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Meng JS, He Y, Yang HB, Zhou LP, Wang SY, Feng XL, Yahya Al-Shargi O, Yu XM, Zhu LQ, Ling CQ. Melittin analog p5RHH enhances recombinant adeno-associated virus transduction efficiency. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024; 22:72-82. [PMID: 38307819 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Melittin and its derivative have been developed to support effective gene delivery systems. Their ability to facilitate endosomal release enhances the delivery of nanoparticle-based gene therapy. Nevertheless, its potential application in the context of viral vectors has not received much attention. Therefore, we would like to optimize the rAAV vector by Melittin analog to improve the transduction efficiency of rAAV in liver cancer cells and explore the mechanism of Melittin analog on rAAV. METHODS Various melittin-derived peptides were inserted into loop VIII of the capsid protein in recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors. These vectors carrying either gfp or fluc genes were subjected to quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays and transduction assays in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293T) cells to investigate the efficiency of vector production and gene delivery. In addition, the ability of a specific p5RHH-rAAV vector to deliver genes was examined through in vitro transduction of different cultured cells and in vivo tail vein administration to C57BL/6 mice. Finally, the intricate details of the vector-mediated transduction mechanisms were explored by using pharmacological inhibitors of every stage of the rAAV2 intracellular life cycle. RESULTS A total of 76 melittin-related peptides were identified from existing literature. Among them, CMA-3, p5RHH and aAR3 were found to significantly inhibit transduction of rAAV2 vector crude lysate. The p5RHH-rAAV2 vectors efficiently transduced not only rAAV-potent cell lines but also cell lines previously considered resistant to rAAV. Mechanistically, bafilomycin A1, a vacuolar endosome acidification inhibitor, completely inhibited the transgene expression mediated by the p5RHH-rAAV2 vectors. Most importantly, p5RHH-rAAV8 vectors also increased hepatic transduction in vivo in C57BL/6 mice. CONCLUSION The incorporation of melittin analogs into the rAAV capsids results in a significant improvement in rAAV-mediated transgene expression. While further modifications remain an area of interest, our studies have substantially broadened the pharmacological prospects of melittin in the context of viral vector-mediated gene delivery. Please cite this article as: Meng J, He Y, Yang H, Zhou L, Wang S, Feng X, Al-shargi OY, Yu X, Zhu L, Ling, C. Melittin analog p5RHH enhances recombinant adeno-associated virus transduction efficiency. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(1): 72-82.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Shun Meng
- Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China; Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yun He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Heng-Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Li-Ping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Si-Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xi-Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Yantai Fuheng Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Yantai 264006, Shandong Province, China
| | - Omar Yahya Al-Shargi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiao-Min Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Li-Qing Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Chang-Quan Ling
- Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China; Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Yang Y, Liu Z, Ma H, Cao M. Application of Peptides in Construction of Nonviral Vectors for Gene Delivery. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12224076. [PMID: 36432361 PMCID: PMC9693978 DOI: 10.3390/nano12224076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy, which aims to cure diseases by knocking out, editing, correcting or compensating abnormal genes, provides new strategies for the treatment of tumors, genetic diseases and other diseases that are closely related to human gene abnormalities. In order to deliver genes efficiently to abnormal sites in vivo to achieve therapeutic effects, a variety of gene vectors have been designed. Among them, peptide-based vectors show superior advantages because of their ease of design, perfect biocompatibility and safety. Rationally designed peptides can carry nucleic acids into cells to perform therapeutic effects by overcoming a series of biological barriers including cellular uptake, endosomal escape, nuclear entrance and so on. Moreover, peptides can also be incorporated into other delivery systems as functional segments. In this review, we referred to the biological barriers for gene delivery in vivo and discussed several kinds of peptide-based nonviral gene vectors developed for overcoming these barriers. These vectors can deliver different types of genetic materials into targeted cells/tissues individually or in combination by having specific structure-function relationships. Based on the general review of peptide-based gene delivery systems, the current challenges and future perspectives in development of peptidic nonviral vectors for clinical applications were also put forward, with the aim of providing guidance towards the rational design and development of such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, Department of Biological and Energy Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, Department of Biological and Energy Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Hongchao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, Department of Biological and Energy Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Meiwen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, Department of Biological and Energy Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
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Ahmad A, Khan JM. pH-sensitive endosomolytic peptides in gene and drug delivery: Endosomal escape and current challenges. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the family of neurotrophic factors that can potentially increase cancer cell growth, survival, proliferation, anoikis, and migration by tyrosine kinase receptors TrkB and the p75NTR death receptor. The activation of BDNF/TrkB pathways leads to several downstream signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, Jak/STAT, PLCγ, Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK, NF-kB, and transactivation of EGFR. The current review aimed to provide an overview of the role of BDNF and its signaling in cancer. METHODS We searched a major medical database, PubMed, to identify eligible studies for a narrative synthesis. RESULTS Pathological examinations demonstrate BDNF overexpression in human cancer, notably involving the prostate, lung, breast, and underlying tissues, associated with a higher death rate and poor prognosis. Therefore, measurement of BDNF, either for identifying the disease or predicting response to therapy, can be helpful in cancer patients. Expression profiling studies have recognized the role of microRNAs (miR) in modulating BDNF/TrkB pathways, such as miR-101, miR-107, miR-134, miR-147, miR-191, miR-200a/c, miR-204, miR-206, miR-210, miR-214, miR-382, miR-496, miR-497, miR-744, and miR-10a-5p, providing a potential biological mechanism by which targeted therapies may correlate with decreased BDNF expression in cancers. Clinical studies investigating the use of agents targeting BDNF receptors and related signaling pathways and interfering with the related oncogenic effect, including Entrectinib, Larotrectinib, Cabozantinib, Repotrectinib, Lestaurtinib, and Selitrectinib, are in progress. CONCLUSION The aberrant signaling of BDNF is implicated in various cancers. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to clarify the BDNF role in cancer progression and target it as a therapeutic method.
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Wang A, Zheng Y, Zhu W, Yang L, Yang Y, Peng J. Melittin-Based Nano-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010118. [PMID: 35053266 PMCID: PMC8773652 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a 26-amino acid polypeptide with a variety of pharmacological and toxicological effects, which include strong surface activity on cell lipid membranes, hemolytic activity, and potential anti-tumor properties. However, the clinical application of melittin is restricted due to its severe hemolytic activity. Different nanocarrier systems have been developed to achieve stable loading, side effects shielding, and tumor-targeted delivery, such as liposomes, cationic polymers, lipodisks, etc. In addition, MEL can be modified on nano drugs as a non-selective cytolytic peptide to enhance cellular uptake and endosomal/lysosomal escape. In this review, we discuss recent advances in MEL’s nano-delivery systems and MEL-modified nano drug carriers for cancer therapy.
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Zhang SK, Gong L, Zhang X, Yun ZM, Li SB, Gao HW, Dai CJ, Yuan JJ, Chen JM, Gong F, Tan YX, Ji SP. Antimicrobial peptide AR-23 derivatives with high endosomal disrupting ability enhance poly(l-lysine)-mediated gene transfer. J Gene Med 2020; 22:e3259. [PMID: 32776410 PMCID: PMC7685122 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background pH‐sensitive peptides are a relatively new strategy for conquering the poor endosomal release of cationic polymer‐mediated transfection. Modification of antimicrobial peptides by exchanging positively‐charged residues with negatively‐charged glutamic acid residues (Glu) greatly improves its lytic activity at the endosomal pH, which could improve cationic polymer‐mediated transfection. Methods In the present study, we investigated the effect of the number of Glu substituted for positively‐charged residues on the endosomal escape activity of AR‐23 and the ability of mutated AR‐23 with respect to enhancing cationic polymer‐mediated transfection. Three analogs were synthesized by replacing the positively‐charged residues in the AR‐23 sequence with Glu one‐by‐one. Results The pH‐sensitive lysis ability of the peptides, the effect of peptides on the physicochemical characteristics, the intracellular trafficking, the transfection efficiency and the cytotoxicity of the polyplexes were determined. Increased lytic activity of peptides was observed with the increased number of Glu replacement in the AR‐23 sequence at acidic pH. The number of Glu substituted for positively‐charged residues of AR‐23 dramatically affects its lysis ability at neutral pH. Triple‐Glu substitution in the AR‐23 sequence greatly improved poly(l‐lysine)‐mediated gene transfection efficiency at the same time as maintaining low cytotoxicity. Conclusions The results indicate that replacement of positively‐charged residues with sufficient Glu residues may be considered as a method for designing pH‐sensitive peptides, which could be applied as potential enhancers for improving cationic polymer‐mediated transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Kun Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Gong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China.,PLA navy No. 971 Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Min Yun
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Bo Li
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Wei Gao
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cong-Jie Dai
- College of Oceanology and Food Sciences, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jian-Jun Yuan
- College of Oceanology and Food Sciences, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jing-Ming Chen
- Quanzhou Preschool Education College, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Feng Gong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Xia Tan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shou-Ping Ji
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China.,College of Oceanology and Food Sciences, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
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