1
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Dennison SR, Morton LH, Badiani K, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Bacterial susceptibility and resistance to modelin-5. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:8247-8263. [PMID: 37869970 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01007d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Modelin-5 (M5-NH2) killed Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of 5.86 μM and strongly bound its cytoplasmic membrane (CM) with a Kd of 23.5 μM. The peptide adopted high levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure (75.0%) and penetrated the CM hydrophobic core (8.0 mN m-1). This insertion destabilised CM structure via increased lipid packing and decreased fluidity (ΔGmix < 0), which promoted high levels of lysis (84.1%) and P. aeruginosa cell death. M5-NH2 showed a very strong affinity (Kd = 3.5 μM) and very high levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure with cardiolipin membranes (96.0%,) which primarily drove the peptide's membranolytic action against P. aeruginosa. In contrast, M5-NH2 killed Staphylococcus aureus with an MLC of 147.6 μM and weakly bound its CM with a Kd of 117.6 μM, The peptide adopted low levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure (35.0%) and only penetrated the upper regions of the CM (3.3 mN m-1). This insertion stabilised CM structure via decreased lipid packing and increased fluidity (ΔGmix > 0) and promoted only low levels of lysis (24.3%). The insertion and lysis of the S. aureus CM by M5-NH2 showed a strong negative correlation with its lysyl phosphatidylglycerol (Lys-PG) content (R2 > 0.98). In combination, these data suggested that Lys-PG mediated mechanisms inhibited the membranolytic action of M5-NH2 against S. aureus, thereby rendering the organism resistant to the peptide. These results are discussed in relation to structure/function relationships of M5-NH2 and CM lipids that underpin bacterial susceptibility and resistance to the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Leslie Hg Morton
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Kamal Badiani
- Pepceuticals Limited, 4 Feldspar Close, Warrens Park, Enderby, Leicestershire, LE19 4JS, UK
| | - Frederick Harris
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - David A Phoenix
- Office of the Vice Chancellor, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA, UK
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2
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Parchebafi A, Tamanaee F, Ehteram H, Ahmad E, Nikzad H, Haddad Kashani H. The dual interaction of antimicrobial peptides on bacteria and cancer cells; mechanism of action and therapeutic strategies of nanostructures. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:118. [PMID: 35717207 PMCID: PMC9206340 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial infection and cancer are two leading causes of global mortality. Discovering and developing new therapeutics with better specificity having minimal side-effects and no drug resistance are of an immense need. In this regard, cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMP) with dual antimicrobial and anticancer activities are the ultimate choice. For better efficacy and improved stability, the AMPs available for treatment still required to be modified. There are several strategies in which AMPs can be enhanced through, for instance, nano-carrier application with high selectivity and specificity enables researchers to estimate the rate of drug delivery to a particular tissue. In this review we present the biology and modes of action of AMPs for both anticancer and antimicrobial activities as well as some modification strategies to improve the efficacy and selectivity of these AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Parchebafi
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Tamanaee
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hassan Ehteram
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ejaz Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamed Haddad Kashani
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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3
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Lath A, Santal AR, Kaur N, Kumari P, Singh NP. Anti-cancer peptides: their current trends in the development of peptide-based therapy and anti-tumor drugs. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2022; 39:45-84. [PMID: 35699384 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2022.2082157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Human cancer remains a cause of high mortality throughout the world. The conventional methods and therapies currently employed for treatment are followed by moderate-to-severe side effects. They have not generated curative results due to the ineffectiveness of treatments. Besides, the associated high costs, technical requirements, and cytotoxicity further characterize their limitations. Due to relatively higher presidencies, bioactive peptides with anti-cancer attributes have recently become treatment choices within the therapeutic arsenal. The peptides act as potential anti-cancer agents explicitly targeting tumor cells while being less toxic to normal cells. The anti-cancer peptides are isolated from various natural sources, exhibit high selectivity and high penetration efficiency, and could be quickly restructured. The therapeutic benefits of compatible anti-cancer peptides have contributed to the significant expansion of cancer treatment; albeit, the mechanisms by which bioactive peptides inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells remain unclear. This review will provide a framework for assessing anti-cancer peptides' structural and functional aspects. It shall provide appropriate information on their mode of action to support and strengthen efforts to improve cancer prevention. The article will mention the therapeutic health benefits of anti-cancer peptides. Their importance in clinical studies is elaborated for reducing cancer incidences and developing sustainable treatment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Lath
- Centre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Anita Rani Santal
- Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Nameet Kaur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Poonam Kumari
- Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility, CIL and UCIM, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Inida
| | - Nater Pal Singh
- Centre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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4
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Thankappan B, Sivakumar J, Asokan S, Ramasamy M, Pillai MM, Selvakumar R, Angayarkanni J. Dual antimicrobial and anticancer activity of a novel synthetic α-helical antimicrobial peptide. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 161:105784. [PMID: 33677023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are increasingly sought-after and researched antimicrobial agents due to its desired pharmacological properties and the continuous diminishing efficacy of antibiotics. In addition to this line of research, the aim of the present study is to determine the antimicrobial and anticancer activity of a de novo designed α-helical peptide. Circular dichroism showed 100% helical nature of the peptide in 10 mM SDS. Notably, the peptide exerted significant antimicrobial activity against the reference and antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates belonging to Pseudomonas sp. at a MIC and MBC of 2 and 8 μM, respectively. The progressive disruption and disturbance of cell membrane in the overall topography was observed in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 treated with the peptide as compared to untreated control. The results of time-kill kinetics showed complete lysis at 3x MIC after 50 min of incubation of the microbe with the peptide. Moreover, the peptide did not lyse human RBCs even at the highest concentration of the peptide (10 mM) and retained its activity upon treatment at 0.5 mg/ml trypsin. Cancer cell lines, viz. A549 and MCF-7 were also found to be sensitive to peptide activity showing 50% reduction in survivability at 4 and 2 μM, respectively; however, L929 cells were unaffected. Drastic membrane permeability and necrotic mode of lysis of peptide-treated-A549 cells were affirmed by propidium iodide and live/dead cell staining. The results showed that the designed peptide could be an efficient drug molecule for clinical studies subjected to successful experiments on animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bency Thankappan
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641046, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jeyarajan Sivakumar
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Annabor, 48108, United States
| | - Sridhar Asokan
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mahendran Ramasamy
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mamatha M Pillai
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore, 641 004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Selvakumar
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore, 641 004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jayaraman Angayarkanni
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
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5
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Liscano Y, Oñate-Garzón J, Delgado JP. Peptides with Dual Antimicrobial-Anticancer Activity: Strategies to Overcome Peptide Limitations and Rational Design of Anticancer Peptides. Molecules 2020; 25:E4245. [PMID: 32947811 PMCID: PMC7570524 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are naturally produced by all organisms and exhibit a wide range of physiological, immunomodulatory, and wound healing functions. Furthermore, they can provide with protection against microorganisms and tumor cells. Their multifaceted performance, high selectivity, and reduced toxicity have positioned them as effective therapeutic agents, representing a positive economic impact for pharmaceutical companies. Currently, efforts have been made to invest in the development of new peptides with antimicrobial and anticancer properties, but the poor stability of these molecules in physiological environments has triggered a bottleneck. Therefore, some tools, such as nanotechnology and in silico approaches can be applied as alternatives to try to overcome these obstacles. In silico studies provide a priori knowledge that can lead to the development of new anticancer peptides with enhanced biological activity and improved stability. This review focuses on the current status of research in peptides with dual antimicrobial-anticancer activity, including advances in computational biology using in silico analyses as a powerful tool for the study and rational design of these types of peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamil Liscano
- Research Group of Chemical and Biotechnology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, 760035 Cali, Colombia;
- Research Group of Genetics, Regeneration and Cancer, Institute of Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, 050010 Medellin, Colombia;
| | - Jose Oñate-Garzón
- Research Group of Chemical and Biotechnology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, 760035 Cali, Colombia;
| | - Jean Paul Delgado
- Research Group of Genetics, Regeneration and Cancer, Institute of Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, 050010 Medellin, Colombia;
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6
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Chiangjong W, Chutipongtanate S, Hongeng S. Anticancer peptide: Physicochemical property, functional aspect and trend in clinical application (Review). Int J Oncol 2020; 57:678-696. [PMID: 32705178 PMCID: PMC7384845 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is currently ineffectively treated using therapeutic drugs, and is also able to resist drug action, resulting in increased side effects following drug treatment. A novel therapeutic strategy against cancer cells is the use of anticancer peptides (ACPs). The physicochemical properties, amino acid composition and the addition of chemical groups on the ACP sequence influences their conformation, net charge and orientation of the secondary structure, leading to an effect on targeting specificity and ACP-cell interaction, as well as peptide penetrating capability, stability and efficacy. ACPs have been developed from both naturally occurring and modified peptides by substituting neutral or anionic amino acid residues with cationic amino acid residues, or by adding a chemical group. The modified peptides lead to an increase in the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Due to this effectiveness, ACPs have recently been improved to form drugs and vaccines, which have sequentially been evaluated in various phases of clinical trials. The development of the ACPs remains focused on generating newly modified ACPs for clinical application in order to decrease the incidence of new cancer cases and decrease the mortality rate. The present review could further facilitate the design of ACPs and increase efficacious ACP therapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wararat Chiangjong
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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7
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Gabernet G, Gautschi D, Müller AT, Neuhaus CS, Armbrecht L, Dittrich PS, Hiss JA, Schneider G. In silico design and optimization of selective membranolytic anticancer peptides. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11282. [PMID: 31375699 PMCID: PMC6677754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47568-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranolytic anticancer peptides represent a potential strategy in the fight against cancer. However, our understanding of the underlying structure-activity relationships and the mechanisms driving their cell selectivity is still limited. We developed a computational approach as a step towards the rational design of potent and selective anticancer peptides. This machine learning model distinguishes between peptides with and without anticancer activity. This classifier was experimentally validated by synthesizing and testing a selection of 12 computationally generated peptides. In total, 83% of these predictions were correct. We then utilized an evolutionary molecular design algorithm to improve the peptide selectivity for cancer cells. This simulated molecular evolution process led to a five-fold selectivity increase with regard to human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and more than ten-fold improvement towards human erythrocytes. The results of the present study advocate for the applicability of machine learning models and evolutionary algorithms to design and optimize novel synthetic anticancer peptides with reduced hemolytic liability and increased cell-type selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Gabernet
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Damian Gautschi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alex T Müller
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia S Neuhaus
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Armbrecht
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Petra S Dittrich
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan A Hiss
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gisbert Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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8
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Dennison SR, Hauß T, Badiani K, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Biophysical investigation into the antibacterial action of modelin-5-NH 2. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:4215-4226. [PMID: 31074477 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm02374c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Modelin-5-CONH2 (M5-NH2) is a synthetic antimicrobial peptide, which was found to show potent activity against Bacillus subtilis (minimum lethal concentration = 8.47 μM) and to bind strongly to membranes of the organism (Kd = 10.44 μM). The peptide adopted high levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure in the presence of these membranes (>50%), which led to high levels of insertion (Δπ ≥ 8.0 mN m-1). M5-NH2 showed high affinity for anionic lipid (Kd = 7.46 μM) and zwitterionic lipid (Kd = 14.7 μM), which drove insertion into membranes formed from these lipids (Δπ = 11.5 and 3.5 mN m-1, respectively). Neutron diffraction studies showed that M5-NH2 inserted into B. subtilis membranes with its N-terminal residue, L16, located 5.5 Å from the membrane centre, in the acyl chain region of these membranes, and promoted a reduction in membrane thickness of circa 1.8 Å or 5% of membrane width. Insertion into B. subtilis membranes by the peptide also promoted other effects associated with membrane thinning, including increases in membrane surface area (Cs-1 decreases) and fluidity (ΔGmix > 0 to ΔGmix < 0). Membrane insertion and thinning by M5-NH2 induced high levels of lysis (>55%), and it is speculated that the antibacterial action of the peptide may involve the toroidal pore, carpet or tilted-type mechanism of membrane permeabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- School of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
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9
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Neuhaus CS, Gabernet G, Steuer C, Root K, Hiss JA, Zenobi R, Schneider G. Simulated Molecular Evolution for Anticancer Peptide Design. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201811215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia S. Neuhaus
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Gisela Gabernet
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Christian Steuer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Katharina Root
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Jan A. Hiss
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Gisbert Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
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10
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Neuhaus CS, Gabernet G, Steuer C, Root K, Hiss JA, Zenobi R, Schneider G. Simulated Molecular Evolution for Anticancer Peptide Design. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:1674-1678. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201811215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia S. Neuhaus
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Gisela Gabernet
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Christian Steuer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Katharina Root
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Jan A. Hiss
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Gisbert Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zurich Switzerland
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11
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Dennison SR, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Investigations into the potential anticancer activity of Maximin H5. Biochimie 2017; 137:29-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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12
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Felício MR, Silva ON, Gonçalves S, Santos NC, Franco OL. Peptides with Dual Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities. Front Chem 2017; 5:5. [PMID: 28271058 PMCID: PMC5318463 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the number of people suffering from cancer and multi-resistant infections has increased, such that both diseases are already seen as current and future major causes of death. Moreover, chronic infections are one of the main causes of cancer, due to the instability in the immune system that allows cancer cells to proliferate. Likewise, the physical debility associated with cancer or with anticancer therapy itself often paves the way for opportunistic infections. It is urgent to develop new therapeutic methods, with higher efficiency and lower side effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in the innate immune system of a wide range of organisms. Identified as the most promising alternative to conventional molecules used nowadays against infections, some of them have been shown to have dual activity, both as antimicrobial and anticancer peptides (ACPs). Highly cationic and amphipathic, they have demonstrated efficacy against both conditions, with the number of nature-driven or synthetically designed peptides increasing year by year. With similar properties, AMPs that can also act as ACPs are viewed as future chemotherapeutic drugs, with the advantage of low propensity to resistance, which started this paradigm in the pharmaceutical market. These peptides have already been described as molecules presenting killing mechanisms at the membrane level, but also acting toward intracellular targets, which increases their success compartively to one-target specific drugs. This review will approach the desirable characteristics of small peptides that demonstrated dual activity against microbial infections and cancer, as well as the peptides engaged in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mário R Felício
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Osmar N Silva
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Sônia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Octávio L Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom BoscoCampo Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de BrasíliaBrasília, Brazil
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13
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Dalzini A, Bergamini C, Biondi B, De Zotti M, Panighel G, Fato R, Peggion C, Bortolus M, Maniero AL. The rational search for selective anticancer derivatives of the peptide Trichogin GA IV: a multi-technique biophysical approach. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24000. [PMID: 27039838 PMCID: PMC4819177 DOI: 10.1038/srep24000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptaibols are peculiar peptides produced by fungi as weapons against other microorganisms. Previous studies showed that peptaibols are promising peptide-based drugs because they act against cell membranes rather than a specific target, thus lowering the possibility of the onset of multi-drug resistance, and they possess non-coded α-amino acid residues that confer proteolytic resistance. Trichogin GA IV (TG) is a short peptaibol displaying antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. In the present work, we studied thirteen TG analogues, adopting a multidisciplinary approach. We showed that the cytotoxicity is tuneable by single amino-acids substitutions. Many analogues maintain the same level of non-selective cytotoxicity of TG and three analogues are completely non-toxic. Two promising lead compounds, characterized by the introduction of a positively charged unnatural amino-acid in the hydrophobic face of the helix, selectively kill T67 cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. To explain the determinants of the cytotoxicity, we investigated the structural parameters of the peptides, their cell-binding properties, cell localization, and dynamics in the membrane, as well as the cell membrane composition. We show that, while cytotoxicity is governed by the fine balance between the amphipathicity and hydrophobicity, the selectivity depends also on the expression of negatively charged phospholipids on the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Dalzini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Christian Bergamini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Università di Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Biondi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta De Zotti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Giacomo Panighel
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Romana Fato
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Università di Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Peggion
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolus
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienza dei Materiali, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Maniero
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
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14
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Gabernet G, Müller AT, Hiss JA, Schneider G. Membranolytic anticancer peptides. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6md00376a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the structure–activity relationships and mechanisms of action of membranolytic anticancer peptides could help them advance to therapeutic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Gabernet
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)
- CH-8093 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | - A. T. Müller
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)
- CH-8093 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | - J. A. Hiss
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)
- CH-8093 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | - G. Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)
- CH-8093 Zurich
- Switzerland
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Kuroda K, Okumura K, Isogai H, Isogai E. The Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 and Mimics are Potential Anticancer Drugs. Front Oncol 2015; 5:144. [PMID: 26175965 PMCID: PMC4485164 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a critical role in innate host defense against microbial pathogens in many organisms. The human cathelicidin, LL-37, has a net positive charge and is amphiphilic, and can eliminate pathogenic microbes directly via electrostatic attraction toward negatively charged bacterial membranes. A number of studies have shown that LL-37 participates in various host immune systems, such as inflammatory responses and tissue repair, in addition to its antibacterial properties. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that it is also involved in the regulation of cancer. Indeed, previous studies have suggested that human LL-37 is involved in carcinogenesis via multiple reporters, such as FPR2 (FPRL1), epidermal growth factor receptor, and ERBb2, although LL-37 and its fragments and analogs also show anticancer effects in various cancer cell lines. This discrepancy can be attributed to peptide-based factors, host membrane-based factors, and signal regulation. Here, we describe the association between AMPs and cancer with a focus on anticancer peptide functions and selectivity in an effort to understand potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Kuroda
- Laboratory of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai , Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Okumura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido , Hokkaido , Japan
| | - Hiroshi Isogai
- Animal Research Center, Sapporo Medical University , Sapporo , Japan
| | - Emiko Isogai
- Laboratory of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University , Sendai , Japan
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16
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Sivertsen A, Tørfoss V, Isaksson J, Ausbacher D, Anderssen T, Brandsdal BO, Havelkova M, Skjørholm AE, Strøm MB. Anticancer potency of small linear and cyclic tetrapeptides and pharmacokinetic investigations of peptide binding to human serum albumin. J Pept Sci 2014; 20:279-91. [PMID: 24677781 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We have in the present study explored the anticancer activity against human Burkitt's lymphoma cells (Ramos) of a series of small linear and cyclic tetrapeptides containing a β2,2-amino acid with either two 2-naphthyl-methylene or two para-CF3-benzyl side chains, along with their interaction with the main plasma protein human serum albumin (HSA). The cyclic and more amphipathic tetrapeptides revealed a notably higher anticancer potency against Ramos cells [50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) 11–70 μM] compared to the linear tetrapeptide counterparts (IC50 18.7 to >413 μM). The most potent cyclic tetrapeptide c3 had a 16.5-fold preference for Ramos cells compared to human red blood cells, whereas the cyclic tetrapeptide c1 both showed low hemolytic activity and displayed the overall highest (2.9-fold) preference for Ramos cells (IC50 23 μM) compared to healthy human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). Investigating the interaction of selected tetrapeptides and recently reported hexapeptides with HSA revealed that the peptides bind to drug site II of HSA in the 22–28 μM range, disregarding size and overall structure. NMR and in silico molecular docking experiments identified the lipophilic residues as responsible for the interaction, but in vitro studies showed that the anticancer potency of the peptides varied in the presence of HSA and that c3 remained the most potent peptide. Based on our findings, we call for implementing serum albumin binding in development of anticancer peptides, as it may have implications for future administration and systemic distribution of peptide-based cancer drugs.
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Riedl S, Rinner B, Schaider H, Lohner K, Zweytick D. Killing of melanoma cells and their metastases by human lactoferricin derivatives requires interaction with the cancer marker phosphatidylserine. Biometals 2014; 27:981-97. [PMID: 24838743 PMCID: PMC4155172 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-014-9749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite favorable advancements in therapy cancer is still not curative in many cases, which is often due to inadequate specificity for tumor cells. In this study derivatives of a short cationic peptide derived from the human host defense peptide lactoferricin were optimized in their selective toxicity towards cancer cells. We proved that the target of these peptides is the negatively charged membrane lipid phosphatidylserine (PS), specifically exposed on the surface of cancer cells. We have studied the membrane interaction of three peptides namely LF11-322, its N-acyl derivative 6-methyloctanoyl-LF11-322 and its retro repeat derivative R(etro)-DIM-P-LF11-322 with liposomes mimicking cancerous and non-cancerous cell membranes composed of PS and phosphatidylcholine (PC), respectively. Calorimetric and permeability studies showed that N-acylation and even more the repeat derivative of LF11-322 leads to strongly improved interaction with the cancer mimic PS, whereas only the N-acyl derivative also slightly affects PC. Tryptophan fluorescence of selective peptide R-DIM-P-LF11-322 revealed specific peptide penetration into the PS membrane interface and circular dichroism showed change of its secondary structure by increase of proportion of β-sheets just in the presence of the cancer mimic. Data correlated with in vitro studies with cell lines of human melanomas, their metastases and melanocytes, revealing R-DIM-P-LF11-322 to exhibit strongly increased specificity for cancer cells. This indicates the need of high affinity to the target PS, a minimum length and net positive charge, an adequate but moderate hydrophobicity, and capability of adoption of a defined structure exclusively in presence of the target membrane for high antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Riedl
- Biophysics Division, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Schmiedlstraße 6, 8042, Graz, Austria
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Mura M, Dennison SR, Zvelindovsky AV, Phoenix DA. Aurein 2.3 functionality is supported by oblique orientated α-helical formation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1828:586-94. [PMID: 22960040 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, an amphibian antimicrobial peptide, aurein 2.3, was predicted to use oblique orientated α-helix formation in its mechanism of membrane destabilisation. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and circular dichroism (CD) experimental data suggested that aurein 2.3 exists in solution as unstructured monomers and folds to form predominantly α-helical structures in the presence of a dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine membrane. MD showed that the peptide was highly surface active, which supported monolayer data where the peptide induced surface pressure changes>34 mNm(-1). In the presence of a lipid membrane MD simulations suggested that under hydrophobic mismatch the peptide is seen to insert via oblique orientation with a phenylalanine residue (PHE3) playing a key role in the membrane interaction. There is evidence of snorkelling leucine residues leading to further membrane disruption and supporting the high level of lysis observed using calcein release assays (76%). Simulations performed at higher peptide/lipid ratio show peptide cooperativity is key to increased efficiency leading to pore-formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Mura
- Computational Physics Group and Institute for nanotechnology and Bioengineering, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
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19
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Diao Y, Han W, Zhao H, Zhu S, Liu X, Feng X, Gu J, Yao C, Liu S, Sun C, Pan F. Designed synthetic analogs of the α-helical peptide temporin-La with improved antitumor efficacies via charge modification and incorporation of the integrin αvβ3 homing domain. J Pept Sci 2012; 18:476-86. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Diao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Wenyu Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Honglei Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Seng Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Xiaohe Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Xin Feng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Jingmin Gu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Cuimei Yao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Changjiang Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
| | - Fengguang Pan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun 130062 China
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Dennison SR, Phoenix DA. Effect of cholesterol on the membrane interaction of Modelin-5 isoforms. Biochemistry 2011; 50:10898-909. [PMID: 22082130 DOI: 10.1021/bi201267v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Modelin-5 isoforms were used to gain an insight into the effects of amidation on antimicrobial selectivity. When tested against Escherichia coli, amidation increased toxicity 10-fold (MIC = 31.25 μM) while showing limited increased hemolytic activity (2% lysis). Our results show that both the amidated and non-amidated peptides had a disordered structure in aqueous solution (<18% helical) and folded to form helices at the membrane interface (for example, >43% in the presence of DMPC). The stabilization of the helical structure by amidation has previously been shown to play a key role in increasing antibacterial efficacy. The presence of cholesterol in the membrane increases the packing density (C(s)(-1) values 25-33 mN m(-1)) and so prevents the peptide from forming stable association with the membrane, which is evidenced by the higher binding coefficient (K(d)) in the presence of cholesterol: 57.70 μM for Modelin-5-COOH and 35.64 μM for Modelin-5-CONH(2) compared to the presence of E. coli lipid extract (10 μM), which would prevent local concentration of the peptide at the bilayer interface as seen by reduction in monolayer interaction. This in turn would be predicted to inhibit activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
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21
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Riedl S, Zweytick D, Lohner K. Membrane-active host defense peptides--challenges and perspectives for the development of novel anticancer drugs. Chem Phys Lipids 2011; 164:766-81. [PMID: 21945565 PMCID: PMC3220766 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although much progress has been achieved in the development of cancer therapies in recent decades, problems continue to arise particularly with respect to chemotherapy due to resistance to and low specificity of currently available drugs. Host defense peptides as effector molecules of innate immunity represent a novel strategy for the development of alternative anticancer drug molecules. These cationic amphipathic peptides are able to discriminate between neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells interacting specifically with negatively charged membrane components such as phosphatidylserine (PS), sialic acid or heparan sulfate, which differ between cancer and non-cancer cells. Furthermore, an increased number of microvilli has been found on cancer cells leading to an increase in cell surface area, which may in turn enhance their susceptibility to anticancer peptides. Thus, part of this review will be devoted to the differences in membrane composition of non-cancer and cancer cells with a focus on the exposure of PS on the outer membrane. Normally, surface exposed PS triggers apoptosis, which can however be circumvented by cancer cells by various means. Host defense peptides, which selectively target differences between cancer and non-cancer cell membranes, have excellent tumor tissue penetration and can thus reach the site of both primary tumor and distant metastasis. Since these molecules kill their target cells rapidly and mainly by perturbing the integrity of the plasma membrane, resistance is less likely to occur. Hence, a chapter will also describe studies related to the molecular mechanisms of membrane damage as well as alternative non-membrane related mechanisms. In vivo studies have demonstrated that host defense peptides display anticancer activity against a number of cancers such as e.g. leukemia, prostate, ascite and ovarian tumors, yet so far none of these peptides has made it on the market. Nevertheless, optimization of host defense peptides using various strategies to enhance further selectivity and serum stability is expected to yield novel anticancer drugs with improved properties in respect of cancer cell toxicity as well as reduced development of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Riedl
- Institute of Biophysics and Nanosystems Research, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Schmiedlstrasse 6, Graz, Austria
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22
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Harris F, Dennison SR, Singh J, Phoenix DA. On the selectivity and efficacy of defense peptides with respect to cancer cells. Med Res Rev 2011; 33:190-234. [PMID: 21922503 DOI: 10.1002/med.20252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Here, we review potential determinants of the anticancer efficacy of innate immune peptides (ACPs) for cancer cells. These determinants include membrane-based factors, such as receptors, phosphatidylserine, sialic acid residues, and sulfated glycans, and peptide-based factors, such as residue composition, sequence length, net charge, hydrophobic arc size, hydrophobicity, and amphiphilicity. Each of these factors may contribute to the anticancer action of ACPs, but no single factor(s) makes an overriding contribution to their overall selectivity and toxicity. Differences between the anticancer actions of ACPs seem to relate to different levels of interplay between these peptide and membrane-based factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Harris
- School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
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23
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Abstract
Host defence peptides (HDP) produced by almost all species of living organisms and widely recognized as antimicrobial antibiotics have also proved to be capable of killing a wide variety of cancer cells. In this respect they have many advantages over conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. They seem to kill cancer cells by effects on plasma membranes and/or the membranes of mitochondria. They are often effective against multidrug-resistant cells. They have a broad spectrum of activity in that their killing effects are not restricted to particular kinds of cancer. Above all they commonly have few side effects in that they do not have the same detrimental effects on normal cells as they do on cancer cells. It has been demonstrated that HDP can be used as effective adjuvants to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. In addition they have effects on neo-angiogenesis which is important in relation to tumour growth. HDP have been shown to be powerful immunomodulators in a number of circumstances and in this respect they are believed to be instrumental in strengthening immunological host defence against cancer cells. Importantly it has also been shown that certain HDP have the capability to alter the capacity of cells to import Ca ions by affecting the location and thus function of calreticulin. Such changes it has been argued are significant in facilitating the killing of tumour cells by immunogical means. HDP constitute a novel class of anticancer agents for which, as we develop better knowledge of their pharmacokinetic profiles and learn better how to tailor their administration, hold high promise to augment or even replace the currently available cytotoxic anticancer chemotherapeutic agents most of which owe their efficacy to their capacity to bind to and damage target cell DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Károly Lapis
- Semmelweis Egyetem, AOK I. sz. Patológiai és Kísérleti Rákkutató Intézet, 1085 Budapest, Ulloi út 26.
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