Novel Foscan®-derived ring-fused chlorins for photodynamic therapy of cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established anticancer treatment that combines the use of a photosensitiser (PS) and a light source of a specific wavelength for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are toxic to the tumour cells. Foscan® (mTHPC) is a clinically-approved chlorin used for the PDT treatment of advanced head and neck, prostate and pancreatic cancers but is characterized by being photochemically unstable and associated with prolonged skin photosensitivity. Herein, we report the synthesis of new 4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-fused chlorins, having the meso-tetra(3-hydroxyphenyl)macrocycle core of mTHPC, by exploring the [8π + 2π] cycloaddition of a meso-tetra(3-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin derivative with diazafulvenium methides. These chlorins have photochemical properties similar to Foscan® but are much more photostable. Among the novel compounds, two chlorins with a hydroxymethyl group and its azide derivative present in the 4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-fused system, are promising photodynamic agents with activity in the 100 nM range against triple-negative breast cancer cells and, in the case of azidomethyl chlorin, a safer phototherapeutic index compared to Foscan®.

Microglia-dependent remodeling of neuronal circuits.

Microglia are tissue-resident macrophages responsible for the surveillance, neuronal support, and immune defense of the brain parenchyma. Recently, the role played by microglia in the formation and function of neuronal circuits has garnered substantial attention. During development, microglia have been shown to engulf neuronal precursors and participate in pruning mechanisms while, in the mature brain, they influence synaptic signaling, provide trophic support and shape synaptic plasticity. Recently, studies have unveiled different microglial characteristics associated with specific brain regions. This emerging view suggests that the maturation and function of distinct neuronal circuits may be potentially associated with the molecular identity microglia adopts across the brain. Here, we review and summarize the known role of these cells in the thalamus, hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum. We focus on in vivo studies to highlight the characteristics of microglia that may be important in the remodeling of these neuronal circuits and in relation to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Diels-Alder Cycloaddition Reactions in Sustainable Media.

Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction is one of the most powerful strategies for the construction of six-membered carbocyclic and heterocyclic systems, in most cases with high regio- and stereoselectivity. In this review, an insight into the most relevant advances on sustainable Diels-Alder reactions since 2010 is provided. Various environmentally benign solvent systems are discussed, namely bio-based derived solvents (such as glycerol and gluconic acid), polyethylene glycol, deep eutectic solvents, supercritical carbon dioxide, water and water-based aqueous systems. Issues such as method's scope, efficiency, selectivity and reaction mechanism, as well as sustainability, advantages and limitations of these reaction media, are addressed.

The old guard: Age-related changes in microglia and their consequences.

Among all major organs, the brain is one of the most susceptible to the inexorable effects of aging. Throughout the last decades, several studies in human cohorts and animal models have revealed a plethora of age-related changes in the brain, including reduced neurogenesis, oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell senescence. As the main immune effectors and first responders of the nervous tissue, microglia are at the center of these events. These cells experience irrevocable changes as a result from cumulative exposure to environmental triggers, such as stress, infection and metabolic dysregulation. The age-related immunosenescent phenotype acquired by microglia is characterized by profound modifications in their transcriptomic profile, secretome, morphology and phagocytic activity, which compromise both their housekeeping and defensive functions. As a result, aged microglia are no longer capable of establishing effective immune responses and sustaining normal synaptic activity, directly contributing to age-associated cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. This review discusses how lifestyle and environmental factors drive microglia dysfunction at the molecular and functional level, also highlighting possible interventions to reverse aging-associated damage to the nervous and immune systems.

Regeneration of pulp-dentin complex using human stem cells of the apical papilla: in vivo interaction with two bioactive materials.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the regenerative properties of human stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAPs) embedded in a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) scaffold, when implanted in vivo using an organotypic model composed of human root segments, with or without the presence of the bioactive cements - ProRoot MTA or Biodentine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SCAPs were isolated from third molars with incomplete rhizogenesis and expanded and characterized in vitro using stem cell and surface markers. The pluripotency of these cells was also assessed using adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation protocols. SCAPs together with a scaffold of PRP were added to the root segment lumen and the organotypic model implanted on the dorsal region of immunodeficient rats for a period of 4 months. RESULTS: Presence of SCAPs induced de novo formation of dentin-like and pulp-like tissue. A barrier of either ProRoot MTA or Biodentine did not significantly affect the fraction of sections from roots segments observed to contain deposition of hard material (P > 0.05). However, the area of newly deposited dentin was significantly greater in segments containing a barrier of Biodentine compared with ProRoot MTA (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SCAPs offer a viable alternative to other dental stem cells (DSCs) in their regenerative properties when enclosed in the microenvironment of human tooth roots. The present study also suggests that the presence of bioactive materials does not hinder or impede the formation of new hard tissues, but the presence of Biodentine may promote greater mineralized tissue deposition.

Social subordination induced by early life adversity rewires inhibitory control of the prefrontal cortex via enhanced Npy1r signaling.

Social hierarchies are present in most mammalian species. In nature, hierarchies offer a tradeoff between reduction of in-group fighting between males, at the expense of an asymmetric sharing of resources. Early life experiences and stress are known to influence the rank an individual attains in adulthood, but the associated cellular and synaptic alterations are poorly understood. Using a maternal separation protocol, we show that care-deprived mice display a long-lasting submissive phenotype, increased social recognition, and enhanced explorative behavior. These alterations are consistent with an adaptation that favors exploration rather than confrontation within a group setting. At the neuronal level, these animals display dendritic atrophy and enhanced inhibitory synaptic inputs in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) neurons. To determine what could underlie this synaptic modification, we first assessed global gene expression changes via RNAseq, and next focused on a smaller subset of putatively altered synaptic receptors that could explain the changes in synaptic inhibition. Using different cohorts of maternally deprived mice, we validated a significant increase in the expression of Npy1r, a receptor known to play a role in maternal care, anxiety, foraging, and regulation of group behavior. Using electrophysiological recordings in adult mice while blocking NPY1R signaling, we determined that this receptor plays a key role in enhancing GABAergic currents in mice that experience maternal deprivation. Taken together, our work highlights the potential of regulating NPY1R in social anxiety disorders and the alterations induced in brain circuitry as a consequence of early life stress and adversity.

Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Conjugated Nitrosoalkenes and Azoalkenes.

This review aims to present the most recent contributions in the chemistry of nitrosoalkenes and azoalkenes, highlighting the chemical behavior that makes them important and versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. These are heterodienes used in the assembly of a variety of heterocyclic systems, spanning from five- to seven-membered heterocycles, as well as for the functionalization of heterocycles.

Multimodal highly fluorescent-magnetic nanoplatform to target transferrin receptors in cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Site-specific multimodal nanoplatforms with fluorescent-magnetic properties have great potential for biological sciences. For this reason, we developed a multimodal nanoprobe (BNPs-Tf), by covalently conjugating an optical-magnetically active bimodal nanosystem, based on quantum dots and iron oxide nanoparticles, with the human holo-transferrin (Tf). METHODS: The Tf bioconjugation efficiency was evaluated by the fluorescence microplate assay (FMA) and the amount of Tf immobilized on BNPs was quantified by fluorescence spectroscopy. Moreover, relaxometric and fluorescent properties of the BNPs-Tf were evaluated, as well as its ability to label specifically HeLa cells. Cytotoxicity was also performed by Alamar Blue assay. RESULTS: The FMA confirmed an efficient bioconjugation and the fluorescence spectroscopy analysis indicated that 98% of Tf was immobilized on BNPs. BNPs-Tf also presented a bright fluorescence and a transversal/longitudinal relaxivities ratio (r2/r1) of 65. Importantly, the developed BNPs-Tf were able to label, efficiently and specifically, the Tf receptors in HeLa cells, as shown by fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging assays. Moreover, this multimodal system did not cause noteworthy cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The prepared BNPs-Tf hold great promise as an effective and specific multimodal, highly fluorescent-magnetic, nanoplatform for fluorescence analyses and T2-weighted images. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study developed an attractive and versatile multimodal nanoplatform that has potential to be applied in a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies, addressing biological processes, diagnostic, and therapeutics. Moreover, this work opens new possibilities for designing other efficient multimodal nanosystems, considering other biomolecules in their composition able to provide them important functional properties.

Roles of Microglial and Monocyte Chemokines and Their Receptors in Regulating Alzheimer's Disease-Associated Amyloid-ß and Tau Pathologies.

Chemokines and their receptors have been shown to affect amyloid-ß (Aß) and tau pathologies in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by regulating microglia and monocyte-associated neuroinflammation, microglial movement and monocyte recruitment into the brain. These cells in turn can promote and mediate Aß phagocytosis and degradation and tau phosphorylation. In this review we discuss published work in this field in mouse models of AD and review what is known about the contributions of microglial and monocyte chemokines and their receptors to amyloid and tau pathologies. We focus on the roles of the chemokine/chemokine receptor pairs CCL2/CCR2, CX3CL1/CX3CR1, CCL5/CCR5, CXCL10/CXCR3 and CXCL1/CXCR2, highlighting important knowledge gaps in this field. A full understanding of the functions of chemokines and their receptors in AD may guide the development of novel immunotherapies for this devastating disease.

Quantifying miRNA Deregulation in Alzheimer's Disease.

Analysis of miRNA expression in circulating immune cells, such as monocytes, using qRT-PCR arrays, allows the quantification of a wide range of miRNAs in easily accessible biosamples from Alzheimer's disease patients. This technique enables the identification of differentially expressed miRNAs and provides important clues for the discovery of new miRNA-based biomarkers. Here we describe how to isolate a specific lymphocyte population from human blood samples, CD14+ monocytes, and how to extract total RNA, containing short RNAs, from these cells, transcribe the RNA into cDNA and quantify a pre-set of specific miRNAs using customizable PCR plates of 96 or 384 wells.

High-throughput screening uncovers miRNAs enhancing glioblastoma cell susceptibility to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a deadly and therapy resistant malignant brain tumour, characterized by an aggressive and diffuse growth pattern, which prevents complete surgical resection. Despite advances in the identification of genomic and molecular alterations that fuel the tumour, average patient survival post-diagnosis remains very low (∼14.6-months). In addition to being highly heterogeneous, GBM tumour cells exhibit high adaptive capacity to targeted molecular therapies owing to an established network of signalling cascades with functional redundancy, which provides them with robust compensatory survival mechanisms. Here, we investigated whether a multimodal strategy combining multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (MTKIs) and microRNA (miRNA) modulation could overcome the signalling pathway redundancy in GBM and, hence, promote tumour cell death. By performing a high-throughput screening, we identified a myriad of miRNAs, including those belonging to the miR-302-3p/372-3p/373-3p/520-3p family, which coordinately act with the MTKI sunitinib to decrease GBM cell viability. Two members of this family, hsa-miRNA-302a-3p and hsa-miRNA-520 b, were found to modulate the expression of receptor tyrosine kinase mediators (including AKT1, PIK3CA and SOS1) in U87 and DBTRG human GBM cells. Importantly, administration of mimics of these miRNAs with sunitinib or axitinib resulted in decreased tumour cell proliferation and enhanced cell death, whereas no significant effect was observed when coupling miRNA modulation with temozolomide, the first-line drug for GBM therapy. Overall, our results provide evidence that combining the 'horizontal' inhibition of signalling pathways promoted by MTKIs with the 'vertical' inhibition of the downstream signalling cascade promoted by hsa-miR-302a-3p and hsa-miR-520 b constitutes a promising approach towards GBM treatment.

Hetero-Diels-Alder approach to Bis(indolyl)methanes.

A novel synthetic approach to bis(indolyl)methanes has been established. Our one-pot synthetic strategy based on two consecutive hetero-Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions of electrophilic conjugated nitrosoalkenes with indoles was extended to a range of new 1-hydroxyiminomethyl-bis(indolyl)methanes. Furthermore, a similar and broad range approach was applied to the synthesis of previously unknown 1-hydrazonomethyl-bis(indolyl)methanes. The biological evaluation of the new bis(indolyl)methanes as anti-cancer agents was investigated.

(1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)-Allenes: Building Blocks for Tetrazolyl Heterocycles.

(1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)-allenes have been prepared for the first time, and their reactivity toward aziridines explored. Reaction of a (1-benzyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-phosphonium chloride and acyl chlorides in the presence of triethylamine afforded the target allenes via Wittig reaction of the in situ generated phosphorus ylide and ketenes. 1-(1-Benzyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)propa-1,2-diene and 3-methyl-, 3-ethyl- and 3-benzyl derivatives undergo microwave-induced formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition with cis-N-benzyl-2-benzoyl-3-phenylaziridine, through C-N bond cleavage, to give selectively tetrasubstituted pyrroles. In contrast, with (1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-allenes bearing bulkier substituents at C-3, such as i-propyl or a tert-butyl, 4-methylenepyrrolidines were obtained exclusively via [3 + 2] cycloaddition of the in situ generated azomethine ylide. The latter allenes also gave 4-methylenepyrrolidines on reacting with cis-2-benzoyl-N-cyclohexyl-3-phenylaziridine, whereas with the other allenes, pyrroles were obtained as major products together with the formation of 4-methylenepyrrolidines. All the studied (1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-allenes reacted with N-benzyl-cis-3-phenylaziridine-2-carboxylate to give the corresponding 4-methylenepyrrolidines exclusively.

MicroRNA deregulation and chemotaxis and phagocytosis impairment in Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Mononuclear phagocytes play a critical role during Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis due to their contribution to innate immune responses and amyloid beta (Aß) clearance mechanisms. METHODS: Blood-derived monocytes (BDMs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were isolated from blood of AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and age-matched healthy controls for molecular and phenotypic comparisons. RESULTS: The chemokine/chemokine receptor CCL2/CCR2 axis was impaired in BDMs from AD and MCI patients, causing a deficit in cell migration. Changes were also observed in MDM-mediated phagocytosis of Aß fibrils, correlating with alterations in the expression and processing of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). Finally, immune-related microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-155, -154, -200b, -27b, and -128, were found to be differentially expressed in these cells. DISCUSSION: This work provides evidence that chemotaxis and phagocytosis, two crucial innate immune functions, are impaired in AD and MCI patients. Correlations with miRNA levels suggest an epigenetic contribution to systemic immune dysfunction in AD.

A novel bis-furan scaffold for transthyretin stabilization and amyloid inhibition.

The design and synthesis of a novel bis-furan scaffold tailored for high efficiency at inhibiting transthyretin amyloid formation is reported. In vitro results show that the discovered compounds are more efficient inhibitors of amyloid formation than tafamidis, a drug currently used in the treatment of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), despite their lower molecular weight and lipophilicity. Moreover, ex vivo experiments with the strongest inhibitor in the series, conducted in human blood plasma from normal and FAP Val30Met-transthyretin carriers, disclose remarkable affinity and selectivity profiles. The promises and challenges facing further development of this compound are discussed under the light of increasing evidence implicating transthyretin stability as a key factor not only in transthyretin amyloidoses and several associated co-morbidities, but also in Alzheimer's disease.

CdTe quantum dots as fluorescent probes to study transferrin receptors in glioblastoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of transferrin receptors (TfRs), which are responsible for the intracellular uptake of ferric transferrin (Tf), has been described in various cancers. Although molecular biology methods allow the identification of different types of receptors in cancer cells, they do not provide features about TfRs internalization, quantification and distribution on cell surface. This information can, however, be accessed by fluorescence techniques. In this work, the quantum dots (QDs)' unique properties were explored to strengthen our understanding of TfRs in cancer cells. METHODS: QDs were conjugated to Tf by covalent coupling and QDs-(Tf) bioconjugates were applied to quantify and evaluate the distribution of TfRs in two human glioblastoma cells lines, U87 and DBTRG-05MG, and also in HeLa cells by using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: HeLa and DBTRG-05MG cells showed practically the same TfR labeling profile by QDs-(Tf), while U87 cells were less labeled by bioconjugates. Furthermore, inhibition studies demonstrated that QDs-(Tf) were able to label cells with high specificity. CONCLUSIONS: HeLa and DBTRG-05MG cells presented a similar and a higher amount of TfR than U87 cells. Moreover, DBTRG-05MG cells are more efficient in recycling the TfR than the other two cells types. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study about TfRs in human glioblastoma cells using QDs. This new fluorescent tool can contribute to our understanding of the cancer cell biology and can help in the development of new therapies targeting these receptors.

Role of microRNAs in the regulation of innate immune cells under neuroinflammatory conditions.

MiRNAs are short, evolutionary conserved noncoding RNA molecules with the ability to control the magnitude of inflammation. The immunosuppressive nature of the brain is sustained by miRNA-dependent regulation of microglial cells, which become activated under neuroinflammatory conditions, such as brain injury and neurodegeneration. The pro-inflammatory and suppressive role of the most studied neuroimmune miRNAs, miR-155 and miR-146a, has been recently challenged. Although the molecular targets of these miRNAs remain unchanged across brain diseases, different kinetics of miRNA expression and degradation can produce different immune outcomes and change microglia phenotypes. Here, we discuss current knowledge regarding the implications of disruption of miRNA networks in neuroinflammation and in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic CNS diseases.

Synthesis of New 2-Halo-2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2H-azirines via a Non-Classical Wittig Reaction.

The synthesis and reactivity of tetrazol-5-yl-phosphorus ylides towards N-halosuccinimide/TMSN3 reagent systems was explored, opening the way to new haloazidoalkenes bearing a tetrazol-5-yl substituent. These compounds were obtained as single isomers, except in one case. X-ray crystal structures were determined for three derivatives, establishing that the non-classical Wittig reaction leads to the selective synthesis of haloazidoalkenes with (Z)-configuration. The thermolysis of the haloazidoalkenes afforded new 2-halo-2-(tetrazol-5-yl)-2H-azirines in high yields. Thus, the reported synthetic methodologies gave access to important building blocks in organic synthesis, vinyl tetrazoles and 2-halo-2-(tetrazol-5-yl)-2H-azirine derivatives.

MiRNA-21 silencing mediated by tumor-targeted nanoparticles combined with sunitinib: A new multimodal gene therapy approach for glioblastoma.

Malignant brain tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM), are among the most lethal human cancers, due to their tremendous invasive capacity and limited therapeutic options. Despite remarkable advances in cancer theranostics, which resulted in significant improvement of clinical outcomes, GBM relapse is very frequent and patient survival remains under one year. The elucidation of the role of abnormally-expressed miRNAs in different steps of GBM pathogenesis and in tumor resistance to therapy paved the way for the development of new miRNA-based therapeutic approaches targeting this disease, aiming at increasing specific tumor cell killing and, ultimately, cancer eradication. Here, we demonstrate that intravenously-administered chlorotoxin (CTX)-coupled (targeted) stable nucleic acid lipid particle (SNALP)-formulated anti-miR-21 oligonucleotides accumulate preferentially within brain tumors and promote efficient miR-21 silencing, which results in increased mRNA and protein levels of its target RhoB, while showing no signs of systemic immunogenicity. Decreased tumor cell proliferation and tumor size, as well as enhanced apoptosis activation and, to a lesser extent, improvement of animal survival, were also observed in GBM-bearing mice upon systemic delivery of targeted nanoparticle-formulated anti-miR-21 oligonucleotides and exposure to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib. Overall, our results provide evidence that CTX-coupled SNALPs are a reliable and efficient system for systemic delivery of anti-miRNA oligonucleotides. Moreover, although further studies are still necessary to demonstrate a therapeutic benefit in a clinical context, our findings suggest that miRNA modulation by the targeted nanoparticles combined with anti-angiogenic chemotherapy may hold promise as an attractive approach towards GBM treatment.