Combination wt-p53 and MicroRNA-125b Transfection in a Genetically Engineered Lung Cancer Model Using Dual CD44/EGFR-targeting Nanoparticles

Mol Ther. 2016 Apr;24(4):759-69. doi: 10.1038/mt.2015.225. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Abstract

Mutations in KRAS and p53 signaling pathways contribute to loss of responsiveness to current therapies and a decreased survival in lung cancer. In this study, we have investigated the delivery and transfection of wild-type (wt-) p53 and microRNA-125b (miR-125b) expressing plasmid DNA, in SK-LU-1 human lung adenocarcinoma cells as well as in Kras(G12D)/p53(fl/fl) (KP) genetically engineered mouse model of lung cancer. Systemic plasmid DNA delivery with dual CD44/EGFR-targeted hyaluronic acid (HA)-based nanoparticles (NPs) resulted in a 2- to 20-fold increase in wt-p53 and miR-125b gene expression in SK-LU-1 cells. This resulted in enhanced apoptotic activity as seen with increased APAF-1 and caspase-3 gene expression. Similarly, in vivo evaluations in KP mouse model indicated successful CD44/EGFR-targeted delivery. Tumor growth inhibition and apoptotic induction were also observed with (wt-p53+miR125b) combination therapy in KP tumor model. Lastly, J774.A1 murine macrophages co-cultured with transfected SK-LU-1 cells showed a 14- to 35-fold increase in the iNOS-Arg-1 ratio, supportive of previous results demonstrating a role of miR-125b in macrophage repolarization. Overall, these results show tremendous promise of wt-p53 and miR-125b gene therapy using dual CD44/EGFR-targeting HA NP vector for effective treatment of lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism
  • Hyaluronic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Hyaluronic Acid / chemistry
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Neoplasms, Experimental
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics*
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics*

Substances

  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • MIRN125 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • TP53 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)