1
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Chen Y, Xu C, Sun M, Zhao G, Wang Z, Lv C. Vertasile ferritin nanocages: Applications in detection and bioimaging. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 262:116567. [PMID: 39013360 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Food safety and human health remain significant concerns in the food industry. Detecting food contaminants and diagnosing diseases are critical aspects. Ferritin, an iron storage protein widely found in nature, offers unique advantages. Its hollow protein nanocage structure, distinct interfaces, hydrophobic or hydrophilic channels, and B-C loop regions recognized by transferrin receptor 1 make ferritin versatile for detecting heavy metals, free radicals, and bioimaging both in vitro and in vivo. This review summarizes ferritin's general characteristics, its specific properties as biosensors, and its applications in food safety and in vivo imaging. It emphasizes not only ferritin's role in detecting heavy metals like mercury and chemical hazards but also its potential in early diagnosing chronic diseases such as tumors, macrophages, and kidney diseases. Further research into ferritin promises advancements in enhancing food safety and improving human health diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqi Chen
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, PR China
| | - Chen Xu
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mingyang Sun
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhongjiang Wang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, PR China.
| | - Chenyan Lv
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, PR China.
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2
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Xia X, Li H, Zang J, Cheng S, Du M. Advancements of the Molecular Directed Design and Structure-Activity Relationship of Ferritin Nanocage. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7629-7654. [PMID: 38518374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Ferritin nanocages possess remarkable structural properties and biological functions, making them highly attractive for applications in functional materials and biomedicine. This comprehensive review presents an overview of the molecular characteristics, extraction and identification of ferritin, ferritin receptors, as well as the advancements in the directional design of high-order assemblies of ferritin and the applications based on its unique structural properties. Specifically, this Review focuses on the regulation of ferritin assembly from one to three dimensions, leveraging the symmetry of ferritin and modifications on key interfaces. Furthermore, it discusses targeted delivery of nutrition and drugs through facile loading and functional modification of ferritin. The aim of this Review is to inspire the design of micro/nano functional materials using ferritin and the development of nanodelivery vehicles for nutritional fortification and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xia
- SKL of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Han Li
- SKL of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Jiachen Zang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shuzhen Cheng
- SKL of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Ming Du
- SKL of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
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3
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Zhang J, Li J, Gong J, Liu J, Wang Y, Zhao F, Sun S, Wang W. A novel highly thermostable and stress resistant ROS scavenging metalloprotein from Paenibacillus. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 751:109837. [PMID: 38007074 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unstable metabolites produced during cellular respiration that can cause extensive damage to the body. Here we report a unique structural metalloprotein called RSAPp for the first time, which exhibits robust ROS-scavenging activity, high thermostability, and stress resistance. RSAPp is a previously uncharacterized DUF2935 (domain of unknown function, accession number: cl12705) family protein from Paenibacillus, containing a highly conserved four-helix bundle with binding sites for variable-valence metal ions (Mn2+/Fe2+/Zn2+). Enzymatic characterization results indicated that RSAPp displays the functionality of three different antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). In particular, RSAPp exhibits a significant SOD-like activity that is remarkably effective in eliminating superoxide radicals (up to kcat/KM = 2.27 × 1011 mol-1 s-1), and maintains the catalytical active in a wide range of temperatures (25-100 °C) and pH (pH 2.0-9.0), as well as resistant to high temperature, alkali and acidic pH, and 55 different concentrations of detergent agents, chemical solvents, and inhibitors. These properties make RSAPp an attractive candidate for various industrial applications, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Jingbo Gong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Yijia Wang
- Laboratory of Oncologic Molecular Medicine, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121, PR China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Shenmei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, Tianjin, 300457, PR China.
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4
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Zhu H, Luo H, Chang R, Yang Y, Liu D, Ji Y, Qin H, Rong H, Yin J. Protein-based delivery systems for RNA delivery. J Control Release 2023; 363:253-274. [PMID: 37741460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have emerged as promising approaches to modulate gene expression and generate therapeutic proteins or antigens capable of inducing immune responses to treat a variety of diseases, such as infectious diseases, cancers, immunologic disorders, and genetic disorders. However, the efficient delivery of RNA molecules into cells poses significant challenges due to their large molecular weight, negative charge, and susceptibility to degradation by RNase enzymes. To overcome these obstacles, viral and non-viral vectors have been developed, including lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, proteins, dendritic macromolecules, among others. Among these carriers, protein-based delivery systems have garnered considerable attention due to their potential to address specific issues associated with nanoparticle-based systems, such as liver accumulation and immunogenicity. This review provides an overview of currently marketed RNA drugs, underscores the significance of RNA delivery vector development, delineates the essential characteristics of an ideal RNA delivery vector, and introduces existing protein carriers for RNA delivery. By offering valuable insights, this review aims to serve as a reference for the future development of protein-based delivery vectors for RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichao Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruilong Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yue Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Guizhou Hospital, No. 206, Sixian Street, Baiyun District, Guiyang City 550014, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Haibo Rong
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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5
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Wang C, Liu Q, Huang X, Zhuang J. Ferritin nanocages: a versatile platform for nanozyme design. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:4153-4170. [PMID: 37158014 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00192j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Nanozymes are a class of nanomaterials with enzyme-like activities and have attracted increasing attention due to their potential applications in biomedicine. However, nanozyme design incorporating the desired properties remains challenging. Natural or genetically engineered protein scaffolds, such as ferritin nanocages, have emerged as a promising platform for nanozyme design due to their unique protein structure, natural biomineralization capacity, self-assembly properties, and high biocompatibility. In this review, we highlight the intrinsic properties of ferritin nanocages, especially for nanozyme design. We also discuss the advantages of genetically engineered ferritin in the versatile design of nanozymes over natural ferritin. Additionally, we summarize the bioapplications of ferritin-based nanozymes based on their enzyme-mimicking activities. In this perspective, we mainly provide potential insights into the utilization of ferritin nanocages for nanozyme design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Qiqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Xinglu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Jie Zhuang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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6
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Zhu Y, Zhou K, Sheng R, Wang Y, Zhou H, Cai K, Xu B. A novel biosensor utilizing the peroxidase-like activity of bovine spleen ferritin for highly sensitive detection of tetracycline antibiotics. J Food Compost Anal 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2023.105277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
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7
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Li J, Zhang Z, Zhang B, Yan X, Fan K. Transferrin receptor 1 targeted nanomedicine for brain tumor therapy. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:3394-3413. [PMID: 36847174 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm02152h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Achieving effective drug delivery to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and target tumor cells remains the greatest challenge for brain tumor therapy. Importantly, the overexpressed membrane receptors on the brain endothelial cells, especially transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), which mediate their ligands/antibodies to overcome the BBB by transcytosis, have been emerging as promising targets for brain tumor therapy. By employing ligands (e.g., transferrin, H-ferritin), antibodies or targeting peptides of TfR1 or aptamers, various functional nano-formulations have been developed in the last decade. These agents showed great potential for the treatment of brain diseases due to their ideal size, high loading capacity, controlled drug release and suitable pharmacokinetics. Herein, we summarize the latest advances on TfR1-targeted nanomedicine for brain tumor therapy. Moreover, we also discuss the strategies of improving stability, targeting ability and accumulation of nano-formulations in brain tumors for better outcomes. In this review, we hope to provide inspiration for the rational design of TfR1-targeted nanomedicine against brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianru Li
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.
| | - Zixia Zhang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.
| | - Baoli Zhang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China.
| | - Xiyun Yan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China. .,Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Kelong Fan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China. .,Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
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8
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Liu Y, Zhao G. Reassembly Design of Ferritin Cages. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2671:69-78. [PMID: 37308638 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3222-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The ferritin family is distributed in nearly all organisms and protects them from iron-induced oxidative damage. Besides, its highly symmetrical structure and biochemical features make it an appealing material for biotechnological applications, such as building blocks for multidimensional assembly, templates for nano-reactors, and scaffolds for encapsulation and delivery of nutrients and drugs. Moreover, it is of great significance to construct ferritin variants with different properties, size, and shape to further broaden its application. In this chapter, we present a routine process of the ferritin redesign and the characterization method of the protein structure to provide a feasible scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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Manceau A. Comment on "New insights into the biomineralization of mercury selenide nanoparticles through stable isotope analysis in giant petrel tissues". JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 431:128583. [PMID: 35278961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Some birds and cetaceans can demethylate the toxic methylmercury cysteinate (MeHgCys) complex into inert mercury sulfide (HgSe) through the formation of an intermediate tetrahedral selenolate complex with selenocysteine (Sec) residues (Hg(Sec)4). The nucleation of the HgSe biominerals involves the substitution of the Se ligand for the Sec residues, which is considered to occur in the form of multinuclear Hgx(Se,Sec)y clusters mediated by proteins. Queipo-Abad et al. (2022) isolated HgSe nanoparticles from the biological tissues of giant petrels and measured the mass-dependent fractionation of the 202Hg isotope (δ202Hg). They concluded that the δ202Hg values of the HgSe nanoparticles from each tissue of individual petrels are specific to the HgSe species alone and that the Hg(Sec)4 → HgSe reaction occurs without fractionation of the 202Hg isotope. We show (1) that the HgSe nanoparticles are likely mixtures of MeHgCys, Hg(Sec)4, and HgSe, and therefore that the δ202Hg values are not species-specific, and (2) that the 202Hg isotope is actually fractionated during the Hg(Sec)4 → HgSe reaction, and therefore that this isotope can be used to trace the Hg metabolic pathways between tissues in a single individual and in different animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Manceau
- Université Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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Chen H, Ma L, Dai H, Fu Y, Wang H, Zhang Y. Advances in Rational Protein Engineering toward Functional Architectures and Their Applications in Food Science. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:4522-4533. [PMID: 35353517 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Protein biomolecules including enzymes, cagelike proteins, and specific peptides have been continuously exploited as functional biomaterials applied in catalysis, nutrient delivery, and food preservation in food-related areas. However, natural proteins usually function well in physiological conditions, not industrial conditions, or may possess undesirable physical and chemical properties. Currently, rational protein design as a valuable technology has attracted extensive attention for the rational engineering or fabrication of ideal protein biomaterials with novel properties and functionality. This article starts with the underlying knowledge of protein folding and assembly and is followed by the introduction of the principles and strategies for rational protein design. Basic strategies for rational protein engineering involving experienced protein tailoring, computational prediction, computation redesign, and de novo protein design are summarized. Then, we focus on the recent progress of rational protein engineering or design in the application of food science, and a comprehensive summary ranging from enzyme manufacturing to cagelike protein nanocarriers engineering and antimicrobial peptides preparation is given. Overall, this review highlights the importance of rational protein engineering in food biomaterial preparation which could be beneficial for food science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Chen
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Liang Ma
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongjie Dai
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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11
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Distinct structural characteristics define a new subfamily of Mycoplasma ferritin. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.03.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Kuruppu AI, Turyanska L, Bradshaw TD, Manickam S, Galhena BP, Paranagama P, De Silva R. Apoferritin and Dps as drug delivery vehicles: Some selected examples in oncology. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130067. [PMID: 34896255 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.130067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ideal nanoparticle should be able to encapsulate either pharmaceutical agents or imaging probes so that it could treat or image clinical tumours by targeting the cancer site efficiently. Further, it would be an added advantage if it demonstrates: small size, built in targeting, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Ferritin, which is an endogenous self-assembling protein, stores iron and plays a role in iron homeostasis. When iron atoms are removed apoferritin (AFt) is formed which consists of a hollow shell where it can be used to load guest molecules. Due to its unique architecture, AFt has been investigated as a versatile carrier for tumour theranostic applications. DNA-binding protein from starved cells (Dps), which also belongs to the ferritin family, is a protein found only in prokaryotes. It is used to store iron and protect chromosomes from oxidative damage; because of its architecture, Dps could also be used as a delivery vehicle. CONCLUSIONS Both these nano particles are promising in the field of oncology, especially due to their stability, solubility and biocompatibility features. Further their exterior surface can be modified for better tumour-targeting ability. More studies, are warranted to determine the immunogenicity, biodistribution, and clearance from the body. GENERAL PERSPECTIVE This review discusses a few selected examples of the remarkable in vitro and in vivo studies that have been carried out in the recent past with the use of AFt and Dps in targeting and delivery of various pharmaceutical agents, natural products and imaging probes in the field of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anchala I Kuruppu
- Institute for Combinatorial Advanced Research & Education, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka.
| | | | | | - Sivakumar Manickam
- Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Bandula Prasanna Galhena
- Department Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Priyani Paranagama
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka; Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Ranil De Silva
- Institute for Combinatorial Advanced Research & Education, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
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13
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The development of natural and designed protein nanocages for encapsulation and delivery of active compounds. Food Hydrocoll 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2021.107004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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14
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Zhu J, Avakyan N, Kakkis AA, Hoffnagle AM, Han K, Li Y, Zhang Z, Choi TS, Na Y, Yu CJ, Tezcan FA. Protein Assembly by Design. Chem Rev 2021; 121:13701-13796. [PMID: 34405992 PMCID: PMC9148388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are nature's primary building blocks for the construction of sophisticated molecular machines and dynamic materials, ranging from protein complexes such as photosystem II and nitrogenase that drive biogeochemical cycles to cytoskeletal assemblies and muscle fibers for motion. Such natural systems have inspired extensive efforts in the rational design of artificial protein assemblies in the last two decades. As molecular building blocks, proteins are highly complex, in terms of both their three-dimensional structures and chemical compositions. To enable control over the self-assembly of such complex molecules, scientists have devised many creative strategies by combining tools and principles of experimental and computational biophysics, supramolecular chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials science, and polymer chemistry, among others. Owing to these innovative strategies, what started as a purely structure-building exercise two decades ago has, in short order, led to artificial protein assemblies with unprecedented structures and functions and protein-based materials with unusual properties. Our goal in this review is to give an overview of this exciting and highly interdisciplinary area of research, first outlining the design strategies and tools that have been devised for controlling protein self-assembly, then describing the diverse structures of artificial protein assemblies, and finally highlighting the emergent properties and functions of these assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Albert A. Kakkis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Alexander M. Hoffnagle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Kenneth Han
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Yiying Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Zhiyin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Tae Su Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Youjeong Na
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Chung-Jui Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - F. Akif Tezcan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
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15
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Zhang B, Tang G, He J, Yan X, Fan K. Ferritin nanocage: A promising and designable multi-module platform for constructing dynamic nanoassembly-based drug nanocarrier. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113892. [PMID: 34331986 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ferritin has been widely recognized as an ideal drug delivery vehicle owing to its unique cage-like structure. Coupled with intrinsic targeting ability and excellent biosafety, ferritin-based drug delivery system, recently coined as ferritin drug carrier (FDC), has sparked great interest among researchers and shown promising application potential in the biomedical field. However, the flexibility and accuracy of traditional FDCs are limited when facing with complex disease microenvironments. To meet the fast-growing requirements for precision medicine, ferritin can serve as a designable multi-module platform to fabricate smarter FDC, which we introduce here as dynamic nanoassembly-based ferritin drug carrier (DNFDC). Compared to conventional FDC, DNFDCs directly integrate required functions into their nanostructure, which can achieve dynamic transformation upon stimuli to specifically activate and exert therapeutic functions at targeted sites. In this review, we summarize the superior characteristics of ferritin that contribute to the on-demand design of DNFDC and outline the current advances in DNFDC. Moreover, the potential research directions and challenges are also discussed here. Hopefully, this review may inspire the future development of DNFDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoli Zhang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Guoheng Tang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jiuyang He
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiyun Yan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China; Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Kelong Fan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China; Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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16
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Zhang X, Liu Y, Zheng B, Zang J, Lv C, Zhang T, Wang H, Zhao G. Protein interface redesign facilitates the transformation of nanocage building blocks to 1D and 2D nanomaterials. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4849. [PMID: 34381032 PMCID: PMC8357837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although various artificial protein nanoarchitectures have been constructed, controlling the transformation between different protein assemblies has largely been unexplored. Here, we describe an approach to realize the self-assembly transformation of dimeric building blocks by adjusting their geometric arrangement. Thermotoga maritima ferritin (TmFtn) naturally occurs as a dimer; twelve of these dimers interact with each other in a head-to-side manner to generate 24-meric hollow protein nanocage in the presence of Ca2+ or PEG. By tuning two contiguous dimeric proteins to interact in a fully or partially side-by-side fashion through protein interface redesign, we can render the self-assembly transformation of such dimeric building blocks from the protein nanocage to filament, nanorod and nanoribbon in response to multiple external stimuli. We show similar dimeric protein building blocks can generate three kinds of protein materials in a manner that highly resembles natural pentamer building blocks from viral capsids that form different protein assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Zhang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Yu Liu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Bowen Zheng
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Jiachen Zang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Chenyan Lv
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Tuo Zhang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Hongfei Wang
- grid.163032.50000 0004 1760 2008Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials of Shanxi Province, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, Beijing, 100083 China
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17
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Wang Y, Zang J, Wang C, Zhang X, Zhao G. Structural Insights for the Stronger Ability of Shrimp Ferritin to Coordinate with Heavy Metal Ions as Compared to Human H-Chain Ferritin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157859. [PMID: 34360624 PMCID: PMC8346123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although apoferritin has been widely utilized as a new class of natural protein nanovehicles for encapsulation and delivery of nutraceuticals, its ability to remove metal heavy ions has yet to be explored. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated that the ferritin from kuruma prawns (Marsupenaeus japonicus), named MjF, has a pronouncedly larger ability to resist denaturation induced by Cd2+ and Hg2+ as compared to its analogue, human H-chain ferritin (HuHF), despite the fact that these two proteins share a high similarity in protein structure. Treatment of HuHF with Cd2+ or Hg2+ at a metal ion/protein shell ratio of 100/1 resulted in marked protein aggregation, while the MjF solution was kept constantly clear upon treatment with Cd2+ and Hg2+ at different protein shell/metal ion ratios (50/1, 100/1, 250/1, 500/1, 1000/1, and 2500/1). Structural comparison analyses in conjunction with the newly solved crystal structure of the complex of MjF plus Cd2+ or Hg2+ revealed that cysteine (Cys) is a major residue responsible for such binding, and that the large difference in the ability to resist denaturation induced by these two heavy metal ions between MjF and HuHF is mainly derived from the different positions of Cys residues in these two proteins; namely, Cys residues in HuHF are located on the outer surface, while Cys residues from MjF are buried within the protein shell. All of these findings raise the high possibility that prawn ferritin, as a food-derived protein, could be developed into a novel bio-template to remove heavy metal ions from contaminated food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Wang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jiachen Zang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.W.); (J.Z.)
| | - Chengtao Wang
- Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing Technology & Business University, No. 11 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China;
| | - Xiuqing Zhang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.W.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (G.Z.); Tel.: +86-10-62736710 (G.Z.); Fax: +86-10-62738737 (G.Z.)
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.W.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (G.Z.); Tel.: +86-10-62736710 (G.Z.); Fax: +86-10-62738737 (G.Z.)
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18
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Oerlemans RAJF, Timmermans SBPE, van Hest JCM. Artificial Organelles: Towards Adding or Restoring Intracellular Activity. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2051-2078. [PMID: 33450141 PMCID: PMC8252369 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Compartmentalization is one of the main characteristics that define living systems. Creating a physically separated microenvironment allows nature a better control over biological processes, as is clearly specified by the role of organelles in living cells. Inspired by this phenomenon, researchers have developed a range of different approaches to create artificial organelles: compartments with catalytic activity that add new function to living cells. In this review we will discuss three complementary lines of investigation. First, orthogonal chemistry approaches are discussed, which are based on the incorporation of catalytically active transition metal-containing nanoparticles in living cells. The second approach involves the use of premade hybrid nanoreactors, which show transient function when taken up by living cells. The third approach utilizes mostly genetic engineering methods to create bio-based structures that can be ultimately integrated with the cell's genome to make them constitutively active. The current state of the art and the scope and limitations of the field will be highlighted with selected examples from the three approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A. J. F. Oerlemans
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Research GroupInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513 (STO3.41)5600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Suzanne B. P. E. Timmermans
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Research GroupInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513 (STO3.41)5600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Research GroupInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513 (STO3.41)5600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
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19
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Manceau A, Nagy KL, Glatzel P, Bourdineaud JP. Acute Toxicity of Divalent Mercury to Bacteria Explained by the Formation of Dicysteinate and Tetracysteinate Complexes Bound to Proteins in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:3612-3623. [PMID: 33629845 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria are the most abundant organisms on Earth and also the major life form affected by mercury (Hg) poisoning in aquatic and terrestrial food webs. In this study, we applied high energy-resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure (HR-XANES) spectroscopy to bacteria with intracellular concentrations of Hg as low as 0.7 ng/mg (ppm) for identifying the intracellular molecular forms and trafficking pathways of Hg in bacteria at environmentally relevant concentrations. Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli were exposed to three Hg species: HgCl2, Hg-dicysteinate (Hg(Cys)2), and Hg-dithioglycolate (Hg(TGA)2). In all cases, Hg was transformed into new two- and four-coordinate cysteinate complexes, interpreted to be bound, respectively, to the consensus metal-binding CXXC motif and zinc finger domains of proteins, with glutathione acting as a transfer ligand. Replacement of zinc cofactors essential to gene regulatory proteins with Hg would inhibit vital functions such as DNA transcription and repair and is suggested to be a main cause of Hg genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Manceau
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, ISTerre, CS 40700, 38058 Grenoble, France
| | - Kathryn L Nagy
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, MC-186, 845 West Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Pieter Glatzel
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 71 Rue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Paul Bourdineaud
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5234, 2 rue Escarpit, 33607 Pessac, France
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20
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Manceau A, Gaillot AC, Glatzel P, Cherel Y, Bustamante P. In Vivo Formation of HgSe Nanoparticles and Hg-Tetraselenolate Complex from Methylmercury in Seabirds-Implications for the Hg-Se Antagonism. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:1515-1526. [PMID: 33476140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In vivo and in vitro evidence for detoxification of methylmercury (MeHg) as insoluble mercury selenide (HgSe) underlies the central paradigm that mercury exposure is not or little hazardous when tissue Se is in molar excess (Se:Hg > 1). However, this hypothesis overlooks the binding of Hg to selenoproteins, which lowers the amount of bioavailable Se that acts as a detoxification reservoir for MeHg, thereby underestimating the toxicity of mercury. This question was addressed by determining the chemical forms of Hg in various tissues of giant petrels Macronectes spp. using a combination of high energy-resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy coupled to elemental mapping. Three main Hg species were identified, a MeHg-cysteinate complex, a four-coordinate selenocysteinate complex (Hg(Sec)4), and a HgSe precipitate, together with a minor dicysteinate complex Hg(Cys)2. The amount of HgSe decreases in the order liver > kidneys > brain = muscle, and the amount of Hg(Sec)4 in the order muscle > kidneys > brain > liver. On the basis of biochemical considerations and structural modeling, we hypothesize that Hg(Sec)4 is bound to the carboxy-terminus domain of selenoprotein P (SelP) which contains 12 Sec residues. Structural flexibility allows SelP to form multinuclear Hgx(Se,Sec)y complexes, which can be biomineralized to HgSe by protein self-assembly. Because Hg(Sec)4 has a Se:Hg molar ratio of 4:1, this species severely depletes the stock of bioavailable Se for selenoprotein synthesis and activity to one μg Se/g dry wet in the muscle of several birds. This concentration is still relatively high because selenium is naturally abundant in seawater, therefore it probably does not fall below the metabolic need for essential selenium. However, this study shows that this may not be the case for terrestrial animals, and that muscle may be the first tissue potentially injured by Hg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Manceau
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, ISTerre, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Anne-Claire Gaillot
- Université Nantes, CNRS, Institut des Matériaux Jean Rouxel, IMN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Pieter Glatzel
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 71 Rue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- La Rochelle Université, CNRS, Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), 17000, La Rochelle, France
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21
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Construction of thermally robust and porous shrimp ferritin crystalline for molecular encapsulation through intermolecular arginine-arginine attractions. Food Chem 2021; 349:129089. [PMID: 33548881 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Protein colloid crystals are considered as high porous soft materials, presenting great potentials in nutrients and drug encapsulation, but protein crystal fabrication usually needs precipitant and high protein concentration. Herein, an easy implemented approach was reported for the construction of protein colloid crystals in diluted solution with shimp ferritin as building blocks by taking advantage of the strength of multiple intermolecular arginine-arginine interactions. The X-ray single-crystal structure reveals that a group of exquisite arginine-arginine interactions between two neighboring ferritin enable them self-assembly into long-range ordered protein soft materials. The arginine-arginine interactions mediate crystal generation favored at pH 9.5 with 200 mM NaCl, and the resulting colloid crystals exhibit high thermal stability (90 °C for 30 min). Importantly, the interglobular cavity in colloid crystals is three times larger in volume than that of intrinsic ferritin cavity in each unit cell, which can be used for molecular encapsulation.
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22
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Zhang C, Zhang X, Zhao G. Ferritin Nanocage: A Versatile Nanocarrier Utilized in the Field of Food, Nutrition, and Medicine. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10091894. [PMID: 32971961 PMCID: PMC7557750 DOI: 10.3390/nano10091894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Compared with other nanocarriers such as liposomes, mesoporous silica, and cyclodextrin, ferritin as a typical protein nanocage has received considerable attention in the field of food, nutrition, and medicine owing to its inherent cavity size, excellent water solubility, and biocompatibility. Additionally, ferritin nanocage also serves as a versatile bio-template for the synthesis of a variety of nanoparticles. Recently, scientists have explored the ferritin nanocage structure for encapsulation and delivery of guest molecules such as nutrients, bioactive molecules, anticancer drugs, and mineral metal ions by taking advantage of its unique reversible disassembly and reassembly property and biomineralization. In this review, we mainly focus on the preparation and structure of ferritin-based nanocarriers, and regulation of their self-assembly. Moreover, the recent advances of their applications in food nutrient delivery and medical diagnostics are highlighted. Finally, the main challenges and future development in ferritin-directed nanoparticles’ synthesis and multifunctional applications are discussed.
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23
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Lv C, Yin S, Zhang X, Hu J, Zhang T, Zhao G. 16-Mer ferritin-like protein templated gold nanoclusters for bioimaging detection of methylmercury in the brain of living mice. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1127:149-155. [PMID: 32800118 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.06.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg+) as one of the most potent neurotoxins is mainly accumulated in brain, so in vivo imaging detection of MeHg+ in brain is of crucial importance. Herein, we reported a photoluminescent nanosensor for MeHg+ detection in brain by integrating the bioimaging of gold nanoclusters (Au NCs), the fluorescence of Au NCs quenched by MeHg+, and the brain targeting feature of our recently constructed 16-mer shell-like protein (7A). First, Au NCs with 7A as a biotemplate (7A-Au NCs) by a facile and green method in water are fabricated for the first time, the fluorescence of which (∼650 nm) can be quenched by MeHg+ in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Second, the as-prepared 7A-Au NCs are not only suitable for bioimaging of BBB endothelial cells, but also are an effective probe for bioimaging MeHg+ detection in a brain-specific manner. These findings open a door for MeHg+ detection in the brain of living subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyan Lv
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Shuhua Yin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiuqing Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jinwen Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China.
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24
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Majsterkiewicz K, Azuma Y, Heddle JG. Connectability of protein cages. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2020; 2:2255-2264. [PMID: 36133365 PMCID: PMC9416917 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00227e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Regular, hollow proteinaceous nanoparticles are widespread in nature. The well-defined structures as well as diverse functions of naturally existing protein cages have inspired the development of new nanoarchitectures with desired capabilities. In such approaches, a key functionality is "connectability". Engineering of interfaces between cage building blocks to modulate intra-cage connectability leads to protein cages with new morphologies and assembly-disassembly properties. Modification of protein cage surfaces to control inter-cage connectability enables their arrangement into lattice-like nanomaterials. Here, we review the current progress in control of intra- and inter-cage connectability for protein cage-based nanotechnology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Majsterkiewicz
- Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University Gronostajowa 7A 30-387 Krakow Poland
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine Trojdena 2a 02-091 Warsaw Poland
| | - Yusuke Azuma
- Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University Gronostajowa 7A 30-387 Krakow Poland
| | - Jonathan G Heddle
- Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University Gronostajowa 7A 30-387 Krakow Poland
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25
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Wang W, Wang L, Li G, Zhao G, Zhao X, Wang H. AB loop engineered ferritin nanocages for drug loading under benign experimental conditions. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:12344-12347. [PMID: 31556881 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc05247j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human ferritin has been explored as a potential drug nanocarrier, but extreme conditions (pH ≤ 2.0) are required for the encapsulation of drugs. Here, by engineering the AB loop of ferritin, we obtained a new ferritin variant with no new pores, which can disassemble at pH 3.0 or 4.0 and reassemble at pH 7.0. Consequently, under mild conditions, drugs can be encapsulated within this new ferritin nanocage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials of Shanxi Province, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Lele Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials of Shanxi Province, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Guobang Li
- Drug Discovery Center for Infectious Disease and State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials of Shanxi Province, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Hongfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials of Shanxi Province, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
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26
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Jin Y, He J, Fan K, Yan X. Ferritin variants: inspirations for rationally designing protein nanocarriers. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:12449-12459. [PMID: 31231742 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr03823j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin, a natural iron storage protein, is endowed with a unique structure, the ability to self-assemble and excellent physicochemical properties. Beyond these, genetic manipulation can easily tune the structure and functions of ferritin nanocages, which further expands the biomedical applications of ferritin. Here, we focus on human H-ferritin, a recently discovered ligand of transferrin receptor 1, to review its derived variants and related structures and properties. We hope this review will provide new insights into how to rationally design versatile protein cage nanocarriers for effective disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19(A) Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jiuyang He
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Kelong Fan
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xiyun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China. and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19(A) Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China. and Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 40 N Daxue Road, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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27
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Zang J, Zheng B, Zhang X, Arosio P, Zhao G. Design and site-directed compartmentalization of gold nanoclusters within the intrasubunit interfaces of ferritin nanocage. J Nanobiotechnology 2019; 17:79. [PMID: 31277668 PMCID: PMC6612197 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-019-0512-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein nanocages have emerged as popular nanocarriers for either drug delivery or biotemplates for the preparation of nanomaterials. However, only three interfaces, namely exterior surface, intersubunit and inner cavity, have been used as reaction sites for the above purposes with all known protein nanocages. On the other hand, how to control the site of Au NCs formed within a targeted protein template while maintaining the functionality of protein itself remains challenging. RESULTS In this work, inspired by compartmentalization in living systems, we firstly come up with the conception of "intrasubunit interfaces", located within subunit of protein nanocage. We built a new, specific compartment for fabrication of gold nanoclusters by genetic modification of the inherent ferroxidase center located within four-α-helix bundle of each ferritin subunit. This newly built compartment not only realizes the site-directed synthesis of gold nanoclusters but also has no effect on the functionality of ferritin itself such as encapsulation by its inner cavity. These redesigned composites can be further applied as fluorescent imaging agent and carriers for preparation of hybrid nanomaterials. CONCLUSIONS The designing strategy of intrasubunit interfaces opens a new way for future applications of cage-like proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Zang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Bowen Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiuqing Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Zhou K, Chen H, Zhang S, Wang Y, Zhao G. Disulfide-mediated reversible two-dimensional self-assembly of protein nanocages. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:7510-7513. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc03085a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Disulfide-mediated 2D protein self-assembly was achieved by single point mutation of hot spots at the C4 interface of ferritin.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources
- China Agricultural University
- Beijing 100083
| | - H. Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources
- China Agricultural University
- Beijing 100083
| | - S. Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources
- China Agricultural University
- Beijing 100083
| | - Y. Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources
- China Agricultural University
- Beijing 100083
| | - G. Zhao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources
- China Agricultural University
- Beijing 100083
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29
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Wang W, Wang L, Chen H, Zang J, Zhao X, Zhao G, Wang H. Selective Elimination of the Key Subunit Interfaces Facilitates Conversion of Native 24-mer Protein Nanocage into 8-mer Nanorings. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:14078-14081. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b09760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Lele Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Hai Chen
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jiachen Zang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hongfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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30
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Deci MB, Liu M, Dinh QT, Nguyen J. Precision engineering of targeted nanocarriers. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 10:e1511. [PMID: 29436157 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Since their introduction in 1980, the number of advanced targeted nanocarrier systems has grown considerably. Nanocarriers capable of targeting single receptors, multiple receptors, or multiple epitopes have all been used to enhance delivery efficiency and selectivity. Despite tremendous progress, preclinical studies and clinically translatable nanotechnology remain disconnected. The disconnect in targeting efficacy may stem from poorly-understood factors such as receptor clustering, spatial control of targeting ligands, ligand mobility, and ligand architecture. Further, the relationship between receptor distribution and ligand architecture remains elusive. Traditionally, targeted nanocarriers were engineered assuming a "static" target. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that receptor expression patterns change in response to external stimuli and disease progression. Here, we discuss how cutting-edge technologies will enable a better characterization of the spatiotemporal distribution of membrane receptors and their clustering. We further describe how this will enable the design of new nanocarriers that selectively target the site of disease. Ultimately, we explore how the precision engineering of targeted nanocarriers that adapt to receptor dynamics will have the potential to drive nanotechnology to the forefront of therapy and make targeted nanomedicine a clinical reality. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Deci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Maixian Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Quoc Thai Dinh
- Department of Experimental Pneumology and Allergology, Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Juliane Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
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31
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Zhang S, Zang J, Chen H, Li M, Xu C, Zhao G. The Size Flexibility of Ferritin Nanocage Opens a New Way to Prepare Nanomaterials. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2017; 13:1701045. [PMID: 28786527 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201701045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ferritins are ubiquitous iron storage proteins where Fe(II) sequestration prevents not only its spontaneous oxidation to Fe(III) but also production of toxic free radicals. Recently, scientists have subverted these nature functions and used ferritin cage structures of nanometer dimensions for encapsulation of guest molecules such as anti-cancer drugs or bioactive nutrients based on pH induced ferritin disassembly and reassembly property. However, prior to this study, ferritin nanocage was required to disassemble only under harsh pH conditions (≤2.0 or ≥11.0), followed by reassembly at near neutral pH. Such harsh conditions can cause protein or guest molecules damage to a great extent during this pH-induced unfolding-refolding process. Here, we provide evidence demonstrating that the apoferritin shell is flexible rather than rigid. Indeed, we found that two large complex molecules, uranyl acetate dihydrate and phosphotungstic acid, can reach the cavity of both plant and animal apoferritin followed by mineralization. Moreover, large organic compound such as curcumin and doxorubicin can also be encapsulated within ferritin cavity by its mixing with protein. This strategy will increase the use of ferritin in nanotechnology, and could be also applicable to other shell-like proteins as templates to prepare nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengli Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jiachen Zang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hai Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Meiliang Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chuanshan Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine (SCM), Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Food from Plant Resources, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
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