51
|
Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth by the DSL domain of human Delta-like 1 targeted to vascular endothelial cells. Neoplasia 2014; 15:815-25. [PMID: 23814493 DOI: 10.1593/neo.13550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth of solid tumors depends on neovascularization. Several therapies targeting tumor angiogenesis have been developed. However, poor response in some tumors and emerging resistance necessitate further investigations of new drug targets. Notch signal pathway plays a pivotal role in vascular development and tumor angiogenesis. Either blockade or forced activation of this pathway can inhibit angiogenesis. As blocking Notch pathway results in the formation of vascular neoplasm, activation of Notch pathway to prevent tumor angiogenesis might be an alternative choice. However, an in vivo deliverable reagent with highly efficient Notch-activating capacity has not been developed. Here, we generated a polypeptide, hD1R, which consists of the Delta-Serrate-Lag-2 fragment of the human Notch ligand Delta-like 1 and an arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) motif targeting endothelial cells (ECs). We showed that hD1R could bind to ECs specifically through its RGD motif and effectively triggered Notch signaling in ECs. We demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo that hD1R inhibited angiogenic sprouting and EC proliferation. In tumor-bearing mice, the injection of hD1R effectively repressed tumor growth, most likely through increasing tumor hypoxia and tissue necrosis. The amount and width of vessels reduced remarkably in tumors of mice treated with hD1R. Moreover, vessels in tumors of mice treated with hD1R recruited more NG2(+) perivascular cells and were better perfused. Combined application of hD1R and chemotherapy with cisplatin and teniposide revealed that these two treatments had additive antitumor effects. Our study provided a new strategy for antiangiogenic tumor therapy.
Collapse
|
52
|
Barbariga M, Curnis F, Spitaleri A, Andolfo A, Zucchelli C, Lazzaro M, Magnani G, Musco G, Corti A, Alessio M. Oxidation-induced structural changes of ceruloplasmin foster NGR motif deamidation that promotes integrin binding and signaling. J Biol Chem 2013; 289:3736-48. [PMID: 24366863 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.520981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Asparagine deamidation occurs spontaneously in proteins during aging; deamidation of Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) sites can lead to the formation of isoAsp-Gly-Arg (isoDGR), a motif that can recognize the RGD-binding site of integrins. Ceruloplasmin (Cp), a ferroxidase present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), contains two NGR sites in its sequence: one exposed on the protein surface ((568)NGR) and the other buried in the tertiary structure ((962)NGR). Considering that Cp can undergo oxidative modifications in the CSF of neurodegenerative diseases, we investigated the effect of oxidation on the deamidation of both NGR motifs and, consequently, on the acquisition of integrin binding properties. We observed that the exposed (568)NGR site can deamidate under conditions mimicking accelerated Asn aging. In contrast, the hidden (962)NGR site can deamidate exclusively when aging occurs under oxidative conditions, suggesting that oxidation-induced structural changes foster deamidation at this site. NGR deamidation in Cp was associated with gain of integrin-binding function, intracellular signaling, and cell pro-adhesive activity. Finally, Cp aging in the CSF from Alzheimer disease patients, but not in control CSF, causes Cp deamidation with gain of integrin-binding function, suggesting that this transition might also occur in pathological conditions. In conclusion, both Cp NGR sites can deamidate during aging under oxidative conditions, likely as a consequence of oxidative-induced structural changes, thereby promoting a gain of function in integrin binding, signaling, and cell adhesion.
Collapse
|
53
|
Corti A, Curnis F, Rossoni G, Marcucci F, Gregorc V. Peptide-mediated targeting of cytokines to tumor vasculature: the NGR-hTNF example. BioDrugs 2013; 27:591-603. [PMID: 23743670 PMCID: PMC3832761 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-013-0048-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that the efficacy of cytokines in cancer therapy can be increased by targeting strategies based on conjugation with ligands that recognize receptors expressed by tumor cells or elements of the tumor microenvironment, including the tumor vasculature. The targeting approach is generally conceived to permit administration of low, yet pharmacologically active, doses of drugs, thereby avoiding toxic reactions. However, it is becoming clear that, in the case of cytokines, this strategy has another inherent advantage, i.e. the possibility of administering extremely low doses that do not activate systemic counter-regulatory mechanisms, which may limit their potential therapeutic effects. This review is focused on the use of tumor vasculature-homing peptides as vehicles for targeted delivery of cytokines to tumor blood vessel. In particular, we provide an overview of peptide-cytokine conjugates made with peptides containing the NGR, RGD, isoDGR or RGR sequences and describe, in more details, the biological and pharmacological properties of NGR-hTNF, a peptide-tumor necrosis factor-α conjugate that is currently being tested in phase II and III clinical studies. The results of preclinical and clinical studies performed with these products suggest that peptide-mediated vascular-targeting is indeed a viable strategy for delivering bioactive amounts of cytokines to tumor endothelial cells without causing the activation of counter-regulatory mechanisms and toxic reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Molecular Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy,
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
54
|
Pathuri G, Hedrick AF, Awasthi V, Ihnat MA, Gali H. Evaluation of 99mTc-probestin for imaging APN expressing tumors by SPECT. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:5049-52. [PMID: 23937983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aminopeptidase N (APN) is known to play important roles in tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Thus, APN is an attractive biomarker for imaging tumor angiogenesis. Here we report results obtained from biodistribution and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging studies of a technetium-99m labeled probestin (a potent APN inhibitor) conjugate containing a tripeptide, Asp-DAP-Cys (DAP=2,3-diaminopropionic acid), chelator and a 8-amino-3,6-dioxaoctanoic acid (PEG2) linker conducted in nude mice xenografted with HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma tumors (APN-positive tumors). These results collectively demonstrate that (99m)Tc-probestin uptake by tumors and other APN expressing tissues in vivo is specific and validate the use of probestin as a vector for targeting APN in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Pathuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
55
|
Tian DM, Liang L, Zhao XC, Zheng MH, Cao XL, Qin HY, Wang CM, Liang YM, Han H. Endothelium-targeted Delta-like 1 promotes hematopoietic stem cell expansion ex vivo and engraftment in hematopoietic tissues in vivo. Stem Cell Res 2013; 11:693-706. [PMID: 23727445 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Notch ligands enhance ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). But to use Notch ligands in HSC therapies of human diseases, efforts are required to improve ex vivo expansion efficiency and in vivo transplant engraftment. DESIGN AND METHODS We designed and produced an endothelium-targeted soluble Notch ligand, the DSL domain of Delta-like 1 fused with a RGD motif (D1R), and examined the effects of this protein on HSCs ex vivo and in vivo. RESULTS D1R efficiently promoted ex vivo expansion of both mouse bone marrow (BM) and human umbilical cord blood HSCs. HSCs expanded with D1R up-regulated many of the stemness-related genes, and showed high BM engraftment efficacy with long-term repopulation capacity after transplantation. Moreover, in vivo administration of D1R increased the number of BM HSCs in mice, and facilitated BM recovery of mice after irradiation. Injection of D1R significantly improved HSC engraftment and myeloid recovery after BM transplantation in irradiated mice. D1R enhanced HSC engraftment not only in BM, but also in the liver and spleen after BM transplantation in mice. D1R induced the formation of compact cell clusters containing the transplanted HSCs in close contact with endothelial cells, reminiscent of HSC niches, in the liver and spleen. CONCLUSIONS D1R might be applied in improving both HSC expansion ex vivo and HSC engraftment in vivo in transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deng-Mei Tian
- Department of Hematology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
56
|
Curnis F, Sacchi A, Longhi R, Colombo B, Gasparri A, Corti A. IsoDGR-tagged albumin: a new αvβ3 selective carrier for nanodrug delivery to tumors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2013; 9:673-678. [PMID: 23143930 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201202310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A new cyclic peptide containing the isoDGR motif that, after coupling to albumin, selectively binds αvβ3, an integrin overexpressed in the tumor vasculature. IsoDGR-tagged albumin binds tumor vessels and can be exploited as a carrier for the preparation of tumor vasculature-selective nanomedicines, such as gold nanoparticles (Au) carrying tumor necrosis factor α (TNF), a potent vascular damaging agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Curnis
- Division of Molecular Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
57
|
Mingozzi M, Dal Corso A, Marchini M, Guzzetti I, Civera M, Piarulli U, Arosio D, Belvisi L, Potenza D, Pignataro L, Gennari C. CyclicisoDGR Peptidomimetics as Low-Nanomolar αvβ3Integrin Ligands. Chemistry 2013; 19:3563-7. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201204639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
58
|
Hou L, Zhao X, Wang P, Ning Q, Meng M, Liu C. Antitumor activity of antimicrobial peptides containing CisoDGRC in CD13 negative breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53491. [PMID: 23326440 PMCID: PMC3543424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgroud isoAsp-Gly-Arg (isoDGR) is a derivative of the Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motif, which is used as a targeted delivery tool to aminopeptidase N (CD13) positive cells. Recent studies have shown that cyclic isoDGR (CisoDGRC) has a more efficient affinity with αvβ3, a type of integrin that overexpresses in tumor cells. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an efficient antitumor peptide that specifically kills tumor cells. In the present study, we designed antimicrobial peptides containing the CisoDGRC motif (CDAK) and assessed its antitumor activity for CD13−/αvβ3+ breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) in vitro and in vivo. Methods In vitro: We assessed the cytotoxicity of CDAK for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC), and human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF). We performed an apoptosis assay using Annexin-V/PI, DNA ladder, mitochondrial membrane potential, and Caspase-3 and Bcl-2. The effect on cell cycles and affinity with cell were tested using flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy and the effect on invasion was analyzed using an invasion assay. CDAK was injected intravenously into tumor-bearing athymic nude mice in vivo experiment. Results CDAK showed cytotoxic activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas HUVEC and HFF were less sensitive to the peptides. CDAK induced apoptosis, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, promoted Caspase-3, and inhibited Bcl-2 expression in the two breast cancer cell lines. In addition, CDAK inhibited proliferation of cancer cell through S phase arrest, and own selective affinity with MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231cells, inhibited the invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. In vivo, CDAK significant inhibited the progression of the tumor and the generation of neovascularization. Conclusion Antimicrobial peptides containing the CisoDGRC (CDAK) motif could efficiently exhibit the antitumor activity for CD13−/αvβ3+ breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hou
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xinhan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qian Ning
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Min Meng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Caigang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Alberici L, Roth L, Sugahara KN, Agemy L, Kotamraju VR, Teesalu T, Bordignon C, Traversari C, Rizzardi GP, Ruoslahti E. De novo design of a tumor-penetrating peptide. Cancer Res 2012; 73:804-12. [PMID: 23151901 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-1668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Poor penetration of antitumor drugs into the extravascular tumor tissue is often a major factor limiting the efficacy of cancer treatments. Our group has recently described a strategy to enhance tumor penetration of chemotherapeutic drugs through use of iRGD peptide (CRGDK/RGPDC). This peptide comprises two sequence motifs: RGD, which binds to αvβ3/5 integrins on tumor endothelia and tumor cells, and a cryptic CendR motif (R/KXXR/K-OH). Once integrin binding has brought iRGD to the tumor, the peptide is proteolytically cleaved to expose the cryptic CendR motif. The truncated peptide loses affinity for its primary receptor and binds to neuropilin-1, activating a tissue penetration pathway that delivers the peptide along with attached or co-administered payload into the tumor mass. Here, we describe the design of a new tumor-penetrating peptide based on the current knowledge of homing sequences and internalizing receptors. The tumor-homing motif in the new peptide is the NGR sequence, which binds to endothelial CD13. The NGR sequence was placed in the context of a CendR motif (RNGR), and this sequence was embedded in the iRGD framework. The resulting peptide (CRNGRGPDC, iNGR) homed to tumor vessels and penetrated into tumor tissue more effectively than the standard NGR peptide. iNGR induced greater tumor penetration of coupled nanoparticles and co-administered compounds than NGR. Doxorubicin given together with iNGR was significantly more efficacious than the drug alone. These results show that a tumor-specific, tissue-penetrating peptide can be constructed from known sequence elements. This principle may be useful in designing tissue-penetrating peptides for other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Alberici
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
60
|
Soudy R, Ahmed S, Kaur K. NGR peptide ligands for targeting CD13/APN identified through peptide array screening resemble fibronectin sequences. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2012; 14:590-9. [PMID: 23030271 DOI: 10.1021/co300055s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Peptides containing the Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motif are known to bind CD13 isoforms expressed in tumor vessels and have been widely used for tumor targeting. Residues flanking the NGR sequence play an important role in modulating the binding affinity and specificity of NGR for the CD13 receptor. Herein, we have used a rapid, easy, and reliable peptide array-whole cell binding assay for screening a library of NGR peptides with different flanking residues. A peptide array consisting of forty-five NGR containing peptides was synthesized on a cellulose membrane, followed by screening against CD13 positive (HUVEC and HT-1080) and CD13 negative cell lines (MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-231). The library screening led to the identification of five cyclic and acyclic NGR peptides that display higher binding (up to 5-fold) to CD13 positive cells with negligible binding to CD13 negative cell lines when compared to the lead sequence cyclic CVLNGRMEC. Peptides with high binding affinity for the CD13 positive cells also showed improved in vitro cellular uptake and specificity using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Interestingly, the identified peptides resemble the NGR sequences present in the human fibronectin protein. These NGR peptides are promising new ligands for developing tumor vasculature targeted drugs, delivery systems and imaging agents with reduced systemic toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rania Soudy
- Faculty of
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G
2E1
| | - Sahar Ahmed
- Faculty of
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G
2E1
| | - Kamaljit Kaur
- Faculty of
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G
2E1
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Curnis F, Gasparri AM, Longhi R, Colombo B, D’Alessio S, Pastorino F, Ponzoni M, Corti A. Chromogranin A binds to αvβ6-integrin and promotes wound healing in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:2791-803. [PMID: 22415324 PMCID: PMC11114517 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-0955-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Revised: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA), a secretory protein expressed by many neuroendocrine cells, neurons, cardiomyocytes, and keratinocytes, is the precursor of various peptides that regulate the carbohydrate/lipid metabolism and the cardiovascular system. We have found that CgA, locally administered to injured mice, can accelerate keratinocyte proliferation and wound healing. This biological activity was abolished by the Asp(45)Glu mutation. CgA and its N-terminal fragments, but not the corresponding Asp(45)Glu mutants, could selectively recognize the αvβ6-integrin on keratinocytes (a cell-adhesion receptor that is up-regulated during wound healing) and regulate keratinocyte adhesion, proliferation, and migration. No binding was observed to other integrins such as αvβ3, αvβ5, αvβ8, α5β1, α1β1, α3β1, α6β4, α6β7 and α9β1. Structure-activity studies showed that the entire CgA(39-63) region is crucial for αvβ6 recognition (K(i) = 7 nM). This region contains an RGD site (residues CgA(43-45)) followed by an amphipathic α-helix (residues CgA(47-63)), both crucial for binding affinity and selectivity. These results suggest that the interaction of the RGD/α-helix motif of CgA with αvβ6 regulates keratinocyte physiology in wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Curnis
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gasparri
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Longhi
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia D’Alessio
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Laboratory of Oncology, Experimental Therapy Unit, G. Gaslini Children’s Hospital, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratory of Oncology, Experimental Therapy Unit, G. Gaslini Children’s Hospital, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Correlation between biological activity and binding energy in systems of integrin with cyclic RGD-containing binders: a QM/MM molecular dynamics study. J Mol Model 2012; 18:4917-27. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-012-1487-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
63
|
Ghitti M, Spitaleri A, Valentinis B, Mari S, Asperti C, Traversari C, Rizzardi GP, Musco G. Molecular dynamics reveal that isoDGR-containing cyclopeptides are true αvβ3 antagonists unable to promote integrin allostery and activation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012; 51:7702-5. [PMID: 22718573 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201202032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Ain't got that swing(-out): The cyclopeptide isoDGR is emerging as a new αvβ3 integrin binding motif. Agreement between the results of computational and biochemical studies reveals that isoDGR-containing cyclopeptides are true αvβ3 integrin antagonists that block αvβ3 in its inactive conformation (see scheme). isoDGR-based ligands may give αvβ3 antagonists without paradoxical effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ghitti
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Biomolecular NMR Laboratory c/o Ospedale S. Raffaele via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
64
|
Ghitti M, Spitaleri A, Valentinis B, Mari S, Asperti C, Traversari C, Rizzardi GP, Musco G. Molecular Dynamics Reveal that isoDGR-Containing Cyclopeptides Are True αvβ3 Antagonists Unable To Promote Integrin Allostery and Activation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201202032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
65
|
Directing integrin-linked endocytosis of recombinant AAV enhances productive FAK-dependent transduction. Mol Ther 2012; 20:972-83. [PMID: 22233580 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2011.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a widely used gene therapy vector. Although a wide range of rAAV serotypes can effectively enter most cell types, their transduction efficiencies (i.e., transgene expression) can vary widely depending on the target cell type. Integrins play important roles as coreceptors for rAAV infection, however, it remains unclear how integrin-dependent and -independent mechanisms of rAAV endocytosis influence the efficiency of intracellular virus processing and ultimately transgene expression. In this study, we examined the contribution of integrin-mediated endocytosis to transduction of fibroblasts by rAAV2. Mn(++)-induced integrin activation significantly enhanced (~17-fold) the efficiency of rAAV2 transduction, without altering viral binding or endocytosis. rAAV2 subcellular localization studies demonstrated that Mn(++) promotes increased clustering of rAAV2 on integrins and recruitment of intracellular vinculin (an integrin effector) to sites of rAAV2 binding at the cell surface. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a downstream effector of integrin signals, was essential for rAAV2/integrin complex internalization and transduction. These findings support a model whereby integrin activation at the cell surface can redirect rAAV2 toward a FAK-dependent entry pathway that is more productive for cellular transduction. This pathway appears to be conserved for other rAAV serotypes that contain a capsid integrin-binding domain (AAV1 and AAV6).
Collapse
|
66
|
Combined QM/MM study of thyroid and steroid hormone analogue interactions with αvβ3 integrin. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:959057. [PMID: 22547930 PMCID: PMC3323866 DOI: 10.1155/2012/959057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent biochemical studies have identified a cell surface receptor for thyroid and steroid hormones that bind near the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) recognition site on the heterodimeric αvβ3 integrin. To further characterize the intermolecular interactions for a series of hormone analogues, combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) methods were used to calculate their interaction energies. All calculations were performed in the presence of either calcium (Ca(2+)) or magnesium (Mg(2+)) ions. These data reveal that 3,5'-triiodothyronine (T(3)) and 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodothyroacetic acid (T(4)ac) bound in two different modes, occupying two alternate sites, one of which is along the Arg side chain of the RGD cyclic peptide site. These orientations differ from those of the other ligands whose alternate binding modes placed the ligands deeper within the RGD binding pocket. These observations are consistent with biological data that indicate the presence of two discrete binding sites that control distinct downstream signal transduction pathways for T(3).
Collapse
|
67
|
Pathuri G, Hedrick AF, Disch BC, Doan JT, Ihnat MA, Awasthi V, Gali H. Synthesis and evaluation of novel Tc-99m labeled probestin conjugates for imaging APN/CD13 expression in vivo. Bioconjug Chem 2011; 23:115-24. [PMID: 22148582 DOI: 10.1021/bc200546b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme aminopeptidase N (APN, also known as CD13) is known to play an important role in tumor proliferation, attachment, angiogenesis, and tumor invasion. In this study, we hypothesized that a radiolabeled high affinity APN inhibitor could be potentially useful for imaging APN expression in vivo. Here, we report synthesis, radiolabeling, and biological evaluation of new probestin conjugates containing a tripeptide, N,N-dimethylglycyl-l-lysinyl-l-cysteinylamide (N(3)S), chelator. New probestin conjugates were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis method, purified by reversed-phase HPLC, and characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry. The conjugates were complexed with Re(V) and (99m)Tc(V) by transmetalation using corresponding Re(V) or (99m)Tc(V) gluconate synthon. The mass spectral analyses of ReO-N(3)S-Probestin conjugates were consistent with the formation of neutral Re(V)O-N(3)S complexes. Initial biological activity of ReO-N(3)S-Probestin conjugates determined by performing an in vitro APN enzyme assay using intact HT-1080 cells demonstrated higher inhibition of APN enzyme activity than bestatin. In vivo biodistribution and whole body planar imaging studies of (99m)TcO-N(3)S-PEG(2)-Probestin performed in nude mice xenografted with human fibrosarcoma tumors derived from HT-1080 cells demonstrated a tumor uptake value of 2.88 ± 0.64%ID/g with tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios of 4.8 and 5.3, respectively, at 1 h postinjection (p.i.). Tumors were clearly visible in whole body planar image obtained at 1 h p.i., but not when the APN was competitively blocked with a coinjection of excess nonradioactive ReO-N(3)S-PEG(2)-Probestin conjugate. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using high affinity APN inhibitor conjugates as targeting vectors for in vivo targeting of APN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Pathuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
68
|
Corti A, Curnis F. Isoaspartate-dependent molecular switches for integrin-ligand recognition. J Cell Sci 2011; 124:515-22. [PMID: 21282473 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.077172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrins are cell-adhesion receptors that mediate cell-extracellular-matrix (ECM) and cell-cell interactions by recognizing specific ligands. Recent studies have shown that the formation of isoaspartyl residues (isoAsp) in integrin ligands by asparagine deamidation or aspartate isomerization could represent a mechanism for the regulation of integrin-ligand recognition. This spontaneous post-translational modification, which might occur in aged proteins of the ECM, changes the length of the peptide bond and, in the case of asparagine, also of the charge. Although these changes typically have negative effects on protein function, recent studies suggested that isoAsp formation at certain Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) sites in ECM proteins have a gain-of-function effect, because the resulting isoAsp-Gly-Arg (isoDGR) sequence can mimic Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD), a well-known integrin-binding motif. Substantial experimental evidence suggests that the NGR-to-isoDGR transition can occur in vitro in natural proteins and in drugs containing this motif, thereby promoting integrin recognition and cell adhesion. In this Commentary, we review these studies and discuss the potential effects that isoAsp formation at NGR, DGR and RGD sites might have in the recognition of integrins by natural ligands and by drugs that contain these motifs, as well as their potential biological and pharmacological implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
69
|
Roldós V, Cañada FJ, Jiménez-Barbero J. Carbohydrate-Protein Interactions: A 3D View by NMR. Chembiochem 2011; 12:990-1005. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201000705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
70
|
Corti A, Pastorino F, Curnis F, Arap W, Ponzoni M, Pasqualini R. Targeted Drug Delivery and Penetration Into Solid Tumors. Med Res Rev 2011; 32:1078-91. [DOI: 10.1002/med.20238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience; San Raffaele Scientific Institute; via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan Italy
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Experimental Therapy Unit, Laboratory of Oncology; G. Gaslini Children's Hospital; Genoa Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience; San Raffaele Scientific Institute; via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan Italy
| | - Wadih Arap
- David H. Koch Center; The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard; Houston Texas 77030
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Experimental Therapy Unit, Laboratory of Oncology; G. Gaslini Children's Hospital; Genoa Italy
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- David H. Koch Center; The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard; Houston Texas 77030
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Spitaleri A, Ghitti M, Mari S, Alberici L, Traversari C, Rizzardi GP, Musco G. Use of Metadynamics in the Design of isoDGR-Based αvβ3 Antagonists To Fine-Tune the Conformational Ensemble. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011; 50:1832-6. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201007091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
72
|
Spitaleri A, Ghitti M, Mari S, Alberici L, Traversari C, Rizzardi GP, Musco G. Use of Metadynamics in the Design of isoDGR-Based αvβ3 Antagonists To Fine-Tune the Conformational Ensemble. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201007091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
73
|
Pathuri G, Sahoo K, Awasthi V, Gali H. Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of Tc-99m-labeled cyclic CisoDGRC peptide conjugates for targeting αvβ3 integrin expression. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:5969-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.08.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Revised: 08/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
74
|
Plesniak LA, Salzameda B, Hinderberger H, Regan E, Kahn J, Mills SA, Teriete P, Yao Y, Jennings P, Marassi F, Adams JA. Structure and activity of CPNGRC: a modified CD13/APN peptidic homing motif. Chem Biol Drug Des 2010; 75:551-62. [PMID: 20374250 PMCID: PMC2890305 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2010.00974.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Asn-Gly-Arg peptides have been designed as vehicles for the delivery of chemotherapeutics, magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents, and fluorescence labels to tumor cells, and cardiac angiogenic tissue. Specificity is derived via an interaction with aminopeptidase N, also known as CD13, a cell surface receptor that is highly expressed in angiogenic tissue. Peptides containing the CNGRC homing sequence tethered to a pro-apoptotic peptide sequence have the ability to specifically induce apoptosis in tumor cells. We have now identified a modification to the Asn-Gly-Arg homing sequence motif that improves overall binding affinity to aminopeptidase N. Through the addition of a proline residue, the new peptide with sequence, CPNGRC, inhibits aminopeptidase N proteolytic activity with an IC(50) of 10 microM, a value that is 30-fold lower than that for CNGRC. Both peptides are cyclized via a disulfide bridge between cysteines. Steady-state kinetic experiments suggest that efficient aminopeptidase N inhibition is achieved through the highly cooperative binding of two molecules of CPNGRC. We have used NMR-derived structural constraints for the elucidation of the solution structures CNGRC and CPNGRC. Resulting structures of CNGRC and CPNGRC have significant differences in the backbone torsion angles, which may contribute to the enhanced binding affinity and demonstrated enzyme inhibition by CPNGRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Plesniak
- Department of Biology, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
75
|
Mari S, Invernizzi C, Spitaleri A, Alberici L, Ghitti M, Bordignon C, Traversari C, Rizzardi GP, Musco G. 2D TR-NOESY experiments interrogate and rank ligand-receptor interactions in living human cancer cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2010; 49:1071-4. [PMID: 20058288 DOI: 10.1002/anie.200905941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mari
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Laboratorio di RMN biomolecolare, Centro di Genomica, Bioinformatica e Biostatistica, S. Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
76
|
De Simone A, Derreumaux P. Low molecular weight oligomers of amyloid peptides display β-barrel conformations: A replica exchange molecular dynamics study in explicit solvent. J Chem Phys 2010; 132:165103. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3385470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
|
77
|
Schmidt J, Garambois V, Rocheblave L, Martinez J, Pèlegrin A, Cavelier F, Vivès E. Cyclization of Peptides through a Urea Bond: Application to the Arg-Gly-Asp Tripeptide. Chembiochem 2010; 11:1083-92. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201000062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
78
|
Xu J, Maurer LM, Hoffmann BR, Annis DS, Mosher DF. iso-DGR sequences do not mediate binding of fibronectin N-terminal modules to adherent fibronectin-null fibroblasts. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:8563-71. [PMID: 20097751 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.062646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibronectin (FN) without an RGD sequence (FN-RGE), and thus lacking the principal binding site for alpha5beta1 integrin, is deposited into the extracellular matrix of mouse embryos. Spontaneous conversion of (263)NGR and/or (501)NGR to iso-DGR possibly explains this enigma, i.e. ligation of iso-DGR by alphavbeta3 integrin may allow cells to assemble FN. Partial modification of (263)NGR to DGR or iso-DGR was detected in purified plasma FN by mass spectrometry. To test functions of the conversion, one or both NGR sequences were mutated to QGR in recombinant N-terminal 70-kDa construct of FN (70K), full-length FN, or FN-RGE. The mutations did not affect the binding of soluble 70K to already adherent fibroblasts or the ability of soluble 70K to compete with non-mutant FN or FN-RGE for binding to FN assembly sites. Non-mutant FN and FN-N263Q/N501Q with both NGRs mutated to QGRs were assembled equally well by adherent fibroblasts. FN-RGE and FN-RGE-N263Q/N501Q were also assembled equally well. Although substrate-bound 70K mediated cell adhesion in the presence of 1 mm Mn(2+) by a mechanism that was inhibited by cyclic RGD peptide, the peptide did not inhibit 70K binding to cell surface. Mutations of the NGR sequences had no effect on Mn(2+)-enhanced cell adhesion to adsorbed 70K but caused a decrease in cell adhesion to reduced and alkylated 70K. These results demonstrate that iso-DGR sequences spontaneously converted from NGR are cryptic and do not mediate the interaction of the 70K region of FN with the cell surface during FN assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jielin Xu
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry and Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
79
|
Curnis F, Cattaneo A, Longhi R, Sacchi A, Gasparri AM, Pastorino F, Di Matteo P, Traversari C, Bachi A, Ponzoni M, Rizzardi GP, Corti A. Critical role of flanking residues in NGR-to-isoDGR transition and CD13/integrin receptor switching. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:9114-23. [PMID: 20064928 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.044297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Various NGR-containing peptides have been exploited for targeted delivery of drugs to CD13-positive tumor neovasculature. Recent studies have shown that compounds containing this motif can rapidly deamidate and generate isoaspartate-glycine-arginine (isoDGR), a ligand of alphavbeta3-integrin that can be also exploited for drug delivery to tumors. We have investigated the role of NGR and isoDGR peptide scaffolds on their biochemical and biological properties. Peptides containing the cyclic CNGRC sequence could bind CD13-positive endothelial cells more efficiently than those containing linear GNGRG. Peptide degradation studies showed that cyclic peptides mostly undergo NGR-to-isoDGR transition and CD13/integrin switching, whereas linear peptides mainly undergo degradation reactions involving the alpha-amino group, which generate non-functional six/seven-membered ring compounds, unable to bind alphavbeta3, and small amount of isoDGR. Structure-activity studies showed that cyclic isoDGR could bind alphavbeta3 with an affinity >100-fold higher than that of linear isoDGR and inhibited endothelial cell adhesion and tumor growth more efficiently. Cyclic isoDGR could also bind other integrins (alphavbeta5, alphavbeta6, alphavbeta8, and alpha5beta1), although with 10-100-fold lower affinity. Peptide linearization caused loss of affinity for all integrins and loss of specificity, whereas alpha-amino group acetylation increased the affinity for all tested integrins, but caused loss of specificity. These results highlight the critical role of molecular scaffold on the biological properties of NGR/isoDGR peptides. These findings may have important implications for the design and development of anticancer drugs or tumor neovasculature-imaging compounds, and for the potential function of different NGR/isoDGR sites in natural proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Curnis
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
80
|
Mari S, Invernizzi C, Spitaleri A, Alberici L, Ghitti M, Bordignon C, Traversari C, Rizzardi GP, Musco G. 2D TR-NOESY Experiments Interrogate and Rank Ligand-Receptor Interactions in Living Human Cancer Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.200905941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
81
|
|
82
|
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that peptides containing the Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motif can selectively recognize tumor neovasculature and can be used, therefore, for ligand-directed targeted delivery of various drugs and particles to tumors or to other tissues with an angiogenesis component. The neovasculature binding properties of these peptides rely on the interaction with an endothelium-associated form of aminopeptidase N (CD13), an enzyme that has been implicated in angiogenesis and tumor growth. Recent studies have shown that NGR can rapidly convert to isoaspartate-glycine-arginine (isoDGR) by asparagine deamidation, generating alpha(v)beta(3) ligands capable of affecting endothelial cell functions and tumor growth. This review focuses on structural and functional properties of the NGR motif and its application in drug development for angiogenesis-dependent diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the time-dependent transition of NGR to isoDGR in natural proteins, such as fibronectins, and its potential role of as a "molecular timer" for generating new binding sites for integrins impli-cated in angiogenesis.
Collapse
|