1
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Challenges for the application of EGFR-targeting peptide GE11 in tumor diagnosis and treatment. J Control Release 2022; 349:592-605. [PMID: 35872181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.07.018] [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] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal regulation of cell signaling pathways on cell survival, proliferation and migration contributes to the development of malignant tumors. Among them, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most important biomarkers in many types of malignant solid tumors. Its over-expression and mutation status can be served as a biomarker to identify patients who can be benifit from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-EGFR monocloncal antibody (mAb) therapy. For decades, researches on EGFR targeted ligands were actively carried out to identify potent candidates for cancer therapy. An ideal EGFR ligand can competitively inhibit the binding of endogenous growth factor, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-α(TGF-α) to EGFR, thus block EGFR signaling pathway and downregulate EGFR expression. Alternatively, conjugation of EGFR ligands on drug delivery systems (DDS) can facilitate targeting delivery of therapeutics or diagnostic agents to EGFR over-expression tumors via EGFR-mediated endocytosis. GE11 peptide is one of the potent EGFR ligand screened from a phage display peptide library. It is a dodecapeptide that can specifically binds to EGFR with high affinity and selectivity. GE11 has been widely used in the diagnosis and targeted delivery of drugs for radiotherapy, genetherapy and chemotherpy against EGFR positive tumors. In this review, the critical factors affecting the in vivo and in vitro targeting performance of GE11 peptide, including ligand-receptor intermolecular force, linker bond properties and physiochemical properties of carrier materials, are detailedly interpreted. This review provides a valuable vision for the rational design and optimization of GE11-based active targeting strategies for cancer treatment, and it will promote the translation studies of GE11 from lab research to clinical application.
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2
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Deng D, Shah K. TRAIL of Hope Meeting Resistance in Cancer. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:989-1001. [PMID: 32718904 PMCID: PMC7688478 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis selectively via its interaction with the death receptors TRAILR1/DR4 and TRAILR2/DR5 in a wide range of cancers, while sparing normal cells. Despite its tremendous potential for cancer therapeutics, the translation of TRAIL into the clinic has been confounded by TRAIL-resistant cancer populations. We discuss different molecular mechanisms underlying TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and resistance to TRAIL. We also discuss the successes and failures of recent preclinical and clinical studies of TRAIL-induced apoptosis, and current attempts to overcome TRAIL resistance, and we provide a perspective for improving the prospects of future clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Deng
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Khalid Shah
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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3
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Pethő L, Kasza G, Lajkó E, Láng O, Kőhidai L, Iván B, Mező G. Amphiphilic drug-peptide-polymer conjugates based on poly(ethylene glycol) and hyperbranched polyglycerol for epidermal growth factor receptor targeting: the effect of conjugate aggregation on in vitro activity. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:5759-5769. [PMID: 32530018 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00428f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Numerous peptide-drug conjugates have been developed over the years to enhance the specificity and selectivity of chemotherapeutic agents for tumour cells. In our present work, epidermal growth factor receptor targeting drug-peptide conjugates were prepared using GE11 and D4 peptides. To ensure the drug release, the cathepsin B labile GFLG spacer was incorporated between the targeting peptide and the drug molecule (daunomycin), which significantly increased the hydrophobicity and thereby decreased the water solubility of the conjugates. To overcome the solubility problem, drug-peptide-polymer conjugates with systematic structural variations were prepared, by linking poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or a well-defined amino-monofunctional hyperbranched polyglycerol (HbPG) directly or via a pentaglycine spacer to the targeting peptides. All the drug-peptide-polymer conjugates were water-soluble as confirmed by turbidimetric measurements. The results of the in vitro cell viability and cellular uptake measurements on HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells proved that the HbPG and the PEG highly influenced the biological activity. The conjugation of the hydrophilic polymer resulted in the amphiphilic character of the conjugates, which led to self-aggregation and nanoparticle formation that decreased the cellular uptake above a specific aggregation concentration. On the other hand, the hydrodynamic volume and the different polymer chain topology of the linear PEG and the compact hyperbranched HbPG also played an important role in the biological activity. Therefore, in similar systems, the investigation of the colloidal properties is inevitable for the better understanding of the biological activity, which can reveal the structure-activity relationship of amphiphilic drug-peptide-polymer conjugates for efficient tumour targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilla Pethő
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Hungary.
| | - György Kasza
- Polymer Chemistry Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Hungary.
| | - Eszter Lajkó
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Nagyvárad tér 4, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Láng
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Nagyvárad tér 4, Hungary
| | - László Kőhidai
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Nagyvárad tér 4, Hungary
| | - Béla Iván
- Polymer Chemistry Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, H-1117 Budapest, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Mező
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Hungary. and Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Hungary
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4
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TRAIL in oncology: From recombinant TRAIL to nano- and self-targeted TRAIL-based therapies. Pharmacol Res 2020; 155:104716. [PMID: 32084560 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively induces the apoptosis pathway in tumor cells leading to tumor cell death. Because TRAIL induction can kill tumor cells, cancer researchers have developed many agents to target TRAIL and some of these agents have entered clinical trials in oncology. Unfortunately, these trials have failed for many reasons, including drug resistance, off-target toxicities, short half-life, and specifically in gene therapy due to the limited uptake of TRAIL genes by cancer cells. To address these drawbacks, translational researchers have utilized drug delivery platforms. Although, these platforms can improve TRAIL-based therapies, they are unable to sufficiently translate the full potential of TRAIL-targeting to clinically viable products. Herein, we first summarize the complex biology of TRAIL signaling, including TRAILs cross-talk with other signaling pathways and immune cells. Next, we focus on known resistant mechanisms to TRAIL-based therapies. Then, we discuss how nano-formulation has the potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of TRAIL protein. Finally, we specify strategies with the potential to overcome the challenges that cannot be addressed via nanotechnology alone, including the alternative methods of TRAIL-expressing circulating cells, tumor-targeting bacteria, viruses, and exosomes.
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5
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Jiang C, Chen J, Li Z, Wang Z, Zhang W, Liu J. Recent advances in the development of polyethylenimine-based gene vectors for safe and efficient gene delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2019; 16:363-376. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2019.1604681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jiatong Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Zhuoting Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Zitong Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jianping Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
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6
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Guimarães PP, Gaglione S, Sewastianik T, Carrasco RD, Langer R, Mitchell MJ. Nanoparticles for Immune Cytokine TRAIL-Based Cancer Therapy. ACS NANO 2018; 12:912-931. [PMID: 29378114 PMCID: PMC5834400 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b05876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The immune cytokine tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has received significant attention as a cancer therapeutic due to its ability to selectively trigger cancer cell apoptosis without causing toxicity in vivo. While TRAIL has demonstrated significant promise in preclinical studies in mice as a cancer therapeutic, challenges including poor circulation half-life, inefficient delivery to target sites, and TRAIL resistance have hindered clinical translation. Recent advances in drug delivery, materials science, and nanotechnology are now being exploited to develop next-generation nanoparticle platforms to overcome barriers to TRAIL therapeutic delivery. Here, we review the design and implementation of nanoparticles to enhance TRAIL-based cancer therapy. The platforms we discuss are diverse in their approaches to the delivery problem and provide valuable insight into guiding the design of future nanoparticle-based TRAIL cancer therapeutics to potentially enable future translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro P.G. Guimarães
- Department of Chemical Engineering, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Stephanie Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Engineering, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Tomasz Sewastianik
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ruben D. Carrasco
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Robert Langer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Corresponding Authors. .,
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Corresponding Authors. .,
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7
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Urbiola K, Blanco-Fernández L, Ogris M, Rödl W, Wagner E, Tros de Ilarduya C. Novel PAMAM-PEG-Peptide Conjugates for siRNA Delivery Targeted to the Transferrin and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors. J Pers Med 2018; 8:jpm8010004. [PMID: 29315261 PMCID: PMC5872078 DOI: 10.3390/jpm8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The transferrin (TfR) and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) are known to be overexpressed on the surface of a wide variety of tumor cells. Therefore, the peptides B6 (TfR specific) and GE11 (targeted to the EGFR) were linked to the PAMAM (polyamidoamine) structure via a polyethylenglycol (PEG) 2 kDa chain with the aim of improving the silencing capacity of the PAMAM-based dendriplexes. The complexes showed an excellent binding capacity to the siRNA with a maximal condensation at nitrogen/phosphate (N/P) 2. The nanoparticles formed exhibited hydrodynamic diameters below 200 nm. The zeta potential was always positive, despite the complexes containing the PEG chain in the structure showing a drop of the values due to the shielding effect. The gene silencing capacity was assayed in HeLa and LS174T cells stably transfected with the eGFPLuc cassette. The dendriplexes containing a specific anti luciferase siRNA, assayed at different N/P ratios, were able to mediate a mean decrease of the luciferase expression values of 14% for HeLa and 20% in LS174T cells, compared to an unspecific siRNA-control. (p < 0.05). In all the conditions assayed, dendriplexes resulted to be non-toxic and viability was always above 75%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koldo Urbiola
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (K.U.); (L.B.-F.)
| | - Laura Blanco-Fernández
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (K.U.); (L.B.-F.)
| | - Manfred Ogris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Wolfgang Rödl
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) 80799 Munich, Germany; (W.R.); (E.W.)
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) 80799 Munich, Germany; (W.R.); (E.W.)
| | - Conchita Tros de Ilarduya
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (K.U.); (L.B.-F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-948-425600 (ext. 80-6375)
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Farooqi AA, Gadaleta CD, Ranieri G, Fayyaz S, Marech I. New Frontiers in Promoting TRAIL-Mediated Cell Death: Focus on Natural Sensitizers, miRNAs, and Nanotechnological Advancements. Cell Biochem Biophys 2016; 74:3-10. [PMID: 26972296 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-015-0712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted and genomically complex disease, and rapidly emerging scientific evidence is emphasizing on intra-tumor heterogeneity within subpopulations of tumor cells and rapidly developing resistance against different molecular therapeutics. There is an overwhelmingly increasing list of agents currently being tested for efficacy against cancer. In accordance with the concept that therapeutic agents must have fewer off target effects and considerable efficacy, TRAIL has emerged as one among the most deeply investigated proteins reportedly involved in differential killing of tumor cells. Considerable killing activity of TRAIL against different cancers advocated its entry into clinical trials. However, data obtained through preclinical and cell culture studies are deepening our understanding of wide-ranging mechanisms which induce resistance against TRAIL-based therapeutics. These include downregulation of death receptors, overexpression of oncogenes, inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, imbalance of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, and inactivation of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Substantial fraction of information has been added into existing pool of knowledge related to TRAIL biology and recently accumulating evidence is adding new layers to regulation of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Certain hints have emerged underscoring miR135a-3p- and miR-143-mediated regulation of TRAIL-induced apoptosis, and natural agents have shown remarkable efficacy in improving TRAIL-based therapeutics by increasing expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs. In this review, we summarize most recent breakthroughs related to naturopathy and strategies to nanotechnologically deliver TRAIL to the target site in xenografted mice. We also set spotlight on positive and negative regulators of TRAIL-mediated signaling. Comprehensive knowledge of genetics and proteomics of TRAIL-based signaling network obtained from cancer patients of different populations will be helpful in getting a step closer to personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Cosmo Damiano Gadaleta
- Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Girolamo Ranieri
- Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Sundas Fayyaz
- Laboratory for Translational Oncology and Personalized Medicine, Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ilaria Marech
- Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
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9
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Brinkman AM, Chen G, Wang Y, Hedman CJ, Sherer NM, Havighurst TC, Gong S, Xu W. Aminoflavone-loaded EGFR-targeted unimolecular micelle nanoparticles exhibit anti-cancer effects in triple negative breast cancer. Biomaterials 2016; 101:20-31. [PMID: 27267625 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer for which there is no available targeted therapy. TNBC cases contribute disproportionately to breast cancer-related mortality, thus the need for novel and effective therapeutic methods is urgent. We have previously shown that a National Cancer Institute (NCI) investigational drug aminoflavone (AF) exhibits strong growth inhibitory effects in TNBC cells. However, in vivo pulmonary toxicity resulted in withdrawal or termination of several human clinical trials for AF. Herein we report the in vivo efficacy of a nanoformulation of AF that enhances the therapeutic index of AF in TNBC. We engineered a unique unimolecular micelle nanoparticle (NP) loaded with AF and conjugated with GE11, a 12 amino acid peptide targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), since EGFR amplification is frequently observed in TNBC tumors. These unimolecular micelles possessed excellent stability and preferentially released drug payload at endosomal pH levels rather than blood pH levels. Use of the GE11 targeting peptide resulted in enhanced cellular uptake and strong growth inhibitory effects in TNBC cells. Further, AF-loaded, GE11-conjugated (targeted) unimolecular micelle NPs significantly inhibit orthotopic TNBC tumor growth in a xenograft model, compared to treatment with AF-loaded, GE11-lacking (non-targeted) unimolecular micelle NPs or free AF. Interestingly, the animals treated with AF-loaded, targeted NPs had the highest plasma and tumor level of AF among different treatment groups yet exhibited no increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity level or observable tissue damage at the time of sacrifice. Together, these results highlight AF-loaded, EGFR-targeted unimolecular micelle NPs as an effective therapeutic option for EGFR-overexpressing TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Brinkman
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yidan Wang
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Nathan M Sherer
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thomas C Havighurst
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Toyama K, Mizuguchi T, Nomura W, Tamamura H. Functional evaluation of fluorescein-labeled derivatives of a peptide inhibitor of the EGF receptor dimerization. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:3406-12. [PMID: 27283787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A cyclic decapeptide (1, ), which acts on the extracellular region of the EGF receptor, preventing it from dimerizing, has been developed. Peptide 2, which was labeled with fluorescein at the N-terminus of peptide 1, was synthesized based on structure-activity relationship studies. Peptide 2 essentially retained the inhibitory activity of peptide 1 against the receptor autophosphorylation. Confocal microscopy studies revealed that in carcinoma cells, the fluorescence of peptide 2 was localized inside some vesicles. Treatment of intact cells by peptide 1 in combination with peptide 2 decreased the fluorescence intensity significantly compared to treatment with only peptide 2. These results indicate that peptide 2 competes with peptide 1 for binding to the cellular surface. Six derivatives of peptide 2, in which constituent amino acids, with the exception of two cysteines and proline were randomized, were synthesized and used to treat the cells. Peptides 6 and 9 showed the highest fluorescence intensity in cells. From the results of the EGF receptor autophosphorylation assay, these two derivatives were proven to have higher inhibitory activity than peptide 2, which would therefore be a useful delivery peptide and fluorescent probe to find new inhibitors against the EGF receptor. Peptides 6 and 9 are promising leads for EGF receptor inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Toyama
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Takaaki Mizuguchi
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Wataru Nomura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tamamura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan.
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11
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Parsel SM, Grandis JR, Thomas SM. Nucleic acid targeting: towards personalized therapy for head and neck cancer. Oncogene 2015; 35:3217-26. [PMID: 26592450 PMCID: PMC4877278 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In light of a detailed characterization of genetic aberrations in cancer, nucleic acid targeting represents an attractive therapeutic approach with significant translational potential. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide with stagnant 5-year survival rates. Advances in conventional treatment have done little to improve survival and combined chemoradiation is associated with significant adverse effects. Recent reports have characterized the genetic alterations in HNSCC and demonstrated that mutations confer resistance to conventional and molecular targeted therapies. The ability to use specific nucleic acid sequences to inhibit cancer-associated genes including non-druggable targets facilitates personalized medicine approaches with less adverse effects. Additionally, advances in drug delivery mechanisms have increased the transfection efficiency aiding in greater therapeutic responses. Given these advances, the stage has been set to translate the information garnered from genomic studies into personalized treatment strategies. Genes involved in the tumor protein 53 (TP53) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways have been extensively investigated and many promising preclinical studies have shown tumor inhibition through genetic modulation. We, and others, have demonstrated that targeting oncogene expression with gene therapy approaches is feasible in patients. Other methods such as RNA interference have proven to be effective and are potential candidates for clinical studies. This review summarizes the major advances in sequence-specific gene modulation in the preclinical setting and in clinical trials in head and neck cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Parsel
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - J R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S M Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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