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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Using Computer-based Image Analysis to Improve Quantification of Lung Metastasis in the 4T1 Breast Cancer Model
Published on: October 2, 2020
Creatine based polymer for codelivery of bioengineered MicroRNA and chemodrugs against breast cancer lung metastasis
Jieni Xu1, Jingjing Sun1, Pui Yan Ho2
1Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Abstract:
Metastasis is the major cause for breast cancer related mortality. The combination of miRNA-based therapy and chemotherapy represents a promising approach against breast cancer lung metastasis. The goal of this study is to develop an improved therapy that co-delivers a novel bioengineered miRNA prodrug (tRNA-mir-34a) and doxorubicin (DOX) via a multifunctional nanomicellar carrier that is based on a conjugate of amphiphilic copolymer POEG-VBC backbone with creatine, a naturally occurring cationic molecule. Co-delivery of DOX leads to more effective processing of tRNA-mir-34a into mature miR-34a and down-regulation of target genes. DOX + tRNA-mir-34a/POEG-PCre exhibits potent synergistic anti-tumor and anti-metastasis activity in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the enhanced immune response contributes to the overall antitumor efficacy. POEG-PCre may represent a safe and effective delivery system for an optimal chemo-gene combination therapy.
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