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Behzadipour Y, Hemmati S. Covalent conjugation and non-covalent complexation strategies for intracellular delivery of proteins using cell-penetrating peptides. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116910. [PMID: 38852512 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116910] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins provided new opportunities for patients and high sales volumes. However, they are formulated for extracellular targets. The lipophilic barrier of the plasma membrane renders the vast array of intracellular targets out of reach. Peptide-based delivery systems, namely cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), have few safety concerns, and low immunogenicity, with control over administered doses. This study investigates CPP-based protein delivery systems by classifying them into CPP-protein "covalent conjugation" and CPP: protein "non-covalent complexation" categories. Covalent conjugates ensure the proximity of the CPP to the cargo, which can improve cellular uptake and endosomal escape. We will discuss various aspects of covalent conjugates through non-cleavable (stable) or cleavable bonds. Non-cleavable CPP-protein conjugates are produced by recombinant DNA technology to express the complete fusion protein in a host cell or by chemical ligation of CPP and protein, which ensures stability during the delivery process. CPP-protein cleavable bonds are classified into pH-sensitive and redox-sensitive bonds, enzyme-cleavable bonds, and physical stimuli cleavable linkers (light radiation, ultrasonic waves, and thermo-responsive). We have highlighted the key characteristics of non-covalent complexes through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions to preserve the conformational integrity of the CPP and cargo. CPP-mediated protein delivery by non-covalent complexation, such as zippers, CPP adaptor methods, and avidin-biotin technology, are featured. Conclusively, non-covalent complexation methods are appropriate when a high number of CPP or protein samples are to be screened. In contrast, when the high biological activity of the protein is critical in the intracellular compartment, conjugation protocols are preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Behzadipour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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2
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Dowaidar M. Cell-penetrating peptides with nanoparticles hybrid delivery vectors and their uptake pathways. Mitochondrion 2024; 78:101906. [PMID: 38797356 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are molecules that improve the cellular uptake of various molecular payloads that do not easily traverse the cellular membrane. CPPs can be found in pharmaceutical and medical products. The vast majority of cell-penetrating chemicals that are discussed in published research are peptide based. The paper also delves into the various applications of hybrid vectors. Because CPPs are able to carry cargo across the cellular membrane, they are a viable candidate for use as a suitable carrier for a wide variety of cargoes, such as siRNA, nanoparticles, and others. In which we discuss the CPPs, their classification, uptake mechanisms, hybrid vector systems, nanoparticles and their uptake mechanisms, etc. Further in this paper, we discuss CPPs conjugated to Nanoparticles, Combining CPPs with lipids and polymeric Nanoparticles in A Conjugated System, CPPs conjugated to nanoparticles for therapeutic purposes, and potential therapeutic uses of CPPs as delivery molecules. Also discussed the preclinical and clinical use of CPPS, intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles, and activatable and bioconjugated CPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moataz Dowaidar
- Bioengineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Biosystems and Machines Research Center, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
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3
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Andrikopoulos N, Tang H, Wang Y, Liang X, Li Y, Davis TP, Ke PC. Exploring Peptido-Nanocomposites in the Context of Amyloid Diseases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202309958. [PMID: 37943171 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic peptides are a major class of pharmaceutical drugs owing to their target-binding specificity as well as their versatility in inhibiting aberrant protein-protein interactions associated with human pathologies. Within the realm of amyloid diseases, the use of peptides and peptidomimetics tailor-designed to overcome amyloidogenesis has been an active research endeavor since the late 90s. In more recent years, incorporating nanoparticles for enhancing the biocirculation and delivery of peptide drugs has emerged as a frontier in nanomedicine, and nanoparticles have further demonstrated a potency against amyloid aggregation and cellular inflammation to rival strategies employing small molecules, peptides, and antibodies. Despite these efforts, however, a fundamental understanding of the chemistry, characteristics and function of peptido-nanocomposites is lacking, and a systematic analysis of such strategy for combating a range of amyloid pathogeneses is missing. Here we review the history, principles and evolving chemistry of constructing peptido-nanocomposites from bottom up and discuss their future application against amyloid diseases that debilitate a significant portion of the global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Andrikopoulos
- Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Huayuan Tang
- College of Mechanics and Materials, Hohai University, Nanjing, 211100, China
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiufang Liang
- Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Thomas P Davis
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Pu Chun Ke
- Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
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Carrera-Aubesart A, Gallo M, Defaus S, Todorovski T, Andreu D. Topoisomeric Membrane-Active Peptides: A Review of the Last Two Decades. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2451. [PMID: 37896211 PMCID: PMC10610229 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, bioactive peptides have been gaining recognition in various biomedical areas, such as intracellular drug delivery (cell-penetrating peptides, CPPs) or anti-infective action (antimicrobial peptides, AMPs), closely associated to their distinct mode of interaction with biological membranes. Exploiting the interaction of membrane-active peptides with diverse targets (healthy, tumoral, bacterial or parasitic cell membranes) is opening encouraging prospects for peptides in therapeutics. However, ordinary peptides formed by L-amino acids are easily decomposed by proteases in biological fluids. One way to sidestep this limitation is to use topoisomers, namely versions of the peptide made up of D-amino acids in either canonic (enantio) or inverted (retroenantio) sequence. Rearranging peptide sequences in this fashion provides a certain degree of native structure mimicry that, in appropriate contexts, may deliver desirable biological activity while avoiding protease degradation. In this review, we will focus on recent accounts of membrane-active topoisomeric peptides with therapeutic applications as CPP drug delivery vectors, or as antimicrobial and anticancer candidates. We will also discuss the most common modes of interaction of these peptides with their membrane targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Carrera-Aubesart
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
| | - Maria Gallo
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
| | - Sira Defaus
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
| | - Toni Todorovski
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
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Yan H, Xu P, Ma H, Li Y, Zhang R, Cong H, Yu B, Shen Y. Enzyme-triggered transcytosis of drug carrier system for deep penetration into hepatoma tumors. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122213. [PMID: 37385137 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, nano-drug delivery systems have made considerable progress in the direction of tumor treatment, but the low permeability of drugs has restricted the development of nano drugs. To solve this problem, we constructed a nano-drug delivery system with the dual effects of γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) reaction and high nuclear targeting in tumor microenvironment to promote the deep penetration of drugs. Over-expression of GGT in tumor cells can specifically recognize γ-glutamyl substrate and release amino group from the hydrolysis reaction, which makes the whole system change from negative or neutral to positive charge system. The conjugated complex with positive charge rapidly endocytosis through electrostatic interaction, enhancing its permeability in tumor parenchyma. At the same time, the cell penetrating TAT contains a large amount of lysine, which can be identified by the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) on the surface of the nuclear membrane, showing excellent nuclear localization function. The active DOX is released in the nucleus, which inhibits the mitosis of cancer cells and enhances the active transport ability of drugs in tumor cells. Therefore, this drug delivery system actively transports adriamycin into the tumor to achieve deep penetration of drugs through enzyme response and nuclear targeting, showing high anti-tumor activity and can be effectively applied to the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Pengchao Xu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - He Ma
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yanan Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Runfeng Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Hailin Cong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China.
| | - Bing Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Youqing Shen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Center for Bionanoengineering, And Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310027, China
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Yadav S, Singh P. Advancement and application of novel cell-penetrating peptide in cancer management. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:234. [PMID: 37323859 PMCID: PMC10264343 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03649-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are small amino acid sequences with the potential to enter cell membranes. Along with nucleic acids, large proteins, and other chemical compounds, they can deliver several bioactive cargos inside cells. Numerous CPPs have been extracted from natural or synthetic materials since the discovery of the first CPP. In the past few decades, a significant variety of studies have shown the potential of CPPs to cure different diseases. The low toxicity in peptide compared to other drug delivery carriers is a significant benefit of CPP-based therapy, in addition to the high efficacy brought about by swift and effective delivery. A significant tendency for intracellular DNA delivery may also be observed when nanoparticles and the cell penetration peptide are combined. CPPs are frequently used to increase intracellular absorption of nucleic acid, and other therapeutic agents inside the cell. Due to long-term side effects and possible toxicity, its implementation is restricted. The use of cell-permeating peptides is a commonly used technique to increase their intracellular absorption. Additionally, CPPs have lately been sought for application in vivo, following their success in cellular studies. This review will go through the numerous CPPs, the chemical modifications that improve their cellular uptake, the various means for getting them across cell membranes, and the biological activity they acquire after being conjugate with specific chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Yadav
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Plot No. 2, Sector 17-A, Yamuna Expressway, Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310 India
| | - Pratichi Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh India
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7
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Matsuda M, Ikeda K, Kameda T, Nakao H, Nakano M. Fine-Tuning and Enhancement of pH-Dependent Membrane Permeation of Cyclic Peptides by Utilizing Noncanonical Amino Acids with Extended Side Chains. J Med Chem 2023; 66:7054-7062. [PMID: 37186548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The development of cyclic peptides that exhibit pH-sensitive membrane permeation is a promising strategy for tissue-selective drug delivery. We investigated the pH-dependent interactions of designed cyclic peptides bearing noncanonical amino acids of long acidic side chains with lipid membranes, including surface binding, insertion, and translocation across the membrane. As the length of the side chain of acidic amino acid increased, the binding affinity of the peptides to phosphatidylcholine bilayer surfaces decreased, while the pH for the 50% insertion of the peptides into the bilayers increased. The pH for membrane permeation of the peptides increased with the side chain length, resulting in specific membrane permeation at pH ∼6.5. The longer side chain of acidic amino acids improved the maximum rate of membrane permeation at low pH, where both entropic and enthalpic contributions affected the permeation. Our peptide also showed intracellular delivery of cargo molecules into living cells in a pH-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motomi Matsuda
- Department of Biointerface Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ikeda
- Department of Biointerface Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tomoshi Kameda
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakao
- Department of Biointerface Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Minoru Nakano
- Department of Biointerface Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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8
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Multiscale Modeling of the Cellular Uptake of C6 Peptide-siRNA Complexes. Comput Biol Chem 2022; 98:107679. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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9
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Characterization and Evaluation of Cell-Penetrating Activity of Brevinin-2R: An Amphibian Skin Antimicrobial Peptide. Mol Biotechnol 2022; 64:546-559. [PMID: 35013881 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00433-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Natural peptides have been the source of some important tools to address challenges in protein therapy of diseases. Bypassing cell plasma membrane has been a bottleneck in the intracellular delivery of biomolecules. Among others, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) provide an efficient strategy for intracellular delivery of various cargos. Brevinin-2R peptide is an antimicrobial peptide isolated from the skin secretions of marsh frog, Rana ridibunda with semi-selective anticancer properties. Here, we investigated cell-penetrating properties of Brevinin-2R peptide and its ability to deliver functional protein cargos. Bioinformatics studies showed that Brevinin-2R is a cationic peptide with a net charge of + 5 with an alpha-helix structure and a heptameric ring at the carboxylic terminal due to disulfide bond between C19 and C25 amino acids and a hinge region at A10. To evaluate the ability of this peptide as a CPP, β-galactosidase protein and GFP were transfected into HeLa cells. The entry pathway of the peptide/protein complex into the cell was investigated by inhibiting endocytic pathways at 4 °C. It was observed that Brevinin-2R can efficiently transfer β-galactosidase and GFP with 21% and 90% efficacy, respectively. Brevinin-2R opts for endocytosis pathways to enter cells. The cytotoxicity of this peptide against HeLa cells was studied using MTT assay. The results showed that at the concentration of 131.5 μg/ml of Brevinin-2R peptide, the proliferation of 50% of HeLa cells was inhibited. The results of this study suggest that Brevinin-2R peptide can act as a CPP of natural origin and low cytotoxicity.
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10
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Lützenburg T, Burdina N, Scholz MS, Neundorf I. Improving Membrane Activity and Cargo Delivery Efficacy of a Cell-Penetrating Peptide by Loading with Carboranes. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:2075. [PMID: 34959356 PMCID: PMC8709211 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have emerged as versatile tools to increase the intracellular accumulation of different kinds of cargoes. For an efficient cellular uptake and drug delivery, their organization into a distinct and stable secondary structure at the outer surface of the plasma membrane is a hallmark and supports optimal lipid-peptide interactions. Incorporation of hydrophobic moieties, such as carboranes (CBs), has the potential to increase the lipophilicity of peptides, and thus, to facilitate the formation of secondary structures. Herein, we present synthesis and biophysical as well as biological characterization of carborane-CPP conjugates having incorporated one or more CB clusters. Our results highlight the possibility to modulate the secondary structure of CPPs by the addition of CB's leading to constructs with altered membrane activity and promising use in terms of nucleic acid delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Lützenburg
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany; (T.L.); (N.B.)
| | - Nele Burdina
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany; (T.L.); (N.B.)
| | - Matthias S. Scholz
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry I & II, Pharmaceutical Institute, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany; (T.L.); (N.B.)
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11
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Oliveira FD, Cavaco M, Figueira TN, Valle J, Neves V, Andreu D, Gaspar D, Castanho MARB. The antimetastatic breast cancer activity of the viral protein-derived peptide vCPP2319 as revealed by cellular biomechanics. FEBS J 2021; 289:1603-1624. [PMID: 34679257 PMCID: PMC9298314 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is increasing and the therapeutic arsenal available to fight it is insufficient. Brain metastases, in particular, represent a major challenge for chemotherapy as the impermeable nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) prevents most drugs from targeting cells in the brain. For their ability to transpose biological membranes and transport a broad spectrum of bioactive cargoes, cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been hailed as ideal candidates to deliver drugs across biological barriers. A more ambitious approach is to have the CPP as a drug itself, capable of both killing cancer cells and interacting with the blood/brain interface, therefore blocking the onset of brain metastases. vCPP2319, a viral protein‐derived CPP, has both properties as it: (a) is selective toward human breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231) and increases cell stiffness compared to breast epithelial cells (MCF 10A) hindering the progression of metastases; and (b) adsorbs at the surface of human brain endothelial cells potentially counteracting metastatic cells from reaching the brain. Overall, the results reveal the selective anticancer activity of the peptide vCPP2319, which is also able to reside at the blood–brain interface, therefore counteracting brain penetration by metastatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa D Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marco Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago N Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vera Neves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
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12
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Nunes LGP, Reichert T, Machini MT. His-Rich Peptides, Gly- and His-Rich Peptides: Functionally Versatile Compounds with Potential Multi-Purpose Applications. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10302-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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13
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Shoari A, Tooyserkani R, Tahmasebi M, Löwik DWPM. Delivery of Various Cargos into Cancer Cells and Tissues via Cell-Penetrating Peptides: A Review of the Last Decade. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1391. [PMID: 34575464 PMCID: PMC8470549 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), also known as protein transduction domains, are a class of diverse amino acid sequences with the ability to cross cellular membranes. CPPs can deliver several bioactive cargos, including proteins, peptides, nucleic acids and chemotherapeutics, into cells. Ever since their discovery, synthetic and natural CPPs have been utilized in therapeutics delivery, gene editing and cell imaging in fundamental research and clinical experiments. Over the years, CPPs have gained significant attention due to their low cytotoxicity and high transduction efficacy. In the last decade, multiple investigations demonstrated the potential of CPPs as carriers for the delivery of therapeutics to treat various types of cancer. Besides their remarkable efficacy owing to fast and efficient delivery, a crucial benefit of CPP-based cancer treatments is delivering anticancer agents selectively, rather than mediating toxicities toward normal tissues. To obtain a higher therapeutic index and to improve cell and tissue selectivity, CPP-cargo constructions can also be complexed with other agents such as nanocarriers and liposomes to obtain encouraging outcomes. This review summarizes various types of CPPs conjugated to anticancer cargos. Furthermore, we present a brief history of CPP utilization as delivery systems for anticancer agents in the last decade and evaluate several reports on the applications of CPPs in basic research and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shoari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-111, Iran; (A.S.); (R.T.); (M.T.)
- Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Raheleh Tooyserkani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-111, Iran; (A.S.); (R.T.); (M.T.)
- Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mehdi Tahmasebi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-111, Iran; (A.S.); (R.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Dennis W. P. M. Löwik
- Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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de Mello LR, Porosk L, Lourenço TC, Garcia BBM, Costa CAR, Han SW, de Souza JS, Langel Ü, da Silva ER. Amyloid-like Self-Assembly of a Hydrophobic Cell-Penetrating Peptide and Its Use as a Carrier for Nucleic Acids. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:6404-6416. [PMID: 35006917 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a topical subject potentially exploitable for creating nanotherapeutics for the delivery of bioactive loads. These compounds are often classified into three major categories according to their physicochemical characteristics: cationic, amphiphilic, and hydrophobic. Among them, the group of hydrophobic CPPs has received increasing attention in recent years due to toxicity concerns posed by highly cationic CPPs. The hexapeptide PFVYLI (P, proline; F, phenylalanine; V, valine; Y, tyrosine; L, leucine; and I, isoleucine), a fragment derived from the C-terminal portion of α1-antitrypsin, is a prototypal example of hydrophobic CPP. This sequence shows reduced cytotoxicity and a capacity of nuclear localization, and its small size readily hints at its suitability as a building block to construct nanostructured materials. In this study, we examine the self-assembling properties of PFVYLI and investigate its ability to form noncovalent complexes with nucleic acids. By using a combination of biophysical tools including synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy, we discovered that this CPP self-assembles into discrete nanofibrils with remarkable amyloidogenic features. Over the course of days, these fibrils coalesce into rodlike crystals that easily reach the micrometer range. Despite lacking cationic residues in the composition, PFVYLI forms noncovalent complexes with nucleic acids that retain β-sheet pairing found in amyloid aggregates. In vitro vectorization experiments performed with double-stranded DNA fragments indicate that complexes promote the internalization of nucleic acids, revealing that tropism toward cell membranes is preserved upon complexation. On the other hand, transfection assays with splice-correction oligonucleotides (SCOs) for luciferase expression show limited bioactivity across a narrow concentration window, suggesting that the propensity to form amyloidogenic aggregates may trigger endosomal entrapment. We anticipate that the findings presented here open perspectives for using this archetypical hydrophobic CPP in the fabrication of nanostructured scaffolds, which potentially integrate properties of amyloids and translocation capabilities of CPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R de Mello
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Ly Porosk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Thiago C Lourenço
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Bianca B M Garcia
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Carlos A R Costa
- Laboratório Nacional de Nanotecnologia (LNNano), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-861, Brazil
| | - Sang W Han
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Juliana S de Souza
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09210580, Brazil
| | - Ülo Langel
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-10691, Sweden
| | - Emerson R da Silva
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
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15
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Antimicrobial Peptides, a Pool for Novel Cell Penetrating Peptides Development and Vice Versa. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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16
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Kitamatsu M, Yuasa H, Ohtsuki T, Michiue H. Complementary leucine zippering system for effective intracellular delivery of proteins by cell-penetrating peptides. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 33:116036. [PMID: 33497939 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A heterodimeric leucine zipper composed of a pair of leucine zipper peptides containing acidic or basic amino acid residues at appropriate positions in each peptide was used as a molecular glue to connect protein cargos to a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) carrier. To investigate the hybridization properties by fluorescence experiments, we prepared an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused with an acidic leucine zipper (LzK), EGFP-LzK, and a basic leucine zipper (LzE) modified with a CPP, LzE-CPP. The LzK and LzE formed a 1:1 hybrid when EGFP-LzK and LzE-CPP were mixed in phosphate buffer saline, thereby conjugating the EGFP with the CPP. The formation of the 1:1 hybrid was confirmed by fluorescence spectra and fluorescence titration curves. Results from fluorescence microscopy experiments showed that EGFP was successfully delivered into cells by conjugating with the CPP via formation of the LzK/LzE hybrid. We also fused the apoptotic protein p53 with LzK (p53-LzK) and investigated the inhibition of cell proliferation of various cell lines by incubation with the p53-LzK/LzE-CPP hybrid. This hybrid was found to localize in nuclei and successfully inhibited cell-specific proliferation. The LzE/LzK zipper system inhibited cell proliferation more efficiently than the directly fused conjugate, p53-CPP. Our method will be a useful drug delivery system for delivering bioactive proteins to treat various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Kitamatsu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Yuasa
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohtsuki
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Michiue
- Neutron Therapy Research Center, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.
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17
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De-shielding of activatable cell-penetrating peptides: recognizing and releasing in activation process. RESEARCH ON CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11164-020-04339-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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Pérez-Peinado C, Valle J, Freire JM, Andreu D. Tumor Cell Attack by Crotalicidin (Ctn) and Its Fragment Ctn[15-34]: Insights into Their Dual Membranolytic and Intracellular Targeting Mechanism. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2945-2957. [PMID: 33021779 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Crotalicidin (Ctn) and its fragment Ctn[15-34] are snake-venom-derived, cathelicidin-related peptides outstanding for their promising antimicrobial, antifungal, and antitumoral properties. In this study, we describe their membranolytic mechanisms as well as their putative interference with intracellular targets, both contributing to their antitumoral action against a pro-monocytic leukemia cell line. Initial flow cytometry assays demonstrated peptide ability to induce tumor cell membrane permeabilization and caspase-dependent apoptosis, without total activity reduction by serum proteases up to 24 h (Ctn) and 18 h (Ctn[15-34]). In addition, both Ctn and Ctn[15-34] showed preference for tumor cells rather than healthy cells, with selectivity ratios (tumoral vs healthy cells) of 17 and 7, respectively. Further microscopy and flow cytometry studies suggested their preferential accumulation in the cytoplasmic membrane and nucleus and proposed multiple predominant routes of peptide uptake, including direct entry and endocytosis. Affinity purification followed by proteomic identification experiments revealed both peptides to interact with proteins involved in DNA and protein metabolism, cell cycles, signal transduction, and/or programmed cell death, among others. These results suggest a putative role of Ctn and Ctn[15-34] to interact with key intracellular pathways, ultimately contributing to tumor cell death by necrosis/apoptosis. Altogether, this work proposes a dual mechanism underlying the antitumoral activity of Ctn and Ctn[15-34] and reinforces their potential as future therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - João M. Freire
- Drug Product Development, Janssen Vaccines and Prevention, Newtonweg 1, 2333-CP Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Dos Santos Rodrigues B, Lakkadwala S, Kanekiyo T, Singh J. Dual-Modified Liposome for Targeted and Enhanced Gene Delivery into Mice Brain. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 374:354-365. [PMID: 32561686 PMCID: PMC7430450 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.264127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of neuropharmaceutical gene delivery systems requires strategies to obtain efficient and effective brain targeting as well as blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. A brain-targeted gene delivery system based on a transferrin (Tf) and cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) dual-functionalized liposome, CPP-Tf-liposome, was designed and investigated for crossing BBB and permeating into the brain. We selected three sequences of CPPs [melittin, Kaposi fibroblast growth factor (kFGF), and penetration accelerating sequence-R8] and compared their ability to internalize into the cells and, subsequently, improve the transfection efficiency. Study of intracellular uptake indicated that liposomal penetration into bEnd.3 cells, primary astrocytes, and primary neurons occurred through multiple endocytosis pathways and surface modification with Tf and CPP enhanced the transfection efficiency of the nanoparticles. A coculture in vitro BBB model reproducing the in vivo anatomophysiological complexity of the biologic barrier was developed to characterize the penetrating properties of these designed liposomes. The dual-functionalized liposomes effectively crossed the in vitro barrier model followed by transfecting primary neurons. Liposome tissue distribution in vivo indicated superior ability of kFGF-Tf-liposomes to overcome BBB and reach brain of the mice after single intravenous administration. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using strategically designed liposomes by combining Tf receptor targeting with enhanced cell penetration as a potential brain gene delivery vector. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Rational synthesis of efficient brain-targeted gene carrier included modification of liposomes with a target-specific ligand, transferrin, and with cell-penetrating peptide to enhance cellular internalization. Our study used an in vitro triple coculture blood-brain barrier (BBB) model as a tool to characterize the permeability across BBB and functionality of designed liposomes prior to in vivo biodistribution studies. Our study demonstrated that rational design and characterization of BBB permeability are efficient strategies for development of brain-targeted gene carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Dos Santos Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota (B.S.R., S.L., J.S.) and Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida (T.K.)
| | - Sushant Lakkadwala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota (B.S.R., S.L., J.S.) and Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida (T.K.)
| | - Takahisa Kanekiyo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota (B.S.R., S.L., J.S.) and Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida (T.K.)
| | - Jagdish Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota (B.S.R., S.L., J.S.) and Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida (T.K.)
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20
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Tarvirdipour S, Huang X, Mihali V, Schoenenberger CA, Palivan CG. Peptide-Based Nanoassemblies in Gene Therapy and Diagnosis: Paving the Way for Clinical Application. Molecules 2020; 25:E3482. [PMID: 32751865 PMCID: PMC7435460 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology approaches play an important role in developing novel and efficient carriers for biomedical applications. Peptides are particularly appealing to generate such nanocarriers because they can be rationally designed to serve as building blocks for self-assembling nanoscale structures with great potential as therapeutic or diagnostic delivery vehicles. In this review, we describe peptide-based nanoassemblies and highlight features that make them particularly attractive for the delivery of nucleic acids to host cells or improve the specificity and sensitivity of probes in diagnostic imaging. We outline the current state in the design of peptides and peptide-conjugates and the paradigms of their self-assembly into well-defined nanostructures, as well as the co-assembly of nucleic acids to form less structured nanoparticles. Various recent examples of engineered peptides and peptide-conjugates promoting self-assembly and providing the structures with wanted functionalities are presented. The advantages of peptides are not only their biocompatibility and biodegradability, but the possibility of sheer limitless combinations and modifications of amino acid residues to induce the assembly of modular, multiplexed delivery systems. Moreover, functions that nature encoded in peptides, such as their ability to target molecular recognition sites, can be emulated repeatedly in nanoassemblies. Finally, we present recent examples where self-assembled peptide-based assemblies with "smart" activity are used in vivo. Gene delivery and diagnostic imaging in mouse tumor models exemplify the great potential of peptide nanoassemblies for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Tarvirdipour
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (X.H.); (V.M.)
- Department of Biosystem Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xinan Huang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (X.H.); (V.M.)
| | - Voichita Mihali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (X.H.); (V.M.)
| | - Cora-Ann Schoenenberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (X.H.); (V.M.)
| | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.T.); (X.H.); (V.M.)
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21
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Tam DY, Ho JWT, Chan MS, Lau CH, Chang TJH, Leung HM, Liu LS, Wang F, Chan LLH, Tin C, Lo PK. Penetrating the Blood-Brain Barrier by Self-Assembled 3D DNA Nanocages as Drug Delivery Vehicles for Brain Cancer Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:28928-28940. [PMID: 32432847 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c02957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The development of biocompatible drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy in the brain remains a big challenge. In this study, we designed self-assembled DNA nanocages functionalized with or without blood-brain barrier (BBB)-targeting ligands, d and we investigated their penetration across the BBB. Our DNA nanocages were not cytotoxic and they were substantially taken up in brain capillary endothelial cells and Uppsala 87 malignant glioma (U-87 MG) cells. We found that ligand modification is not essential for this DNA system as the ligand-free DNA nanocages (LF-NCs) could still cross the BBB by endocytosis inin vitro and in vivo models. Our spherical DNA nanocages were more permeable across the BBB compared with tubular DNA nanotubes. Remarkably, in vivo studies revealed that DNA nanocages could carry anticancer drugs across the BBB and inhibit the tumor growth in a U-87 MG xenograft mouse model. This is the first example showing the potential of DNA nanocages as innovative delivery vehicles to the brain for cancer therapy. Unlike other delivery systems, our work suggest that a DNA nanocage-based platform provides a safe and cost-effective tool for targeted delivery to the brain and therapy for brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick Yan Tam
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jonathan Weng-Thim Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Miu Shan Chan
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cia Hin Lau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tristan Juin Han Chang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi Man Leung
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ling Sum Liu
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leanne Lai Hang Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chung Tin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pik Kwan Lo
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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22
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Cavaco M, Valle J, da Silva R, Correia JD, Castanho MARB, Andreu D, Neves V. DPepH3, an Improved Peptide Shuttle for Receptor-independent Transport Across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1495-1506. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200213094556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background:The use of peptides as drug carriers across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has increased significantly during the last decades. PepH3, a seven residue sequence (AGILKRW) derived from the α-helical domain of the dengue virus type-2 capsid protein, translocates across the BBB with very low toxicity. Somehow predictably from its size and sequence, PepH3 is degraded in serum relatively fast. Among strategies to increase peptide half-life (t1/2), the use of the enantiomer (wholly made of D-amino acid residues) can be quite successful if the peptide interacts with a target in non-stereospecific fashion.Methods:The goal of this work was the development of a more proteolytic-resistant peptide, while keeping the translocation properties. The serum stability, cytotoxicity, in vitro BBB translocation, and internalization mechanism of DPepH3 was assessed and compared to the native peptide.Results:DPepH3 demonstrates a much longer t1/2 compared to PepH3. We also confirm that BBB translocation is receptor-independent, which fully validates the enantiomer strategy chosen. In fact, we demonstrate that internalization occurs trough macropinocytosis. In addition, the enantiomer demonstrates to be non-cytotoxic towards endothelial cells as PepH3.Conclusion:DPepH3 shows excellent translocation and internalization properties, safety, and improved stability. Taken together, our results place DPepH3 at the forefront of the second generation of BBB shuttles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Javier Valle
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruben da Silva
- Centro de Ciencias e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciencias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - João D.G. Correia
- Centro de Ciencias e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciencias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Miguel A. R. B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vera Neves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av Prof Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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23
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Cummings JC, Zhang H, Jakymiw A. Peptide carriers to the rescue: overcoming the barriers to siRNA delivery for cancer treatment. Transl Res 2019; 214:92-104. [PMID: 31404520 PMCID: PMC6848774 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant health concern worldwide and its clinical treatment presents many challenges. Consequently, much research effort has focused on the development of new anticancer drugs to combat this disease. One area of exploration, in particular, has been in the therapeutic application of RNA interference (RNAi). Although RNAi appears to be an attractive therapeutic tool for the treatment of cancer, one of the primary obstacles towards its pervasive use in the clinic has been cell/tissue type-specific cytosolic delivery of therapeutic small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. Consequently, varied drug delivery platforms have been developed and widely explored for siRNA delivery. Among these candidate drug delivery systems, peptides have shown great promise as siRNA carriers due to their varied physiochemical properties and functions, simple formulations, and flexibility in design. In this review, we will focus on distinguishing between the different classes of peptide carriers based on their functions, as well as summarize and discuss the various design strategies and advancements that have been made in circumventing the barriers to siRNA delivery for cancer treatment. Resolution of these challenges by peptide carriers will accelerate the translation of RNAi-based therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Cummings
- Departments of Oral Health Sciences and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Haiwen Zhang
- Departments of Oral Health Sciences and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Andrew Jakymiw
- Departments of Oral Health Sciences and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, South Carolina.
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24
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Mendoza-Figueroa JS, Badillo-Ramírez I, Kvarnheden A, Rosas-Ramírez DG, Rodríguez-Negrete EA, Méndez-Lozano J, Saniger JM, Soriano-García M. The Peptide AmPep1 Derived from Amaranth Recognizes the Replication Hairpin of TYLCV Disturbing Its Replication Process in Host Plants. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:9241-9253. [PMID: 31369258 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b02526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Antiviral compounds targeting viral replicative processes have been studied as an alternative for the control of begomoviruses. Previously, we have reported that the peptide AmPep1 has strong affinity binding to the replication origin sequence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). In this study, we describe the mechanism of action of this peptide as a novel alternative for control of plant-infecting DNA viruses. When AmPep1 was applied exogenously to tomato and Nicotiana benthamiana plants infected with TYLCV, a decrease in the synthesis of the two viral DNA strands (CS and VS) was observed, with a consequent delay in the development of disease progress in treated plants. The chemical mechanism of action of AmPep1 was deduced using Raman spectroscopy and molecular modeling showing the formation of chemical interactions such as H bonds and electrostatic interactions and the formation of π-π interactions between both biomolecules contributing to tampering with the viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- José S Mendoza-Figueroa
- Departmento de Química de Biomacromoleculas, Instituto de Química , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , 04510 Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Isidro Badillo-Ramírez
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Circuíto Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria , 04510 Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Anders Kvarnheden
- Department of Plant Biology , Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , 75651 Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Daniel G Rosas-Ramírez
- Departmento de Química de Biomacromoleculas, Instituto de Química , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , 04510 Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Edgar A Rodríguez-Negrete
- CONACYT, Department of Agrobiotechnology, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional-Sinaloa , Instituto Politécnico Nacional , Guasave , 81049 Sinaloa , Mexico
| | - Jesús Méndez-Lozano
- Department of Agrobiotechnology, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional-Sinaloa , Instituto Politécnico Nacional , Guasave , 81049 Sinaloa , Mexico
| | - José M Saniger
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Circuíto Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria , 04510 Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Manuel Soriano-García
- Departmento de Química de Biomacromoleculas, Instituto de Química , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , 04510 Mexico City , Mexico
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25
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Rasoolian M, Kheirollahi M, Hosseini SY. MDA-7/interleukin 24 (IL-24) in tumor gene therapy: application of tumor penetrating/homing peptides for improvement of the effects. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 19:211-223. [PMID: 30612497 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2019.1566453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION MDA-7/Interleukin-24 (IL-24), as a pleiotropic cytokine, exhibits a specific tumor suppression property that has attracted a great deal of attention. While its anti-tumor induction is mostly attributed to endogenous gene expression, attachment of secreted MDA-7/IL-24 to cognate receptors also triggers the death of cancerous cell via different pathways. Therefore, precise targeting of secreted MDA-7/IL-24 to tumor cells would render it more efficacy and specificity. AREAS COVERED In order to target soluble cytokines, particularly MDA-7/IL-24 to the neighbor tumor sites and enhance their therapeutic efficiency, fusing with cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) or Tumor homing peptides (THPs) seems logical due to the improvement of their bystander effects. Although the detailed anti-tumor mechanisms of endogenous mda-7/IL-24 have been largely investigated, the significance of the secreted form in these activities and methods of its improving by CPPs or THPs need more discussion. EXPERT OPINION While the employment of CPPs/THPs for the improvement of cytokine gene therapy is desirable, to create fusions of CPPs/THPs with MDA-7/IL-24, some hurdles are not avoidable. Regarding our expertise, herein, the importance of CPPs/THPs, needs for their elegant designing in a fusion structure, and their applications in cytokine gene therapy are discussed with a special focus on mda-7/IL-24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rasoolian
- a Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine , Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan , Iran
| | - Majid Kheirollahi
- a Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine , Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan , Iran.,b Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Pediatrics Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease School of Medicine , Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan , Iran
| | - Seyed Younes Hosseini
- c Bacteriology and Virology Department, School of Medicine , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
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Combination of Cell-Penetrating Peptides with Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Application: A Review. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9010022. [PMID: 30634689 PMCID: PMC6359287 DOI: 10.3390/biom9010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), also known as protein translocation domains, membrane translocating sequences or Trojan peptides, are small molecules of 6 to 30 amino acid residues capable of penetrating biological barriers and cellular membranes. Furthermore, CPP have become an alternative strategy to overcome some of the current drug limitations and combat resistant strains since CPPs are capable of delivering different therapeutic molecules against a wide range of diseases. In this review, we address the recent conjugation of CPPs with nanoparticles, which constitutes a new class of delivery vectors with high pharmaceutical potential in a variety of diseases.
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Porosk L, Arukuusk P, Põhako K, Kurrikoff K, Kiisholts K, Padari K, Pooga M, Langel Ü. Enhancement of siRNA transfection by the optimization of fatty acid length and histidine content in the CPP. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:4363-4374. [DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00688e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Depending on the pH, polyhistidines in the CPP influence interactions in CPP/siRNA nanoparticles by switching from hydrophobic to charged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ly Porosk
- Institute of Technology
- University of Tartu
- Tartu
- Estonia
| | | | - Kaisa Põhako
- Institute of Technology
- University of Tartu
- Tartu
- Estonia
| | | | | | - Kärt Padari
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
- University of Tartu
- Tartu
- Estonia
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute of Technology
- University of Tartu
- Tartu
- Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Institute of Technology
- University of Tartu
- Tartu
- Estonia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
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28
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Coolen AL, Lacroix C, Mercier-Gouy P, Delaune E, Monge C, Exposito JY, Verrier B. Poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles and cell-penetrating peptide potentiate mRNA-based vaccine expression in dendritic cells triggering their activation. Biomaterials 2018; 195:23-37. [PMID: 30610991 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA-based vaccines have the potential to trigger robust cytotoxic immune responses, which are essential for fighting cancer and infectious diseases like HIV. Dendritic Cells (DCs) are choice targets for mRNA-based vaccine strategies, as they link innate and adaptive immune responses and are major regulators of cytotoxic and humoral adaptive responses. However, efficient delivery of antigen-coding mRNAs into DC cytosol has been highly challenging. In this study, we developed an alternative to lipid-based mRNA delivery systems, using poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles (PLA-NPs) and cationic cell-penetrating peptides as mRNA condensing agent. The formulations are assembled in two steps: (1) formation of a polyplex between mRNAs and amphipathic cationic peptides (RALA, LAH4 or LAH4-L1), and (2) adsorption of polyplexes onto PLA-NPs. LAH4-L1/mRNA polyplexes and PLA-NP/LAH4-L1/mRNA nanocomplexes are taken up by DCs via phagocytosis and clathrin-dependent endocytosis, and induce strong protein expression in DCs in vitro. They modulate DC innate immune response by activating both endosome and cytosolic Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), and induce markers of adaptive responses in primary human DCs in vitro, with prevalent Th1 signature. Thus, LAH4-L1/mRNA and PLA-NP/LAH4-L1/mRNA represent a promising platform for ex vivo treatment and mRNA vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Line Coolen
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Céline Lacroix
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Perrine Mercier-Gouy
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Emilie Delaune
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Claire Monge
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Exposito
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France
| | - Bernard Verrier
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tissulaire et d'Ingénierie Thérapeutique, UMR 5305, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, IBCP, Lyon, France.
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29
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Tripathi PP, Arami H, Banga I, Gupta J, Gandhi S. Cell penetrating peptides in preclinical and clinical cancer diagnosis and therapy. Oncotarget 2018; 9:37252-37267. [PMID: 30647857 PMCID: PMC6324683 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivery of imaging reagents and drugs to tumors is essential for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In addition to therapeutic and diagnostic functionalities, peptides have potential benefits such as biocompatibility, ease to synthesize, smaller size, by-passing off-target side effects, and achieving the beneficial effects with lower-administered dosages. A particular type of peptide known as cell penetrating peptides (CPP) have been predominantly studied during last twenty years as they are not only capable to translocate themselves across membranes but also allow carrier drugs to translocate across plasma membrane, by different mechanisms depending on the CPP. This is of great potential importance in drug delivery systems, as the ability to pass across membranes is crucial to many drug delivery systems. In spite of significant progress in design and application of CPP, more investigations are required to further improve their delivery to tumors, with reduced side-effect and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we emphasis on current advancements in preclinical and clinical trials based on using CPP for more efficient delivery of anti-cancer drugs and imaging reagents to cancer tissues and individual cells associated with them. We discuss the evolution of the CPPs-based strategies for targeted delivery, their current status and strengths, along with summarizing the role of CPPs in targeted drug delivery. We also discuss some recently reported diagnostic applications of engineered protease-responsive substrates and activable imaging complexes. We highlight the recent clinical trial data by providing a road map for better design of the CPPs for future preclinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem Prakash Tripathi
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Kolkata, India.,IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Kolkata, India
| | - Hamed Arami
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), The James H. Clark Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ivneet Banga
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Jalaj Gupta
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sonu Gandhi
- DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (DBT-NIAB), Hyderabad, India
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30
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Mosquera J, García I, Liz-Marzán LM. Cellular Uptake of Nanoparticles versus Small Molecules: A Matter of Size. Acc Chem Res 2018; 51:2305-2313. [PMID: 30156826 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The primary function of the cell membrane is to protect cells from their surroundings. This entails a strict regulation on controlling the exchange of matter between the cell and its environment. A key factor when considering potential biological applications of a particular chemical structure has to do with its ability to internalize into cells. Molecules that can readily cross cell membranes are frequently needed in biological research and medicine, since most therapeutic entities are designed to modulate intracellular components. However, the design of molecules that do not penetrate cells is also relevant toward, for example, extracellular contrast agents, which are most widely used in clinical diagnosis. Small molecules have occupied the forefront of biomedical research until recently, but the past few decades have seen an increasing use of larger chemical structures, such as proteins or nanoparticles, leading to unprecedented and often unexpectedly novel research. Great achievements have been made toward understanding the rules that govern cellular uptake, which show that cell internalization of molecules is largely affected by their size. For example, macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids are usually unable to internalize cells. Intriguingly, in the case of nanoparticles, larger sizes seem to facilitate internalization via endocytic pathways, through which the particles remain trapped in lysosomes and endosomes. In this Account, we aimed at presenting our personal view of how different chemical structures behave in terms of cell internalization due to their size, ranging from small drugs to large nanoparticles. We first introduce the properties of cell membranes and the main mechanisms involved in cellular uptake. We then discuss the cellular internalization of molecules, distinguishing between those with molecular weights below 1 kDa and biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. In the last section, we review the biological behavior of nanoparticles, with a special emphasis on plasmonic nanoparticles, which feature a high potential in the biomedical field. For each group of chemical structures, we discuss the parameters affecting their cellular internalization but also strategies that can be applied to achieve the desired intracellular delivery. Particular attention is paid to approaches that allow conditional regulation of the cell internalization process using external triggers, such as activable cell penetrating peptides, due to the impact that these systems may have in drug delivery and sensing applications. The Account ends with a "Conclusions and Outlook" section, where general lessons and future directions toward further advancements are briefly presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Mosquera
- CIC biomaGUNE and CIBER-BBN, Paseo de Miramón 182, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Isabel García
- CIC biomaGUNE and CIBER-BBN, Paseo de Miramón 182, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Luis M. Liz-Marzán
- CIC biomaGUNE and CIBER-BBN, Paseo de Miramón 182, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
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31
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Bell GD, Yang Y, Leung E, Krissansen GW. mRNA transfection by a Xentry-protamine cell-penetrating peptide is enhanced by TLR antagonist E6446. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201464. [PMID: 30059522 PMCID: PMC6066245 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) transfection is a developing field that has applications in research and gene therapy. Potentially, mRNA transfection can be mediated efficiently by cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) as they may be modified to target specific tissues. However, whilst CPPs are well-documented to transfect oligonucleotides and plasmids, mRNA transfection by CPPs has barely been explored. Here we report that peptides, including a truncated form of protamine and the same peptide fused to the CPP Xentry (Xentry-protamine; XP), can transfect mRNAs encoding reporter genes into human cells. Further, this transfection is enhanced by the anti-malarial chloroquine (CQ) and the toll-like receptor antagonist E6446 (6-[3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propoxy)-2-(4-(3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propoxy)phenyl]benzo[d]oxazole), with E6446 being >5-fold more potent than CQ at enhancing this transfection. Finally, E6446 facilitated the transfection by XP of mRNA encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, the protein mutated in cystic fibrosis. As such, these findings introduce E6446 as a novel transfection enhancer and may be of practical relevance to researchers seeking to improve the mRNA transfection efficiency of their preferred CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn D. Bell
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Euphemia Leung
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Geoffrey W. Krissansen
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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32
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Chandrasekaran AP, Song M, Kim KS, Ramakrishna S. Different Methods of Delivering CRISPR/Cas9 Into Cells. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 159:157-176. [PMID: 30340786 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated system (Cas) is comprised of repetitive bases followed by short fragments of DNA from a previously invading organism that provide immunity to the most prokaryotic organisms. An RNA-dependent spacer is required for CRISPR/Cas9 to recognize the target DNA. Delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9-guide RNA (gRNA) complex to any cell results in modification of the target sequence. The CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technique is currently in the spotlight and has several research interests, including molecular medicine and agriculture. There are several factors that hinder the delivery of this complex, such as the large size of the plasmid or high dosage of the chemical agent. There are several methods available to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 and its components to the target cells. It includes viral, non-viral and physical methods to deliver plasmid or ribonucleoprotein (RNP) of CRISPR components. But in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 delivery remains challenging to the researchers due to insertional mutagenesis, targeted delivery, immunogenicity, and off-targets. However, studies suggesting that the CRISPR/Cas9-RNP delivery can overcome these hurdles. Here, we review the various methods for delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 and gRNA to several cell lines, highlighting the limitations of each approach, and suggest possible alternative methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Minjung Song
- Department of Food Biotechnology, College of Medical and Life Science, Silla University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kye-Seong Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea; College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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33
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Rehmani S, Dixon JE. Oral delivery of anti-diabetes therapeutics using cell penetrating and transcytosing peptide strategies. Peptides 2018; 100:24-35. [PMID: 29412825 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Oral delivery of insulin and other anti-diabetic peptides is inhibited by low intestinal absorption caused by the poor permeability across cellular membranes and the susceptibility to enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been investigated for a number of years as oral absorption enhancers for hydrophilic macromolecules by electrostatic or covalent conjugation on in conjunction with nanotechnology. Endogenous cellular uptake mechanisms present in the intestine can be exploited by engineering peptide conjugates that transcytose; entering cells by endocytosis and leaving by exocytosis. Efficiently delivering hydrophilic and sensitive peptide drugs to safely transverse the digestive barrier with no effect on gut physiology using remains a key driver for formulation research. Here we review the use of CPP and transcytosis peptide approaches, their modification and use in delivering anti-diabetic peptides (with the primary example of Insulin and engineered homologues) by direct oral administration to treat diabetes and associated metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahrish Rehmani
- Wolfson Centre for Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering, and Modelling (STEM), Centre of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - James E Dixon
- Wolfson Centre for Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering, and Modelling (STEM), Centre of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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34
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Gomes B, Augusto MT, Felício MR, Hollmann A, Franco OL, Gonçalves S, Santos NC. Designing improved active peptides for therapeutic approaches against infectious diseases. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:415-429. [PMID: 29330093 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are one of the main causes of human morbidity and mortality. In the last few decades, pathogenic microorganisms' resistance to conventional drugs has been increasing, and it is now pinpointed as a major worldwide health concern. The need to search for new therapeutic options, as well as improved treatment outcomes, has therefore increased significantly, with biologically active peptides representing a new alternative. A substantial research effort is being dedicated towards their development, especially due to improved biocompatibility and target selectivity. However, the inherent limitations of peptide drugs are restricting their application. In this review, we summarize the current status of peptide drug development, focusing on antiviral and antimicrobial peptide activities, highlighting the design improvements needed, and those already being used, to overcome the drawbacks of the therapeutic application of biologically active peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marcelo T Augusto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mário R Felício
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Axel Hollmann
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Biointerfaces and Biomimetic Systems, CITSE, National University of Santiago del Estero-CONICET, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
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35
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Wang B, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Mao Z, Lu N, Liu QH. The penetration of a charged peptide across a membrane under an external electric field: a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation. RSC Adv 2018; 8:41517-41525. [PMID: 35559300 PMCID: PMC9091862 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra07654e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The processes of single polyarginine (R8) peptide penetration through planar and vesicle membranes under an external electric field are simulated via a coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics
- Department of Electronic Science
- Xiamen University
- Xiamen
- P. R. China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics
- Department of Electronic Science
- Xiamen University
- Xiamen
- P. R. China
| | - Youyu Zhang
- Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics
- Department of Electronic Science
- Xiamen University
- Xiamen
- P. R. China
| | - Zheng Mao
- Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics
- Department of Electronic Science
- Xiamen University
- Xiamen
- P. R. China
| | - Nan Lu
- Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics
- Department of Electronic Science
- Xiamen University
- Xiamen
- P. R. China
| | - Qing Huo Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Duke University
- Durham
- USA
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36
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Abstract
The majority of the human genome encodes RNAs that do not code for proteins. These non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) affect normal expression of the genes, including oncogenes and tumour suppressive genes, which make them a new class of targets for drug development in cancer. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most studied regulatory ncRNAs to date, and miRNA-targeted therapeutics have already reached clinical development, including the mimics of the tumour suppressive miRNAs miR-34 and miR-16, which reached phase I clinical trials for the treatment of liver cancer and mesothelioma, the importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is increasingly being recognised. Here, we describe obstacles and advances in the development of ncRNA therapeutics and provide the comprehensive overview of the ncRNA chemistry and delivery technologies. Furthermore, we summarise recent knowledge on the biological functions of miRNAs and their involvement in carcinogenesis, and discuss the strategies of their therapeutic manipulation in cancer. We review also the emerging insights into the role of lncRNAs and their potential as targets for novel treatment paradigms. Finally, we provide the up-to-date summary of clinical trials involving miRNAs and future directions in the development of ncRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Slaby
- Centre for Molecular Medicine, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Laga
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Sedlacek
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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Jiang K, Gao X, Shen Q, Zhan C, Zhang Y, Xie C, Wei G, Lu W. Discerning the composition of penetratin for safe penetration from cornea to retina. Acta Biomater 2017; 63:123-134. [PMID: 28927928 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of biomacromolecules into the eye is greatly hindered by several protective barriers. The cell-penetrating peptide, penetratin, has been found to be an effective absorption enhancer for noninvasive intraocular gene delivery. To discern the composition of penetratin for safe penetration from cornea to retina, we designed a series of penetratin derivatives by varying the hydrophobicity and evaluated their potency for retina-targeted delivery. The hydrophilic amino acids of penetratin, excluding the conserved basic amino acid residues, were respectively replaced with tryptophan. Secondary structure of the resultant derivatives was analyzed by computer simulation and circular dichroism, exhibiting that the hydrophobic derivatives had a propensity to form high content of helix and entered corneal and conjunctival cells more easily than did penetratin. As expected, the hydrophobic derivatives showed improved permeability in excised rabbit cornea and sclera, and kept intact after penetration. When instilled topically in the conjunctival sac of mice eyes, the hydrophobic derivatives distributed safely and rapidly into both cornea and retina, with increased amount and prolonged retention time in comparison to penetratin. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the ocular permeability of penetratin derivatives closely correlated with their hydrophobicity, and introducing hydrophobic amino acids in penetratin was a feasible approach to develop more powerful ocular absorption enhancers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Due to the defensive barriers of the eye, efficient and safe absorption enhancers are indispensable for noninvasive delivery of exogenous biomacromolecules to the posterior segment. In this manuscript, we designed a series of penetratin derivatives and validated they had significantly improved penetration ability from cornea to retina than wild-type penetratin, without increasing toxicity. More importantly, we provided a sequence of solid evidences that the ocular permeability of penetratin derivatives closely correlated with their hydrophobicity, and introducing hydrophobic amino acids in penetratin was a feasible approach to develop more powerful ocular absorption enhancers. We also demonstrated that the penetratin derivatives permeated through cornea and sclera with intact structure, and might enter the eye by non-corneal pathway.
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A New Noncanonical Anionic Peptide That Translocates a Cellular Blood-Brain Barrier Model. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22101753. [PMID: 29057814 PMCID: PMC6151732 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22101753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity to transport therapeutic molecules across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) represents a breakthrough in the development of tools for the treatment of many central nervous system (CNS)-associated diseases. The BBB, while being protective against infectious agents, hinders the brain uptake of many drugs. Hence, finding safe shuttles able to overcome the BBB is of utmost importance. Herein, we identify a new BBB-translocating peptide with unique properties. For years it was thought that cationic sequences were mandatory for a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) to achieve cellular internalization. Despite being anionic at physiological pH, PepNeg (sequence (SGTQEEY) is an efficient BBB translocator that is able to carry a large cargo (27 kDa), while maintaining BBB integrity. In addition, PepNeg is able to use two distinct methods of translocation, energy-dependent and -independent, suggesting that direct penetration might occur when low concentrations of peptide are presented to cells. The discovery of this new anionic trans-BBB peptide allows the development of new delivery systems to the CNS and contributes to the need to rethink the role of electrostatic attraction in BBB-translocation.
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39
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Tian L, Zhang X, Haesen D, Bravo J, Fominaya J, Choquet S, Zini JM, Loisel S, Waelkens E, Janssens V, Rebollo A. Identification of PP2A/Set Binding Sites and Design of Interacting Peptides with Potential Clinical Applications. Int J Pept Res Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-017-9633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Mohammadi S, Zakeri-Milani P, Golkar N, Farkhani SM, Shirani A, Shahbazi Mojarrad J, Nokhodchi A, Valizadeh H. Synthesis and cellular characterization of various nano-assemblies of cell penetrating peptide-epirubicin-polyglutamate conjugates for the enhancement of antitumor activity. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 46:1572-1585. [PMID: 28933182 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2017.1379016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A new class of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) named peptide amphiphile was designed to improve the intracellular uptake and the antitumor activity of epirubicin (EPR). Various amphiphilic CPPs were synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis method and were chemically conjugated to EPR. Their corresponding nanoparticles (CPPs-E4 and CPPs-E8) were prepared via non-covalent binding of the peptides and polyanions. Cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative activity were evaluated by MTT assay. Cellular uptake was examined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The CPPs exhibited slight cytotoxicity. Binding of polyglutamate to CPPs (CPPs-E4 and CPPs-E8 nanoparticles) decreased their cytotoxicity. CPPs-E8 nanoparticles showed lower cytotoxicity than CPPs-E4 nanoparticles. Cellular uptake of K3W4K3-E8, K2W4K2-E8 and W3K4W3-E8 reached 100% with no difference between each of the mentioned CPPs and its nanoparticles at 50 µM. The anti-proliferative activity of EPR was enhanced following conjugation to peptides and nanoparticles at 25 µM. CPPs-EPR-E4 and CPPs-E8-EPR nanoparticles displayed higher anti-proliferative activity than CPPs-EPR at 25 µM. CPPs-E8-EPR nanoparticles showed higher anti-proliferative activity than CPPs-E4-EPR. K3W4K3-E8-EPR nanoparticles exhibited the highest anti-proliferative activity at 25 µM. The synthesized peptide nanoparticles are proposed as suitable carriers for improving the intracellular delivery of EPR into tumor cells with low cytotoxicity and high antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Mohammadi
- a Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Parvin Zakeri-Milani
- b Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Nasim Golkar
- c Pharmaceutics Department, School of Pharmacy , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Samad Mussa Farkhani
- a Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,d Student Research Committee , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Ali Shirani
- a Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,d Student Research Committee , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Javid Shahbazi Mojarrad
- b Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Ali Nokhodchi
- e Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK
| | - Hadi Valizadeh
- f Drug Applied Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
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41
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Sun Y, Yang Z, Wang C, Yang T, Cai C, Zhao X, Yang L, Ding P. Exploring the role of peptides in polymer-based gene delivery. Acta Biomater 2017; 60:23-37. [PMID: 28778533 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Polymers are widely studied as non-viral gene vectors because of their strong DNA binding ability, capacity to carry large payload, flexibility of chemical modifications, low immunogenicity, and facile processes for manufacturing. However, high cytotoxicity and low transfection efficiency substantially restrict their application in clinical trials. Incorporating functional peptides is a promising approach to address these issues. Peptides demonstrate various functions in polymer-based gene delivery systems, such as targeting to specific cells, breaching membrane barriers, facilitating DNA condensation and release, and lowering cytotoxicity. In this review, we systematically summarize the role of peptides in polymer-based gene delivery, and elaborate how to rationally design polymer-peptide based gene delivery vectors. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Polymers are widely studied as non-viral gene vectors, but suffer from high cytotoxicity and low transfection efficiency. Incorporating short, bioactive peptides into polymer-based gene delivery systems can address this issue. Peptides demonstrate various functions in polymer-based gene delivery systems, such as targeting to specific cells, breaching membrane barriers, facilitating DNA condensation and release, and lowering cytotoxicity. In this review, we highlight the peptides' roles in polymer-based gene delivery, and elaborate how to utilize various functional peptides to enhance the transfection efficiency of polymers. The optimized peptide-polymer vectors should be able to alter their structures and functions according to biological microenvironments and utilize inherent intracellular pathways of cells, and consequently overcome the barriers during gene delivery to enhance transfection efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Chunxi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Tianzhi Yang
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Husson University, Bangor, ME, USA
| | - Cuifang Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Pingtian Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Chen K, Liu B, Yu B, Zhong W, Lu Y, Zhang J, Liao J, Liu J, Pu Y, Qiu L, Zhang L, Liu H, Tan W. Advances in the development of aptamer drug conjugates for targeted drug delivery. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 9:10.1002/wnan.1438. [PMID: 27800663 PMCID: PMC5507701 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A key goal of modern medicine is target-specific therapeutic intervention. However, most drugs lack selectivity, resulting in 'off-target' side effects. To address the requirements of 'targeted therapy,' aptamers, which are artificial oligonucleotides, have been used as novel targeting ligands to construct aptamer drug conjugates (ApDC) that can specifically bind to a broad spectrum of targets, including diseased cells. Accordingly, the application of aptamers in targeted drug delivery has attracted broad interest due to their impressive selectivity and affinity, low immunogenicity, easy synthesis with high reproducibility, facile modification, and relatively rapid tissue penetration with no toxicity. Functionally, aptamers themselves can be used as macromolecular drugs, and they are also commonly used in biomarker discovery and targeted drug delivery. In this review, we will highlight the most recent advances in the development of aptamers and aptamer conjugates, and discuss their potential in targeted therapy. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1438. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1438 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Chen
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Zhong
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiani Zhang
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Liao
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Collaborative Research Center of Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Pu
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liping Qiu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Collaborative Research Center of Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Liqin Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Collaborative Research Center of Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at the Bio/Nano Interface, UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Huixia Liu
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Collaborative Research Center of Molecular Engineering for Theranostics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at the Bio/Nano Interface, UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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43
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Quantitative analysis of molecular partition towards lipid membranes using surface plasmon resonance. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45647. [PMID: 28358389 PMCID: PMC5372468 DOI: 10.1038/srep45647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the interplay between molecules and lipid membranes is fundamental when studying cellular and biotechnological phenomena. Partition between aqueous media and lipid membranes is key to the mechanism of action of many biomolecules and drugs. Quantifying membrane partition, through adequate and robust parameters, is thus essential. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a powerful technique for studying 1:1 stoichiometric interactions but has limited application to lipid membrane partition data. We have developed and applied a novel mathematical model for SPR data treatment that enables determination of kinetic and equilibrium partition constants. The method uses two complementary fitting models for association and dissociation sensorgram data. The SPR partition data obtained for the antibody fragment F63, the HIV fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide, and the endogenous drug kyotorphin towards POPC membranes were compared against data from independent techniques. The comprehensive kinetic and partition models were applied to the membrane interaction data of HRC4, a measles virus entry inhibitor peptide, revealing its increased affinity for, and retention in, cholesterol-rich membranes. Overall, our work extends the application of SPR beyond the realm of 1:1 stoichiometric ligand-receptor binding into a new and immense field of applications: the interaction of solutes such as biomolecules and drugs with lipids.
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Trends in the Binding of Cell Penetrating Peptides to siRNA: A Molecular Docking Study. JOURNAL OF BIOPHYSICS 2017; 2017:1059216. [PMID: 28321253 PMCID: PMC5340175 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1059216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The use of gene therapeutics, including short interfering RNA (siRNA), is limited by the lack of efficient delivery systems. An appealing approach to deliver gene therapeutics involves noncovalent complexation with cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) which are able to penetrate the cell membranes of mammals. Although a number of CPPs have been discovered, our understanding of their complexation and translocation of siRNA is as yet insufficient. Here, we report on computational studies comparing the binding affinities of CPPs with siRNA, considering a variety of CPPs. Specifically, seventeen CPPs from three different categories, cationic, amphipathic, and hydrophobic CPPs, were studied. Molecular mechanics were used to minimize structures, while molecular docking calculations were used to predict the orientation and favorability of sequentially binding multiple peptides to siRNA. Binding scores from docking calculations were highest for amphipathic peptides over cationic and hydrophobic peptides. Results indicate that initial complexation of peptides will likely occur along the major groove of the siRNA, driven by electrostatic interactions. Subsequent binding of CPPs is likely to occur in the minor groove and later on bind randomly, to siRNA or previously bound CPPs, through hydrophobic interactions. However, hydrophobic CPPs do not show this binding pattern. Ultimately binding yields a positively charged nanoparticle capable of noninvasive cellular import of therapeutic molecules.
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45
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Pärnaste L, Arukuusk P, Langel K, Tenson T, Langel Ü. The Formation of Nanoparticles between Small Interfering RNA and Amphipathic Cell-Penetrating Peptides. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017. [PMID: 28624185 PMCID: PMC5363680 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are delivery vectors widely used to aid the transport of biologically active cargoes to intracellular targets. These cargoes include small interfering RNAs (siRNA) that are not naturally internalized by cells. Elucidating the complexities behind the formation of CPP and cargo complexes is crucial for understanding the processes related to their delivery. In this study, we used modified analogs of the CPP transportan10 and investigated the binding properties of these CPPs to siRNA, the formation parameters of the CPP/siRNA complexes, and their stabiliy to enzymatic degradation. We conclude that the pH dependent change of the net charge of the CPP may very well be the key factor leading to the high delivery efficiency and the optimal binding strength between CPPs to siRNAs, while the hydrophobicity, secondary structure of the CPP, and the positions of the positive charges are responsible for the stability of the CPP/siRNA particles. Also, CPPs with distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions may assemble into nanoparticles that could be described as core-shell formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ly Pärnaste
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1-517, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Piret Arukuusk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1-517, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kent Langel
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1-517, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tanel Tenson
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1-517, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1-517, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden
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46
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Ahmed M. Peptides, polypeptides and peptide–polymer hybrids as nucleic acid carriers. Biomater Sci 2017; 5:2188-2211. [DOI: 10.1039/c7bm00584a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Peptide, polypeptide and polymer–peptide hybrid based nucleic acid therapeutics (NAT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marya Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry & School of Sustainable Design and Engineering
- University of Prince Edward Island
- Charlottetown
- Canada
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47
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Freire JM, Rego de Figueiredo I, Valle J, Veiga AS, Andreu D, Enguita FJ, Castanho MARB. siRNA-cell-penetrating peptides complexes as a combinatorial therapy against chronic myeloid leukemia using BV173 cell line as model. J Control Release 2016; 245:127-136. [PMID: 27890856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder caused by a single gene mutation, a reciprocal translocation that originates the Bcr-Abl gene with constitutive tyrosine kinase activity. As a monogenic disease, it is an optimum target for RNA silencing therapy. We developed a siRNA-based therapeutic approach in which the siRNA is delivered by pepM or pepR, two cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) derived from the dengue virus capsid protein. These peptides have a dual role: siRNA delivery into cells and direct action as bioportides, i.e. intracellularly bioactive CPPs, targetting cancer-related signaling processes. Both pepM and pepR penetrate the positive Bcr-Abl+ Cell Line (BV173). Five in silico designed anti-Bcr-Abl siRNA were selected for in vitro analysis after thorough screening. The Bcr-Abl downregulation kinetics (48h to 168h) was followed by quantitative PCR. The bioportide action of the peptide vectors was evaluated by genome-wide microarray analysis and further validated by testing BV173 cell cycle and cell proliferation monitoring different genes involved in housekeeping/cell stress (RPL13A, HPRT1), cell proliferation (ki67), cell apoptosis (Caspase 3 and Caspase 9) and cell cycle steps (CDK2, CCDN2, CDKN1A). Assays with a commercial transfection agent were carried out for comparison purposes. Maximal Bcr-Abl gene knockdown was observed for one of the siRNA when delivered by pepM at 120h. Both pepM and pepR showed downregulation effects on proliferative CML-related signaling pathways having direct impact on BV173 cell cycle and proliferation, thus reinforcing the siRNA effect by acting as anticancer molecules. With this work we show the therapeutic potential of a CPP shuttle that combines intrinsic anticancer properties with the ability to deliver functional siRNA into CML cell models. By such combination, the pepM-siRNA conjugates lowered Bcr-Abl gene expression levels more extensively than conventional siRNA delivery technologies and perturbed leukemogenic cell homeostasis, hence revealing their potential as novel alternative scaffolds for CML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Miguel Freire
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Rego de Figueiredo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Radiation-Guided Peptide Delivery in a Mouse Model of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:5382047. [PMID: 27738632 PMCID: PMC5050376 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5382047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the HVGGSSV peptide, exploring radiation-guided delivery in a mouse model of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods. Mice with CNE-1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma were assigned to two different groups treated with Cy7-NHS and Cy7-HVGGSSV, respectively. Meanwhile, each mouse received a single dose of 3 Gy radiation. Biological distribution of the recombinant peptide was assessed on an in vivo small animal imaging system. Results. The experimental group showed maximum fluorescence intensity in irradiated tumors treated with Cy7-labeled HVGGSSV, while untreated (0 Gy) control tumors showed lower intensity levels. Fluorescence intensities of tumors in the right hind limbs of experimental animals were 7.84 × 107 ± 1.13 × 107, 1.35 × 108 ± 2.66 × 107, 4.05 × 108 ± 1.75 × 107, 5.57 × 108 ± 3.47 × 107, and 9.26 × 107 ± 1.73 × 107 photons/s/cm2 higher compared with left hind limb values at 1, 2, 15, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Fluorescence intensities of tumor in the right hind limbs of the experimental group were 1.66 × 108 ± 1.71 × 107, 1.51 × 108 ± 3.23 × 107, 5.38 × 108 ± 1.96 × 107, 5.89 × 108 ± 3.57 × 107, and 1.62 × 108 ± 1.69 × 107 photons/s/cm2 higher compared with control group values at 1, 2, 15, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Fluorescence was not specifically distributed in the control group. Compared with low fluorescence intensity in the heart, lungs, and tumors, high fluorescence distribution was found in the liver and kidney at 48 h. Conclusions. HVGGSSV was selectively bound to irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma, acting as a targeting transport carrier for radiation-guided drugs that are mainly metabolized in the kidney and liver.
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Krautwald S, Dewitz C, Fändrich F, Kunzendorf U. Inhibition of regulated cell death by cell-penetrating peptides. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:2269-84. [PMID: 27048815 PMCID: PMC4887531 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2200-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Development of the means to efficiently and continuously renew missing and non-functional proteins in diseased cells remains a major goal in modern molecular medicine. While gene therapy has the potential to achieve this, substantial obstacles must be overcome before clinical application can be considered. A promising alternative approach is the direct delivery of non-permeant active biomolecules, such as oligonucleotides, peptides and proteins, to the affected cells with the purpose of ameliorating an advanced disease process. In addition to receptor-mediated endocytosis, cell-penetrating peptides are widely used as vectors for rapid translocation of conjugated molecules across cell membranes into intracellular compartments and the delivery of these therapeutic molecules is generally referred to as novel prospective protein therapy. As a broad coverage of the enormous amount of published data in this field is unrewarding, this review will provide a brief, focused overview of the technology and a summary of recent studies of the most commonly used protein transduction domains and their potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cellular damage and the prevention of regulated cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Krautwald
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Christin Dewitz
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Fred Fändrich
- Clinic for Applied Cellular Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kunzendorf
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Kiel, Germany
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50
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Chen J, Guo Z, Tian H, Chen X. Production and clinical development of nanoparticles for gene delivery. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2016; 3:16023. [PMID: 27088105 PMCID: PMC4822651 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising strategy for specific treatment of numerous gene-associated human diseases by intentionally altering the gene expression in pathological cells. A successful clinical application of gene-based therapy depends on an efficient gene delivery system. Many efforts have been attempted to improve the safety and efficiency of gene-based therapies. Nanoparticles have been proved to be the most promising vehicles for clinical gene therapy due to their tunable size, shape, surface, and biological behaviors. In this review, the clinical development of nanoparticles for gene delivery will be particularly highlighted. Several promising candidates, which are closest to clinical applications, will be briefly reviewed. Then, the recent developments of nanoparticles for clinical gene therapy will be identified and summarized. Finally, the development of nanoparticles for clinical gene delivery in future will be prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Zhaopei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Huayu Tian
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
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