1
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Song M, Liu Q, Yao JF, Wang YT, Ma YN, Xu H, Yu QY, Li Z, Du SS, Qi YK. Synthesis and structural optimization of oncolytic peptide LTX-315. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 107:117760. [PMID: 38762978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117760] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Oncolytic peptides represented potential novel candidates for anticancer treatments especially drug-resistant cancer cell lines. One of the most promising and extensively studied is LTX-315, which is considered as the first in class oncolytic peptide and has entered phase I/II clinical trials. Nevertheless, the shortcomings including poor proteolytic stability, moderate anticancer durability and high synthesis costs may hinder the widespread clinical applications of LTX-315. In order to reduce the synthesis costs, as well as develop derivatives possessing both high protease-stability and durable anticancer efficiency, twenty LTX-315-based derived-peptides were designed and efficiently synthesized. Especially, through solid-phase S-alkylation, as well as the optimized peptide cleavage condition, the derived peptides could be prepared with drastically reduced synthesis cost. The in vitro anticancer efficiency, serum stability, anticancer durability, anti-migration activity, and hemolysis effect were systematically investigated. It was found that derived peptide MS-13 exhibited comparable anticancer efficiency and durability to those of LTX-315. Strikingly, the D-type peptide MS-20, which is the enantiomer of MS-13, was demonstrated to possess significantly high proteolytic stability and sustained anticancer durability. In general, the cost-effective synthesis and stability-guided structural optimizations were conducted on LTX-315, affording the highly hydrolysis resistant MS-20 which possessed durable anticancer activity. Meanwhile, this study also provided a reliable reference for the future optimization of anticancer peptides through the solid-phase S-alkylation and L-type to D-type amino acid substitutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Jing-Fang Yao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Yu-Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yan-Nan Ma
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Huan Xu
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Qian-Yao Yu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Zhibo Li
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
| | - Shan-Shan Du
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China; Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China.
| | - Yun-Kun Qi
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China.
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2
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Xu H, Fu XY, Bao YX, Zhu SY, Xu Z, Song M, Qi YK, Li Z, Du SS. d-type peptides based fluorescent probes for "turn on" sensing of heparin. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107356. [PMID: 38604021 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107356] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Developing "turn on" fluorescent probes was desirable for the detection of the effective anticoagulant agent heparin in clinical applications. Through combining the aggregation induced emission (AIE) fluorogen tetraphenylethene (TPE) and heparin specific binding peptide AG73, the promising "turn on" fluorescent probe TPE-1 has been developed. Nevertheless, although TPE-1 could achieve the sensitive and selective detection of heparin, the low proteolytic stability and undesirable poor solubility may limit its widespread applications. In this study, seven TPE-1 derived fluorescent probes were rationally designed, efficiently synthesized and evaluated. The stability and water solubility were systematically estimated. Especially, to achieve real-time monitoring of proteolytic stability, the novel Abz/Dnp-based "turn on" probes that employ the internally quenched fluorescent (IQF) mechanism were designed and synthesized. Moreover, the detection ability of synthetic fluorescent probes for heparin were systematically evaluated. Importantly, the performance of d-type peptide fluorescent probe XH-6 indicated that d-type amino acid substitutions could significantly improve the proteolytic stability without compromising its ability of heparin sensing, and attaching solubilizing tag 2-(2-aminoethoxy) ethoxy) acid (AEEA) could greatly enhance the solubility. Collectively, this study not only established practical strategies to improve both the water solubility and proteolytic stability of "turn on" fluorescent probes for heparin sensing, but also provided valuable references for the subsequent development of enzymatic hydrolysis-resistant d-type peptides based fluorescent probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Xu
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Xing-Yan Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266073, China; Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yong-Xin Bao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266034, China
| | - Shu-Ya Zhu
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Zi Xu
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Min Song
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yun-Kun Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266073, China; Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.
| | - Zhibo Li
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
| | - Shan-Shan Du
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China; School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266073, China; Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.
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3
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Wang Y, Wang S, Liu W, Gu H, Luo M, Xiao T, Zhou M, Ran Y, Xiao S, Xia Y, Wang H. Anti-DNA antibody-targeted D-peptide nanoparticles ameliorate lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice. J Autoimmun 2024; 145:103205. [PMID: 38493673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103205] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Peptide ALW (ALWPPNLHAWVP) targeting anti-dsDNA antibodies has shown promising therapeutic effects in alleviating lupus nephritis, but is potentially limited by poor stability and non-kidney targeting. We recently developed a D-form modified ALW, called D-ALW, which has the capacity to widely inhibit pathogenic polyclonal anti-dsDNA antibody reactions. Further modification of D-ALW using PEG-PLGA nanoparticles to enhance good kidney-targeting ability and extend half-life. Here, we demonstrate that the D-form modified ALW maintains higher binding and inhibition efficiencies and achieves higher stability. Most importantly, D-ALW nanoparticles exhibit excellent kidney-targeting ability and prolong the half-life of the peptides in BALB/c mice. Additionally, compared to D-ALW, D-ALW nanoparticles significantly reduce the glomerular deposition of IgG and C3, improve renal histopathologies, such as glomerular proliferation and inflammatory cells infiltration, and markedly prolong lifespan in MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice. Overall, these results establish that the D-ALW nanoparticles offer synergistic benefits in both safety and efficacy, providing long-term renal preservation and treatment advantages in lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Hanjiang Gu
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Mai Luo
- Core Research Laboratory, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710016, China
| | - Tong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Mingzhu Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yutong Ran
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Shengxiang Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yumin Xia
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China.
| | - Huixia Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, 710004, China.
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Hao J, Cai H, Gu L, Ma Y, Li Y, Liu B, Zhu H, Zeng F, Wu M. A transferrin receptor targeting dual-modal MR/NIR fluorescent imaging probe for glioblastoma diagnosis. Regen Biomater 2024; 11:rbae015. [PMID: 38487713 PMCID: PMC10939466 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbae015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) remains challenging, primarily due to the lack of a precise, effective imaging technique for comprehensively characterization. Addressing GBM diagnostic challenges, our study introduces an innovative dual-modal imaging that merges near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This method employs superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with NIR fluorescent dyes, specifically Cyanine 7, and targeted peptides. This synthetic probe facilitates MRI functionality through superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, provides NIR imaging capability via Cyanine 7 and enhances tumor targeting trough peptide interactions, offering a comprehensive diagnostic tool for GBM. Notably, the probe traverses the blood-brain barrier, targeting GBM in vivo via peptides, producing clear and discernible images in both modalities. Cytotoxicity and histopathology assessments confirm the probe's favorable safety profile. These findings suggest that the dual-modal MR\NIR fluorescent imaging probe could revolutionize GBM prognosis and survival rates, which can also be extended to other tumors type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Hao
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Huawei Cai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lei Gu
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yiqi Ma
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Fanxin Zeng
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, Sichuan 635000, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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5
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Malhis M, Funke SA. Mirror-Image Phage Display for the Selection of D-Amino Acid Peptide Ligands as Potential Therapeutics. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e957. [PMID: 38372457 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), endogenous proteins or peptides aggregate with themselves. These proteins may lose their function or aggregates and/or oligomers can obtain toxicity, causing injury or death to cells. Aggregation of two major proteins characterizes AD. Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is deposited in amyloid plaques within the extracellular space of the brain and Tau in so-called neurofibrillary tangles in neurons. Finding peptide ligands to halt protein aggregation is a promising therapeutical approach. Using mirror-image phage display with a commercially available, randomized 12-mer peptide library, we have selected D-amino acid peptides, which bind to the Tau protein and modulate its aggregation in vitro. Peptides can bind specifically and selectively to a target molecule, but natural L-amino acid peptides may have crucial disadvantages for in vivo applications, as they are sensitive to protease degradation and may elicit immune responses. One strategy to circumvent these disadvantages is the use of non-naturally occurring D-amino acid peptides as they exhibit increased protease resistance and generally do not activate the immune system. To perform mirror-image phage display, the target protein needs to be synthesized as D-amino acid version. If the target protein sequence is too long to be synthesized properly, smaller peptides derived from the full length protein can be used for the selection process. This also offers the possibility to influence the binding region of the selected D-peptides in the full-length target protein. Here we provide the protocols for mirror-image phage display selection on the PHF6* peptide of Tau, based on the commercially available Ph.D.™-12 Phage Display Peptide Library Kit, leading to D-peptides that also bind the full length Tau protein (Tau441), next to PHF6*. In addition, we provide protocols and data for the first characterization of those D-peptides that inhibit Tau aggregation in vitro. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Mirror image phage display selection against D-PHF6* fibrils Support Protocol 1: Single phage ELISA Basic Protocol 2: Sequencing and D-peptide generation Basic Protocol 3: Thioflavin-T (ThT) test to control inhibition of Tau aggregation Support Protocol 2: Purification of full-length Tau protein Basic Protocol 4: ELISA to demonstrate the binding of the generated D-peptides to PHF6* and full-length Tau fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Malhis
- Institut für Bioanalytik, Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Coburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Aileen Funke
- Institut für Bioanalytik, Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Coburg, Germany
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6
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Israel LL, Sun T, Braubach O, Cox A, Shatalova ES, Rashid HM, Galstyan A, Grodzinski Z, Song XY, Chepurna O, Ljubimov VA, Chiechi A, Sharma S, Phebus C, Wang Y, Ljubimova JY, Black KL, Holler E. β-Amyloid targeting nanodrug for neuron-specific delivery of nucleic acids in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. J Control Release 2023; 361:636-658. [PMID: 37544515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.001] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Delivery of therapeutic substances into the brain poses a significant challenge in the treatment of neurological disorders. This is primarily due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which restricts access, alongside the limited stability and distribution of these agents within the brain tissue. Here we demonstrate an efficient delivery of microRNA (miRNA) and antisense RNA preferentially to neurons compared to astroglia in the brain of healthy and Alzheimer's disease mice, via disulfide-linked conjugation with poly(ß-L-malic acid-trileucine)-copolymer a biodegradable, amphiphilic, and multivalent platform. By conjugating a D-configured (D3)-peptide (vector) for specific targeting, highly efficient delivery across the BBB is achieved through the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1 (LRP-1) transcytosis pathway, amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides. Nanodrug distribution was determined by fluorescent labeling and analyzed by microscopy in neurons, astroglia, and in extracellular amyloid plaques typical for Alzheimer's disease. Whereas D-configured BBB-vectors can efficiently target neurons, L-configured (e.g., AP2-peptide) guided vector can only cross BBB but not seem to bind neurons. An analysis of post-injection fluorescence distribution, and RNA-seq followed by real-time PCR validation, confirmed a successful in vivo delivery of morpholino-miRNA-186 nanoconjugates into mouse brain. The size and fluorescence intensity of the intracellular nanodrug particulates were analyzed and verified by a competition with non-fluorescent conjugates. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from RNA-seq were identified in the nanodrug injected mice, and the changes of selected DEGs related to Alzheimer's disease were further validated by western blot and real-time PCR. Collectively, these results demonstrated that D3-peptide-conjugated nanopolymer drug is able to achieve neuron-selective delivery of miRNA and can serve as an efficient brain delivery vehicle in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron L Israel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Oliver Braubach
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Alysia Cox
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | | | | | - Anna Galstyan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Zachary Grodzinski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Xue Ying Song
- Cedars-Sinai Cancer Applied Genomics Shared Resource, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Oksana Chepurna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Vladimir A Ljubimov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Antonella Chiechi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Sachin Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Connor Phebus
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Yizhou Wang
- Cedars-Sinai Cancer Applied Genomics Shared Resource, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA
| | - Julia Y Ljubimova
- Terasaki Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, 90024, USA..
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles 90048, USA.
| | - Eggehard Holler
- Terasaki Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, 90024, USA..
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7
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Cheng H, Yuan J, Pei C, Ouyang M, Bu H, Chen Y, Huang X, Zhang Z, Yu L, Tan Y. The development of an anti-cancer peptide M1-21 targeting transcription factor FOXM1. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:114. [PMID: 37344857 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01059-7] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factor FOXM1 is a potential target for anti-cancer drug development. An interfering peptide M1-21, targeting FOXM1 and FOXM1-interacting proteins, is developed and its anti-cancer efficacy is evaluated. METHODS FOXM1 C-terminus-binding peptides are screened by in silico protocols from the peptide library of FOXM1 (1-138aa) and confirmed by cellular experiments. The selected peptide is synthesized into its D-retro-inverso (DRI) form by fusing a TAT cell-penetrating sequence. Anti-cancer activities are evaluated in vitro and in vivo with tumor-grafted nude mice, spontaneous breast cancer mice, and wild-type metastasis-tracing mice. Anti-cancer mechanisms are analyzed. Distribution and safety profiles in mice are evaluated. RESULTS With improved stability and cell inhibitory activity compared to the parent peptide, M1-21 binds to multiple regions of FOXM1 and interferes with protein-protein interactions between FOXM1 and its various known partner proteins, including PLK1, LIN9 and B-MYB of the MuvB complex, and β-catenin. Consequently, M1-21 inhibits FOXM1-related transcriptional activities and FOXM1-mediated nuclear importation of β-catenin and β-catenin transcriptional activities. M1-21 inhibits multiple types of cancer (20 µM in vitro or 30 mg/kg in vivo) by preventing proliferation, migration, and WNT signaling. Distribution and safety profiles of M1-21 are favorable (broad distribution and > 15 h stability in mice) and the tested non-severely toxic dose reaches 200 mg/kg in mice. M1-21 also has low hemolytic toxicity and immunogenicity in mice. CONCLUSIONS M1-21 is a promising interfering peptide targeting FOXM1 for the development of anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaozhu Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huitong Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenwang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Medicine Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, 437000, Xianning, Hubei, China.
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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8
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Li CW, Osman R, Menconi F, Hou H, Schechter C, Kozhakhmetova A, Tomer Y. Effective Inhibition of Thyroid Antigen Presentation Using Retro-Inverso Peptides in Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Pathway Toward Immune Therapies of Thyroid Autoimmunity. Thyroid 2023; 33:492-500. [PMID: 36762945 PMCID: PMC10325802 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Background: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) represent the most common autoimmune diseases. However, current therapies focus on relieving the symptoms instead of curing AITD, and new therapies to reverse the autoimmune attack on the thyroid are needed. HLA-DRβ1-Arg74 is the key HLA class II allele that triggers AITD by presenting pathogenic thyroglobulin (Tg) peptides that activate thyroid self-reactive T cells. We hypothesized that blocking the presentation of Tg peptides to T cells within the HLA-DRβ1-Arg74 peptide binding cleft could reverse the autoimmune response to the thyroid in AITD. Methods: The approach we used to block Tg peptide presentation within HLA-DRβ1-Arg74 is to design retro-inverso D-amino acid (RID) peptides that have high affinity to the HLA-DRβ1-Arg74 peptide binding pocket. Results: By using computational approaches and molecular dynamics simulations, we designed two RID peptides, RT-15 and VT-15, that blocked peptide binding to recombinant HLA-DRβ1-Arg74 molecule, as well as T cell activation in vitro. Furthermore, RT-15 and VT-15 blocked in vivo T cell activation by thyroglobulin in humanized NOD-DR3 mice induced with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. Conclusions: In summary, we discovered two RID peptides that block thyroglobulin peptide binding to HLA-DRβ1-Arg74 and their presentation to T cells in AITD. These findings set the stage for a personalized medicine therapeutic approach for AITD patients who carry the DRβ1-Arg74 allele. This antigen-specific therapeutic strategy can potentially be extended to other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Wun Li
- The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Roman Osman
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Francesca Menconi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Hanxi Hou
- The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Clyde Schechter
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Aizhan Kozhakhmetova
- The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Yaron Tomer
- The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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9
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Aillaud I, Funke SA. Tau Aggregation Inhibiting Peptides as Potential Therapeutics for Alzheimer Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:951-961. [PMID: 35596819 PMCID: PMC10006036 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01230-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder. AD causes enormous personal and economic burden to society as currently only limited palliative therapeutic options are available. The pathological hallmarks of the disease are extracellular plaques, composed of fibrillar amyloid-β (Aβ), and neurofibrillary tangles inside neurons, composed of Tau protein. Until recently, the search for AD therapeutics was focussed more on the Aβ peptide and its pathology, but the results were unsatisfying. As an alternative, Tau might be a promising therapeutic target as its pathology is closely correlated to clinical symptoms. In addition, pathological Tau aggregation occurs in a large group of diseases, called Tauopathies, and in most of them Aβ aggregation does not play a role in disease pathogenesis. The formation of Tau aggregates is triggered by two hexapeptide motifs within Tau; PHF6* and PHF6. Both fragments are interesting targets for the development of Tau aggregation inhibitors (TAI). Peptides represent a unique class of pharmaceutical compounds and are reasonable alternatives to chemical substances or antibodies. They are attributed with high biological activity, valuable specificity and low toxicity, and often are developed as drug candidates to interrupt protein-protein interactions. The preparation of peptides is simple, controllable and the peptides can be easily modified. However, their application may also have disadvantages. Currently, a few peptide compounds acting as TAI are described in the literature, most of them developed by structure-based design or phage display. Here, we review the current state of research in this promising field of AD therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Aillaud
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Aileen Funke
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany.
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10
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Parrasia S, Szabò I, Zoratti M, Biasutto L. Peptides as Pharmacological Carriers to the Brain: Promises, Shortcomings and Challenges. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3700-3729. [PMID: 36174227 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are among the most difficult to treat, mainly because the vast majority of the drugs fail to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or to reach the brain at concentrations adequate to exert a pharmacological activity. The obstacle posed by the BBB has led to the in-depth study of strategies allowing the brain delivery of CNS-active drugs. Among the most promising strategies is the use of peptides addressed to the BBB. Peptides are versatile molecules that can be used to decorate nanoparticles or can be conjugated to drugs, with either a stable link or as pro-drugs. They have been used to deliver to the brain both small molecules and proteins, with applications in diverse therapeutic areas such as brain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and imaging. Peptides can be generally classified as receptor-targeted, recognizing membrane proteins expressed by the BBB microvessels (e.g., Angiopep2, CDX, and iRGD), "cell-penetrating peptides" (CPPs; e.g. TAT47-57, SynB1/3, and Penetratin), undergoing transcytosis through unspecific mechanisms, or those exploiting a mixed approach. The advantages of peptides have been extensively pointed out, but so far few studies have focused on the potential negative aspects. Indeed, despite having a generally good safety profile, some peptide conjugates may display toxicological characteristics distinct from those of the peptide itself, causing for instance antigenicity, cardiovascular alterations or hemolysis. Other shortcomings are the often brief lifetime in vivo, caused by the presence of peptidases, the vulnerability to endosomal/lysosomal degradation, and the frequently still insufficient attainable increase of brain drug levels, which remain below the therapeutically useful concentrations. The aim of this review is to analyze not only the successful and promising aspects of the use of peptides in brain targeting but also the problems posed by this strategy for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Parrasia
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Ildikò Szabò
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Zoratti
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lucia Biasutto
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
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11
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Furman O, Zaporozhets A, Tobi D, Bazylevich A, Firer MA, Patsenker L, Gellerman G, Lubin BCR. Novel Cyclic Peptides for Targeting EGFR and EGRvIII Mutation for Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071505. [PMID: 35890400 PMCID: PMC9318536 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-EGFR) pathway has become the main focus of selective chemotherapeutic intervention. As a result, two classes of EGFR inhibitors have been clinically approved, namely monoclonal antibodies and small molecule kinase inhibitors. Despite an initial good response rate to these drugs, most patients develop drug resistance. Therefore, new treatment approaches are needed. In this work, we aimed to find a new EGFR-specific, short cyclic peptide, which could be used for targeted drug delivery. Phage display peptide technology and biopanning were applied to three EGFR expressing cells, including cells expressing the EGFRvIII mutation. DNA from the internalized phage was extracted and the peptide inserts were sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Eleven peptides were selected for further investigation using binding, internalization, and competition assays, and the results were confirmed by confocal microscopy and peptide docking. Among these eleven peptides, seven showed specific and selective binding and internalization into EGFR positive (EGFR+ve) cells, with two of them—P6 and P9—also demonstrating high specificity for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and glioblastoma cells, respectively. These peptides were chemically conjugated to camptothecin (CPT). The conjugates were more cytotoxic to EGFR+ve cells than free CPT. Our results describe a novel cyclic peptide, which can be used for targeted drug delivery to cells overexpressing the EGFR and EGFRvIII mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Furman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Materials, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (O.F.); (M.A.F.)
- Agriculture and Oenology Department, Eastern Regional R&D Center, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Alisa Zaporozhets
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (A.Z.); (A.B.); (L.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Dror Tobi
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Andrii Bazylevich
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (A.Z.); (A.B.); (L.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Michael A. Firer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Materials, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (O.F.); (M.A.F.)
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
- Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Leonid Patsenker
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (A.Z.); (A.B.); (L.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Gary Gellerman
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (A.Z.); (A.B.); (L.P.); (G.G.)
- Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Bat Chen R. Lubin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Materials, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel; (O.F.); (M.A.F.)
- Agriculture and Oenology Department, Eastern Regional R&D Center, Ariel 40700, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-50-6554655
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12
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Zhou Y, Zou Y, Yang M, Mei S, Liu X, Han H, Zhang CD, Niu MM. Highly Potent, Selective, Biostable, and Cell-Permeable Cyclic d-Peptide for Dual-Targeting Therapy of Lung Cancer. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:7117-7128. [PMID: 35417174 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The application of peptide drugs in cancer therapy is impeded by their poor biostability and weak cell permeability. Therefore, it is imperative to find biostable and cell-permeable peptide drugs for cancer treatment. Here, we identified a potent, selective, biostable, and cell-permeable cyclic d-peptide, NKTP-3, that targets NRP1 and KRASG12D using structure-based virtual screening. NKTP-3 exhibited strong biostability and cellular uptake ability. Importantly, it significantly inhibited the growth of A427 cells with the KRASG12D mutation. Moreover, NKTP-3 showed strong antitumor activity against A427 cell-derived xenograft and KRASG12D-driven primary lung cancer models without obvious toxicity. This study demonstrates that the dual NRP1/KRASG12D-targeting cyclic d-peptide NKTP-3 may be used as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for KRASG12D-driven lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yunting Zou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shuang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaohao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Huiyun Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chang-Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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13
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Investigating the role of peptides in effective therapies against cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:139. [PMID: 35346211 PMCID: PMC8962089 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer are challenging. To diagnose and treat cancer effectively and to overcome these challenges, fundamental innovations in traditional diagnosis and therapy are necessary. Peptides can be very helpful in this regard due to their potential and diversity. To enhance the therapeutic potential of peptides, their limitations must be properly identified and their structures engineered and modified for higher efficiency. Promoting the bioavailability and stability of peptides is one of the main concerns. Peptides can also be effective in different areas of targeting, alone or with the help of other therapeutic agents. There has been a lot of research in this area, and the potential for variability of peptides will continue to improve this process. Another promising area in which peptides can help treat cancer is peptide vaccines, which are undergoing promising research, and high throughput technologies can lead to fundamental changes in this area. Peptides have been effective in almost all areas of cancer treatment, and some have even gone through clinical phases. However, many barriers need to be overcome to reach the desired point. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the mechanisms associated with peptides in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Therefore, related studies in this area will be discussed.
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14
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Song L, Chen XW, Liu Y, Wang H, Li JQ. Synthetic polymer material modified by d-peptide and its targeted application in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Int J Pharm 2022; 619:121651. [PMID: 35288222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Liposomes functionalized with targeted material offer a breakthrough compared with passive drug delivery. Here, we designed a polymer material, VAP-PEG3350-DSPE (VAP-PEG-DSPE), modified with a d-peptide VAP ligand that combines tumor-homing VAP with GRP78 receptor, a cancer marker on the membranes of many cancer cells. This paper establishes a docetaxel-loaded lipid nanodisk modified with multifunctional material to evaluate its anti-NSCLC efficacy in vivo. Additionally, the present study verified that VAP-conjugated nanodisks adapt to the developed tumor vasculature of the lung cancer microenvironment, making it a promising nanocarrier for NSCLC-targeting therapy. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the targeting ability of VAP-DISK/DTX to tumor cells. Lung slices of mice also demonstrated the safety of VAP-DISK/DTX. The encapsulation efficiency of docetaxel-disks (VAP-DISK/DTX) was as high as 92.46±4.48%. Encapsulating anti-cancer drugs in lipid nanoparticles is thus an effective mechanism to change the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianhua Song
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Xiao-Wen Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Rd, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yu Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Rd, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Hao Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Rd, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Jian-Qi Li
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Rd, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
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15
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Ramalho MJ, Loureiro JA, Coelho MAN, Pereira MC. Transferrin Receptor-Targeted Nanocarriers: Overcoming Barriers to Treat Glioblastoma. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020279. [PMID: 35214012 PMCID: PMC8880499 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal type of brain tumor, and the clinically available approaches for its treatment are not curative. Despite the intensive research, biological barriers such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and tumor cell membranes are major obstacles to developing novel effective therapies. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been explored as drug delivery systems (DDS) to improve GBM therapeutic strategies. NPs can circumvent many of the biological barriers posed by this devastating disease, enhancing drug accumulation in the target site. This can be achieved by employing strategies to target the transferrin receptor (TfR), which is heavily distributed in BBB and GBM cells. These targeting strategies comprise the modification of NPs’ surface with various molecules, such as transferrin (Tf), antibodies, and targeting peptides. This review provides an overview and discussion on the recent advances concerning the strategies to target the TfR in the treatment of GBM, as their benefits and limitations.
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16
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Hernández González JE, Eberle RJ, Willbold D, Coronado MA. A Computer-Aided Approach for the Discovery of D-Peptides as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:816166. [PMID: 35187076 PMCID: PMC8852625 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.816166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease, also known as 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), is a cysteine protease responsible for the cleavage of viral polyproteins pp1a and pp1ab, at least, at eleven conserved sites, which leads to the formation of mature nonstructural proteins essential for the replication of the virus. Due to its essential role, numerous studies have been conducted so far, which have confirmed 3CLpro as an attractive drug target to combat Covid-19 and have reported a vast number of inhibitors and their co-crystal structures. Despite all the ongoing efforts, D-peptides, which possess key advantages over L-peptides as therapeutic agents, have not been explored as potential drug candidates against 3CLpro. The current work fills this gap by reporting an in silico approach for the discovery of D-peptides capable of inhibiting 3CLpro that involves structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) of an in-house library of D-tripeptides and D-tetrapeptides into the protease active site and subsequent rescoring steps, including Molecular Mechanics Generalized-Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) free energy calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In vitro enzymatic assays conducted for the four top-scoring D-tetrapeptides at 20 μM showed that all of them caused 55–85% inhibition of 3CLpro activity, thus highlighting the suitability of the devised approach. Overall, our results present a promising computational strategy to identify D-peptides capable of inhibiting 3CLpro, with broader application in problems involving protein inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge E. Hernández González
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation, IBILCE, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Dynamics, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raphael J. Eberle
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7, Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7, Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße, Düsseldorf, Germany
- JuStruct: Jülich Centre for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Mônika A. Coronado
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7, Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mônika A. Coronado,
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17
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Zhang L, Pitcher LE, Prahalad V, Niedernhofer LJ, Robbins PD. Recent advances in the discovery of senolytics. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 200:111587. [PMID: 34656616 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The demonstration in model organisms that cellular senescence drives aging and age-related diseases has led to widespread efforts to identify compounds able to selectively kill senescent cells, termed senolytics. Approaches used to identify senolytics include bioinformatic analysis of senescent cell anti-apoptotic pathways (SCAPs) for drug development and screening of drugs libraries on different senescent cell types in culture. Alternatively, cytotoxic compounds can be made specific to senescent cells through a prodrug strategy such as linking the compound to a galactose moiety where toxicity is activated by lysosomal β-galactosidase. Identified senolytics can then be optimized through medicinal chemistry or linking to E3 targeting moieties to facilitate proteolysis of their targets. This review will provide an overview of approaches to identify senolytics and an update of the classes of senolytics identified to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Louise E Pitcher
- Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Vaishali Prahalad
- Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Laura J Niedernhofer
- Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Paul D Robbins
- Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
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18
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Sgrignani J, Cecchinato V, Fassi EMA, D'Agostino G, Garofalo M, Danelon G, Pedotti M, Simonelli L, Varani L, Grazioso G, Uguccioni M, Cavalli A. Systematic Development of Peptide Inhibitors Targeting the CXCL12/HMGB1 Interaction. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13439-13450. [PMID: 34510899 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During inflammatory reactions, the production and release of chemotactic factors guide the recruitment of selective leukocyte subpopulations. The alarmin HMGB1 and the chemokine CXCL12, both released in the microenvironment, can form a heterocomplex, which exclusively acts on the chemokine receptor CXCR4, enhancing cell migration, and in some pathological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis exacerbates the immune response. An excessive cell influx at the inflammatory site can be diminished by disrupting the heterocomplex. Here, we report the computationally driven identification of the first peptide (HBP08) binding HMGB1 and selectively inhibiting the activity of the CXCL12/HMGB1 heterocomplex. Furthermore, HBP08 binds HMGB1 with the highest affinity reported so far (Kd of 0.8 ± 0.4 μM). The identification of this peptide represents an important step toward the development of innovative pharmacological tools for the treatment of severe chronic inflammatory conditions characterized by an uncontrolled immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Sgrignani
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Cecchinato
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Enrico M A Fassi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Agostino
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Maura Garofalo
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela Danelon
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Pedotti
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Simonelli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Varani
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Grazioso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Uguccioni
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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19
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Xie R, Wu Z, Zeng F, Cai H, Wang D, Gu L, Zhu H, Lui S, Guo G, Song B, Li J, Wu M, Gong Q. Retro-enantio isomer of angiopep-2 assists nanoprobes across the blood-brain barrier for targeted magnetic resonance/fluorescence imaging of glioblastoma. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:309. [PMID: 34413288 PMCID: PMC8377144 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most common primary intracranial malignant tumours, is very difficult to be completely excised by surgery due to its irregular shape. Here, we use an MRI/NIR fluorescence dual-modal imaging nanoprobe that includes superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) modified with indocyanine (Cy7) molecules and peptides (ANG or DANG) to locate malignant gliomas and guide accurate excision. Both peptides/Cy7-SPIONs probes displayed excellent tumour-homing properties and barrier penetrating abilities in vitro, and both could mediate precise aggregation of the nanoprobes at gliomas sites in in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ex vivo near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. However, compared with ANG/Cy7-SPIONs probes, DANG/Cy7-SPIONs probes exhibited better enhanced MR imaging effects. Combining all these features together, this MRI/NIR fluorescence imaging dual-modal nanoprobes modified with retro-enantio isomers of the peptide have the potential to accurately display GBMs preoperatively for precise imaging and intraoperatively for real-time imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Xie
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Zijun Wu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Fanxin Zeng
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinic Medical Center, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Huawei Cai
- Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Su Lui
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Song
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinxing Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Min Wu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China.
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20
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Tivon B, Gabizon R, Somsen BA, Cossar PJ, Ottmann C, London N. Covalent flexible peptide docking in Rosetta. Chem Sci 2021; 12:10836-10847. [PMID: 34476063 PMCID: PMC8372624 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02322e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrophilic peptides that form an irreversible covalent bond with their target have great potential for binding targets that have been previously considered undruggable. However, the discovery of such peptides remains a challenge. Here, we present Rosetta CovPepDock, a computational pipeline for peptide docking that incorporates covalent binding between the peptide and a receptor cysteine. We applied CovPepDock retrospectively to a dataset of 115 disulfide-bound peptides and a dataset of 54 electrophilic peptides. It produced a top-five scoring, near-native model, in 89% and 100% of the cases when docking from the native conformation, and 20% and 90% when docking from an extended peptide conformation, respectively. In addition, we developed a protocol for designing electrophilic peptide binders based on known non-covalent binders or protein-protein interfaces. We identified 7154 peptide candidates in the PDB for application of this protocol. As a proof-of-concept we validated the protocol on the non-covalent complex of 14-3-3σ and YAP1 phosphopeptide. The protocol identified seven highly potent and selective irreversible peptide binders. The predicted binding mode of one of the peptides was validated using X-ray crystallography. This case-study demonstrates the utility and impact of CovPepDock. It suggests that many new electrophilic peptide binders can be rapidly discovered, with significant potential as therapeutic molecules and chemical probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barr Tivon
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 7610001 Israel
| | - Ronen Gabizon
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 7610001 Israel
| | - Bente A Somsen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Cossar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Christian Ottmann
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Nir London
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 7610001 Israel
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21
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Zhou Y, Chen Y, Tan Y, Hu R, Niu M. An NRP1/MDM2-Targeted D-Peptide Supramolecular Nanomedicine for High-Efficacy and Low-Toxic Liver Cancer Therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2002197. [PMID: 33690977 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202002197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular nanomedicines based on self-assembly of D-peptides have been of great interest as potential candidates for cancer therapy. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) have been considered as the anticancer targets because of their overexpression in cancers. However, NRP1/MDM2-targeted D-peptide supramolecular nanomedicines remain unreported. Here, a potent anticancer D-peptide supramolecular nanomedicine targeting NRP1 and MDM2, termed as NMTP-5, is identified by using structure-based virtual screening techniques. NMTP-5 exhibits good biostability and strong cellular uptake performance. Moreover, NMTP-5 displays strong anticancer activity to SK-Hep-1 cells in vitro and in vivo, with no apparent host toxicity. This work demonstrates that NMTP-5 can be used as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Yaxin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Yingying Tan
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Rong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Miao‐Miao Niu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance Ministry of Education State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
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22
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Shaydyuk Y, Bashmakova NV, Dmytruk AM, Kachkovsky OD, Koniev S, Strizhak AV, Komarov IV, Belfield KD, Bondar MV, Babii O. Nature of Fast Relaxation Processes and Spectroscopy of a Membrane-Active Peptide Modified with Fluorescent Amino Acid Exhibiting Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer and Efficient Stimulated Emission. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:10119-10128. [PMID: 34056166 PMCID: PMC8153670 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A fluorescently labeled peptide that exhibited fast excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) was synthesized, and the nature of its electronic properties was comprehensively investigated, including linear photophysical and photochemical characterization, specific relaxation processes in the excited state, and its stimulated emission ability. The steady-state absorption, fluorescence, and excitation anisotropy spectra, along with fluorescence lifetimes and emission quantum yields, were obtained in liquid media and analyzed based on density functional theory quantum-chemical calculations. The nature of ESIPT processes of the peptide's chromophore moiety was explored using a femtosecond transient absorption pump-probe technique, revealing relatively fast ESIPT velocity (∼10 ps) in protic MeOH at room temperature. Efficient superluminescence properties of the peptide were realized upon femtosecond excitation in the main long-wavelength absorption band with a corresponding threshold of the pump pulse energy of ∼1.5 μJ. Quantum-chemical analysis of the electronic structure of the peptide was performed using the density functional theory/time-dependent density functional theory level of theory, affording good agreement with experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevgeniy
O. Shaydyuk
- Institute
of Physics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Prospect Nauki 46, Kyiv 03028, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia V. Bashmakova
- Taras
Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Andriy M. Dmytruk
- Institute
of Physics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Prospect Nauki 46, Kyiv 03028, Ukraine
| | - Olexiy D. Kachkovsky
- V.P.
Kukhar Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and Petrochemistry of the
National Academy of Sciences, Murmanskaya Street 1, Kyiv 02660, Ukraine
| | - Serhii Koniev
- Taras
Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | | | - Igor V. Komarov
- Taras
Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Volodymyrska Street 60, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Kevin D. Belfield
- New
Jersey Institute of Technology, College of Science and Liberal Arts, University Heights, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Mykhailo V. Bondar
- Institute
of Physics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Prospect Nauki 46, Kyiv 03028, Ukraine
| | - Oleg Babii
- Institute
of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology (KIT), POB3640, Karlsruhe 76021, Germany
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23
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Dyakin VV, Wisniewski TM, Lajtha A. Racemization in Post-Translational Modifications Relevance to Protein Aging, Aggregation and Neurodegeneration: Tip of the Iceberg. Symmetry (Basel) 2021; 13:455. [PMID: 34350031 PMCID: PMC8330555 DOI: 10.3390/sym13030455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Homochirality of DNA and prevalent chirality of free and protein-bound amino acids in a living organism represents the challenge for modern biochemistry and neuroscience. The idea of an association between age-related disease, neurodegeneration, and racemization originated from the studies of fossils and cataract disease. Under the pressure of new results, this concept has a broader significance linking protein folding, aggregation, and disfunction to an organism's cognitive and behavioral functions. The integrity of cognitive function is provided by a delicate balance between the evolutionarily imposed molecular homo-chirality and the epigenetic/developmental impact of spontaneous and enzymatic racemization. The chirality of amino acids is the crucial player in the modulation the structure and function of proteins, lipids, and DNA. The collapse of homochirality by racemization is the result of the conformational phase transition. The racemization of protein-bound amino acids (spontaneous and enzymatic) occurs through thermal activation over the energy barrier or by the tunnel transfer effect under the energy barrier. The phase transition is achieved through the intermediate state, where the chirality of alpha carbon vanished. From a thermodynamic consideration, the system in the homo-chiral (single enantiomeric) state is characterized by a decreased level of entropy. The oscillating protein chirality is suggesting its distinct significance in the neurotransmission and flow of perceptual information, adaptive associative learning, and cognitive laterality. The common pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders include protein misfolding, aging, and the deposition of protease-resistant protein aggregates. Each of the landmarks is influenced by racemization. The brain region, cell type, and age-dependent racemization critically influence the functions of many intracellular, membrane-bound, and extracellular proteins including amyloid precursor protein (APP), TAU, PrP, Huntingtin, α-synuclein, myelin basic protein (MBP), and collagen. The amyloid cascade hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) coexists with the failure of amyloid beta (Aβ) targeting drug therapy. According to our view, racemization should be considered as a critical factor of protein conformation with the potential for inducing order, disorder, misfolding, aggregation, toxicity, and malfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor V. Dyakin
- Virtual Reality Perception Lab (VRPL), The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (NKI), Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Thomas M. Wisniewski
- Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Psychiatry, Center for Cognitive Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Abel Lajtha
- Center for Neurochemistry, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (NKI), Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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24
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Torres MDT, Cao J, Franco OL, Lu TK, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Synthetic Biology and Computer-Based Frameworks for Antimicrobial Peptide Discovery. ACS NANO 2021; 15:2143-2164. [PMID: 33538585 PMCID: PMC8734659 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c09509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest challenges of our time. This global health problem originated from a paucity of truly effective antibiotic classes and an increased incidence of multi-drug-resistant bacterial isolates in hospitals worldwide. Indeed, it has been recently estimated that 10 million people will die annually from drug-resistant infections by the year 2050. Therefore, the need to develop out-of-the-box strategies to combat antibiotic resistance is urgent. The biological world has provided natural templates, called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which exhibit multiple intrinsic medical properties including the targeting of bacteria. AMPs can be used as scaffolds and, via engineering, can be reconfigured for optimized potency and targetability toward drug-resistant pathogens. Here, we review the recent development of tools for the discovery, design, and production of AMPs and propose that the future of peptide drug discovery will involve the convergence of computational and synthetic biology principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D T Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jicong Cao
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Octavio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70790160, Brazil
- S-inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS 79117010, Brazil
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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25
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Sala V, Cnudde SJ, Murabito A, Massarotti A, Hirsch E, Ghigo A. Therapeutic peptides for the treatment of cystic fibrosis: Challenges and perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 213:113191. [PMID: 33493828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common amongst rare genetic diseases, affecting more than 70.000 people worldwide. CF is characterized by a dysfunctional chloride channel, termed cystic fibrosis conductance regulator (CFTR), which leads to the production of a thick and viscous mucus layer that clogs the lungs of CF patients and traps pathogens, leading to chronic infections and inflammation and, ultimately, lung damage. In recent years, the use of peptides for the treatment of respiratory diseases, including CF, has gained growing interest. Therapeutic peptides for CF include antimicrobial peptides, inhibitors of proteases, and modulators of ion channels, among others. Peptides display unique features that make them appealing candidates for clinical translation, like specificity of action, high efficacy, and low toxicity. Nevertheless, the intrinsic properties of peptides, together with the need of delivering these compounds locally, e.g. by inhalation, raise a number of concerns in the development of peptide therapeutics for CF lung disease. In this review, we discuss the challenges related to the use of peptides for the treatment of CF lung disease through inhalation, which include retention within mucus, proteolysis, immunogenicity and aggregation. Strategies for overcoming major shortcomings of peptide therapeutics will be presented, together with recent developments in peptide design and optimization, including computational analysis and high-throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sala
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Sophie Julie Cnudde
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Murabito
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Alberto Massarotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Largo Donegani 2, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy; Kither Biotech S.r.l., Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ghigo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy; Kither Biotech S.r.l., Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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26
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhong M, Zhao P, Guo C, Li Y, Wang T, Gao H. Selection of a d-Enantiomeric Peptide Specifically Binding to PHF6 for Inhibiting Tau Aggregation in Transgenic Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:4240-4253. [PMID: 33284003 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies refer to a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by the accumulation of insoluble hyperphosphorylated Tau protein in the brain. The inhibition and interruption of Tau aggregation are considered important strategies to ameliorate the neurodegenerative process. Previous work has shown that hexapeptide 306VQIVYK311 (PHF6) located in the repeat domain 3 of Tau protein drives Tau aggregation and itself forms a β-sheet structure similar to those of Tau-oligomers and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). In this study, a mirror image phage display technology was used to screen protease-resistant and low-immunogenic d-enantiomeric peptides for their capacity to inhibit Tau aggregation. Following the preparation of d-enantiomeric PHF6 fibrils and M13 phage peptide library biopanning, 7 sets of high specificity peptides were obtained. Through ELISA and competition inhibition assays, we chose a highly specific peptide p-NH with the sequence N-I-T-M-N-S-R-R-R-R-N-H. The molecular docking results showed that p-NH interacted with PHF6 fibrils mainly through van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding and could inhibit PHF6 aggregation in a d-configuration and concentration-dependent manner. In vitro, p-NH prohibited the formation of PHF6 fibrils and was able to enter into mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells (N2a cells) to inhibit Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. Intranasal administration of p-NH reduced NFTs and improved the cognitive ability of TauP301S transgenic mice. These findings represent a straightforward methodology to find therapeutic peptides with potential applications in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancheng Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Manli Zhong
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Pu Zhao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Chuang Guo
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - You Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Huiling Gao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
- Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry, Northeastern University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110819, China
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27
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Lombardi A, Concepcion E, Hou H, Arib H, Mezei M, Osman R, Tomer Y. Retro-inverso D-peptides as a novel targeted immunotherapy for Type 1 diabetes. J Autoimmun 2020; 115:102543. [PMID: 32951964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the past four decades, the number of people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) has increased by 4% per year, making it an important public health challenge. Currently, no curative therapy exists for T1D and the only available treatment is insulin replacement. HLA-DQ8 has been shown to present antigenic islet peptides driving the activation of CD4+ T-cells in T1D patients. Specifically, the insulin peptide InsB:9-23 activates self-reactive CD4+ T-cells, causing pancreatic beta cell destruction. The aim of the current study was to identify retro-inverso-d-amino acid based peptides (RI-D-peptides) that can suppress T-cell activation by blocking the presentation of InsB:9-23 peptide within HLA-DQ8 pocket. We identified a RI-D-peptide (RI-EXT) that inhibited InsB:9-23 binding to recombinant HLA-DQ8 molecule, as well as its binding to DQ8 expressed on human B-cells. RI-EXT prevented T-cell activation in a cellular antigen presentation assay containing human DQ8 cells loaded with InsB:9-23 peptide and murine T-cells expressing a human T-cell receptor specific for the InsB:9-23-DQ8 complex. Moreover, RI-EXT blocked T-cell activation by InsB:9-23 in a humanized DQ8 mice both ex vivo and in vivo, as shown by decreased production of IL-2 and IFN-γ and reduced lymphocyte proliferation. Interestingly, RI-EXT also blocked lymphocyte activation and proliferation by InsB:9-23 in PBMCs isolated from recent onset DQ8-T1D patients. In summary, we discovered a RI-D-peptide that blocks InsB:9-23 binding to HLA-DQ8 and its presentation to T-cells in T1D. These findings set the stage for using our approach as a novel therapy for patients with T1D and potentially other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lombardi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Erlinda Concepcion
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hanxi Hou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hanane Arib
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mihaly Mezei
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roman Osman
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yaron Tomer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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28
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Gomara MJ, Perez Y, Gomez-Gutierrez P, Herrera C, Ziprin P, Martinez JP, Meyerhans A, Perez JJ, Haro I. Importance of structure-based studies for the design of a novel HIV-1 inhibitor peptide. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14430. [PMID: 32879375 PMCID: PMC7468280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the structure of an HIV-1 entry inhibitor peptide two stapled- and a retro-enantio peptides have been designed to provide novel prevention interventions against HIV transmission. The three peptides show greater inhibitory potencies in cellular and mucosal tissue pre-clinical models than the parent sequence and the retro-enantio shows a strengthened proteolytic stability. Since HIV-1 fusion inhibitor peptides need to be embedded in the membrane to properly interact with their viral target, the structural features were determined by NMR spectroscopy in micelles and solved by using restrained molecular dynamics calculations. Both parent and retro-enantio peptides demonstrate a topology compatible with a shared helix–turn–helix conformation and assemble similarly in the membrane maintaining the active conformation needed for its interaction with the viral target site. This study represents a straightforward approach to design new targeted peptides as HIV-1 fusion inhibitors and lead us to define a retro-enantio peptide as a good candidate for pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J Gomara
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Peptides, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Yolanda Perez
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Gomez-Gutierrez
- Department of Chemical Engineering (ETSEIB), Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Paul Ziprin
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Javier P Martinez
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Meyerhans
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan J Perez
- Department of Chemical Engineering (ETSEIB), Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Haro
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Peptides, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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29
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Gurevich VV, Gurevich EV. Targeting arrestin interactions with its partners for therapeutic purposes. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2019; 121:169-197. [PMID: 32312421 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Most vertebrates express four arrestin subtypes: two visual ones in photoreceptor cells and two non-visuals expressed ubiquitously. The latter two interact with hundreds of G protein-coupled receptors, certain receptors of other types, and numerous non-receptor partners. Arrestins have no enzymatic activity and work by interacting with other proteins, often assembling multi-protein signaling complexes. Arrestin binding to every partner affects cell signaling, including pathways regulating cell survival, proliferation, and death. Thus, targeting individual arrestin interactions has therapeutic potential. This requires precise identification of protein-protein interaction sites of both participants and the choice of the side of each interaction which would be most advantageous to target. The interfaces involved in each interaction can be disrupted by small molecule therapeutics, as well as by carefully selected peptides of the other partner that do not participate in the interactions that should not be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vsevolod V Gurevich
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Eugenia V Gurevich
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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30
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Martínez-Burgo B, Cobb SL, Pohl E, Kashanin D, Paul T, Kirby JA, Sheerin NS, Ali S. A C-terminal CXCL8 peptide based on chemokine-glycosaminoglycan interactions reduces neutrophil adhesion and migration during inflammation. Immunology 2019; 157:173-184. [PMID: 31013364 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucocyte recruitment is critical during many acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Chemokines are key mediators of leucocyte recruitment during the inflammatory response, by signalling through specific chemokine G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In addition, chemokines interact with cell-surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to generate a chemotactic gradient. The chemokine interleukin-8/CXCL8, a prototypical neutrophil chemoattractant, is characterized by a long, highly positively charged GAG-binding C-terminal region, absent in most other chemokines. To examine whether the CXCL8 C-terminal peptide has a modulatory role in GAG binding during neutrophil recruitment, we synthesized the wild-type CXCL8 C-terminal [CXCL8 (54-72)] (Peptide 1), a peptide with a substitution of glutamic acid (E) 70 with lysine (K) (Peptide 2) to increase positive charge; and also, a scrambled sequence peptide (Peptide 3). Surface plasmon resonance showed that Peptide 1, corresponding to the core CXCL8 GAG-binding region, binds to GAG but Peptide 2 binding was detected at lower concentrations. In the absence of cellular GAG, the peptides did not affect CXCL8-induced calcium signalling or neutrophil chemotaxis along a diffusion gradient, suggesting no effect on GPCR binding. All peptides equally inhibited neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells under physiological flow conditions. Peptide 2, with its greater positive charge and binding to polyanionic GAG, inhibited CXCL8-induced neutrophil transendothelial migration. Our studies suggest that the E70K CXCL8 peptide, may serve as a lead molecule for further development of therapeutic inhibitors of neutrophil-mediated inflammation based on modulation of chemokine-GAG binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Martínez-Burgo
- Applied Immunobiology and Transplantation Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ehmke Pohl
- Chemistry Department, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | | | | | - John A Kirby
- Applied Immunobiology and Transplantation Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Neil S Sheerin
- Applied Immunobiology and Transplantation Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Simi Ali
- Applied Immunobiology and Transplantation Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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31
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Novel therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment using protein and peptide-based targeted smart systems. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 69:249-267. [PMID: 31442570 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer, being the most prevalent and resistant disease afflicting any gender, age or social status, is the ultimate challenge for the scientific community. The new generation therapeutics for cancer management has shifted the approach to personalized/precision medicine, making use of patient- and tumor-specific markers for specifying the targeted therapies for each patient. Peptides targeting these cancer-specific signatures hold enormous potential for cancer therapy and diagnosis. The rapid advancements in the combinatorial peptide libraries served as an impetus to the development of multifunctional peptide-based materials for targeted cancer therapy. The present review outlines benefits and shortcomings of peptides as cancer therapeutics and the potential of peptide modified nanomedicines for targeted delivery of anticancer agents.
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32
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Yang W, Zhang Q, Zhang C, Guo A, Wang Y, You H, Zhang X, Lai L. Computational design and optimization of noveld‐peptideTNFα inhibitors. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:1292-1302. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- School of Life Sciences Tsinghua University Beijing China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Life Sciences Peking University Beijing China
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences AAIS Peking University Beijing China
| | - Changsheng Zhang
- BNLMS College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University Beijing China
| | - Annan Guo
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences AAIS Peking University Beijing China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences AAIS Peking University Beijing China
| | - Hantian You
- BNLMS College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University Beijing China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Center for Quantitative Biology AAIS Peking University Beijing China
| | - Luhua Lai
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences AAIS Peking University Beijing China
- BNLMS College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University Beijing China
- Center for Quantitative Biology AAIS Peking University Beijing China
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Jiang Z, Guan J, Qian J, Zhan C. Peptide ligand-mediated targeted drug delivery of nanomedicines. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:461-471. [PMID: 30656305 DOI: 10.1039/c8bm01340c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Targeted drug delivery is emerging as a promising strategy to achieve better clinical outcomes. Actively targeted drug delivery that utilizes overexpressed receptors or antigens on diseased tissues is receiving increasing scrutiny, especially due to the uncertainty of existence of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in cancer patients. Peptide ligands are advantageous over other classes of targeting ligands due to their accessibility of high-throughput screening, ease of synthesis, high specificity and affinity, etc. In this review, we briefly summarize the resources of peptide ligands and discuss the pitfalls and perspectives of peptide ligand-mediated targeted delivery of nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuxuan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.
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34
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Total chemical synthesis by native chemical ligation of the all-D immunoglobulin-like domain 2 of Axl. Tetrahedron 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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35
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Department of ChemistryTsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
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36
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Babii O, Afonin S, Ishchenko AY, Schober T, Negelia AO, Tolstanova GM, Garmanchuk LV, Ostapchenko LI, Komarov IV, Ulrich AS. Structure–Activity Relationships of Photoswitchable Diarylethene-Based β-Hairpin Peptides as Membranolytic Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents. J Med Chem 2018; 61:10793-10813. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Babii
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sergii Afonin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Aleksandr Yu. Ishchenko
- Institute of High Technologies, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Vul. Volodymyrska 60, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., Vul. Chervonotkatska 78, 02066 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Tim Schober
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anatoliy O. Negelia
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Prosp. Hlushkova 2, 03022 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ganna M. Tolstanova
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Prosp. Hlushkova 2, 03022 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Liudmyla V. Garmanchuk
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Prosp. Hlushkova 2, 03022 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Liudmyla I. Ostapchenko
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Prosp. Hlushkova 2, 03022 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Igor V. Komarov
- Institute of High Technologies, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Vul. Volodymyrska 60, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Enamine Ltd., Vul. Chervonotkatska 78, 02066 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Lumobiotics GmbH, Auerstraße 2, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anne S. Ulrich
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Wang R, Shen Q, Li X, Xie C, Lu W, Wang S, Wang J, Wang D, Liu M. Efficacy of inverso isomer of CendR peptide on tumor tissue penetration. Acta Pharm Sin B 2018; 8:825-832. [PMID: 30245969 PMCID: PMC6146380 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The dense extracellular matrix and high interstitial fluid pressure of tumor tissues prevent the ability of anti-tumor agents to penetrate deep into the tumor parenchyma for treatment effects. C-end rule (CendR) peptides can enhance the permeability of tumor blood vessels and tumor tissues via binding to neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), thus aiding in drug delivery. In this study, we selected one of the CendR peptides (sequence RGERPPR) as the parent l-peptide and substituted d-amino acids for the l-amino acids to synthesize its inverso peptide D(RGERPPR). We investigated the NRP-1 binding activity and tumor-penetrating ability of D(RGERPPR). We found that the binding affinity of D(RGERPPR) with NRP-1 and the cellular uptake was significantly higher than that of RGERPPR. Evans Blue tests revealed that D(RGERPPR) exhibited improved tumor-penetrating ability in C6, U87 and A549 tumor-bearing nude mice. Using nude mice bearing A549 xenograft tumors as a model, we found that the rate of tumor growth in the group co-administered with D(RGERPPR) and gemcitabine (Gem) was significantly lower than the gemcitabine-treated group with a tumor suppression rate (TSR%) of 55.4%. Together, our results demonstrate that D(RGERPPR) is a potential tumor-penetrating peptide.
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Shteinfer-Kuzmine A, Amsalem Z, Arif T, Zooravlov A, Shoshan-Barmatz V. Selective induction of cancer cell death by VDAC1-based peptides and their potential use in cancer therapy. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:1077-1103. [PMID: 29698587 PMCID: PMC6026870 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial VDAC1 mediates cross talk between the mitochondria and other parts of the cell by transporting anions, cations, ATP, Ca2+, and metabolites and serves as a key player in apoptosis. As such, VDAC1 is involved in two important hallmarks of cancer development, namely energy and metabolic reprograming and apoptotic cell death evasion. We previously developed cell‐penetrating VDAC1‐derived peptides that interact with hexokinase (HK), Bcl‐2, and Bcl‐xL to prevent the anti‐apoptotic activities of these proteins and induce cancer cell death, with a focus on leukemia and glioblastoma. In this study, we demonstrated the sensitivity of a panel of genetically characterized cancer cell lines, differing in origin and carried mutations, to VDAC1‐based peptide‐induced apoptosis. Noncancerous cell lines were less affected by the peptides. Furthermore, we constructed additional VDAC1‐based peptides with the aim of improving targeting, selectivity, and cellular stability, including R‐Tf‐D‐LP4, containing the transferrin receptor internalization sequence (Tf) that allows targeting of the peptide to cancer cells, known to overexpress the transferrin receptor. The mode of action of the VDAC1‐based peptides involves HK detachment, interfering with the action of anti‐apoptotic proteins, and thus activating multiple routes leading to an impairment of cell energy and metabolism homeostasis and the induction of apoptosis. Finally, in xenograft glioblastoma, lung, and breast cancer mouse models, R‐Tf‐D‐LP4 inhibited tumor growth while inducing massive cancer cell death, including of cancer stem cells. Thus, VDAC1‐based peptides offer an innovative new conceptual framework for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Shteinfer-Kuzmine
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Zohar Amsalem
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tasleem Arif
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Alexandra Zooravlov
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Varda Shoshan-Barmatz
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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39
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Luciani P, Estella-Hermoso de Mendoza A, Casalini T, Lang S, Atrott K, Spalinger MR, Pratsinis A, Sobek J, Frey-Wagner I, Schumacher J, Leroux JC, Rogler G. Gastroresistant oral peptide for fluorescence imaging of colonic inflammation. J Control Release 2017; 262:118-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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40
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Mao J, Ran D, Xie C, Shen Q, Wang S, Lu W. EGFR/EGFRvIII Dual-Targeting Peptide-Mediated Drug Delivery for Enhanced Glioma Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:24462-24475. [PMID: 28685576 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b05617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-homing peptides have been widely used to mediate active targeted drug delivery. l-AE is a reported targeting peptide demonstrating high binding affinity to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mutation variant III (EGFRvIII) overexpressed on neovasculature, vasculogenic mimicry, tumor cells, and tumor stem cells. To improve its proteolytic stability, a d-peptide ligand (termed d-AE, the enantiomer of l-AE) was developed. d-AE was confirmed to bind receptors EGFR and EGFRvIII with targeting capability comparable to l-AE. In vivo biodistribution demonstrated the superiority of d-AE in prolonged circulation and enhanced intratumoral accumulation. Furthermore, stabilized peptide modification endowed micelles higher transcytosis efficiency and penetrating capability on blood-brain tumor barrier/U87 tumor spheroids coculture model. When paclitaxel (PTX) was loaded, d-AE-micelle/PTX demonstrated excellent antitumor effect in comparison to Taxol, micelle/PTX, and l-AE-micelle/PTX. These findings indicated that the multitargeted drug delivery system enabled by d-AE ligand provides a promising way for glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Mao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Danni Ran
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cao Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Songli Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai 201199, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200032, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University , Shanghai 200040, China
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41
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Wang P, Yang J, Tong F, Duan Z, Liu X, Xia L, Li K, Xia Y. Anti-Double-Stranded DNA IgG Participates in Renal Fibrosis through Suppressing the Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Signals. Front Immunol 2017; 8:610. [PMID: 28620377 PMCID: PMC5449454 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) participates in renal fibrosis by downregulating Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)-mediated cytokine signaling. Recently, it was found that anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) IgG induces the synthesis of profibrotic cytokines by renal cells. To explore the potential effect of anti-dsDNA IgG on SOCS1-mediated renal fibrosis, kidney tissues were collected from patients with lupus nephritis (LN) as well as MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice. The SOCS1 expression was evaluated in tissue samples. In addition, SCID mice were injected with anti-dsDNA IgG, followed by evaluation of SOCS1 levels. Renal resident cells were cultured in vitro, receiving the stimulation of anti-dsDNA IgG and then the measurement of SOCS1, JAK2, STAT1α, and profibrotic cytokines. Moreover, the binding of anti-dsDNA IgG to SOCS1 kinase inhibitory region (KIR) peptide was analyzed by surface plasmon resonance. We found that SOCS1 expression was inhibited, but JAK2/STAT1 activation was prominent in the kidney tissues of patients with LN, MRL/lpr mice, or anti-dsDNA IgG-injected SCID mice. The cultured renal cells also showed SOCS1 downregulation, JAK2/STAT1 activation, and profibrotic cytokine promotion upon anti-dsDNA IgG stimulation. Surprisingly, anti-dsDNA IgG showed high affinity to KIR peptide and competed with JAK2 loop for KIR. Additionally, a DNA-mimicking peptide (ALW) blocked the binding of anti-dsDNA IgG to KIR, and even partially abrogated the activation of JAK2/STAT1α signals and the expression of profibrotic cytokines in SCID mice. In conclusion, anti-dsDNA IgG downregulates SOCS1 expression, activates JAK2/STAT1 signals, and contributes to renal fibrosis; its peptide blockade may restore the SOCS1 inhibitory effect on the production of profibrotic cytokine, and finally ameliorate renal fibrosis in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Tong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhaoyang Duan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xingyin Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linlin Xia
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ke Li
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yumin Xia
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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42
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Gupta P, Gayen M, Smith JT, Gaidamakova EK, Matrosova VY, Grichenko O, Knollmann-Ritschel B, Daly MJ, Kiang JG, Maheshwari RK. MDP: A Deinococcus Mn2+-Decapeptide Complex Protects Mice from Ionizing Radiation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160575. [PMID: 27500529 PMCID: PMC4976947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The radioprotective capacity of a rationally-designed Mn2+-decapeptide complex (MDP), based on Mn antioxidants in the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans, was investigated in a mouse model of radiation injury. MDP was previously reported to be extraordinarily radioprotective of proteins in the setting of vaccine development. The peptide-component (DEHGTAVMLK) of MDP applied here was selected from a group of synthetic peptides screened in vitro for their ability to protect cultured human cells and purified enzymes from extreme damage caused by ionizing radiation (IR). We show that the peptides accumulated in Jurkat T-cells and protected them from 100 Gy. MDP preserved the activity of T4 DNA ligase exposed to 60,000 Gy. In vivo, MDP was nontoxic and protected B6D2F1/J (female) mice from acute radiation syndrome. All irradiated mice treated with MDP survived exposure to 9.5 Gy (LD70/30) in comparison to the untreated mice, which displayed 63% lethality after 30 days. Our results show that MDP provides early protection of white blood cells, and attenuates IR-induced damage to bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cells via G-CSF and GM-CSF modulation. Moreover, MDP mediated the immunomodulation of several cytokine concentrations in serum including G-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-10 during early recovery. Our results present the necessary prelude for future efforts towards clinical application of MDP as a promising IR countermeasure. Further investigation of MDP as a pre-exposure prophylactic and post-exposure therapeutic in radiotherapy and radiation emergencies is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paridhi Gupta
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (PG); (MJD)
| | - Manoshi Gayen
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Biological Sciences Group, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Joan T. Smith
- Radiation Combined Injury Program, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elena K. Gaidamakova
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vera Y. Matrosova
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Olga Grichenko
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Barbara Knollmann-Ritschel
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Daly
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (PG); (MJD)
| | - Juliann G. Kiang
- Radiation Combined Injury Program, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Radha K. Maheshwari
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Roles of d-Amino Acids on the Bioactivity of Host Defense Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17071023. [PMID: 27376281 PMCID: PMC4964399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17071023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are positively-charged and amphipathic components of the innate immune system that have demonstrated great potential to become the next generation of broad spectrum therapeutic agents effective against a vast array of pathogens and tumor. As such, many approaches have been taken to improve the therapeutic efficacy of HDPs. Amongst these methods, the incorporation of d-amino acids (d-AA) is an approach that has demonstrated consistent success in improving HDPs. Although, virtually all HDP review articles briefly mentioned about the role of d-AA, however it is rather surprising that no systematic review specifically dedicated to this topic exists. Given the impact that d-AA incorporation has on HDPs, this review aims to fill that void with a systematic discussion of the impact of d-AA on HDPs.
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