSPE-PEG-COOH</td>
			<td>Avanti Polar Lipids</td>
			<td>880125</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Doxorubicin</td>
			<td>JKChemical</td>
			<td>113424</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetonitrile</td>
			<td>Shanghai Lingfeng</td>
			<td>1008621</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PLGA</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>719897</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrasonic processor</td>
			<td>Sonics</td>
			<td>VCX130</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Centrifuge filter (MWCO 10 kDa)</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>UFC801024</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles purification</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>centrifuge</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>3-18KS</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles purification</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-[morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid(MES)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>M3671</td>
			<td>for peptide conjugation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>3450</td>
			<td>for peptide conjugation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>56480</td>
			<td>for peptide conjugation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dialysis bags</td>
			<td>Spectrum</td>
			<td>132592T</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles purification</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PBS</td>
			<td>Hyclone</td>
			<td>SH30028.01</td>
			<td>for cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10 mL centrifuge tubes, polypropylene</td>
			<td>Aladdin</td>
			<td>S-025</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15 mL centrifuge tubes, polypropylene</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>430791</td>
			<td>for various applications</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>0.22 &#956;m sterile syringe filter</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>SLGV033RB</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles purification</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1 ml syringe, polypropylene</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>328421</td>
			<td>for nanoparticles synthesis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Malvern Zetasizer</td>
			<td>Malvern</td>
			<td>Nano ZS</td>
			<td>for particle size analyer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphotungstic acid</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>for TEM</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TEM grid</td>
			<td>EMCN</td>
			<td>BZ10024a</td>
			<td>for TEM</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UV-VIS spectrometer</td>
			<td>Leagene</td>
			<td>DZ0035</td>
			<td>for TEM</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Transmission 
			electron microscope</td>
			<td>JEOL</td>
			<td>JEM-100CXII</td>
			<td>for particle size analyer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BCA reagent A</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>23228</td>
			<td>for BCA assay</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BCA reagent B</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>23224</td>
			<td>for BCA assay</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-Well Plates</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>3599</td>
			<td>for BCA assay</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plate reader</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>Multiskan&#8482; GO</td>
			<td>for BCA assay</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12-well plates</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>3513</td>
			<td>for cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>JEG3 cell</td>
			<td>Cell Bank of the Chinese Academy of Sciences</td>
			<td>TCHu195</td>
			<td>Human placenta</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DMEM/F12</td>
			<td>Hyclone</td>
			<td>SH30272.01</td>
			<td>phenol red-free</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fetal bovine serum (FBS)</td>
			<td>GIBCO</td>
			<td>10100</td>
			<td>for cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Penicillin/streptomycin</td>
			<td>GIBCO</td>
			<td>15070063</td>
			<td>for cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fluorescence microscope</td>
			<td>OLYMPUS</td>
			<td>CKK53</td>
			<td>for celluar uptake</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>Shanghai Lingfeng</td>
			<td>1372021</td>
			<td>for celluar uptake</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DAPI</td>
			<td>Sangon Biotech</td>
			<td>A606584</td>
			<td>for celluar uptake</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mounting medium</td>
			<td>Life</td>
			<td>P36961</td>
			<td>for celluar uptake</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

synthesis and characterization of placental chondroitin sulfate a (plcsa)-targeting lipid-polymer nanoparticles

An effective cancer therapeutic method reduces and eliminates tumors with minimal systemic toxicity. Actively targeting nanoparticles offer a promising approach to cancer therapy. The glycosaminoglycan placental chondroitin sulfate A (plCSA) is expressed on a wide range of cancer cells and placental trophoblasts, and malarial protein VAR2CSA can specifically bind to plCSA. A reported placental chondroitin sulfate A binding peptide (plCSA-BP), derived from malarial protein VAR2CSA, can also specifically bind to plCSA on cancer cells and placental trophoblasts. Hence, plCSA-BP-conjugated nanoparticles could be used as a tool for targeted drug delivery to human cancers and placental trophoblasts. In this protocol, we describe a method to synthesize plCSA-BP-conjugated lipid-polymer nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin (plCSA-DNPs); the method consists of a single sonication step and bioconjugate techniques. In addition, several methods for characterizing plCSA-DNPs, including determining their physicochemical properties and cellular uptake by placental choriocarcinoma (JEG3) cells, are described.

In this protocol, PLGA, DSPE-PEG-COOH and soybean lecithin are a representative polymer, lipid-PEG-COOH conjugate and lipid, respectively. The synthesis of plCSA-targeted lipid-polymer nanoparticles via a single-step sonication method and an EDC/NHS technique is illustrated in Figure 1. First, under sonication conditions, soybean lecithin, PLGA and DSPE-PEG-COOH self-assemble to form core-shell structured DNPs. The core consists of PLGA and encapsula...

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Synthesis and Characterization of Placental Chondroitin Sulfate A plCSA-Targeting Lipid-Polymer Nanoparticles

Here, we present a protocol for the synthesis of placental chondroitin sulfate A binding peptide (plCSA-BP)-conjugated lipid-polymer nanoparticles via single-step sonication and bioconjugate techniques. These particles constitute a novel tool for the targeted delivery of therapeutics to most human tumors and placental trophoblasts to treat cancers and placental disorders.

Synthesis and Characterization of Placental Chondroitin Sulfate A (plCSA)-Targeting Lipid-Polymer Nanoparticles

An effective cancer therapeutic method reduces and eliminates tumors with minimal systemic toxicity. Actively targeting nanoparticles offer a promising ...

This method can help answer key questions in the drug delivery field, such as targeted delivery of therapeutics to human cancers and the placenta cystoblast. The main advantage of this technique is that it is a simple and reproducible method to synthesize peptides conjugated in other particles. To begin, add three millimeters of four percent ethanol to a sterile 10 milliliter centrifuge tube.Then, add 90 micrograms of soybean lecithin stock solution, 210 micrograms of DSPE-PEG-carboxylic acid stock solution, and 750 micrograms of DOX stock solution. Use a one milliliter syringe to pipette two milligrams of PLGA stock solution. Place the centrifuge tube in an ice bath on an ultrasonic processor and sonicate for two minutes.Then, add PLGA stock solution drop-wise into the centrifuge tube. To purify the DNPs, use a centrifuge filter to wash the solution in 0.1 molar MES buffer. Then, centrifuge the solution at 1000 G for three minutes at four degrees Celsius.To begin ester activation, add 0.4 milligrams of EDC to one milliliter of DNPs. Then, add 0.24 milligrams of NHS to the reaction. Then, allow the reaction to occur for up to one hour at room temperature in the dark.After this, mix the reaction components thoroughly and place the reaction on a shaker. To start the amine reaction, use PBS to increase the buffer pH from 7.2 to 7.5. Then, add 0.5 milligrams of pICSA targeting peptide to the reaction solution.Mix the solution well and place it on a shaker. Then, allow the reaction to proceed at four degrees Celsius overnight in the dark. The next day, fill dialysis bags with the conjugate solution.Purify the pICSA DNPs with PBS buffer at room temperature for 24 hours in the dark. After culturing cells according to the text protocol, remove the media and add one milliliter of fresh, cold media with five percent FBS and pICSA DNPs or DNPs. Then, incubate the cell and nano-particle mixture for one hour at four degrees Celsius.After this, remove the media and wash the cells three times with PBS. Then, add one milliliter of fresh media and incubate the cells for 30 minutes at 37 degrees Celsius. After this, remove the media and wash the cells three times with PBS.Then, add two milliliters of cold, four percent PFA and incubate the mixture at room temperature for 10 minutes. Remove the PFA and wash the cells with two milliliters of PBS. Then, add one milliliter of PBS with DAPI for nuclei staining.Allow the mixture to incubate at room temperature for 10 minutes. Finally, add mounting medium and image the fluorescence with a fluorescence microscope. Using this protocol, DNPs were successfully prepared and conjugated to pICSA BP.After conjugation, the diameter of the primary DNPs increased to approximately 109 nanometers.The TEM images of the DNPs and the pICSA DNPs showed that the particles were well dispersed and generally demonstrated spherical morphology. The zeta potential of the nano-particles was negative 20.1 and 29.9 millivolts, indicating that the nano-particles were highly stable. The JEG3 cellular uptake assay indicated the pICSA DNPs bound to the JEG3 cells within 30 minutes.Therefore, the pICSA BP was efficiently conjugated to the surface. While attempting this procedure, it's important to remember to sonicate the mixture for one to two minutes before adding PLGA. Following this procedure, our methods like HPLC assay can be performed in order to determine the conjugation efficiency more accurately.After its development, this technique paved the way for researchers in the field of reproductive biology to explore the possibility of placenta-targeting treatment in pregnancy complications.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Cancer Research

Synthesis and Characterization of an Aspirin-fumarate Prodrug that Inhibits NF&#954;B Activity and Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Inflammation is a cancer hallmark that underlies cancer incidence and promotion, and eventually progression to metastasis. Therefore, adding an anti-inflammatory drug to standard cancer regiments may improve patient outcome. One such drug, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA), has been explored for cancer chemoprevention and anti-tumor activity. Besides inhibiting the cyclooxygenase 2-prostaglandin axis, ASA&#39;s anti-cancer activities have also been attributed to nuclear factor &#312;B (NF&#312;B) inhibition. Because prolonged ASA use may cause gastrointestinal toxicity, a prodrug strategy has been implemented successfully. In this prodrug design the carboxylic acid of ASA is masked and additional pharmacophores are incorporated.
This protocol describes how we synthesized an aspirin-fumarate prodrug, GTCpFE, and characterized its inhibition of the NF&#312;B pathway in breast cancer cells and attenuation of the cancer stem-like properties, an important NF&#312;B-dependent phenotype. GTCpFE effectively inhibits the NF&#312;B pathway in breast cancer cell lines whereas ASA lacks any inhibitory activity, indicating that adding fumarate to ASA structure significantly contributes to its activity. In addition, GTCpFE shows significant anti-cancer stem cell activity by blocking mammosphere formation and attenuating the cancer stem cell associated CD44+CD24- immunophenotype. These results establish a viable strategy to develop improved anti-inflammatory drugs for chemoprevention and cancer therapy.

This procedure will demonstrate how we synthesized and characterized the anti-NF&#954;B and anti-cancer stem cell activity of an aspirin-fumarate prodrug.

Inflammation is a cancer hallmark that underlies cancer incidence and promotion, and eventually progression to metastasis. Therefore, adding an ...

Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive and non-surgical method representing an attractive alternative choice for lung cancer treatment. Photosensitizers selectively accumulate in tumor tissue and lead to tumor cell death in the presence of oxygen and the proper wavelength of light.
To increase the therapeutic effect of PDT, we developed both photosensitizer- and anticancer agent-loaded lung cancer-targeted nanoparticles. Both enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect-based passive targeting and hyaluronic-acid-CD44 interaction-based active targeting were applied. CD44 is a well-known hyaluronic acid receptor that is often introduced as a biomarker of non-small cell lung cancer. 
In addition, a combination of PDT and chemotherapy is adopted in the present study. This combination concept may increase anticancer therapeutic effects and reduce adverse reactions. 
We chose hypocrellin B (HB) as a novel photosensitizer in this study. It has been reported that HB causes higher anticancer efficacy of PDT compared to hematoporphyrin derivatives1. Paclitaxel was selected as the anticancer drug since it has proven to be a potential treatment for lung cancer2. 
The antitumor efficacies of photosensitizer (HB) solution, photosensitizer encapsulated hyaluronic acid-ceramide nanoparticles (HB-NPs), and both photosensitizer- and anticancer agent (paclitaxel)-encapsulated hyaluronic acid-ceramide nanoparticles (HB-P-NPs) after PDT were compared both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro phototoxicity in A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma) cells and the in vivo antitumor efficacy in A549 tumor-bearing mice were evaluated.
The HB-P-NP treatment group showed the most effective anticancer effect after PDT. In conclusion, the HB-P-NPs prepared in the present study represent a potential and novel photosensitizer delivery system in treating lung cancer with PDT.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative choice for lung cancer treatment. To increase the therapeutic effect of PDT, lung cancer-targeted nanoparticles combined with chemotherapy were developed. Both in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacies of PDT with prepared nanoparticles were evaluated.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive and non-surgical method representing an attractive alternative choice for lung cancer treatment. ...

Characterization of Tumor Cells Using a Medical Wire for Capturing Circulating Tumor Cells: A 3D Approach Based on Immunofluorescence and DNA FISH

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with poor survival in metastatic cancer. Their identification, phenotyping, and genotyping could lead to a better understanding of tumor heterogeneity and thus facilitate the selection of patients for personalized treatment. However, this is hampered because of the rarity of CTCs. We present an innovative approach for sampling a high volume of the patient blood and obtaining information about presence, phenotype, and gene translocation of CTCs. The method combines immunofluorescence staining and DNA fluorescent-in-situ-hybridization (DNA FISH) and is based on a functionalized medical wire. This wire is an innovative device that permits the in vivo isolation of CTCs from a large volume of peripheral blood. The blood volume screened by a 30-min administration of the wire is approximately 1.5-3 L. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression and the chromosomal translocation of the ALK gene were determined in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines captured by the functionalized wire and stained with an immuno-DNA FISH approach. Our main challenge was to perform the assay on a 3D structure, the functionalized wire, and to determine immuno-phenotype and FISH signals on this support using a conventional fluorescence microscope. The results obtained indicate that catching CTCs and analyzing their phenotype and chromosomal rearrangement could potentially represent a new companion diagnostic approach and provide an innovative strategy for improving personalized cancer treatments.

We present a new approach to characterize tumor cells. We combined immunofluorescence with DNA fluorescent-in-situ-hybridization to evaluate cells captured by a functionalized medical wire capable of in vivo enriching CTCs directly from patient blood.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with poor survival in metastatic cancer. Their identification, phenotyping, and genotyping could lead to a ...

Isolation and Characterization of Tumor-initiating Cells from Sarcoma Patient-derived Xenografts

The existence and importance of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) have been supported by increasing evidence during the past decade. These TICs have been shown to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, it is important to develop specific TIC-targeting therapy in addition to current chemotherapy strategies, which mostly focus on the bulk of non-TICs. In order to further understand the mechanism behind the malignancy of TICs, we describe a method to isolate and to characterize TICs in human sarcomas. Herein, we show a detailed protocol to generate patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) of human sarcomas and to isolate TICs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) using human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-1) as a negative marker. Also, we describe how to functionally characterize these TICs, including a sphere formation assay and a tumor formation assay, and to induce differentiation along mesenchymal pathways. The isolation and characterization of PDX TICs provide clues for the discovery of potential targeting therapy reagents. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that this protocol may be further extended to isolate and characterize TICs from other types of human cancers.

We describe a detailed protocol for the isolation of tumor-initiating cells from human sarcoma patient-derived xenografts by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, using human leukocyte antigen-1 (HLA-1) as a negative marker, and for the further validation and characterization of these HLA-1-negative tumor-initiating cells.

The existence and importance of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) have been supported by increasing evidence during the past decade. These TICs have been ...

Enrichment and Characterization of the Tumor Immune and Non-immune Microenvironments in Established Subcutaneous Murine Tumors

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has recently been recognized as a critical mediator of treatment response in solid tumors, especially for immunotherapies. Recent clinical advances in immunotherapy highlight the need for reproducible methods to accurately and thoroughly characterize the tumor and its associated immune infiltrate. Tumor enzymatic digestion and flow cytometric analysis allow broad characterization of numerous immune cell subsets and phenotypes; however, depth of analysis is often limited by fluorophore restrictions on panel design and the need to acquire large tumor samples to observe rare immune populations of interest. Thus, we have developed an effective and high throughput method for separating and enriching the tumor immune infiltrate from the non-immune tumor components. The described tumor digestion and centrifugal density-based separation technique allows separate characterization of tumor and tumor immune infiltrate fractions and preserves cellular viability, and thus, provides a broad characterization of the tumor immunologic state. This method was used to characterize the extensive spatial immune heterogeneity in solid tumors, which further demonstrates the need for consistent whole tumor immunologic profiling techniques. Overall, this method provides an effective and adaptable technique for the immunologic characterization of subcutaneous solid murine tumors; as such, this tool can be used to better characterize the tumoral immunologic features and in the preclinical evaluation of novel immunotherapeutic strategies.

Here we describe a method to separate and enrich components of the tumor immune and non-immune microenvironment in established subcutaneous tumors. This technique allows for the separate analysis of tumor immune infiltrate and non-immune tumor fractions which can permit comprehensive characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment.

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has recently been recognized as a critical mediator of treatment response in solid tumors, especially for ...

Establishment and Characterization of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumor Spheroids

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNETs) are rare cancers originating from enterochromaffin cells of the gut. Research in this field has been limited because very few patient derived SBNET cell lines have been generated. Well-differentiated SBNET cells are slow growing and are hard to propagate. The few cell lines that have been established are not readily available, and after time in culture may not continue to express characteristics of NET cells. Generating new cell lines could take many years since SBNET cells have a long doubling time and many enrichment steps are needed in order to eliminate the rapidly dividing cancer-associated fibroblasts. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a protocol to culture SBNET cells from surgically removed tumors as spheroids in extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM forms a 3-dimensional matrix that encapsulates SBNET cells and mimics the tumor micro-environment for allowing SBNET cells to grow. Here, we characterized the growth rate of SBNET spheroids and described methods to identify SBNET markers using immunofluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry to confirm that the spheroids are neuroendocrine tumor cells. In addition, we used SBNET spheroids for testing the cytotoxicity of rapamycin.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) originate from neuroendocrine cells of the neural crest. They are slow growing and challenging to culture. We present an alternative strategy to grow NETs from the small bowel by culturing them as spheroids. These spheroids have small bowel NET markers and can be used for drug testing.

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNETs) are rare cancers originating from enterochromaffin cells of the gut. Research in this field has been limited ...

Isolation and Characterization of Patient-derived Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Organoid Models

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is amongst the most lethal malignancies. Recently, next-generation organoid culture methods enabling the 3-dimensional (3D) modeling of this disease have been described. Patient-derived organoid (PDO) models can be isolated from both surgical specimens as well as small biopsies and form rapidly in culture. Importantly, organoid models preserve the pathogenic genetic alterations detected in the patient&#39;s tumor and are predictive of the patient&#39;s treatment response, thus enabling translational studies. Here, we provide comprehensive protocols for adapting tissue culture workflow to study 3D, matrix embedded, organoid models. We detail methods and considerations for isolating and propagating primary PDAC organoids. Furthermore, we describe how bespoke organoid media is prepared and quality controlled in the laboratory. Finally, we describe assays for downstream characterization of the organoid models such as isolation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and drug testing. Importantly we provide critical considerations for implementing organoid methodology in a research laboratory.

Patient-derived organoid cultures of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are a rapidly established 3-dimensional model that represent epithelial tumor cell compartments with high fidelity, enabling translational research into this lethal malignancy. Here, we provide detailed methods to establish and propagate organoids as well as to perform relevant biological assays using these models.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is amongst the most lethal malignancies. Recently, next-generation organoid culture methods enabling the ...

Generation of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors and Ex vivo Characterization of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cell Cytotoxicity

In vivo models of pancreatic cancer provide invaluable tools for studying disease dynamics, immune infiltration and new therapeutic strategies. The orthotopic murine model can be performed on large cohorts of immunocompetent mice simultaneously, is relatively inexpensive and preserves the cognate tissue microenvironment. The quantification of T cell infiltration and cytotoxic activity within orthotopic tumors provides a useful indicator of an antitumoral response.
This protocol describes the methodology for surgical generation of orthotopic pancreatic tumors by injection of a low number of syngeneic tumor cells resuspended in 5 &#181;L basement membrane directly into the pancreas. Mice bearing orthotopic tumors take approximately 30 days to reach endpoint, at which point tumors can be harvested and processed for characterization of tumor-infiltrating T cell activity. Rapid enzymatic digestion using collagenase and DNase allows a single-cell suspension to be extracted from tumors. The viability and cell surface markers of immune cells extracted from the tumor are preserved; therefore, it is appropriate for multiple downstream applications, including flow-assisted cell sorting of immune cells for culture or RNA extraction, flow cytometry analysis of immune cell populations. Here, we describe the ex vivo stimulation of T cell populations for intracellular cytokine quantification (IFN&#947; and TNF&#945;) and degranulation activity (CD107a) as a measure of overall cytotoxicity. Whole-tumor digests were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin for 5 h, in the presence of anti-CD107a antibody in order to upregulate cytokine production and degranulation. The addition of brefeldin A and monensin for the final 4 h was performed to block extracellular transport and maximize cytokine detection. Extra- and intra-cellular staining of cells was then performed for flow cytometry analysis, where the proportion of IFN&#947;+, TNF&#945;+ and CD107a+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was quantified.
This method provides a starting base to perform comprehensive analysis of the tumor microenvironment.

Generation of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors and Ex vivo Characterization of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cell Cytotoxicity

This protocol describes the surgical generation of orthotopic pancreatic tumors and the rapid digestion of freshly isolated murine pancreatic tumors. Following digestion, viable immune cell populations can be used for further downstream analysis, including ex vivo stimulation of T cells for intracellular cytokine detection by flow cytometry.

In vivo models of pancreatic cancer provide invaluable tools for studying disease dynamics, immune infiltration and new therapeutic strategies. The ...

In Vivo Targeting of Xenografted Human Cancer Cells with Functionalized Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles in Zebrafish

Developing nanoparticles capable of detecting, targeting, and destroying cancer cells is of great interest in the field of nanomedicine. In vivo animal models are required for bridging the nanotechnology to its biomedical application. The mouse represents the traditional animal model for preclinical testing; however, mice are relatively expensive to keep and have long experimental cycles due to the limited progeny from each mother. The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model system for developmental and biomedical research, including cancer research. In particular, due to its optical transparency and rapid development, zebrafish embryos are well suited for real-time in vivo monitoring of the behavior of cancer cells and their interactions with their microenvironment. This method was developed to sequentially introduce human cancer cells and functionalized nanoparticles in transparent Casper zebrafish embryos and monitor in vivo recognition and targeting of the cancer cells by nanoparticles in real time. This optimized protocol shows that fluorescently labeled nanoparticles, which are functionalized with folate groups, can specifically recognize and target metastatic human cervical epithelial cancer cells labeled with a different fluorochrome. The recognition and targeting process can occur as early as 30 min postinjection of the nanoparticles tested. The whole experiment only requires the breeding of a few pairs of adult fish and takes less than 4 days to complete. Moreover, zebrafish embryos lack a functional adaptive immune system, allowing the engraftment of a wide range of human cancer cells. Hence, the utility of the protocol described here enables the testing of nanoparticles on various types of human cancer cells, facilitating the selection of optimal nanoparticles in each specific cancer context for future testing in mammals and the clinic.

Described here is a method for utilizing zebrafish embryos to study the ability of functionalized nanoparticles to target human cancer cells in vivo. This method allows for the evaluation and selection of optimal nanoparticles for future testing in large animals and in clinical trials.

Developing nanoparticles capable of detecting, targeting, and destroying cancer cells is of great interest in the field of nanomedicine. In vivo animal ...

Characterization and Functional Prediction of Bacteria in Ovarian Tissues

The theory of a "sterile" female upper reproductive tract has been encountering increasing opposition due to advancements in bacterial detection. However, whether ovaries contain bacteria has not yet been confirmed yet. Herein, an experiment to detect bacteria in ovarian tissues was introduced. We chose ovarian cancer patients in the cancer group and noncancerous patients in the control group. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to differentiate bacteria in ovarian tissues from the cancer and control groups. Furthermore, we predicted the functional composition of the identified bacteria by using BugBase and PICRUSt. This method can also be used in other viscera and tissues since many organs have been proven to harbor bacteria in recent years. The presence of bacteria in viscera and tissues may help scientists evaluate cancerous and normal tissues and may be aid in the treatment of cancer.

Immunohistochemistry staining and 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA gene) sequencing were performed in order to discover and distinguish bacteria in cancerous and noncancerous ovarian tissues in situ. The compositional and functional differences of the bacteria were predicted by using BugBase and Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt).

The theory of a "sterile" female upper reproductive tract has been encountering increasing opposition due to advancements in bacterial detection. However, ...