# Effect of CMB Carrying PTX and CRISPR/Cas9 on Endometrial Cancer Naked Mouse Model

Authors: Junhong Cai; Dongcai Wu; Yanbin Jin; Shan Bao
Journal: Journal of Healthcare Engineering
 (2022)

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## Abstract

Endometrial cancer, one of the most common gynecological cancers in women. Patients with advanced or recurrent disease have poor long-term outcomes. The current experiment explore the roles of cationic microbubbles (CMBs) carrying paclitaxel (PTX) and CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids on the xenotransplantation model of mice with endometrial cancer. The tumor histology, tumor cell viability, cell cycle, and invasion ability were investigated. Meanwhile, the P27, P21, GSK-3, Bcl-2 associated death promoter (Bad), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and C-erbB-2 expressions were evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 had an inhibitory action on the tumor growth, tumor cell viability, cell cycle, and invasion ability of the mouse xenograft model of endometrial cancer. The CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 increased the GSK-3, P21, P27, and Bad expression levels, while reduced the C-erbB-2 and mTOR expressions. CMBs loaded with both PTX and CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids may be a new combination treatment with much potential. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 may regulate the tumor cell viability, invasion, and metastasis of endometrial cancer naked mouse model by upregulating expressions of GSK-3, P21, P27, and Bad.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Endometrial cancer, the most usual gynecologic malignancy and the 4th most usual cancer in women, accounting for approximately 43,000 new cases and 7,950 deaths among U.S. women each year [1]. The lifetime risk of endometrial cancer is 2.4% and rising [2]. In addition, according to the American Cancer Society, the relative five-year survival rate for endometrial cancer dropped from 88% in 1975 to 84% in 2003 [3]. By contrast, five-year survival rates for prostate and breast cancer are now more than 90% [4]. Therefore, it is urgent to explore new therapies for recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer.CRISPR is an adaptive immune response system found in most bacteria and paleo bacteria that is effective against damage to bacteria such as phages [5, 6]. Through intervention, CRISPR enables the genome to produce changes or mutations more efficiently than previous gene editing techniques and has been widely used in lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and myeloid leukemia [7]. Based on this system, a new gene editing technique, CRISPR/Cas9, consisting of single-stranded guided RNA (guide single RNA, sgRNA) and CRISPR-related protein Cas9 with nucleic acid intracellular activity, identifies specific DNA sequences by target sequences carried on sgRNA and is highly specific, not only to restore disease gene mutation sites but also to achieve important gene deletion [8, 9].Drug release encapsulated in or around gas-filled microbubble (MB) carriers can be controlled using ultrasound noninvasively [10]. Transient pores are created in the cell membrane by cavitation induced by ultrasound [11]. This leads to an increase in cell permeability and an increase in the drug delivery efficiency. The positively charged surface of CMBs is filled with cationic gas, and negatively charged plasmid DNA can effectively bind to it, thereby increasing the loading rate of the plasmid [12]. Therefore, CMBs can be used as materials to deliver drugs or genes. Paclitaxel (PTX) is an anticancer drug isolated from the yew tree used to treat ovarian, breast, endometrial, and other tumors [13]. PTX kills dividing tumor cells through stabilizing the microtubes of the mitochondrial spindle, however, PTX also has certain toxicity to normal cells [14]. This study will construct the same time as CRISPR/Cas9 mass particles and yew alcohols of the yang sub-bubble (CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9), build an endometrial cancer naked mouse model to observe the effects detection of CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, PTX-CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX-CMB in animals and on tumor cell viability, invasion, and metastasis.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Prepared CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, PTX-CMB, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9

Construction and physical measurement of CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 was performed by our previous study [12].


#### 2.1.1. Preparation of the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9

Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE), dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and dc-cholesterol were dissolved in a mixture of glycerol: PBS = 1 : 9 in a ratio of 2 : 5 : 1, and then bathed in water at 50°C for 60 min. The gas in the tube was extracted and injected with perfluoropropane gas, and after 70 s was shaken by mechanical vibration. Cationic microbubbles were prepared by diluting PBS solution. Three sgRNA sequences were designed according to the CRISPR/Cas9 principle, and corresponding plasmids gRNA1, gRNA2, and gRNA3 were constructed to produce CMB-CRISPR/Cas9. Cationic microbubbles were irradiated by ultrasound to transfect tumor cells.


#### 2.1.2. Preparation of the PTX-CMB

PTX, DPPE, DPPC, and dc-cholesterol were dissolved in a mixture of glycerol: PBS = 1 : 9 in a water bath (50°C, 1 h). The gas in the tube was extracted, and perfluoro propane gas was injected, shaken by mechanical vibration after 70 s, and diluted with PBS. Made from CMB-PTX.


#### 2.1.3. Preparation of the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9

CMB-PTX and CMB-CRISPR/Cas9 were cultured (25°C, 20) to produce CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9. During the preparation process, the particle size of microbubbles should be adjusted and controlled by pressure, time, power, and other parameters.According to our previous study [12], the particle sizes of CMB and PTX-CMB were 1.213 μm and 1.970 μm, respectively. The surface potential of PTX-CMB and CMB was 20.41 mV and 36.70 mV, respectively.


### 2.2. Cell Culture

ATCC (Manassas, VA, USA) provided the Hec50 endometrial cancer cells. Cells were incubated in DMEM (Sigma, St Louis, MO), which contained penicillin-G (100 units/mL), FBS (10%, Gemini Bio Products, Inc., Calabasas, CA), amphotericin B (0.25μg/mL, Gibco Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY), and antibiotic/antifungal solution (100 μg/mL streptomycin).


### 2.3. Build a Naked Mouse Endometrial Cancer Animal Model and Grouping Treatment

We used Hec50 endometrial cancer cells to build a naked mouse endometrial cancer animal model as previous studies reported [15, 16], divided into six groups, each group selected five tumor-bearing nude mice, respectively, the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, PTX-CMB, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 four microbubbles, and set up a separate group of injections of PTX drugs, a group of control. The mice were euthanized 35 days after injection, and the subcutaneous growth of each tumor was examined. The animal experiment follows the Committee of animal research institutions, which conforms to National Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Pentobarbital sodium (3%, 30 mg/kg) was used to anesthetize the mice, tumor tissues were stripped, weighed and photographed, and stored at −80°C for subsequent analysis.


### 2.4. Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining (HE)

The mouse endometrial cancer tissue was soaked in PBS (4%, 30 min) and then cut into tissue sections (5μm). Next, slides were stained with ethanol (70%, 10 s), diethylpyrocarbonate-treated water (5 s), hematoxylin with a RNase inhibitor (20 s), ethanol (70%, 30 s), eosin Y in ethanol (100%, 20 s), and xylenes (2 min, after dehydration with a series of ethanol for 30 s). Lastly, after washing three times, the histological structure of the endometrial tissue was evaluated microscopically (200×).


### 2.5. CCK-8 Assay

Endometrial cancer cells in logarithmic growth stage were collected, resuspended in RPMI-1640 complete medium, adjusted to 1 × 105 cells/mL, and seeded in 96-well plates with 0.1 mL of cells per well. The solution was incubated overnight (37°C, 5% CO2). Next, add 0.1 mL medium with 10% CCK-8 solution (CK04, Dongren Chemical, Japan) and continue to incubate for 2–3 h (37°C, 5% CO2), and finally measure the value of OD450 on a microplate reader.


### 2.6. TUNEL Cell Apoptosis

Endometrial sections were stained with TdT-mediated dUTP notch end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis kit and the apoptosis level was assessed. After paraffin sections of the endometrium were dewaxed and rehydrated, they were incubated with protease K (25°C, 26 min) and then washed 5 times with PBS. Covered with 50μL TUNEL staining solution on the tissues on the glass and incubated in the dark (37°C, 1 h), and washed 3 times with PBS. Next, they were sealed with a quench proof solution. The apoptosis of endometrial tissue was evaluated by microscopically.


### 2.7. Cell Cycle Detection

The endometrial cancer cells were resuspended in PBS and collected by centrifugation. 100μL PBS was added to resuspend the cells. 2 μL of RNase A (1 mg/mL) was added in a water bath (37°C, 40 min). 100 µL of PI staining solution (100 µg/mL) was added and stained in the dark (20 min). Detection was performed on a flow cytometer using an excitation wavelength (488 nm) and an emission wavelength (585 ± 21) nm and used ModFit software to analyze the cell cycle to determine the cell cycle distribution.


### 2.8. Cell Invasion Detection

The matrix glue was spread on a plate chamber (8μm, 24-well) at 37°C and sucked out after 1 h. Resuspend each group of endometrial cancer cells into the upper chamber of the plate chamber and add complete medium to the lower chamber of the plate chamber. After incubation (37°C, 36 h), removed the medium in the upper chamber and washed 3 times with PBS. After the medium from the lower chamber was removed, fix the cells with paraformaldehyde (4%, 30 min). Add the Giemsa solution for staining (10%, 600 μL, 10 min, 25°C). Four randomly selected fields (×200) were evaluated under a light microscope and images were captured.


### 2.9. qRT-PCR

To obtain higher purity RNA, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were used to extract the endometrial cancer cells. Subsequently, MagBeads Total RNA Extraction Kit was used to isolate endometrial cancer tissue RNA following with the manufacturer’s specifications [17–19]. After centrifugation (500 r/min, 5 min), the lysate supernatant of endometrial cancer cells was placed in another clean 1.5 mL centrifuge tube. This tube that contained 1 mg of MNPs and 1 volume of absolute ethanol was left for 5 min at an ambient temperature after vigorous shaking. Once the beads separated, the supernatant was discarded and washed three times with 200 μL of 75% ethanol. RNase-free H2O (30 μL) was left to stand at the ambient temperature for 5 min. When the magnetic beads separated, the supernatant was placed in a new centrifuge tube to evaluate the contents of RNA and to prepare the solution. Denaturation was then performed: predenaturation (95°C, 10 min) and then 95°C for 10 s. Annealing was then performed: 55°C, 20 s, and continued: 72°C, 35 s. A total of 40 cycles were performed for testing.


### 2.10. Western Blot Analysis

Western blot analysis was used to examine via monoclonal antibodies against the GSK-3, P21, P27, Bad, C-erbB-2, and mTOR (Abcam, USA) proteins. The loading control was GADPH from Sigma (USA). Use horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated secondary antibody (Sigma, USA) and incubate with cells (1 h, 25°C) [8, 12]. Band densities were quantified using the Licor Odyssey Infrared Imaging System (Licor Bio-science, Nebraska, USA).


### 2.11. Statistical Analysis

The data analysis was used by software GraphPad 8.0. Data were showed as mean ± SD, all experiments were repeated 3 times. Significant differences between experimental group were used by ANOVA. The data significance level wasP < 0.05.


## 2.1. Prepared CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, PTX-CMB, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9

Construction and physical measurement of CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 was performed by our previous study [12].


### 2.1.1. Preparation of the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9

Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE), dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and dc-cholesterol were dissolved in a mixture of glycerol: PBS = 1 : 9 in a ratio of 2 : 5 : 1, and then bathed in water at 50°C for 60 min. The gas in the tube was extracted and injected with perfluoropropane gas, and after 70 s was shaken by mechanical vibration. Cationic microbubbles were prepared by diluting PBS solution. Three sgRNA sequences were designed according to the CRISPR/Cas9 principle, and corresponding plasmids gRNA1, gRNA2, and gRNA3 were constructed to produce CMB-CRISPR/Cas9. Cationic microbubbles were irradiated by ultrasound to transfect tumor cells.


### 2.1.2. Preparation of the PTX-CMB

PTX, DPPE, DPPC, and dc-cholesterol were dissolved in a mixture of glycerol: PBS = 1 : 9 in a water bath (50°C, 1 h). The gas in the tube was extracted, and perfluoro propane gas was injected, shaken by mechanical vibration after 70 s, and diluted with PBS. Made from CMB-PTX.


### 2.1.3. Preparation of the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9

CMB-PTX and CMB-CRISPR/Cas9 were cultured (25°C, 20) to produce CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9. During the preparation process, the particle size of microbubbles should be adjusted and controlled by pressure, time, power, and other parameters.According to our previous study [12], the particle sizes of CMB and PTX-CMB were 1.213 μm and 1.970 μm, respectively. The surface potential of PTX-CMB and CMB was 20.41 mV and 36.70 mV, respectively.


## 2.1.1. Preparation of the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9

Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE), dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and dc-cholesterol were dissolved in a mixture of glycerol: PBS = 1 : 9 in a ratio of 2 : 5 : 1, and then bathed in water at 50°C for 60 min. The gas in the tube was extracted and injected with perfluoropropane gas, and after 70 s was shaken by mechanical vibration. Cationic microbubbles were prepared by diluting PBS solution. Three sgRNA sequences were designed according to the CRISPR/Cas9 principle, and corresponding plasmids gRNA1, gRNA2, and gRNA3 were constructed to produce CMB-CRISPR/Cas9. Cationic microbubbles were irradiated by ultrasound to transfect tumor cells.


## 2.1.2. Preparation of the PTX-CMB

PTX, DPPE, DPPC, and dc-cholesterol were dissolved in a mixture of glycerol: PBS = 1 : 9 in a water bath (50°C, 1 h). The gas in the tube was extracted, and perfluoro propane gas was injected, shaken by mechanical vibration after 70 s, and diluted with PBS. Made from CMB-PTX.


## 2.1.3. Preparation of the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9

CMB-PTX and CMB-CRISPR/Cas9 were cultured (25°C, 20) to produce CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9. During the preparation process, the particle size of microbubbles should be adjusted and controlled by pressure, time, power, and other parameters.According to our previous study [12], the particle sizes of CMB and PTX-CMB were 1.213 μm and 1.970 μm, respectively. The surface potential of PTX-CMB and CMB was 20.41 mV and 36.70 mV, respectively.


## 2.2. Cell Culture

ATCC (Manassas, VA, USA) provided the Hec50 endometrial cancer cells. Cells were incubated in DMEM (Sigma, St Louis, MO), which contained penicillin-G (100 units/mL), FBS (10%, Gemini Bio Products, Inc., Calabasas, CA), amphotericin B (0.25μg/mL, Gibco Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY), and antibiotic/antifungal solution (100 μg/mL streptomycin).


## 2.3. Build a Naked Mouse Endometrial Cancer Animal Model and Grouping Treatment

We used Hec50 endometrial cancer cells to build a naked mouse endometrial cancer animal model as previous studies reported [15, 16], divided into six groups, each group selected five tumor-bearing nude mice, respectively, the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, PTX-CMB, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 four microbubbles, and set up a separate group of injections of PTX drugs, a group of control. The mice were euthanized 35 days after injection, and the subcutaneous growth of each tumor was examined. The animal experiment follows the Committee of animal research institutions, which conforms to National Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Pentobarbital sodium (3%, 30 mg/kg) was used to anesthetize the mice, tumor tissues were stripped, weighed and photographed, and stored at −80°C for subsequent analysis.


## 2.4. Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining (HE)

The mouse endometrial cancer tissue was soaked in PBS (4%, 30 min) and then cut into tissue sections (5μm). Next, slides were stained with ethanol (70%, 10 s), diethylpyrocarbonate-treated water (5 s), hematoxylin with a RNase inhibitor (20 s), ethanol (70%, 30 s), eosin Y in ethanol (100%, 20 s), and xylenes (2 min, after dehydration with a series of ethanol for 30 s). Lastly, after washing three times, the histological structure of the endometrial tissue was evaluated microscopically (200×).


## 2.5. CCK-8 Assay

Endometrial cancer cells in logarithmic growth stage were collected, resuspended in RPMI-1640 complete medium, adjusted to 1 × 105 cells/mL, and seeded in 96-well plates with 0.1 mL of cells per well. The solution was incubated overnight (37°C, 5% CO2). Next, add 0.1 mL medium with 10% CCK-8 solution (CK04, Dongren Chemical, Japan) and continue to incubate for 2–3 h (37°C, 5% CO2), and finally measure the value of OD450 on a microplate reader.


## 2.6. TUNEL Cell Apoptosis

Endometrial sections were stained with TdT-mediated dUTP notch end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis kit and the apoptosis level was assessed. After paraffin sections of the endometrium were dewaxed and rehydrated, they were incubated with protease K (25°C, 26 min) and then washed 5 times with PBS. Covered with 50μL TUNEL staining solution on the tissues on the glass and incubated in the dark (37°C, 1 h), and washed 3 times with PBS. Next, they were sealed with a quench proof solution. The apoptosis of endometrial tissue was evaluated by microscopically.


## 2.7. Cell Cycle Detection

The endometrial cancer cells were resuspended in PBS and collected by centrifugation. 100μL PBS was added to resuspend the cells. 2 μL of RNase A (1 mg/mL) was added in a water bath (37°C, 40 min). 100 µL of PI staining solution (100 µg/mL) was added and stained in the dark (20 min). Detection was performed on a flow cytometer using an excitation wavelength (488 nm) and an emission wavelength (585 ± 21) nm and used ModFit software to analyze the cell cycle to determine the cell cycle distribution.


## 2.8. Cell Invasion Detection

The matrix glue was spread on a plate chamber (8μm, 24-well) at 37°C and sucked out after 1 h. Resuspend each group of endometrial cancer cells into the upper chamber of the plate chamber and add complete medium to the lower chamber of the plate chamber. After incubation (37°C, 36 h), removed the medium in the upper chamber and washed 3 times with PBS. After the medium from the lower chamber was removed, fix the cells with paraformaldehyde (4%, 30 min). Add the Giemsa solution for staining (10%, 600 μL, 10 min, 25°C). Four randomly selected fields (×200) were evaluated under a light microscope and images were captured.


## 2.9. qRT-PCR

To obtain higher purity RNA, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were used to extract the endometrial cancer cells. Subsequently, MagBeads Total RNA Extraction Kit was used to isolate endometrial cancer tissue RNA following with the manufacturer’s specifications [17–19]. After centrifugation (500 r/min, 5 min), the lysate supernatant of endometrial cancer cells was placed in another clean 1.5 mL centrifuge tube. This tube that contained 1 mg of MNPs and 1 volume of absolute ethanol was left for 5 min at an ambient temperature after vigorous shaking. Once the beads separated, the supernatant was discarded and washed three times with 200 μL of 75% ethanol. RNase-free H2O (30 μL) was left to stand at the ambient temperature for 5 min. When the magnetic beads separated, the supernatant was placed in a new centrifuge tube to evaluate the contents of RNA and to prepare the solution. Denaturation was then performed: predenaturation (95°C, 10 min) and then 95°C for 10 s. Annealing was then performed: 55°C, 20 s, and continued: 72°C, 35 s. A total of 40 cycles were performed for testing.


## 2.10. Western Blot Analysis

Western blot analysis was used to examine via monoclonal antibodies against the GSK-3, P21, P27, Bad, C-erbB-2, and mTOR (Abcam, USA) proteins. The loading control was GADPH from Sigma (USA). Use horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated secondary antibody (Sigma, USA) and incubate with cells (1 h, 25°C) [8, 12]. Band densities were quantified using the Licor Odyssey Infrared Imaging System (Licor Bio-science, Nebraska, USA).


## 2.11. Statistical Analysis

The data analysis was used by software GraphPad 8.0. Data were showed as mean ± SD, all experiments were repeated 3 times. Significant differences between experimental group were used by ANOVA. The data significance level wasP < 0.05.


## 3. Results

### 3.1. H and E Analysis of Tumor Tissue

We used Hec50 endometrial cancer cells to build a naked mouse endometrial cancer animal model. Mice were implanted subcutaneously with Hec50co cells and treated with CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX starting on the day of tumor cell implantation, repeated twice a week. Additionally, we hypothesized that in this model, the dissemination of tumor cells arises through the same mechanism. We confirmed this hypothesis by histological examination of tumor tissue by Hand E staining. The grafts displayed poorly differentiated features from H and E staining, and the host uterine tissue showed local invasion. Additionally, histology showed myometrial infiltration and vascular infiltration compared to control (Figure1). The abovementioned situation was reversed by the improvement of CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, PTX-CMB, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX, especially the treatment of CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 (Figure 1).Figure 1
HE analysis in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX. White arrow: endometrium. Black arrow: tumor.


### 3.2. Tumor Cell Viability

Furthermore, to explore the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 role on the cell viability of tumor, CCK-8 assay was measured to assess the tumor cell viability (Figure2). The cell viability in the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX groups reduced compared with the control group (all P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the cell viability of the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups was significantly decreased as compare to the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, and PTX groups (all P < 0.05). The above data indicated that the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 had a higher inhibition on the proliferation of cells.Figure 2
CCK-8 assay analysis of the relative cell viability in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗P < 0.01, ∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group, &P < 0.05, and &&P < 0.01, and &&&P < 0.001 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


### 3.3. Tumor Cell Invasion Analysis

To explore the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 role on the tumor cell invasion ability, the cell invasion abilities were evaluated by Transwell (Figure3). The relative invasion rate in the PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups significantly decreased as compared to the control group (all P < 0.001). The CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group had the lowest relative invasion rate (all P < 0.05). The above data ensured that the invasion ability of cells treatment with CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 was obviously suppressed, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 showed the obviously inhibitory action.Figure 3
Relative invasion rate was evaluated by Transwell assay in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group, &P < 0.05, &&&P < 0.001 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


### 3.4. Tumor Cell Cycle

To explore the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 role on the tumor cell cycle, the cell cycle analysis was performed as shown in Figure4. Thirty-five days after being treated with CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX, the percentage of cells in S-phase was found to be 37.45%, 6.8%, 5.24%, and 7.26%, respectively. Additionally, the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 exhibited the lowest S-phase as compared to the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, and PTX (all P < 0.05). Our data demonstrated that CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 therapy may result in cell cycle withdrawal, preventing entry to the S-phase while the cells remain arrested in the G1 phase.Figure 4
Cell distribution of G2, (S) and G1 was evaluated by Flow cytometry in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group. &P < 0.05, &&&P < 0.001 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


### 3.5. Tumor Cell Apoptotic

To assess the potential role of CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 therapy in tumor cells, the apoptosis by TUNEL dyeing was detected. We found that PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 signiﬁcantly increase cell apoptosis as compared to the control group (allP < 0.01, Figure 5). No significance difference between the control group and CMB group. Moreover, the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 exhibited the highest apoptosis rate in all groups.Figure 5
Apoptosis rate was evaluated by TUNEL analysis in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗P < 0.01, ∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group. &P < 0.05 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


### 3.6. The mRNA and Protein of C-Erbb-2, mTOR, Bad, GSK-3, P27, and P21 Expressions

P21 and P27 can effectively inhibit the proliferation and division of tumor cells [20]. Bad is a mitochondrial proapoptotic factor that promotes apoptosis [21]. The mTOR pathway is a central signaling pathway (such as proteins growth, synthesis, and metabolism) that controls metabolic processes [22]. RT-qPCR assessed the effect of tumors constructed by burst transfection of PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 on their downstream gene expression. Compared with the control group, in the CMB, PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups, the expressions of GSK-3, P21, P27, and Bad mRNA were increased significantly (all P < 0.01, Figure 6). Expressions of C-erbB-2 and mTOR mRNA in the CMB, PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups decreased obviously (all P < 0.01). Additionally, the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group exhibited the highest GSK-3, P21, P27, and Bad mRNA expressions and lowest C-erbB-2 and mTOR mRNA expressions. The result was similar with these protein expressions which were evaluated by western blot (Figure 7). Hence, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 may involve in the occurrence and progression of endometrial cancer via regulation of GSK-3, P21, P27, Bad, C-erbB-2, and mTOR expressions.Figure 6
(a) qRT-PCR analysis of the GSK-3, P27, P21 and (b) C-erbb-2, mTOR, Bad mRNA expressions in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗P < 0.01, ∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group, &P < 0.05, ∗∗P < 0.01, &&&P < 0.001 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.
(a)(b)Figure 7
Western blot analysis of the GSK-3, P27, P21, C-erbb-2, mTOR, Bad protein expressions in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group, &&P < 0.01 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


## 3.1. H and E Analysis of Tumor Tissue

We used Hec50 endometrial cancer cells to build a naked mouse endometrial cancer animal model. Mice were implanted subcutaneously with Hec50co cells and treated with CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX starting on the day of tumor cell implantation, repeated twice a week. Additionally, we hypothesized that in this model, the dissemination of tumor cells arises through the same mechanism. We confirmed this hypothesis by histological examination of tumor tissue by Hand E staining. The grafts displayed poorly differentiated features from H and E staining, and the host uterine tissue showed local invasion. Additionally, histology showed myometrial infiltration and vascular infiltration compared to control (Figure1). The abovementioned situation was reversed by the improvement of CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, PTX-CMB, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX, especially the treatment of CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 (Figure 1).Figure 1
HE analysis in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX. White arrow: endometrium. Black arrow: tumor.


## 3.2. Tumor Cell Viability

Furthermore, to explore the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 role on the cell viability of tumor, CCK-8 assay was measured to assess the tumor cell viability (Figure2). The cell viability in the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX groups reduced compared with the control group (all P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the cell viability of the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups was significantly decreased as compare to the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, and PTX groups (all P < 0.05). The above data indicated that the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 had a higher inhibition on the proliferation of cells.Figure 2
CCK-8 assay analysis of the relative cell viability in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗P < 0.01, ∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group, &P < 0.05, and &&P < 0.01, and &&&P < 0.001 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


## 3.3. Tumor Cell Invasion Analysis

To explore the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 role on the tumor cell invasion ability, the cell invasion abilities were evaluated by Transwell (Figure3). The relative invasion rate in the PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups significantly decreased as compared to the control group (all P < 0.001). The CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group had the lowest relative invasion rate (all P < 0.05). The above data ensured that the invasion ability of cells treatment with CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 was obviously suppressed, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 showed the obviously inhibitory action.Figure 3
Relative invasion rate was evaluated by Transwell assay in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group, &P < 0.05, &&&P < 0.001 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


## 3.4. Tumor Cell Cycle

To explore the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 role on the tumor cell cycle, the cell cycle analysis was performed as shown in Figure4. Thirty-five days after being treated with CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX, the percentage of cells in S-phase was found to be 37.45%, 6.8%, 5.24%, and 7.26%, respectively. Additionally, the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 exhibited the lowest S-phase as compared to the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, and PTX (all P < 0.05). Our data demonstrated that CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 therapy may result in cell cycle withdrawal, preventing entry to the S-phase while the cells remain arrested in the G1 phase.Figure 4
Cell distribution of G2, (S) and G1 was evaluated by Flow cytometry in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group. &P < 0.05, &&&P < 0.001 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


## 3.5. Tumor Cell Apoptotic

To assess the potential role of CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 therapy in tumor cells, the apoptosis by TUNEL dyeing was detected. We found that PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 signiﬁcantly increase cell apoptosis as compared to the control group (allP < 0.01, Figure 5). No significance difference between the control group and CMB group. Moreover, the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 exhibited the highest apoptosis rate in all groups.Figure 5
Apoptosis rate was evaluated by TUNEL analysis in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗P < 0.01, ∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group. &P < 0.05 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


## 3.6. The mRNA and Protein of C-Erbb-2, mTOR, Bad, GSK-3, P27, and P21 Expressions

P21 and P27 can effectively inhibit the proliferation and division of tumor cells [20]. Bad is a mitochondrial proapoptotic factor that promotes apoptosis [21]. The mTOR pathway is a central signaling pathway (such as proteins growth, synthesis, and metabolism) that controls metabolic processes [22]. RT-qPCR assessed the effect of tumors constructed by burst transfection of PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 on their downstream gene expression. Compared with the control group, in the CMB, PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups, the expressions of GSK-3, P21, P27, and Bad mRNA were increased significantly (all P < 0.01, Figure 6). Expressions of C-erbB-2 and mTOR mRNA in the CMB, PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups decreased obviously (all P < 0.01). Additionally, the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group exhibited the highest GSK-3, P21, P27, and Bad mRNA expressions and lowest C-erbB-2 and mTOR mRNA expressions. The result was similar with these protein expressions which were evaluated by western blot (Figure 7). Hence, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 may involve in the occurrence and progression of endometrial cancer via regulation of GSK-3, P21, P27, Bad, C-erbB-2, and mTOR expressions.Figure 6
(a) qRT-PCR analysis of the GSK-3, P27, P21 and (b) C-erbb-2, mTOR, Bad mRNA expressions in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗P < 0.01, ∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group, &P < 0.05, ∗∗P < 0.01, &&&P < 0.001 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.
(a)(b)Figure 7
Western blot analysis of the GSK-3, P27, P21, C-erbb-2, mTOR, Bad protein expressions in the naked mouse tail intravenous CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX.∗∗∗P < 0.001 vs. control group, &&P < 0.01 vs. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group.


## 4. Discussion

Recently, the development of CRISPR/Cas9 systems has been facilitated using lentiviruses, lipid nanoparticles, artificial viruses, and nonviral methods [23]. However, these systems have certain drawbacks. For example, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery of Cas9 may accidentally interrupt the expression of important genes [24]. Furthermore, virus-mediated drug delivery systems can lead to off-target accumulation of lysates, thus limiting the in vivo application of virus-mediated methods. As for nonvirus-mediated physical methods, such as microinjection, electroporation, and microinjection, high labor costs and harsh experimental conditions are required [12]. This study describes an efficient delivery system using CMBs and ultrasonic waves. Because of the positive charge on the surface of CMBs and their lipid solubility, CMBs have certain advantages in loading DNA materials such as plasmids and carrying PTX drugs. In our previous study [12], We investigated that CMBs carrying PTX and C-erbB-2 knockout plasmids regulate HEC-1A cell proliferation by downregulating the expression of P21 and P27 in vitro. Specifically, in the present study, in a xenograft model of endometrial cancer, the tumor volume, body weight, and metastasis were obviously weakened in CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9.The limitations of traditional therapies that rely on one therapy can be overcome by combination therapy, including off-target roles of gene editing and damage to normal tissues and organs from drugs or surgery, adverse effects and toxic roles caused by ineffective drug dose increases [25]. Gene therapy with synergistic chemotherapeutic drugs and genetic material, which can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy doses without affecting antitumor activity, has emerged as a promising combination therapy strategy [26]. The cell viability, cell cycle, and the invasion ability of tumor cells were inhibited, while the apoptosis was improved in the CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, CMB-PTX, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9, and PTX groups. Cmb-ptx-crispr/cas9 has the strongest inhibitory effect on the growth, viability, and invasion of tumor cells.P21 and P27 can obviously suppress the cell viability and division of tumor cells [20]. Although the tumor suppressor function of P21 is the most studied in tumors, the subcellular localization of P21 determines the effect of P21 in phenotypic plasticity and its oncogenic/antiapoptotic functions [27]. The localization of p21 in the cytoplasm or nucleus, respectively, can determine whether it is an oncogenic protein or a tumor suppressor [28]. Huang et al reported that nuclear P21 can inhibit cytoplasmic P21, but cytoplasmic P21 promotes cell invasion and invasive capacity [29]. Bad is a mitochondrial pro-apoptotic factor that promotes apoptosis [21]. The mTOR pathway is a central signaling pathway (such as proteins growth, synthesis, and metabolism) that controls metabolic processes [22]. Preclinical studies show that inhibition of mTOR inhibits cell growth and metabolism for antitumor activity [30]. In present study, in the CMB, PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups, the expressions of GSK-3, P21, P27, and Bad mRNA were increased significantly compared with the control group. Expressions of C-erbB-2 and mTOR mRNA in the CMB, PTX, CMB-PTX, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 groups reduced obviously. Additionally, the CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group exhibited the highest GSK-3, P21, P27, and Bad mRNA expressions and lowest C-erbB-2 and mTOR mRNA expressions. The result was similar with these protein expressions which were evaluated by western blot. Hence, CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 therapy may involve in the occurrence and progression of endometrial cancer via regulation of GSK-3, P21, P27, Bad, C-erbB-2, and mTOR expressions.


## 5. Conclusion

In conclusion, a mouse endometrial cancer xenograft model was established, and CMBs were provided as carriers for drug and gene delivery. The xenograft model was treated with PTX-CMB, PTX, CMB, CMB-CRISPR/Cas9, and CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 had a higher inhibitory effect on the tumor growth, tumor cell viability, cell cycle, and invasion ability than that of PTX or CMB-CRISPR/Cas9. The CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 group exhibited higher expressions of GSK-3, P21, P27, and Bad, while lower C-erbB-2 and mTOR expressions than that of PTX or CMB-CRISPR/Cas. CMB-PTX-CRISPR/Cas9 may aid in the development of new treatments for endometrial cancer.



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*Source: 7119195-2022-03-25.xml*