Improving vascular maturation using noncoding RNAs increases antitumor effect of chemotherapy

JCI Insight. 2016 Oct 20;1(17):e87754. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.87754.

Abstract

Current antiangiogenesis therapy relies on inhibiting newly developed immature tumor blood vessels and starving tumor cells. This strategy has shown transient and modest efficacy. Here, we report a better approach to target cancer-associated endothelial cells (ECs), reverse permeability and leakiness of tumor blood vessels, and improve delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor. First, we identified deregulated microRNAs (miRs) from patient-derived cancer-associated ECs. Silencing these miRs led to decreased vascular permeability and increased maturation of blood vessels. Next, we screened a thioaptamer (TA) library to identify TAs selective for tumor-associated ECs. An annexin A2-targeted TA was identified and used for delivery of miR106b-5p and miR30c-5p inhibitors, resulting in vascular maturation and antitumor effects without inducing hypoxia. These findings could have implications for improving vascular-targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / administration & dosage*
  • Nanoparticles
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / prevention & control*
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • MicroRNAs