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Tuttolomondo M, Pham STD, Terp MG, Cendán Castillo V, Kalisi N, Vogel S, Langkjær N, Hansen UM, Thisgaard H, Schrøder HD, Palarasah Y, Ditzel HJ. A novel multitargeted self-assembling peptide-siRNA complex for simultaneous inhibition of SARS-CoV-2-host cell interaction and replication. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102227. [PMID: 38939051 PMCID: PMC11203390 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Effective therapeutics are necessary for managing severe COVID-19 disease despite the availability of vaccines. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can silence viral genes and restrict SARS-CoV-2 replication. Cell-penetrating peptides is a robust method for siRNA delivery, enhancing siRNA stability and targeting specific receptors. We developed a peptide HE25 that blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication by various mechanisms, including the binding of multiple receptors involved in the virus's internalization, such as ACE2, integrins and NRP1. HE25 not only acts as a vehicle to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase siRNA into cells but also facilitates their internalization through endocytosis. Once inside endosomes, the siRNA is released into the cytoplasm through the Histidine-proton sponge effect and the selective cleavage of HE25 by cathepsin B. These mechanisms effectively inhibited the replication of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron variant BA.5 in vitro. When HE25 was administered in vivo, either by intravenous injection or inhalation, it accumulated in lungs, veins and arteries, endothelium, or bronchial structure depending on the route. Furthermore, the siRNA/HE25 complex caused gene silencing in lung cells in vitro. The SARS-CoV-2 siRNA/HE25 complex is a promising therapeutic for COVID-19, and a similar strategy can be employed to combat future emerging viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Tuttolomondo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Stephanie Thuy Duong Pham
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Green Terp
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Virginia Cendán Castillo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Nazmie Kalisi
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Stefan Vogel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Langkjær
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Ulla Melchior Hansen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Imaging Core Facility, DaMBIC, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Helge Thisgaard
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Daa Schrøder
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Yaseelan Palarasah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Jørn Ditzel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
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Moreira R, Nóbrega C, de Almeida LP, Mendonça L. Brain-targeted drug delivery - nanovesicles directed to specific brain cells by brain-targeting ligands. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:260. [PMID: 38760847 PMCID: PMC11100082 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02511-7] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by extensive loss of function or death of brain cells, hampering the life quality of patients. Brain-targeted drug delivery is challenging, with a low success rate this far. Therefore, the application of targeting ligands in drug vehicles, such as lipid-based and polymeric nanoparticles, holds the promise to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and direct therapies to the brain, in addition to protect their cargo from degradation and metabolization. In this review, we discuss the barriers to brain delivery and the different types of brain-targeting ligands currently in use in brain-targeted nanoparticles, such as peptides, proteins, aptamers, small molecules, and antibodies. Moreover, we present a detailed review of the different targeting ligands used to direct nanoparticles to specific brain cells, like neurons (C4-3 aptamer, neurotensin, Tet-1, RVG, and IKRG peptides), astrocytes (Aquaporin-4, D4, and Bradykinin B2 antibodies), oligodendrocytes (NG-2 antibody and the biotinylated DNA aptamer conjugated to a streptavidin core Myaptavin-3064), microglia (CD11b antibody), neural stem cells (QTRFLLH, VPTQSSG, and NFL-TBS.40-63 peptides), and to endothelial cells of the BBB (transferrin and insulin proteins, and choline). Reports demonstrated enhanced brain-targeted delivery with improved transport to the specific cell type targeted with the conjugation of these ligands to nanoparticles. Hence, this strategy allows the implementation of high-precision medicine, with reduced side effects or unwanted therapy clearance from the body. Nevertheless, the accumulation of some of these nanoparticles in peripheral organs has been reported indicating that there are still factors to be improved to achieve higher levels of brain targeting. This review is a collection of studies exploring targeting ligands for the delivery of nanoparticles to the brain and we highlight the advantages and limitations of this type of approach in precision therapies.
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Grants
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal
| | - Liliana Mendonça
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal.
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal.
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Supe S, Upadhya A, Dighe V, Singh K. Development and Characterization of Modified Chitosan Lipopolyplex for an Effective siRNA Delivery. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:13. [PMID: 38191947 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02728-z] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxicity, speedy degradation, and limited cellular absorption are the foremost features influencing the successful delivery of RNAs. Chitosan (Cs) is a polymer that offers an advantage due to its bio-compatibility and biodegradable nature, making it an ideal polycationic vector for delivering siRNA. In this study, chitosan has been modified with arginine in order to increase its encapsulation of siRNA and improve cellular absorption. It was discovered that arginine and guanidino moieties could transport through membranes of cells and play an important part in membrane permeability. FTIR and 13C NMR were used to characterize the complex. These chitosan-arginine (CsAr) siRNA complexes are further encapsulated in anionic DPPC/cholesterol liposomes to combine the effects of liposome-chitosan-arginine complexes called lipopolyplexes (LCAr). Formed LCAr were investigated for their lipid/CsAr-siRNA ratios, size, zeta-potential, heparin, and serum RNase stability by agarose gel retardation, and cell uptake efficiency compared to their "parent" polyplexes. Results revealed complete lipidation of CsAr-siRNA polyplexes at lipid mass ratio 10 resulting in lipopolyplexes in the 120 to 230nm range. Polyplex entrapped ~70% of siRNA, whereas lipidation increases siRNA encapsulation to ~95%. Developed LCAr showed ~4 times less hemolytic potential as compared to the parent polyplexes at the highest siRNA dose. The CsAr-siRNA and its lipid-coated form showed enhanced cellular association as compared to the marketed Lipofectamine 2000 proving its effectiveness in siRNA delivery. CsAr-liposome conjugation is simple and safe, and serves as a robust carrier for gene transport in physiological situations without compromising transfection efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibani Supe
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India
| | - Archana Upadhya
- Maharashtra Educational Society's H. K. College of Pharmacy, H. K. College Campus, Mumbai, 400102, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vikas Dighe
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology ICMR, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, J.M.Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kavita Singh
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India.
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Supe S, Upadhya A, Tripathi S, Dighe V, Singh K. Liposome-polyethylenimine complexes for the effective delivery of HuR siRNA in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:1675-1698. [PMID: 36630075 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01281-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a vision-impairing complication of diabetes, damaging the retinal microcirculatory system. Overexpression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is implicated in the pathogenesis of DR. Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that favorably regulates VEGF protein expression by binding to VEGF-encoding mRNA. Downregulating HuR via RNA interference strategies using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) may constitute a novel therapeutic method for preventing VEGF protein overexpression in DR. Delivery of siRNAs to the cellular cytoplasm can be facilitated by cationic peptides or polymers and lipids. In this study, a cationic polymer (polyethylenimine (PEI)) and lipid nanoparticles (liposomes) were co-formulated with siRNA to form lipopolyplexes (LPPs) for the delivery of HuR siRNA. LPPs-siRNA were analyzed for size, zeta potential, serum stability, RNase stability, heparin stability, toxicity, and siRNA encapsulation efficiency. Cellular uptake, downregulation of the target HuR (mRNA and protein), and associated VEGF protein were used to demonstrate the biological efficacy of the LPPs-HuR siRNA, in vitro (human ARPE-19 cells), and in vivo (Wistar rats). In vivo efficacy study was performed by injecting LPPs-HuR siRNA formulations into the eye of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats after the development of retinopathy. Our findings demonstrated that high retinal HuR and VEGF levels observed in the eyes of untreated STZ rats were lowered after LPPs-HuR siRNA administration. Our observations indicate that intravitreal treatment with HuR siRNA is a promising option for DR using LPPs as delivery agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibani Supe
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India
| | - Archana Upadhya
- Humera Khan College of Pharmacy, HK College Campus, Oshiwara, Jogeshwari (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400102, India
| | - Santosh Tripathi
- Bombay Veterinary College, Sindhu Nagar, Parel Village, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India
| | - Vikas Dighe
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, J.M.Street, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India.
| | - Kavita Singh
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India.
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5
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Al Musaimi O, Valenzo OMM, Williams DR. Prediction of peptides retention behavior in reversed-phase liquid chromatography based on their hydrophobicity. J Sep Sci 2023; 46:e2200743. [PMID: 36349538 PMCID: PMC10098489 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202200743] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hydrophobicity is an important physicochemical property of peptides and proteins. It is responsible for their conformational changes, stability, as well as various chemical intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. Enormous efforts have been invested to study the extent of hydrophobicity and how it could influence various biological processes, in addition to its crucial role in the separation and purification endeavor as well. Here, we have reviewed various studies that were carried out to determine the hydrophobicity starting from (i) simple amino acids solubility behavior, (ii) experimental approach that was undertaken in the reversed-phase liquid chromatography mode, and ending with (iii) some examples of more advanced computational and machine learning models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman Al Musaimi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Daryl R Williams
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Tomassi S, Ieranò C, Del Bene A, D’Aniello A, Napolitano M, Rea G, Auletta F, Portella L, Capiluongo A, Mazzarella V, Russo R, Chambery A, Scala S, Di Maro S, Messere A. Tailoring the Structure of Cell Penetrating DNA and RNA Binding Nucleopeptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158504. [PMID: 35955638 PMCID: PMC9369335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic nucleic acid interactors represent an exciting research field due to their biotechnological and potential therapeutic applications. The translation of these molecules into drugs is a long and difficult process that justifies the continuous research of new chemotypes endowed with favorable binding, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. In this scenario, we describe the synthesis of two sets of homo-thymine nucleopeptides, in which nucleobases are inserted in a peptide structure, to investigate the role of the underivatized amino acid residue and the distance of the nucleobase from the peptide backbone on the nucleic acid recognition process. It is worth noting that the CD spectroscopy investigation showed that two of the reported nucleopeptides, consisting of alternation of thymine functionalized L-Orn and L-Dab and L-Arg as underivatized amino acids, were able to efficiently bind DNA and RNA targets and cross both cell and nuclear membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tomassi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico” II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (F.A.); (L.P.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Alessandra Del Bene
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.B.); (A.D.); (V.M.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonia D’Aniello
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.B.); (A.D.); (V.M.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Maria Napolitano
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (F.A.); (L.P.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (F.A.); (L.P.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Federica Auletta
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (F.A.); (L.P.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Luigi Portella
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (F.A.); (L.P.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Anna Capiluongo
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (F.A.); (L.P.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Mazzarella
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.B.); (A.D.); (V.M.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Rosita Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.B.); (A.D.); (V.M.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Chambery
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.B.); (A.D.); (V.M.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Stefania Scala
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.I.); (M.N.); (G.R.); (F.A.); (L.P.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.B.); (A.D.); (V.M.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Anna Messere
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.B.); (A.D.); (V.M.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.M.); (A.M.)
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Rząd K, Paluszkiewicz E, Neubauer D, Olszewski M, Kozłowska-Tylingo K, Kamysz W, Gabriel I. The Effect of Conjugation with Octaarginine, a Cell-Penetrating Peptide on Antifungal Activity of Imidazoacridinone Derivative. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413190. [PMID: 34947987 PMCID: PMC8705783 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Acridine cell-penetrating peptide conjugates are an extremely important family of compounds in antitumor chemotherapy. These conjugates are not so widely analysed in antimicrobial therapy, although bioactive peptides could be used as nanocarriers to smuggle antimicrobial compounds. An octaarginine conjugate of an imidazoacridinone derivative (Compound 1-R8) synthetized by us exhibited high antifungal activity against reference and fluconazole-resistant clinical strains (MICs ≤ 4 μg mL−1). Our results clearly demonstrate the qualitative difference in accumulation of the mother compound and Compound 1-R8 conjugate into fungal cells. Only the latter was transported and accumulated effectively. Microscopic and flow cytometry analysis provide some evidence that the killing activity of Compound 1-R8 may be associated with a change in the permeability of the fungal cell membrane. The conjugate exhibited low cytotoxicity against human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) and human liver (HEPG2) cancer cell lines. Nevertheless, the selectivity index value of the conjugate for human pathogenic strains remained favourable and no hemolytic activity was observed. The inhibitory effect of the analysed compound on yeast topoisomerase II activity suggested its molecular target. In summary, conjugation with R8 effectively increased imidazoacridinone derivative ability to enter the fungal cell and achieve a concentration inside the cell that resulted in a high antifungal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Rząd
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.R.); (E.P.); (M.O.); (K.K.-T.)
| | - Ewa Paluszkiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.R.); (E.P.); (M.O.); (K.K.-T.)
| | - Damian Neubauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gen. J. Hallera 107th Avenue, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (D.N.); (W.K.)
| | - Mateusz Olszewski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.R.); (E.P.); (M.O.); (K.K.-T.)
| | - Katarzyna Kozłowska-Tylingo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.R.); (E.P.); (M.O.); (K.K.-T.)
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gen. J. Hallera 107th Avenue, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (D.N.); (W.K.)
| | - Iwona Gabriel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and BioTechMed Center, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.R.); (E.P.); (M.O.); (K.K.-T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-348-6078; Fax: +48-58-347-1144
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8
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Zhang X, Lei T, Du H. Prospect of cell penetrating peptides in stem cell tracking. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:457. [PMID: 34391472 PMCID: PMC8364034 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02522-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has shown great efficacy in many diseases. However, the treatment mechanism is still unclear, which is a big obstacle for promoting clinical research. Therefore, it is particularly important to track transplanted stem cells in vivo, find out the distribution and condition of the stem cells, and furthermore reveal the treatment mechanism. Many tracking methods have been developed, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence imaging, and ultrasound imaging (UI). Among them, MRI and UI techniques have been used in clinical. In stem cell tracking, a major drawback of these technologies is that the imaging signal is not strong enough, mainly due to the low cell penetration efficiency of imaging particles. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been widely used for cargo delivery due to its high efficacy, good safety properties, and wide delivery of various cargoes. However, there are few reports on the application of CPPs in current stem cell tracking methods. In this review, we systematically introduced the mechanism of CPPs into cell membranes and their advantages in stem cell tracking, discussed the clinical applications and limitations of CPPs, and finally we summarized several commonly used CPPs and their specific applications in stem cell tracking. Although it is not an innovation of tracer materials, CPPs as a powerful tool have broad prospects in stem cell tracking. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuang Zhang
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.,School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Tong Lei
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.,School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongwu Du
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China. .,School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
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9
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Peptides as a material platform for gene delivery: Emerging concepts and converging technologies. Acta Biomater 2020; 117:40-59. [PMID: 32966922 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Successful gene therapies rely on methods that safely introduce DNA into target cells and enable subsequent expression of proteins. To that end, peptides are an attractive materials platform for DNA delivery, facilitating condensation into nanoparticles, delivery into cells, and subcellular release to enable protein expression. Peptides are programmable materials that can be designed to address biocompatibility, stability, and subcellular barriers that limit efficiency of non-viral gene delivery systems. This review focuses on fundamental structure-function relationships regarding peptide design and their impact on nanoparticle physical properties, biologic activity, and biocompatibility. Recent peptide technologies utilize multi-dimensional structures, non-natural chemistries, and combinations of peptides with lipids to achieve desired properties and efficient transfection. Advances in DNA cargo design are also presented to highlight further opportunities for peptide-based gene delivery. Modern DNA designs enable prolonged expression compared to traditional plasmids, providing an additional component that can be synergized with peptide carriers for improved transfection. Peptide transfection systems are poised to become a flexible and efficient platform incorporating new chemistries, functionalities, and improved DNA cargos to usher in a new era of gene therapy.
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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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Tomassi S, Ieranò C, Mercurio ME, Nigro E, Daniele A, Russo R, Chambery A, Baglivo I, Pedone PV, Rea G, Napolitano M, Scala S, Cosconati S, Marinelli L, Novellino E, Messere A, Di Maro S. Cationic nucleopeptides as novel non-covalent carriers for the delivery of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and RNA oligomers. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:2539-2550. [PMID: 29656988 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cationic nucleopeptides belong to a family of synthetic oligomers composed by amino acids and nucleobases. Their capability to recognize nucleic acid targets and to cross cellular membranes provided the basis for considering them as novel non-covalent delivery agents for nucleic acid pharmaceuticals. Herein, starting from a 12-mer nucleopeptide model, the number of cationic residues was modulated in order to obtain new nucleopeptides endowed with high solubility in acqueous medium, acceptable bio-stability, low cytotoxicity and good capability to bind nucleic acid. Two candidates were selected to further investigate their potential as nucleic acid carriers, showing higher efficiency to deliver PNA in comparison with RNA. Noteworthy, this study encourages the development of nucleopeptides as new carriers to extend the known strategies for those nucleic acid analogues, especially PNA, that still remain difficult to drive into the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tomassi
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Emilia Mercurio
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ersilia Nigro
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Respiratory Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Leonardo Bianchi c/o Ospedale Monaldi, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Aurora Daniele
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a r.l., Via G. Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosita Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Angela Chambery
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ilaria Baglivo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Paolo Vincenzo Pedone
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Napolitano
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Molecular Immunology and Immunoregulation, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS-Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Messere
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
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