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di Leandro L, Colasante M, Pitari G, Ippoliti R. Hosts and Heterologous Expression Strategies of Recombinant Toxins for Therapeutic Purposes. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:699. [PMID: 38133203 PMCID: PMC10748335 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15120699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of therapeutic recombinant toxins requires careful host cell selection. Bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells are common choices, but no universal solution exists. Achieving the delicate balance in toxin production is crucial due to potential self-intoxication. Recombinant toxins from various sources find applications in antimicrobials, biotechnology, cancer drugs, and vaccines. "Toxin-based therapy" targets diseased cells using three strategies. Targeted cancer therapy, like antibody-toxin conjugates, fusion toxins, or "suicide gene therapy", can selectively eliminate cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed. Notable toxins from various biological sources may be used as full-length toxins, as plant (saporin) or animal (melittin) toxins, or as isolated domains that are typical of bacterial toxins, including Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) and diphtheria toxin (DT). This paper outlines toxin expression methods and system advantages and disadvantages, emphasizing host cell selection's critical role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.d.L.); (M.C.); (G.P.)
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2
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Huldani H, Abdul-Jabbar Ali S, Al-Dolaimy F, Hjazi A, Denis Andreevich N, Oudaha KH, Almulla AF, Alsaalamy A, Kareem Oudah S, Mustafa YF. The potential role of interleukins and interferons in ovarian cancer. Cytokine 2023; 171:156379. [PMID: 37757536 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer poses significant challenges and remains a highly lethal disease with limited treatment options. In the context of ovarian cancer, interleukins (ILs) and interferons (IFNs), important cytokines that play crucial roles in regulating the immune system, have emerged as significant factors influencing its development. This article provides a comprehensive review of the involvement of various ILs, including those from the IL-1 family, IL-2 family, IL-6 family, IL-8 family, IL-10 family, and IL-17 family, in ovarian cancer. The focus is on their impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and their role in evading immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the article conducts an in-depth examination of the oncogenic or antitumor roles of each IL in the context of ovarian cancer pathogenesis and progression. Besides, we elucidated the enhancements in the treatment of ovarian cancer through the utilization of type-I IFN and type-II IFN. Recent research has shed light on the intricate mechanisms through which specific ILs and IFNs contribute to the advancement of the disease. By incorporating recent findings, this review also seeks to inspire further investigations into unexplored mechanisms, fostering ongoing research to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer. Moreover, through an in-depth analysis of IL- and IFN-associated clinical trials, we have highlighted their promising potential of in the treatment of ovarian cancer. These clinical trials serve to reinforce the significant outlook for utilizing ILs and IFNs as therapeutic agents in combating this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huldani Huldani
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Khulood H Oudaha
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Abbas F Almulla
- College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University of Babylon, Iraq
| | - Ali Alsaalamy
- College of Technical Engineering, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna 66002, Iraq
| | - Shamam Kareem Oudah
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41001, Iraq
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3
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Pandey P, Khan F, Khan MA, Kumar R, Upadhyay TK. An Updated Review Summarizing the Anticancer Efficacy of Melittin from Bee Venom in Several Models of Human Cancers. Nutrients 2023; 15:3111. [PMID: 37513529 PMCID: PMC10385528 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Apitherapy (using bee products) has gained broad recognition in cancer therapeutics globally. Honeybee venom has a broad range of biological potential, and its utilization is rapidly emerging in apitherapy. Bee products have significant potential to strengthen the immune system and improve human health. Thus, this review is targeted toward recapitulating the chemo-preventive potential of melittin (MEL), which constitutes a substantial portion of honeybee venom. Honeybee venom (apitoxin) is produced in the venom gland of the honeybee abdomen, and adult bees utilize it as a primary colony defense mechanism. Apitoxin comprises numerous biologically active compounds, including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates, and volatile components. We are mainly focused on exploring the potential of melittin (a peptide component) of bee venom that has shown promising potential in the treatment of several human cancers, including breast, stomach, lung, prostate, ovary, kidney, colon, gastric, esophageal, cervical cancers, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review has summarized all potential studies related to the anticancerous efficacy of melittin (apitoxin), its formulations, conjugates, and nano-formulations against several human carcinomas, which would further pave the way for future researchers in developing potent drugs for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Minhaj Ahmad Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences and Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
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4
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Vakili B, Jahanian-Najafabadi A. Application of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Design and Production of Anticancer Agents. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10501-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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5
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Jameel QY, Mohammed NK. Protective rules of natural antioxidants against gamma-induced damage-A review. Food Sci Nutr 2021; 9:5263-5278. [PMID: 34532033 PMCID: PMC8441341 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals accessible in food have demonstrated efficiency against impairment by gamma radiation. The review presented here is an attempt to show the pharmacological outline of the activity of the natural antioxidants and its primary action of molecular mechanism against the damage induced by gamma rays. This research focused on the results of the in vitro dosage of natural antioxidants relationship, and on the correlation of this information with the statistical variables. Moreover, it deliberated the natural compounds which could decrease the unwelcome impacts of gamma radiation and safeguard biological systems from radiation-stimulated genotoxicity. The outcomes indicated that natural compounds can be utilized as an adjunct to orthodox radiotherapy and cultivate it as an effectual drug for the clinical administration of ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qaswaa Y. Jameel
- Department of Food ScienceColleges of Agricultural and ForestryMosul UniversityMosulIraq
| | - Nameer K. Mohammed
- Department of Food ScienceCollege of AgricultureTikrit UniversityTikritIraq
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6
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Giribaldi J, Smith JJ, Schroeder CI. Recent developments in animal venom peptide nanotherapeutics with improved selectivity for cancer cells. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 50:107769. [PMID: 33989705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides that efficiently modulate key receptors and ion channels involved in cellular excitability to rapidly neutralize their prey or predators. As such, they have been a wellspring of highly useful pharmacological tools for decades. Besides targeting ion channels, some venom peptides exhibit strong cytotoxic activity and preferentially affect cancer over healthy cells. This is unlikely to be driven by an evolutionary impetus, and differences in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment are probably behind the serendipitous selectivity shown by some venom peptides. However, strategies such as bioconjugation and nanotechnologies are showing potential to improve their selectivity and potency, thereby paving the way to efficiently harness new anticancer mechanisms offered by venom peptides. This review aims to highlight advances in nano- and chemotherapeutic tools and prospective anti-cancer drug leads derived from animal venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer J Smith
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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7
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Zhou J, Wan C, Cheng J, Huang H, Lovell JF, Jin H. Delivery Strategies for Melittin-Based Cancer Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:17158-17173. [PMID: 33847113 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c03640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Melittin (MLT) has been studied preclinically as an anticancer agent based on its broad lytic effects in multiple tumor types. However, unsatisfactory tissue distribution, hemolysis, rapid metabolism, and limited specificity are critical obstacles that limit the translation of MLT. Emerging drug delivery strategies hold promise for targeting, controlled drug release, reduced side effects, and ultimately improved treatment efficiency. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the use of diverse carriers to deliver MLT, with an emphasis on the design and mechanisms of action. We further outline the opportunities for MLT-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
| | - Chao Wan
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
| | - Hao Huang
- Guo Life Science Center, Wuhan Shengrun Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Wuhan 430075, P.R. China
| | - Jonathan F Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Honglin Jin
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
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8
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Murphy H, McCarthy G, Dobrovolny HM. Understanding the effect of measurement time on drug characterization. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233031. [PMID: 32407356 PMCID: PMC7224495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to determine correct dosage of chemotherapy drugs, the effect of the drug must be properly quantified. There are two important values that characterize the effect of the drug: εmax is the maximum possible effect of a drug, and IC50 is the drug concentration where the effect diminishes by half. There is currently a problem with the way these values are measured because they are time-dependent measurements. We use mathematical models to determine how the εmax and IC50 values depend on measurement time and model choice. Seven ordinary differential equation models (ODE) are used for the mathematical analysis; the exponential, Mendelsohn, logistic, linear, surface, Bertalanffy, and Gompertz models. We use the models to simulate tumor growth in the presence and absence of treatment with a known IC50 and εmax. Using traditional methods, we then calculate the IC50 and εmax values over fifty days to show the time-dependence of these values for all seven mathematical models. The general trend found is that the measured IC50 value decreases and the measured εmax increases with increasing measurement day for most mathematical models. Unfortunately, the measured values of IC50 and εmax rarely matched the values used to generate the data. Our results show that there is no optimal measurement time since models predict that IC50 estimates become more accurate at later measurement times while εmax is more accurate at early measurement times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Murphy
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Gabriel McCarthy
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Hana M. Dobrovolny
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States of America
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9
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Zhou L, Liu Z, Xu G, Li L, Xuan K, Xu Y, Zhang R. Expression of Melittin in Fusion with GST in Escherichia coli and Its Purification as a Pure Peptide with Good Bacteriostatic Efficacy. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:9251-9258. [PMID: 32363276 PMCID: PMC7191569 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The expression and purification of melittin (MET) in microbials are difficult because of its antibacterial activities. In this work, MET was fused with a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) tag and expressed in Escherichia coli to overcome its lethality to host cells. The fusion protein GST-MET was highly expressed and then purified by glutathione sepharose high-performance affinity chromatography, digested with prescission protease, and further purified by Superdex Peptide 10/300 GL chromatography. Finally, 3.5 mg/L recombinant melittin (rMET) with a purity of >90% was obtained; its antibacterial activities against Gram-positive Bacillus pumilus and Staphylococcus pasteuri were similar to those of commercial MET. A circular dichroism spectroscopic assay showed that the rMET peptide secondary structure was similar to those of the commercial form. To our knowledge, this is the report of the preparation of active pure rMET with no tags. The successful expression and purification of rMET will enable large-scale, industrial biosynthesis of MET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixian Zhou
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Guanyu Xu
- Xuteli
School, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, P. R. China
| | - Lihong Li
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Kaiang Xuan
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Yan Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Rongzhen Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
- . Tel: +86 510 85197760. Fax: +86 501 85918201
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10
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Lyu C, Fang F, Li B. Anti-Tumor Effects of Melittin and Its Potential Applications in Clinic. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:240-250. [PMID: 29895240 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180612084615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is a water-soluble toxic peptide of which a various biological effects have been identified to be useful in anti-tumor therapy. In addition, Melittin also has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it is a very attractive therapeutic candidate for human diseases. However, melittin induces extensive hemolysis, a severe side effect that dampens its future development and clinical application. Thus, studies of melittin derivatives and new drug delivery systems have been conducted to explore approaches for optimizing the efficacy of this compound, while reducing its toxicity. A number of reviews have focused on each side, respectively. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the anti-tumor effects of melittin and its derivatives, and discuss its future potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Lyu
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanfu Fang
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bai Li
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Li QQ, Chen PG, Hu ZW, Cao Y, Chen LX, Chen YX, Zhao YF, Li YM. Selective inhibition of cancer cells by enzyme-induced gain of function of phosphorylated melittin analogues. Chem Sci 2017; 8:7675-7681. [PMID: 29568430 PMCID: PMC5849211 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc03217j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The selective killing of cancer cells and the avoidance of drug resistance are still difficult challenges in cancer therapy. Here, we report a new strategy that uses enzyme-induced gain of function (EIGF) to regulate the structure and function of phosphorylated melittin analogues (MelAs). Original MelAs have the capacity to disrupt plasma membranes and induce cell death without selectivity. However, phosphorylation of Thr23 on one of the MelAs (MelA2-P) efficiently ameliorated the membrane lysis potency as well as the cytotoxicity for normal mammalian cells. After treatment with alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is more active in cancer cells than normal cells, MelA2-P restored the pore-forming function around the cancer cells and induced cancer cell death selectively. This mechanism was independent of the receptor proteins and the cell uptake process, which may partially bypass the development of drug resistance in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Li
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Pu-Guang Chen
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Zhi-Wen Hu
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Yuan Cao
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Liang-Xiao Chen
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Yong-Xiang Chen
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Yu-Fen Zhao
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders , Beijing 100069 , P. R. China
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12
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Rady I, Siddiqui IA, Rady M, Mukhtar H. Melittin, a major peptide component of bee venom, and its conjugates in cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2017; 402:16-31. [PMID: 28536009 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melittin (MEL), a major peptide component of bee venom, is an attractive candidate for cancer therapy. This agent has shown a variety of anti-cancer effects in preclinical cell culture and animal model systems. Despite a convincing efficacy data against variety of cancers, its applicability to humans has met with challenges due to several issues including its non-specific cytotoxicity, degradation and hemolytic activity. Several optimization approaches including utilization of nanoparticle based delivery of MEL have been utilized to circumvent the issues. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the anticancer effects of bee venom and MEL on different kinds of cancers. Further, we also present the available information for the possible mechanism of action of bee venom and/or MEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Rady
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Imtiaz A Siddiqui
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Mohamad Rady
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hasan Mukhtar
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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13
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Alonezi S, Tusiimire J, Wallace J, Dufton MJ, Parkinson JA, Young LC, Clements CJ, Park JK, Jeon JW, Ferro VA, Watson DG. Metabolomic Profiling of the Effects of Melittin on Cisplatin Resistant and Cisplatin Sensitive Ovarian Cancer Cells Using Mass Spectrometry and Biolog Microarray Technology. Metabolites 2016; 6:metabo6040035. [PMID: 27754384 PMCID: PMC5192441 DOI: 10.3390/metabo6040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to characterise the metabolic profiles of two human ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 (cisplatin-sensitive) and A2780CR (cisplatin-resistant) in response to their exposure to melittin, a cytotoxic peptide from bee venom. In addition, the metabolomics data were supported by application of Biolog microarray technology to examine the utilisation of carbon sources by the two cell lines. Data extraction with MZmine 2.14 and database searching were applied to provide metabolite lists. Principal component analysis (PCA) gave clear separation between the cisplatin-sensitive and resistant strains and their respective controls. The cisplatin-resistant cells were slightly more sensitive to melittin than the sensitive cells with IC50 values of 4.5 and 6.8 μg/mL respectively, although the latter cell line exhibited the greatest metabolic perturbation upon treatment. The changes induced by melittin in the cisplatin-sensitive cells led mostly to reduced levels of amino acids in the proline/glutamine/arginine pathway, as well as to decreased levels of carnitines, polyamines, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The effects on energy metabolism were supported by the data from the Biolog assays. The lipid compositions of the two cell lines were quite different with the A2780 cells having higher levels of several ether lipids than the A2780CR cells. Melittin also had some effect on the lipid composition of the cells. Overall, this study suggests that melittin might have some potential as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanad Alonezi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Jonans Tusiimire
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Jennifer Wallace
- WestCHEM, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK.
| | - Mark J Dufton
- WestCHEM, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK.
| | - John A Parkinson
- WestCHEM, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK.
| | - Louise C Young
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Carol J Clements
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Jin Kyu Park
- Beesen Co. Ltd., Bio Venture Town, Yuseong Daero 1662, Dae Jeon 34054, Korea.
| | - Jong Woon Jeon
- Beesen Co. Ltd., Bio Venture Town, Yuseong Daero 1662, Dae Jeon 34054, Korea.
| | - Valerie A Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - David G Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
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14
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Liu M, Wang H, Liu L, Wang B, Sun G. Melittin-MIL-2 fusion protein as a candidate for cancer immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2016; 14:155. [PMID: 27246873 PMCID: PMC4888606 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-0910-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytokine fusion protein that modulates the immune response holds great potential for cancer immunotherapy. IL-2 is an effective treatment against advanced cancers. However, the therapeutic efficacy of IL-2 is limited by severe systemic toxicity. Several mutants recombinant IL-2 can increase antitumor activity and minimize systemic toxicity. Melittin is an attractive anticancer candidate because of its wide-spectrum lytic properties. We previously generated a bifunctional fusion protein melittin-MIL-2, composed of melittin and a mutant IL-2. The melittin-MIL-2 inhibited the growth of human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells in vitro and in vivo tumor growth. However, whether this antitumor effect could also be used in cancer immunotherapy was unknown. To assess its cancer immunotherapy potential, we further investigated its more effective antitumor immune response and antitumor effect against cancers of different tissue origins in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The specific IL-2 activity of the melittin-MIL-2 fusion protein was tested on the cytokine growth dependent cell line CTLL-2. The cytolytic activity was detected by standard 4-h (51)Cr-release assays. PBMC stimulation in response to the melittin-MIL-2 was determined by IFN-γ release assay. We observed the cancer cell proliferation of different tissue origins by MTT assay. The ability of melittin-MIL-2 to inhibit tumor growth in vivo was evaluated by using human liver (SMMC-7721 cancer cells), lung (A549 cancer cells) and ovarian (SKOV3 cancer cells) cancer xenograft models. To assess the immunity within the tumor microenvironment, the level of some cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-4 was analyzed by ELISA. We injected the MDA-MB-231 cells and the melittin-MIL-2 into mice, and the anti-metastatic effect was examined by counting nodules in the lung. RESULTS The melittin-MIL-2 was more effective in inducing T cell and NK-cell cytotoxicity. The fusion protein significantly increased IFN-γ production in PBMCs. In vitro, the melittin-MIL-2 mediated immune cells killing or directly killed the cancer cell lines of different tissue origins. In vivo, the fusion protein exhibited stronger inhibition on the growth of transplanted human tumors compared to rIL-2. The melittin-MIL-2 treatment promoted the IFN-γ secretion in tumor tissues and decreased the immunosuppressive cells in vivo. Furthermore, the fusion protein reduced lung metastasis of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the evidence that the melittin-MIL-2 can produce stronger immune stimulation and antitumor effects, and the fusion protein is a potent candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Public Health, Qingdao University Medical College, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Linjie Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicine and Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Qingdao University Medical College, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Guirong Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Preparation and Characterization of Gelonin-Melittin Fusion Biotoxin for Synergistically Enhanced Anti-Tumor Activity. Pharm Res 2016; 33:2218-2228. [PMID: 27251414 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-016-1959-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the applicability of fusion biotoxins combining pore-forming toxins (PFTs) and ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) for the anti-cancer treatment. METHODS Membrane active PFTs tend to destabilize cell membranes of tumor cells, but lack a warhead inducing significant cause of cell death. Cell-impermeable RIPs possess a powerful warhead, yet not able to enter the tumor cells. To address these challenges for anti-tumor effects, we introduced a fusion strategy of conjugating melittin (a PFT) and gelonin (a type 1 RIP) via chemical and recombinant methods, followed by in vitro assays and in vivo animal studies. RESULTS In vitro characterization results confirmed that the chimeric gelonin-melittin fusion proteins retained equivalent intrinsic activity to that of unmodified gelonin in inhibiting protein translation. However, chemically conjugated gelonin-melittin (cGel-Mel) and recombinant chimeric gelonin-melittin fusion (rGel-Mel) exhibited greater cell uptake, yielding a significantly enhanced cytotoxic activity over treatment of gelonin, melittin or physical mixture of gelonin and melittin. Remarkably, cGel-Mel and rGel-Mel displayed 32- and 10-fold lower IC50 than gelonin in the cell lines. The superior anti-tumor efficacy of multivalent cGel-Mel to monovalent rGel-Mel suggested that valency could be a crucial factor for the extent of melittin-mediated cell uptake. Tumoricidal effects observed from animal studies were in good accordance with our findings from the cellular assays. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully demonstrated that fusion of biotoxins could provide a simple yet effective way to synergistically augment their anti-tumor activity.
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Wang D, Hu L, Su M, Wang J, Xu T. Preparation and functional characterization of human vascular endothelial growth factor-melittin fusion protein with analysis of the antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Int J Oncol 2015; 47:1160-8. [PMID: 26166416 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor and its tyrosine kinase receptors have been identified as key mediators of the regulation of pathologic blood vessel growth and maintenance in the promotion of angiogenesis and tumor growth. Therefore, an alternative approach to destroying tumor endothelium would be to make this tissue particularly sensitive to VEGF-mediated drug delivery. To verify this hypothesis, we generated a protein containing VEGF165 fused to melittin. Melittin is a small linear peptide composed of 26 amino acid residues that can exert toxic or inhibitory effects on many types of tumor cells. This protein is a cytolytic peptide that attacks lipid membranes, leading to significant toxicity. In the present study, the Pichia pastoris expression system was used to express the fusion protein. Under optimal conditions, stable VEGF165-melittin production was achieved using a series of purification steps. The activity of VEGF165-melittin fusion protein was compared with melittin for its ability to suppress the growth of tumor cell line in vitro. The fusion toxin selectively inhibited growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2 cell line with high expression of VEGFR-2. We found that sensitivity of VEGFR-2 transfected 293 cells to VEGF165-melittin enhanced as the cellular VEGFR-2 density increased. In an in vivo initial experiment, the fusion protein inhibited tumor growth in xenografts assays. Furthermore, successful expression and characterization of the fusion protein demonstrated its efficacy for use as a novel treatment strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingding Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lili Hu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Manman Su
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Ju Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-engineering Medicine (National Engineering Research Centre of Genetic Medicine), Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Tianmin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Clinical Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
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17
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Kim JS, Lee HJ, Lee SH, Lee BH. Recurrent Oligodendroglioma Treated with Acupuncture and Pharmacopuncture. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2015; 8:147-51. [PMID: 26100069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture have been shown to be effective in tumor treatment. However, their effectiveness for treating oligodendroglioma has not been reported yet. The purpose of this study was to provide an initial report on the effectiveness of acupuncture and pharmacopuncture for the treatment of an oligodendroglioma by presenting a case that was treated successfully. A 54-year-old man, who had experienced intracranial hemorrhage, was diagnosed with recurrent oligodendroglioma. His expected survival period was 3-6 months. The patient received daily acupuncture and weekly pharmacopuncture of mountain ginseng and bee venom. After treatment for 18 months, the tumor size was decreased markedly on brain magnetic resonance imaging, and severe seizures had disappeared. In this case, a combination of acupuncture and pharmacopuncture was shown to be effective for the treatment of recurrent oligodendroglioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Soo Kim
- Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jong Lee
- Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Lee
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Korean Medicine, Kyunghee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bong Hyo Lee
- Department of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, South Korea.
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Abstract
Melittin is a major active component of bee venom, and it exhibits strong biological activity. Recent reports have demonstrated that melittin has anti-tumor effects on many kinds of tumor cells through direct interaction with cell transduction mediators and influencing cellular signaling pathways, induction of apoptotic or necrotic cell death, and inhibition of growth and proliferationin vivo or in vitro. Nanotechnology and genetic engineering provide technical support to the safe and targeted delivery of melittin to the body. This review summarizes recent findings on the anti-tumor potential of melittin in tumors of different types.
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Zhu H, Yang X, Liu J, Ge Y, Qin Q, Lu J, Zhan L, Liu Z, Zhang H, Chen X, Zhang C, Xu L, Cheng H, Sun X. Melittin radiosensitizes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with induction of apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:8699-705. [PMID: 24870598 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2146-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is primarily treated by chemoradiotherapy. However, the outcome has not improved significantly because of radioresistance of cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the radiosensitizing effect of melittin, a novel component of bee venom, in ESCC. ESCC cell lines were irradiated with or without melittin. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Radiosensitization was evaluated by clonogenic survival assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Results show that melittin potently sensitized ESCC cells to radiation with a sensitization enhancement ratio of 1.15-1.42. Radiosensitization was accompanied with enhanced apoptosis and regulated by apoptosis proteins. The results were confirmed by in vivo studies on tumor-bearing xenografts. In summary, these results provide support that melittin may be a potentially promising radiosensitizer in ESCC radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongcheng Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guanzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
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