Kwangjae Cho

Bio: Kwangjae Cho is an academic researcher from Emory University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Phenotype & microRNA. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 2383 citations.

Therapeutic Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery in Cancer

Abstract: Cancer nanotherapeutics are rapidly progressing and are being implemented to solve several limitations of conventional drug delivery systems such as nonspecific biodistribution and targeting, lack of water solubility, poor oral bioavailability, and low therapeutic indices. To improve the biodistribution of cancer drugs, nanoparticles have been designed for optimal size and surface characteristics to increase their circulation time in the bloodstream. They are also able to carry their loaded active drugs to cancer cells by selectively using the unique pathophysiology of tumors, such as their enhanced permeability and retention effect and the tumor microenvironment. In addition to this passive targeting mechanism, active targeting strategies using ligands or antibodies directed against selected tumor targets amplify the specificity of these therapeutic nanoparticles. Drug resistance, another obstacle that impedes the efficacy of both molecularly targeted and conventional chemotherapeutic agents, might also be overcome, or at least reduced, using nanoparticles. Nanoparticles have the ability to accumulate in cells without being recognized by P-glycoprotein, one of the main mediators of multidrug resistance, resulting in the increased intracellular concentration of drugs. Multifunctional and multiplex nanoparticles are now being actively investigated and are on the horizon as the next generation of nanoparticles, facilitating personalized and tailored cancer treatment.

Examining expression of folate receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck as a target for a novel nanotherapeutic drug

Abstract: Background Nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches may help increase therapeutic efficacy and decrease side effects of chemotherapeutics. We investigated expression levels of folate receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) to evaluate folate receptor as a target for nanotherapy. Methods Folate receptor expression levels in archival SCCHN tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinical parameters. Results Folate receptor was detected in 45% of primary tumors and 40% of corresponding lymph node metastases. Folate receptor expression in primary tumors of the metastatic group strongly correlated with the corresponding lymph node metastases (p = .0002). Folate receptor expression was inversely correlated with disease-free survival in nonmetastatic (p = .0048), metastatic (p = .0127), and lymph node metastases (p <.001) groups, and with overall survival in the lymph node metastases group (p <.0001). Conclusion Folate receptor is expressed in a significant proportion of primary SCCHN and corresponding lymph node metastases tissues, and correlates with worse clinical outcome. These findings provide support for folate receptor-mediated nanotherapeutics in SCCHN. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009

MicroRNA-769-3p Acts as a Prognostic Factor in Oral Squamous Cell Cancer by Modulating Stromal Genes

Abstract: Simple Summary Based on a recent report, miRNA expression profiles represent the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) subtype (epithelial or stromal), owing to the ability of miRNAs to regulate developmental growth and differentiation programs in epithelial cells. The current study aimed to investigate the expression and function of miR-769-3p in the stromal phenotype of oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC). Our results showed that miR-769-3p is overexpressed in fibroblast-like cells within the stroma around tumor tissues. miR-769-3p overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. RNA sequencing revealed a tumor-suppressive role of miR-769-3p by modulating stromal gene expression, such as interferon-gamma-related genes and MYC target gene sets. miR-769-3p may be a potential biomarker of the miRNA phenotype in OSCC patients. These findings indicate that miR-769-3p plays a crucial role as a potential biomarker of the miRNA phenotype in OSCC patients. Abstract miR-769-3p expression is suppressed in the stromal subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, its role in stromal HNSCC has not been fully elucidated. To investigate the biological relevance of miR-769-3p in the stromal phenotype, we established oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) cell lines, namely CAL27, HSC3, and YD8, overexpressing miR-769-3p. miR-769-3p expression was positively and negatively correlated with interferon-gamma-related genes and MYC target gene sets, respectively. miR-769-3p decreased OSCC cell migration and invasion as well as mesenchymal marker expression and increased epithelial marker expression. Moreover, miR-769-3p enhanced OSCC cell sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil. High miR-769-3p expression was associated with good prognosis of HNSCC patients. Collectively, these results suggest that miR-769-3p suppression enhances stromal gene expression and promotes the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, miR-769-3p may be a potential biomarker of the miRNA phenotype in OSCC patients.

Nanoparticle therapeutics: an emerging treatment modality for cancer

Abstract: Nanoparticles — particles in the size range 1–100 nm — are emerging as a class of therapeutics for cancer. Early clinical results suggest that nanoparticle therapeutics can show enhanced efficacy, while simultaneously reducing side effects, owing to properties such as more targeted localization in tumours and active cellular uptake. Here, we highlight the features of nanoparticle therapeutics that distinguish them from previous anticancer therapies, and describe how these features provide the potential for therapeutic effects that are not achievable with other modalities. While large numbers of preclinical studies have been published, the emphasis here is placed on preclinical and clinical studies that are likely to affect clinical investigations and their implications for advancing the treatment of patients with cancer.

Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-Based Drug/Cargo Delivery and Cancer Therapy.

Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-an emerging class of hybrid porous materials built from metal ions or clusters bridged by organic linkers-have attracted increasing attention in recent years. The superior properties of MOFs, such as well-defined pore aperture, tailorable composition and structure, tunable size, versatile functionality, high agent loading, and improved biocompatibility, make them promising candidates as drug delivery hosts. Furthermore, scientists have made remarkable achievements in the field of nanomedical applications of MOFs, owing to their facile synthesis on the nanoscale and alternative functionalization via inclusion and surface chemistry. A brief introduction to the applications of MOFs in controlled drug/cargo delivery and cancer therapy that have been reported in recent years is provided here.