12 research outputs found
Protein-metabolite interactomics of carbohydrate metabolism reveal regulation of lactate dehydrogenase
Metabolic networks are interconnected and influence diverse cellular processes. The protein-metabolite interactions that mediate these networks are frequently low affinity and challenging to systematically discover. We developed mass spectrometry integrated with equilibrium dialysis for the discovery of allostery systematically (MIDAS) to identify such interactions. Analysis of 33 enzymes from human carbohydrate metabolism identified 830 protein-metabolite interactions, including known regulators, substrates, and products as well as previously unreported interactions. We functionally validated a subset of interactions, including the isoform-specific inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase by long-chain acyl-coenzyme A. Cell treatment with fatty acids caused a loss of pyruvate-lactate interconversion dependent on lactate dehydrogenase isoform expression. These protein-metabolite interactions may contribute to the dynamic, tissue-specific metabolic flexibility that enables growth and survival in an ever-changing nutrient environment
Enhanced anti-hepatocarcinoma efficacy by GLUT1 targeting and cellular microenvironment-responsive PAMAM–camptothecin conjugate
<p>The efficient targeting of drugs to tumor cell and subsequent rapid drug release remain primary challenges in the development of nanomedicines for cancer therapy. Here, we constructed a glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1)-targeting and tumor cell microenvironment-sensitive drug release Glucose–PEG–PAMAM-s-s–Camptothecin-Cy7 (GPCC) conjugate to tackle the dilemma. The conjugate was characterized by a small particle size, spherical shape, and glutathione (GSH)-sensitive drug release. <i>In vitro</i> tumor targeting was explored in monolayer (2D) and multilayer tumor spheroid (3D) HepG2 cancer cell models (GLUT1<sup>+</sup>). The cellular uptake of GPCC was higher than that in the control groups and that in normal L02 cells (GLUT1<sup>−</sup>), likely due to the conjugated glucose moiety. Moreover, the GPCC conjugate exhibited stronger cytotoxicity, higher S arrest and enhanced apoptosis and necrosis rate in HepG2 cells than control groups but not L02 cells. However, the cytotoxicity of GPCC was lower than that of free CPT, which could be explained by the slower release of CPT from the GPCC compared with free CPT. Additional <i>in vivo</i> tumor targeting experiments demonstrated the superior tumor-targeting ability of the GPCC conjugate, which significantly accumulated in tumor meanwhile minimize in normal tissues compared with control groups. The GPCC conjugate showed better pharmacokinetic properties, enabling a prolonged circulation time and increased camptothecin area under the curve (AUC). These features contributed to better therapeutic efficacy and lower toxicity in H22 hepatocarcinoma tumor-bearing mice. The GLUT1-targeting, GSH-sensitive GPCC conjugate provides an efficient, safe and economic approach for tumor cell targeted drug delivery.</p
Retrieving Soil Moisture in the First-Level Tributary of the Yellow River–Wanchuan River Basin Based on CD Algorithm and Sentinel-1/2 Data
Lanzhou is the only provincial capital city in Northwest China where the main stream of the Yellow River and its tributaries flow through the city. Due to its geographical location and the influence of various factors, it is difficult to evaluate and simulate the climatic, hydrological, and ecological processes of the main stream of the Yellow River and its tributaries in the region. In this study, the Wanchuan River basin, currently undergoing ecological restoration, was selected as the study area. Seasonal backscatter differences generated using Sentinel-1/2 (S1/S2) data and the CD algorithm were used to reduce the effects of surface roughness; vegetation indices, soils, and field measurements were used to jointly characterize the vegetation contribution and soil contribution. Then, SM maps with a grid spacing of 10 m × 10 m were generated in the Wanchuan River basin, covering an area of 1767.78 km2. To validate the results, optimal factors were selected, and a training set and validation set were constructed. The results indicated a high level of the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.78 and the root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.08 for the comparison of measured and inverted water contents, indicating that the algorithm retrieved the SM values of the study area well. Furthermore, Box line plots with ERA5-Land and GLDAS confirmed that the algorithm is in good agreement with current SM products and feasibility for soil water content inversion work in the Wanchuan River basin
Reversibly Stabilized Polycation Nanoparticles for Combination Treatment of Early- and Late-Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast
cancer is a major cause of cancer-related female
mortality worldwide. The signal transducer and activator of transcription
3 (STAT3) and the chemokine receptor CXCR4 are involved in the metastatic
spread of breast cancer. The goal of this study was to develop nanomedicine
treatment based on combined inhibition of STAT3 and CXCR4. We synthesized
a library of CXCR4-inhibiting polymers with a combination of beneficial
features that included PEGylation, fluorination, and bioreducibility
to achieve systemic delivery of siRNA to silence STAT3 expression
in the tumors. An <i>in vivo</i> structure–activity
relationship study in an experimental lung metastasis model revealed
superior antimetastatic activity of bioreducible fluorinated polyplexes
when compared with nonreducible controls despite similar CXCR4 antagonism
and the ability to inhibit <i>in vitro</i> cancer cell invasion.
When compared with nonreducible and nonfluorinated polyplexes, improved
siRNA delivery was observed with the bioreducible fluorinated polyplexes.
The improvement was ascribed to a combination of enhanced physical
stability, decreased serum destabilization, and improved intracellular
trafficking. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that fluorination decreased
the rate of renal clearance of the polyplexes and contributed to enhanced
accumulation in the tumors. Therapeutic efficacy of the polyplexes
with STAT3 siRNA was assessed in early stage breast cancer and late-stage
metastatic breast cancer with primary tumor resection. Strong inhibition
of the primary tumor growth and pronounced antimetastatic effects
were observed in both models of metastatic breast cancer. Mechanistic
studies revealed multifaceted mechanism of action of the combined
STAT3 and CXCR4 inhibition by the developed polyplexes relying both
on local and systemic effects