The precise functions and mechanisms of microRNAs (miR) in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remain elusive. In this study, we found that miR-135a-5p expression is often dampened and correlated with neoplasm histologic grade in GBC. MicroRNA-135a-5p introduction clearly inhibited GBC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), which is often upregulated in GBC tissues, was identified as a direct functional target of miR-135a-5p. Furthermore, the p38 MAPK pathway was proven to be involved in miR-135a-VLDLR downstream signaling. Together, these results suggested that the miR-135a–VLDLR–p38 axis may contribute to GBC cell proliferation.
Adenovirus miRNA TRAIL
A B S T R A C TMalignant uveal melanoma severely damages eye function and is prone to metastasize to other organs. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising agent to treat uveal melanoma because of its induction of apoptosis in cancer cells both at primary and metastatic sites. However, TRAIL therapy lacks tumor specificity in the current delivery systems for uveal melanoma treatment, thereby causing cytotoxiciy to normal tissues. To improve uveal melanoma specificity of adenovirus-based TRAIL introduction, we used miRNA response elements (MREs) of miR-34a, miR-137 and miR-182, which have been shown to have reduced expression in uveal melanoma cells, to regulate its expression. miR-34a, miR-137 and miR-182 all had lower expression levels in uveal melanoma cell lines, compared with normal cells. MREs-regulated luciferase activity was reduced in normal cell lines, but not significantly attenuated in uveal melanoma cells.The infection of MRE-regulated TRAIL-expressing adenoviral vector (Ad-TRAIL-3MREs) led to high level of TRAIL expression in uveal melanoma cell lines, but not in normal cells.Strong expression of TRAIL had a high anti-tumor capacity by inducing apoptosis in uveal melanoma cells. In contrast, Ad-TRAIL-3MREs had no cytotoxicity to normal cell lines. Animal experiments further confirmed tumor-suppressing effect of Ad-TRAIL-3MREs on uveal melanoma xenografts and its biosafety to hepatic tissues. Collectively, we constructed an MRE-directed TRAIL-expressing adenoviral vector and provided evidence that this vector possessed high anti-tumor activity and uveal melanoma specificity.Crown
The tetracycline regulatory system has been widely used to control the transgene expression. With this powerful tool, it might be possible to effectively control the functional activity of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and manage the severe side effects after infusion. In this study, we developed novel inducible CD19CAR (iCAR19) T cells by incorporating a one-vector Tet-on system into the CD19CAR construct. The iCAR19 T cells showed dox-dependent cell proliferation, cytokine production, CAR expression, and strong CD19-specific cytotoxicity. After 48 h of dox induction, the relative CAR expression of induced cells was five times greater than that of uninduced cells. Twenty-four hours after dox removal, CAR expression significantly decreased by more than 60%. In cytotoxicity assays, dox-treated cells induced significantly higher specific lysis against target cells. These results suggested that the activity of iCAR19 T cells was successfully controlled by our Tet-on system, offering an enhanced safety profile while maintaining a robust anti-tumor effect. Besides, all manufacture processes of the lentiviral vectors and the T cells were conducted according to the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for subsequent clinical translation.
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