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Krishnamoorthy R, Singh M, Anaikutti P, Paul L E, Dhanasekaran S, Sathiah T. Design and synthesis of novel N-terminal peptides of integrin and aminopeptidase are new finding for anticancer activity. Bioorg Chem 2023; 134:106434. [PMID: 36863075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106434] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The short peptides, containing the amino acid sequence asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) and arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD), possess the strong binding ability to N (APN/CD13) aminopeptidase receptor and integrin proteins involved in antitumor properties are overexpressed. A novel short N-terminal modified hexapeptides P1 and P2 was designed and synthesized using the Fmoc-chemistry solid phase peptide synthesis protocol. Notably, the cytotoxicity of the MTT assay demonstrated the viability of normal and cancer cells up to lower peptide concentrations. Interestingly, both peptides show good anticancer activities against the four cancer cells and normal cells namely, Hep-2, HepG2, MCF-7, A375, and Vero and compared with standard drugs, doxorubicin and paclitaxel. Additionally, in silico studies were applied to predict the binding sites and binding orientation of the peptides for potential anticancer targets. Steady-state fluorescence measurements showed that peptide P1 exhibits preferential interactions with POPC/POPG anionic bilayers rather than the zwitterionic POPC lipid bilayers and peptide P2, did not show any preferential interaction with lipids bilayers. But impressively, peptide P2 shows anticancer activity due to the NGR/RGD motif. Circular dichroism studies demonstrated that the peptide's secondary structure changes only minimally upon binding to the anionic lipid bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajavenkatesh Krishnamoorthy
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory CSIR-CLRI, Adyar, Chennai 600020, Tamilnadu, India; Department of Chemistry, Sethu Institute of Technology, Kariapatti, Virudunagar 626115, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Meenakshi Singh
- Centre for excellence on GMP extraction Facility, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati (NIPER-G), Assam 781101, India
| | - Parthiban Anaikutti
- Centre for excellence on GMP extraction Facility, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati (NIPER-G), Assam 781101, India.
| | - Edwin Paul L
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory CSIR-CLRI, Adyar, Chennai 600020, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - Thennarsu Sathiah
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory CSIR-CLRI, Adyar, Chennai 600020, Tamilnadu, India.
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2
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li X, Huo F, Zhang Y, Cheng F, Yin C. Enzyme-activated Prodrugs and Their Release Mechanisms for Treatment of Cancer. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:5504-5519. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00922f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Enzyme-activated prodrugs have received a lot of attention in recent years. These prodrugs have low toxicity to cells before they are activated, and when they interact with specific enzymes, they...
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3
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Ferraboschi P, Ciceri S, Grisenti P. Synthesis of Antitumor Fluorinated Pyrimidine Nucleosides. ORG PREP PROCED INT 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00304948.2017.1290994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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4
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Graziadio A, Zanda M, Frau S, Fleming IN, Musolino M, Dall'Angelo S, Baldassarre M, Piras M. NGR Tumor-Homing Peptides: Structural Requirements for Effective APN (CD13) Targeting. Bioconjug Chem 2016; 27:1332-40. [PMID: 27077642 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic CNGRC (cCNGRC) peptides are very important targeting ligands for Aminopeptidase N (APN or CD13), which is overexpressed on the surface of many cancer cells. In this work we have (1) developed an efficient solid-phase synthesis and (2) tested on purified porcine APN and APN-expressing human cells two different classes of cCNGRC peptides: the first carrying a biotin affinity tag or a fluorescent tag attached to the carboxyl Arg-Cys-COOH terminus and the second with the tags attached to the amino H2N-Cys-Asn terminus. Carboxyl-terminus functionalized cCNGRC peptides 3, 6, and 8 showed good affinity for porcine APN and very good capacity to target and be internalized into APN-expressing cells. In contrast, amino-terminus functionalized cCNGRC peptides 4, 5, and 7 displayed significantly decreased affinity and targeting capacity. These results, which are in agreement with the recently reported X-ray structure of a cCNGRC peptide bound to APN showing important stabilizing interactions between the unprotected cCNGRC amino terminus and the APN active site, indicate that the carboxyl and not the amino-terminus of cCNGRC peptides should be used as a "handle" for the attachment of toxic payloads for therapy or isotopically labeled functions for imaging and nuclear medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Graziadio
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Zanda
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom.,C.N.R. - I.C.R.M. , via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Frau
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ian N Fleming
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Manuele Musolino
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio Dall'Angelo
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Massimiliano Baldassarre
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Piras
- Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics and Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
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5
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Kue CS, Kamkaew A, Burgess K, Kiew LV, Chung LY, Lee HB. Small Molecules for Active Targeting in Cancer. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:494-575. [PMID: 26992114 DOI: 10.1002/med.21387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
For the purpose of this review, active targeting in cancer research encompasses strategies wherein a ligand for a cell surface receptor expressed on tumor cells is used to deliver a cytotoxic or imaging cargo. This area of research is more than two decades old, but in those 20 and more years, how many receptors have been studied extensively? What kinds of the ligands are used for active targeting? Are they mostly naturally occurring molecules such as folic acid, or synthetic substances developed in campaigns for medicinal chemistry efforts? This review outlines the most important receptor or ligand combinations that have been used in active targeting to answer these questions, and therefore to address the most important one of all: is research in active targeting affording diminishing returns, or is this an area for which the potential far exceeds progress made so far?
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin S Kue
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anyanee Kamkaew
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX, 77842
| | - Kevin Burgess
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX, 77842
| | - Lik V Kiew
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lip Y Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hong B Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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6
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Szymańska-Michalak A, Wawrzyniak D, Framski G, Kujda M, Zgoła P, Stawinski J, Barciszewski J, Boryski J, Kraszewski A. New 3'-O-aromatic acyl-5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine derivatives as potential anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 115:41-52. [PMID: 26994842 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
New aromatic and aliphatic 3'-O-acyl-5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as candidates for prodrugs against various cancer cell lines. As the most promising candidate for antimalignant therapeutics was found a dual-acting acyl derivative 7h, which apparently released not only the known anticancer nucleoside, 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FdU), but also an additional active metabolite, acetylsalicylic acid, reinforcing thus therapeutic effect of FdU. Promising therapeutic indices showed also some aromatic dicarboxylic acids derivatives decorated with FdU esters (11 and 12).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dariusz Wawrzyniak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Framski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marta Kujda
- Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 8, 30-239, Cracow, Poland
| | - Paulina Zgoła
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jacek Stawinski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan Barciszewski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jerzy Boryski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland
| | - Adam Kraszewski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznań, Poland.
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7
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Ding S, Pickard AJ, Kucera GL, Bierbach U. Design of enzymatically cleavable prodrugs of a potent platinum-containing anticancer agent. Chemistry 2014; 20:16164-73. [PMID: 25303639 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201404675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Using a versatile synthetic approach, a new class of potential ester prodrugs of highly potent, but systemically too toxic, platinum-acridine anticancer agents was generated. The new hybrids contain a hydroxyl group, which has been masked with a cleavable lipophilic acyl moiety. Both butanoic (butyric) and bulkier 2-propanepentanoic (valproic) esters were introduced. The goals of this design were to improve the drug-like properties (e.g., logD) and to reduce the systemic toxicity of the pharmacophore. Two distinct pathways by which the target compounds undergo effective ester hydrolysis, the proposed activating step, have been confirmed: platinum-assisted, self-immolative ester cleavage in a low-chloride environment (LC-ESMS, NMR spectroscopy) and enzymatic cleavage by human carboxylesterase-2 (hCES-2) (LC-ESMS). The valproic acid ester derivatives are the first example of a metal-containing agent cleavable by the prodrug-converting enzyme. They show excellent chemical stability and reduced systemic toxicity. Preliminary results from screening in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549, NCI-H1435) suggest that the mechanism of the valproic esters may involve intracellular deesterification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ding
- Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109 (USA)
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8
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Song E, Han W, Li C, Cheng D, Li L, Liu L, Zhu G, Song Y, Tan W. Hyaluronic acid-decorated graphene oxide nanohybrids as nanocarriers for targeted and pH-responsive anticancer drug delivery. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:11882-11890. [PMID: 25000539 DOI: 10.1021/am502423r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A novel nanohybrid of hyaluronic acid (HA)-decorated graphene oxide (GO) was fabricated as a targeted and pH-responsive drug delivery system for controlling the release of anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) for tumor therapy. For the preparation, DOX was first loaded onto GO nanocarriers via π-π stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions, and then it was decorated with HA to produce HA-GO-DOX nanohybrids via H-bonding interactions. In this strategy, HA served as both a targeting moiety and a hydrophilic group, making the as-prepared nanohybrids targeting, stable, and disperse. A high loading efficiency (42.9%) of DOX on the nanohybrids was also obtained. Cumulative DOX release from HA-GO-DOX was faster in pH 5.3 phosphate-buffered saline solution than that in pH 7.4, providing the basis for pH-response DOX release in the slightly acidic environment of tumor cells, while the much-slower DOX release from HA-GO-DOX than DOX showed the sustained drug-release capability of the nanohybrids. Fluorescent images of cellular uptake and cell viability analysis studies illustrated that these HA-GO-DOX nanohybrids significantly enhanced DOX accumulation in HA-targeted HepG2 cancer cells compared to HA-nontargeted RBMEC cells and subsequently induced selective cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells. In vivo antitumor efficiency of HA-GO-DOX nanohybrids showed obviously enhanced tumor inhibition rate for H22 hepatic cancer cell-bearing mice compared with free DOX and the GO-DOX formulation. These studies suggest that the HA-GO-DOX nanohybrids have potential clinical applications for anticancer drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erqun Song
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Real-Time Analytical Chemistry (Southwest University); Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University , Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
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9
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Tumour vasculature targeting agents in hybrid/conjugate drugs. Angiogenesis 2013; 16:503-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s10456-013-9347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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10
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Hou L, Zhao X, Wang P, Ning Q, Meng M, Liu C. Antitumor activity of antimicrobial peptides containing CisoDGRC in CD13 negative breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53491. [PMID: 23326440 PMCID: PMC3543424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgroud isoAsp-Gly-Arg (isoDGR) is a derivative of the Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motif, which is used as a targeted delivery tool to aminopeptidase N (CD13) positive cells. Recent studies have shown that cyclic isoDGR (CisoDGRC) has a more efficient affinity with αvβ3, a type of integrin that overexpresses in tumor cells. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an efficient antitumor peptide that specifically kills tumor cells. In the present study, we designed antimicrobial peptides containing the CisoDGRC motif (CDAK) and assessed its antitumor activity for CD13−/αvβ3+ breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) in vitro and in vivo. Methods In vitro: We assessed the cytotoxicity of CDAK for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, the human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC), and human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF). We performed an apoptosis assay using Annexin-V/PI, DNA ladder, mitochondrial membrane potential, and Caspase-3 and Bcl-2. The effect on cell cycles and affinity with cell were tested using flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy and the effect on invasion was analyzed using an invasion assay. CDAK was injected intravenously into tumor-bearing athymic nude mice in vivo experiment. Results CDAK showed cytotoxic activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas HUVEC and HFF were less sensitive to the peptides. CDAK induced apoptosis, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, promoted Caspase-3, and inhibited Bcl-2 expression in the two breast cancer cell lines. In addition, CDAK inhibited proliferation of cancer cell through S phase arrest, and own selective affinity with MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231cells, inhibited the invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. In vivo, CDAK significant inhibited the progression of the tumor and the generation of neovascularization. Conclusion Antimicrobial peptides containing the CisoDGRC (CDAK) motif could efficiently exhibit the antitumor activity for CD13−/αvβ3+ breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hou
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xinhan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qian Ning
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Min Meng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Caigang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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11
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Pathuri G, Hedrick AF, Disch BC, Doan JT, Ihnat MA, Awasthi V, Gali H. Synthesis and evaluation of novel Tc-99m labeled probestin conjugates for imaging APN/CD13 expression in vivo. Bioconjug Chem 2011; 23:115-24. [PMID: 22148582 DOI: 10.1021/bc200546b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme aminopeptidase N (APN, also known as CD13) is known to play an important role in tumor proliferation, attachment, angiogenesis, and tumor invasion. In this study, we hypothesized that a radiolabeled high affinity APN inhibitor could be potentially useful for imaging APN expression in vivo. Here, we report synthesis, radiolabeling, and biological evaluation of new probestin conjugates containing a tripeptide, N,N-dimethylglycyl-l-lysinyl-l-cysteinylamide (N(3)S), chelator. New probestin conjugates were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis method, purified by reversed-phase HPLC, and characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry. The conjugates were complexed with Re(V) and (99m)Tc(V) by transmetalation using corresponding Re(V) or (99m)Tc(V) gluconate synthon. The mass spectral analyses of ReO-N(3)S-Probestin conjugates were consistent with the formation of neutral Re(V)O-N(3)S complexes. Initial biological activity of ReO-N(3)S-Probestin conjugates determined by performing an in vitro APN enzyme assay using intact HT-1080 cells demonstrated higher inhibition of APN enzyme activity than bestatin. In vivo biodistribution and whole body planar imaging studies of (99m)TcO-N(3)S-PEG(2)-Probestin performed in nude mice xenografted with human fibrosarcoma tumors derived from HT-1080 cells demonstrated a tumor uptake value of 2.88 ± 0.64%ID/g with tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios of 4.8 and 5.3, respectively, at 1 h postinjection (p.i.). Tumors were clearly visible in whole body planar image obtained at 1 h p.i., but not when the APN was competitively blocked with a coinjection of excess nonradioactive ReO-N(3)S-PEG(2)-Probestin conjugate. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using high affinity APN inhibitor conjugates as targeting vectors for in vivo targeting of APN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Pathuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States
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12
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Corti A, Pastorino F, Curnis F, Arap W, Ponzoni M, Pasqualini R. Targeted Drug Delivery and Penetration Into Solid Tumors. Med Res Rev 2011; 32:1078-91. [DOI: 10.1002/med.20238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience; San Raffaele Scientific Institute; via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan Italy
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Experimental Therapy Unit, Laboratory of Oncology; G. Gaslini Children's Hospital; Genoa Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience; San Raffaele Scientific Institute; via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan Italy
| | - Wadih Arap
- David H. Koch Center; The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard; Houston Texas 77030
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Experimental Therapy Unit, Laboratory of Oncology; G. Gaslini Children's Hospital; Genoa Italy
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- David H. Koch Center; The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard; Houston Texas 77030
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13
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Wickström M, Larsson R, Nygren P, Gullbo J. Aminopeptidase N (CD13) as a target for cancer chemotherapy. Cancer Sci 2011; 102:501-8. [PMID: 21205077 PMCID: PMC7188354 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2010.01826.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The enzyme aminopeptidase N (APN, also known as CD13) is a Zn(2+) dependent membrane-bound ectopeptidase that degrades preferentially proteins and peptides with a N-terminal neutral amino acid. Aminopeptidase N has been associated with the growth of different human cancers and suggested as a suitable target for anti-cancerous therapy. Different approaches have been used to develop new drugs directed to this target, including enzyme inhibitors as well as APN-targeted carrier constructs. This review discusses the prevalence and possible function of APN in malignant diseases, mainly solid tumors, as well as its "drugability" evaluated in preclinical in vivo models, and also provides a brief overview of current clinical trials focused on APN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Wickström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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The alkylating prodrug J1 can be activated by aminopeptidase N, leading to a possible target directed release of melphalan. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 79:1281-90. [PMID: 20067771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2009] [Revised: 12/23/2009] [Accepted: 12/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The alkylating prodrug of melphalan, J1 (melphalanyl-L-p-fluorophenylalanyl ethyl ester) is currently in early clinical trials. Preclinical studies have shown that J1-mediated cytotoxicity is dependent on hydrolytic activity of tumor cells. In this report we have analyzed potential peptidases and esterases of importance for release of free melphalan from J1. Exposure of tumor cell lines to J1 resulted in a significant increased level of free intracellular melphalan, at least tenfold at C(max), compared to exposure to melphalan at the same molar concentration. This efficient intracellular delivery could be inhibited in both magnitude and in time by bestatin, a broad spectrum inhibitor of the aminopeptidases, including the metalloproteinase aminopeptidase N (APN, EC 3.4.11.2.), and ebelactone A, an esterase inhibitor. These effects resulted, as expected, in decreased cytotoxic effects of J1. A specific role of APN in hydrolyzing J1 releasing free melphalan was demonstrated in vitro with pure APN enzyme. By using plasmid-based overexpression of APN or down regulation of endogenous APN with siRNA in different tumor cell lines we here confirm the involvement of APN in J1-mediated cytotoxic and apoptotic signaling. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a role of APN in the activation of the melphalan prodrug J1 and subsequently, its cytotoxicity. Given that APN is shown to be overexpressed in several solid tumors our data suggest that J1 may be activated in a tumor selective manner.
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15
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Ndinguri MW, Solipuram R, Gambrell RP, Aggarwal S, Hammer RP. Peptide targeting of platinum anti-cancer drugs. Bioconjug Chem 2009; 20:1869-78. [PMID: 19775102 DOI: 10.1021/bc900065r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Besides various side effects caused by platinum anticancer drugs, they are not efficiently absorbed by the tumor cells. Two Pt-peptide conjugates; cyclic mPeg-CNGRC-Pt (7) and cyclic mPeg-CNGRC-Pten (8) bearing the Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) targeting sequence, a malonoyl linker, and low molecular weight miniPEG groups have been synthesized. The platinum ligand was attached to the peptide via the carboxylic end of the malonate group at the end of the peptide. The pegylated peptide is nontoxic and highly soluble in water. Platinum conjugates synthesized using the pegylated peptides are also water-soluble with reduced or eliminated peptide immunogenicity. The choice of carboplatin as our untargeted platinum complex was due to the fact that the malonate linker chelates platinum in a manner similar to that of carboplatin. Cell toxicity assay and competition assay on the PC-3 cells (CD13 positive receptors) revealed selective delivery and destruction of PC-3 cells using targeted Pt-peptide conjugates 7 and 8 significantly more than untargeted carboplatin. Platinum uptake on PC-3 cells was 12-fold more for conjugate 7 and 3-fold more for conjugate 8 compared to that of the untargeted carboplatin, indicating selective activation of the CD13 receptors and delivery of the conjugates to CD13 positive cells. Further analysis on effects of conjugates 7 and 8 on PC-3 cells using caspase-3/7, fluorescence microscopy, and DNA fragmentation confirmed that the cells were dying by apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret W Ndinguri
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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16
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von Wallbrunn A, Waldeck J, Höltke C, Zühlsdorf M, Mesters R, Heindel W, Schäfers M, Bremer C. In vivo optical imaging of CD13/APN-expression in tumor xenografts. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2008; 13:011007. [PMID: 18315356 DOI: 10.1117/1.2839046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The metalloexopeptidase CD13/aminopeptidase N (APN) has been shown to be involved in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, a CD13/APN-targeted NGR-peptide was labeled with the cyanine dye Cy 5.5 and applied to image tumor xenografts with different APN-expression levels using both planar and tomographic optical imaging methods. In vitro, the peptide-dye conjugate showed a clear binding affinity to APN-positive HT-1080 cells, while negative MCF-7 cells and predosing with the free NGR-peptide revealed little to no fluorescence. In vivo, tumor xenografts (n>or=5) were clearly visualized by two-dimensional (2-D) planar fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) and three-dimensional (3-D) fluorescence mediated tomography (FMT) up to 24 h after injection. FMT also allowed us to quantify fluorochrome distribution in deeper tissue sections, showing an average fluorochrome concentration of 306.7+/-54.3 nM Cy 5.5 (HT-1080) and 116.0+/-18.3 nM Cy 5.5 (MCF-7) in the target tissue after 5 h. Competition with the free NGR-peptide resulted in a reduction of fluorochrome concentration in HT-1080 tumor tissue (195.3+/-21.9 nM; 5 h). We thus conclude that NGR-Cy 5.5 combined with novel tomographic optical imaging methods allows us to image and quantify tumor-associated CD13/APN expression noninvasively. This may be a promising strategy for a sensitive evaluation of tumor angiogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika von Wallbrunn
- University of Münster, Department of Clinical Radiology, Waldeyerster. 1, Haus Rosebach, Münster, Germany NRW 48149
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Garde SV, Forté AJ, Ge M, Lepekhin EA, Panchal CJ, Rabbani SA, Wu JJ. Binding and internalization of NGR-peptide-targeted liposomal doxorubicin (TVT-DOX) in CD13-expressing cells and its antitumor effects. Anticancer Drugs 2007; 18:1189-200. [PMID: 17893520 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e3282a213ce] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to develop new agents and molecular targets for the treatment of cancer, aspargine-glycine-arginine (NGR)-targeted liposomal doxorubicin (TVT-DOX) is being studied. The NGR peptide on the surface of liposomal doxorubicin (DOX) targets an aminopeptidase N (CD13) isoform, specific to the tumor neovasculature, making it a promising strategy. To further understand the molecular mechanisms of action, we investigated cell binding, kinetics of internalization as well as cytotoxicity of TVT-DOX in vitro. We demonstrate the specific binding of TVT-DOX to CD13-expressing endothelial [human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and Kaposi sarcoma-derived endothelial cells (SLK)] and tumor (fibrosarcoma, HT-1080) cells in vitro. Following binding, the drug was shown to internalize through the endosomal pathway, eventually leading to the localization of doxorubicin in cell nuclei. TVT-DOX showed selective toxicity toward CD13-expressing HUVEC, sparing the CD13-negative colon-cancer cells, HT-29. Additionally, the nontargeted counterpart of TVT-DOX, Caelyx, was less cytotoxic to the CD13-positive HUVECs demonstrating the advantages of NGR targeting in vitro. The antitumor activity of TVT-DOX was tested in nude mice bearing human prostate-cancer xenografts (PC3). A significant growth inhibition (up to 60%) of PC3 tumors in vivo was observed. Reduction of tumor vasculature following treatment with TVT-DOX was also apparent. We further compared the efficacies of TVT-DOX and free doxorubicin in the DOX-resistant colon-cancer model, HCT-116, and observed the more pronounced antitumor effects of the TVT-DOX formulation over free DOX. The potential utility of TVT-DOX in a variety of vascularized solid tumors is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema V Garde
- Ambrilia Biopharma Inc., Chemin Du Golf, Verdun, Quebec, Canada.
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18
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Tanabe K, Zhang Z, Ito T, Hatta H, Nishimoto SI. Current molecular design of intelligent drugs and imaging probes targeting tumor-specific microenvironments. Org Biomol Chem 2007; 5:3745-57. [DOI: 10.1039/b711244k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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19
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Sandoval CM, Geierstanger BH, Fujimura S, Balatbat C, Williams T, de Unamuno J, Whiles-Lillig JA, Ellerby LM, Ellerby HM, Jennings P, Plesniak LA. Structural Evaluation of a Novel Pro-apoptotic Peptide Coupled to CNGRC Tumor Homing Sequence by NMR. Chem Biol Drug Des 2006; 67:417-24. [PMID: 16882316 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2006.00394.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hunter-killer peptides (HKPs) are synthetic peptides that target specific cell types for apoptosis. These studies report functional and structural characteristics of HKP9, an hunter-killer peptide that specifically targets tumor vasculature with a new apoptotic sequence. Vesicle leakage experiments were performed as a model for membrane perturbing activity. Placement of the homing sequence reduces both cell toxicity and vesicle leakage activity. NMR studies elucidate the conformation and orientation of HKP9 in micelles. The positively charged end of the HKP9 killing sequence is solvent exposed; however, the central portion of the peptide is helical and buried in dodecylphosphorylcholine micelles. The homing sequence is less solvent exposed than in a previously reported tumor-homing peptide. The results suggest that solvent accessibility of the homing sequence should be considered in design of future peptides.
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Abstract
Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis was used as the mechanism to design a new type of environmentally sensitive fluorescence probe. A mild and selective periodate oxidation of the 2-amino alcohol of serine in the presence of a disulfide bond was developed to prepare dialdehyde peptides. Two identical fluorochrome hydrazide derivatives were then linked to the dialdehyde peptide forming an acid-labile hydrazone linkage. This self-quenched probe is weakly fluorescent at a physiological pH of 7.4 but shows more than 3-fold fluorescence enhancement at pH 4.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Galande
- Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
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21
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Zhang Z, Harada H, Tanabe K, Hatta H, Hiraoka M, Nishimoto SI. Aminopeptidase N/CD13 targeting fluorescent probes: synthesis and application to tumor cell imaging. Peptides 2005; 26:2182-7. [PMID: 15885853 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2005] [Revised: 03/22/2005] [Accepted: 03/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A family of fluorescein-peptide conjugates (CNP1-3) for aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) targeting fluorescent probes were designed and synthesized. Among the three conjugates, CNP1 bearing tumor-homing cyclic peptide CNGRC, could selectively label APN/CD13 over-expressing on the surface of tumor cells of HT-1080, as identified by means of fluorescent microscopic cell imaging. CNP1 was shown to be a promising fluorescent probe applicable to tumor-targeting molecular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouen Zhang
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura Campus, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
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