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Moradbeygi F, Ghasemi Y, Farmani AR, Hemmati S. Glucarpidase (carboxypeptidase G2): Biotechnological production, clinical application as a methotrexate antidote, and placement in targeted cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115292. [PMID: 37579696 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115292] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients receiving high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) for malignancies are exposed to diverse complications, including nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, mucositis, myelotoxicity, neurological symptoms, and death. Glucarpidase is a recombinant carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) that converts MTX into nontoxic metabolites. In this study, the role of vector type, gene optimization, orientation, and host on the expression of CPG2 is investigated. The effectiveness of various therapeutic regimens containing glucarpidase is classified and perspectives on the dose adjustment based on precision medicine are provided. Conjugation with cell-penetrating peptides, human serum albumin, and polymers such as PEG and dextran for delivery, higher stability, and production of the biobetter variants of CPG2 is highlighted. Conjugation of CPG2 to F(ab՜)2 or scFv antibody fragments against tumor-specific antigens and the corresponding prodrugs for tumor-targeted drug delivery using the antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) is communicated. Trials to reduce the off-target effects and the possibility of repeated ADEPT cycles by adding pro-domains sensitive to tumor-overexpressed proteases, antiCPG2 antibodies, CPG2 mutants with immune-system-unrecognizable epitopes, and protective polymers are reported. Intracellular cpg2 gene expression by gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) and the concerns regarding the safety and transfection efficacy of the GDEPT vectors are described. A novel bifunctional platform using engineered CAR-T cell micropharmacies, known as Synthetic Enzyme-Armed KillER (SEAKER) cells, expressing CPG2 to activate prodrugs at the tumor niche is introduced. Taken together, integrated data in this review and recruiting combinatorial strategies in novel drug delivery systems define the future directions of ADEPT, GDEPT, and SEAKER cell therapy and the placement of CPG2 therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moradbeygi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Farmani
- Tissue Engineering Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Kielbowski K, Rosik J, Bakinowska E, Gromowska E, Ustianowski Ł, Szostak B, Pawlik A. The use of glucarpidase as a rescue therapy for high dose methotrexate toxicity - a review of pharmacological and clinical data. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2023; 19:741-750. [PMID: 37846862 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2023.2272593] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review aims to summarize recent data on the pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and safety of glucarpidase. This is an enzymatic agent that catalyzes the conversion of methotrexate (MTX) into inactive metabolites. Glucarpidase is used to manage high-dose MTX (HDMTX) toxic plasma concentration, especially in patients with impaired renal function. AREAS COVERED In this review, studies on glucarpidase clinical efficacy as a therapeutic option for patients suffering from MTX kidney toxicity were presented. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of glucarpidase were included. Moreover, potential interactions and safety issues were discussed. EXPERT OPINION The use of glucarpidase is an effective therapeutic strategy in both adults and children treated with high doses of MTX for various types of cancer who have developed acute renal failure. Glucarpidase causes MTX to be converted to nontoxic metabolites and accelerates the time for its complete elimination. After administration of glucarpidase, it is possible to resume HDMTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajetan Kielbowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jakub Rosik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Estera Bakinowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Gromowska
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Łukasz Ustianowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bartosz Szostak
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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Brambley CA, Yared TJ, Gonzalez M, Jansch AL, Wallen JR, Weiland MH, Miller JM. Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 PahZ2 Structure Reveals a Role for Conformational Dynamics in Peptide Bond Hydrolysis. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:5722-5739. [PMID: 34060838 PMCID: PMC8657308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c01216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Poly(aspartic acid) (PAA) is a common water-soluble polycarboxylate used in a broad range of applications. PAA biodegradation and environmental assimilation were first identified in river water bacterial strains, Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 and Pedobacter sp. KP-2. Within Sphingomonas sp. KT-1, PahZ1KT-1 cleaves β-amide linkages to oligo(aspartic acid) and then is degraded by PahZ2KT-1. Recently, we reported the first structure for PahZ1KT-1. Here, we report novel structures for PahZ2KT-1 bound to either Gd3+/Sm3+ or Zn2+ cations in a dimeric state consistent with M28 metallopeptidase family members. PahZ2KT-1 monomers include a dimerization domain and a catalytic domain with dual Zn2+ cations. MD methods predict the putative substrate binding site to span across the dimerization and catalytic domains, where NaCl promotes the transition from an open conformation to a closed conformation that positions the substrate adjacent to catalytic zinc ions. Structural knowledge of PahZ1KT-1 and PahZ2KT-1 will allow for protein engineering endeavors to develop novel biodegradation reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad A Brambley
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Tarah J Yared
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Marriah Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Amanda L Jansch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Jamie R Wallen
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Western Carolina University, 111 Memorial Drive, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723, United States
| | - Mitch H Weiland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Justin M Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
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Aldughaim MS, Alsaffar F, Barker MD. Coupling of a Novel TIMP3 Peptide to Carboxypeptidase G2 for Pro-Drug Activation at the Tumour Site. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26030625. [PMID: 33504102 PMCID: PMC7865317 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Broad-spectrum cytotoxic drugs have been used in cancer therapy for decades. However, their lack of specificity to cancer cells often results in serious side-effects, limiting efficacy. For this reason, antibodies have been used to attempt to specifically target cytotoxic drugs to tumours. One such approach is antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) which uses a tumour-directed monoclonal antibody, coupled to an enzyme, to convert a systemically administered non-toxic prodrug into a toxic one only at the tumour site. Among the main drawbacks of ADEPT is the immunogenicity of the antibody-enzyme complex, which is exacerbated by slow clearance due to size, hence limiting repeated administration. Additionally, the mono-specificity of the antibody could potentially result in drug resistance with repeated administration. We have identified a novel short peptide sequence, p700, derived from a human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3), which binds to and inhibits a number of tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors (VEGFRs1-3, FGFRs 1-4 and PDGFRα) which are known to be upregulated in many tumours and tumour vasculature. In this report, we fused p700 to His-tagged, codon-optimised, carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2). CPG2 is a bacterial enzyme used in ADEPT, which activates potent nitrogen-mustard pro-drugs by removal of an inhibitory glutamic acid residue. Recombinant CPG2-p700 was highly expressed in Escherichia coli and successfully purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Biolayer interferometry showed that CPG2-p700 had a 100-fold increase in binding affinity for VEGFR2 compared with CPG2 alone and retained its catalytic activity, as determined by methotrexate cleavage. In the presence of CPG2-p700, the ZD2676P pro-drug showed significant cytotoxicity for 4T1 cells compared with prodrug alone or CPG2 alone. p700 is, therefore, a potentially useful alternative to monoclonal antibodies for enzyme pro-drug therapy and could equally be used for effective delivery of other cytotoxic drugs to tumour tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S. Aldughaim
- Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, P.O. Box 59046, Riyadh 11525, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Rd, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK; (F.A.); (M.D.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +96-61-1288-9999 (ext. 10834)
| | - Fatimah Alsaffar
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Rd, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK; (F.A.); (M.D.B.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Alghad International Colleges for Applied Medical Sciences, Dammam 32423, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael D. Barker
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Rd, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK; (F.A.); (M.D.B.)
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Bashraheel SS, Domling A, Goda SK. Update on targeted cancer therapies, single or in combination, and their fine tuning for precision medicine. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:110009. [PMID: 32106381 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Until recently, patients who have the same type and stage of cancer all receive the same treatment. It has been established, however, that individuals with the same disease respond differently to the same therapy. Further, each tumor undergoes genetic changes that cause cancer to grow and metastasize. The changes that occur in one person's cancer may not occur in others with the same cancer type. These differences also lead to different responses to treatment. Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, is a strategy that allows the selection of a treatment based on the patient's genetic makeup. In the case of cancer, the treatment is tailored to take into account the genetic changes that may occur in an individual's tumor. Precision medicine, therefore, could be defined in terms of the targets involved in targeted therapy. METHODS A literature search in electronic data bases using keywords "cancer targeted therapy, personalized medicine and cancer combination therapies" was conducted to include papers from 2010 to June 2019. RESULTS Recent developments in strategies of targeted cancer therapy were reported. Specifically, on the two types of targeted therapy; first, immune-based therapy such as the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), immune cytokines, tumor-targeted superantigens (TTS) and ligand targeted therapeutics (LTTs). The second strategy deals with enzyme/small molecules-based therapies, such as the use of a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) and antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). The precise targeting of the drug to the gene or protein under attack was also investigated, in other words, how precision medicine can be used to tailor treatments. CONCLUSION The conventional therapeutic paradigm for cancer and other diseases has focused on a single type of intervention for all patients. However, a large literature in oncology supports the therapeutic benefits of a precision medicine approach to therapy as well as combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Bashraheel
- Protein Engineering Unit, Life and Science Research Department, Anti-Doping Lab-Qatar (ADLQ), Doha, Qatar; Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Alexander Domling
- Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Sayed K Goda
- Cairo University, Faculty of Science, Chemistry Department, Giza, Egypt.
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Behzadipour Y, Hemmati S. Considerations on the Rational Design of Covalently Conjugated Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) for Intracellular Delivery of Proteins: A Guide to CPP Selection Using Glucarpidase as the Model Cargo Molecule. Molecules 2019; 24:E4318. [PMID: 31779220 PMCID: PMC6930620 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24234318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Access of proteins to their intracellular targets is limited by a hydrophobic barrier called the cellular membrane. Conjugation with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) has been shown to improve protein transduction into the cells. This conjugation can be either covalent or non-covalent, each with its unique pros and cons. The CPP-protein covalent conjugation may result in undesirable structural and functional alterations in the target protein. Therefore, we propose a systematic approach to evaluate different CPPs for covalent conjugations. This guide is presented using the carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) enzyme as the target protein. Seventy CPPs -out of 1155- with the highest probability of uptake efficiency were selected. These peptides were then conjugated to the N- or C-terminus of CPG2. Translational efficacy of the conjugates, robustness and thermodynamic properties of the chimera, aggregation possibility, folding rate, backbone flexibility, and aspects of in vivo administration such as protease susceptibility were predicted. The effect of the position of conjugation was evaluated using unpaired t-test (p < 0.05). It was concluded that N-terminal conjugation resulted in higher quality constructs. Seventeen CPP-CPG2/CPG2-CPP constructs were identified as the most promising. Based on this study, the bioinformatics workflow that is presented may be universally applied to any CPP-protein conjugate design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Behzadipour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran;
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran;
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
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