Yanrong Shuai,Xiaojuan Miao,Yan Wang,Chaozheng Zhang,Yu Liu,Yuening Cao,Tingting Zhang,Jun Lu,Yilan Liu
Conventional DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs)-inducing chemotherapeutics for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are often limited by poor solubility, non-selectivity, and drug resistance stemming from robust tumor DNA repair mechanisms. Here, we report a glutathione (GSH)-responsive, dual-targeting nano-prodrug, designated HA-FA@Etp-Olp, for efficient AML cell eradication. The HA-FA@Etp-Olp system was constructed through the conjugation of the PARP inhibitor Olaparib (Olp) with Etoposide (Etp) via a disulfide linkage, forming an Etp-Olp heterodimeric prodrug. This hydrophobic conjugate was encapsulated within a polymeric carrier composed of poly (ethylene glycol)-modified hyaluronic acid (HA) functionalized with folic acid (FA), self-assembling into well-refined nanoparticles. Exhibiting excellent circulatory stability, HA-FA@Etp-Olp achieved efficient accumulation within AML cells leveraging CD44/FR dual-receptor-mediated active targeting, followed by GSH-triggered disassembly and specific drug release in response to elevated intracellular GSH levels. Furthermore, HA-FA@Etp-Olp elicited a synergistic cytotoxic effect against AML through a dual-pronged mechanism: "DNA damage-repair blockade" cascade and significant augmentation of mitochondrial oxidative stress, effectively inducing apoptotic cell death. This strategy provides a promising targeted nanotherapeutic approach with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity, demonstrating significant potential for the precise treatment of AML.
The distinct roles of protein isoforms in cancer are becoming increasingly evident. FRα and FRβ, two major isoforms of the folate receptor family, generally have different cellular distribution and tissue specificity. However, the presence of FRβ in breast tumors, where FRα is normally expressed, complicates this situation. Prior to applying any FR isoform-based diagnosis and therapeutics, it is essential to monitor the expression profile of FR isoforms in a more accurate manner. An LC-MS/MS-based targeted proteomics assay was developed and validated in this study because of the lack of suitable methodology for the simultaneous and specific measurement of highly homologous isoforms occurring at low concentrations. FRα and FRβ monitoring was achieved by measuring their surrogate isoform-specific peptides. Five human breast cell lines, isolated macrophages and 60 matched pairs of breast tissue samples were subjected to the analysis. The results indicated that FRβ was overexpressed in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) but not epithelial cells, in addition to an enhanced level of FRα in breast cancer cells and tissue samples. Moreover, the levels of the FR isoforms were evaluated according to the histology, histopathological features and molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Several positive associations with PR/ER and HER2 status and metastasis were revealed.