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Zhang X, Zhang M, Huang S, Ohtani K, Xu L, Guo Y. Engineered Polymeric Nanovector for Intracellular Peptide Delivery in Antitumor Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:5343-5363. [PMID: 37746048 PMCID: PMC10517702 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s427536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to deliver a polypeptide from the Bax-BH3 domain (BHP) through the synthesis of self-assembled amphiphile nanovectors (NVs) and to assess their potential for cancer therapeutic applications and biological safety in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide valuable options for cancer intervention and a novel approach for the rational design of therapeutics. Methods We studied the antitumor activity of BHP by preparing RGDfK-PHPMA-b-Poly (MMA-alt-(Rhob-MA)) (RPPMMRA) and encapsulating it in BHP-NV. We also performed a series of characterizations and property analyses of RPPMMRA, including its size, stability, and drug-carrying capacity. The biocompatibility of RPPMMRA was evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity and hemolytic effects. The pro-apoptotic capacity of BHP was evaluated in vitro using mitochondrial membrane potential, flow cytometry, and apoptosis visualization techniques. The potential therapeutic effects of BHP on tumors were explored using reverse molecular docking. We also investigated the in vivo proapoptotic effect of BHP-NV in a nude mouse tumor model. Results NVs were successfully prepared with hydrated particle sizes ranging from 189.6 nm to 256.6 nm, spherical overall, and were able to remain stable in different media for 72 h with drug loading up to 15.2%. The NVs were be successfully internalized within 6 h with good biocompatibility. Neither BHP nor NV showed significant toxicity when administered alone, however, BHP-NV demonstrated significant side effects in vitro and in vivo. The apoptosis rate increased significantly from 14.13% to 66.34%. Experiments in vivo showed that BHP-NV exhibited significant apoptotic and tumor-suppressive effects. Conclusion A targeted fluorescent NV with high drug delivery efficiency and sustained release protected the active center of BHP, constituting BHP-NV for targeted delivery. RPPMMRA demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, stability, and drug loading ability, whereas and BHP-NV demonstrated potent antitumor effects in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sijun Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kiyoshi Ohtani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Hyogo, 669-1337, Japan
| | - Li Xu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Linkova N, Khavinson V, Diatlova A, Myakisheva S, Ryzhak G. Peptide Regulation of Chondrogenic Stem Cell Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098415. [PMID: 37176122 PMCID: PMC10179481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098415] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for innovative ways to treat osteoarthritis (OA) is an urgent task for molecular medicine and biogerontology. OA leads to disability in persons of middle and older age, while safe and effective methods of treating OA have not yet been discovered. The directed differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into chondrocytes is considered one of the possible methods to treat OA. This review describes the main molecules involved in the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. The peptides synthesized on the basis of growth factors' structures (SK2.1, BMP, B2A, and SSPEPS) and components of the extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue (LPP, CFOGER, CMP, RDG, and N-cadherin mimetic peptide) offer the greatest promise for the regulation of the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. These peptides regulate the WNT, ERK-p38, and Smad 1/5/8 signaling pathways, gene expression, and the synthesis of chondrogenic differentiation proteins such as COL2, SOX9, ACAN, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Linkova
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo pr. 3, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladimir Khavinson
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo pr. 3, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology of Russia Academy of Sciences, Makarova emb. 6, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasiia Diatlova
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo pr. 3, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Svetlana Myakisheva
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo pr. 3, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Galina Ryzhak
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Dynamo pr. 3, 197110 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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3
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV, Bradu P, Biswas A, Ganesan R, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, El Allali A, Alsamman AM, Zayed H, George Priya Doss C. Evolving strategies and application of proteins and peptide therapeutics in cancer treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114832. [PMID: 37150032 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Several proteins and peptides have therapeutic potential and can be used for cancer therapy. By binding to cell surface receptors and other indicators uniquely linked with or overexpressed on tumors compared to healthy tissue, protein biologics enhance the active targeting of cancer cells, as opposed to the passive targeting of cells by conventional small-molecule chemotherapeutics. This study focuses on peptide medications that exist to slow or stop tumor growth and the spread of cancer, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of peptides in cancer treatment. As an alternative to standard chemotherapy, peptides that selectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue are developing. A mountain of clinical evidence supports the efficacy of peptide-based cancer vaccines. Since a single treatment technique may not be sufficient to produce favourable results in the fight against cancer, combination therapy is emerging as an effective option to generate synergistic benefits. One example of this new area is the use of anticancer peptides in combination with nonpeptidic cytotoxic drugs or the combination of immunotherapy with conventional therapies like radiation and chemotherapy. This review focuses on the different natural and synthetic peptides obtained and researched. Discoveries, manufacture, and modifications of peptide drugs, as well as their contemporary applications, are summarized in this review. We also discuss the benefits and difficulties of potential advances in therapeutic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India.
| | - Pragya Bradu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Antara Biswas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, South Korea
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077 Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Achraf El Allali
- African Genome Center, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco.
| | - Alsamman M Alsamman
- Department of Genome Mapping, Molecular Genetics, and Genome Mapping Laboratory, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - C George Priya Doss
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
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Tavakoli S, Firoozpour L, Davoodi J. The synergistic effect of chimeras consisting of N-terminal smac and modified KLA peptides in inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 655:138-144. [PMID: 36934589 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.03.008] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the most important obstacles in effective cancer therapy triggered through various mechanisms. One of these mechanisms is caused by the upregulation of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs). IAPs, inhibit apoptosis through direct and/or indirect caspase inhibition, which themselves are antagonized by an endogenous protein called Second Mitochondrial-derived Activator of Caspases, Smac/Diablo, mediated by the presence of a tetrapeptide IAP binding motif at its N-terminus. Accordingly, Smac-based peptides are under intense investigation as anti-cancer drugs and have reached Phase 2 clinical trials, although, Smac based peptides or mimetics alone have not been effective as anti-cancer agents. On the other hand, KLA peptide has shown major toxicity against cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis. Consequently, we designed an anti-cancer chimera by fusing an octa-peptide from the N-terminus of mature Smac protein to a modified proapoptotic KLA peptide (KLAKLCKKLAKLCK) to be called Smac-KLA. This chimera, therefore, possesses both proapoptotic and anti-IAP activities. In addition, we dimerized this chimera via intermolecular disulfide bonds in order to enhance their cellular permeability. Both the Smac-KLA monomeric and dimeric peptides exhibited cytotoxic activity against both MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cell lines at low micromolar concentrations. Importantly, the dimerization of the chimeras enhanced their potency 2-4- fold due to higher cellular uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Tavakoli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Postal code: 1417614335, Tehran, Iran
| | - Loghman Firoozpour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamshid Davoodi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Postal code: 1417614335, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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Xu Y, Zhang X, Zhou A, Cheng C, Chen K, Zhou X, Zhang G, Ding L, Wu X, Ge H, Wu H, Ning X. A Smart "Energy NanoLock" Selectively Blocks Oral Cancer Energy Metabolism through Synergistic Inhibition of Exogenous Nutrient Supply and Endogenous Energy Production. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207384. [PMID: 36329673 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The major challenge in oral cancer is the lack of state-of-the-art treatment modality that effectively cures cancer while preserving oral functions. Recent insights into tumor metabolic dependency provide a therapeutic opportunity for exploring optimal treatment approaches. Herein, a smart responsive "Energy NanoLock" is developed to improve cancer metabolic intervention by simultaneously inhibiting nutrient supply and energy production. NanoLock is a pomegranate-like nanocomplex of cyclicRGD-modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CyclicRC, pI = 6.7) encapsulating indocyanine green and apoptotic peptides functionalized gold nanoparticles (IK-AuNPs), which together form a dual pH- and photoresponsive therapeutic platform. NanoLock exhibits good stability under physiological conditions, but releases small-size CyclicRC and IK-AuNPs in response to the tumor acidic microenvironment, leading to deep tumor penetration. CyclicRC targets integrins to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, and consequently blocks tumor nutrient supply. Meanwhile, IK-AuNPs specifically induce apoptotic peptides and photothermally mediated mitochondrial collapse, and consequently inhibits endogenous energy production, thereby facilitating cell death. Importantly, in both xenograft and orthotopic oral cancer models, NanoLock selectively eliminates tumors with little cross-reactivity with normal tissues, especially oral functions, resulting in prolonged survival of mice. Therefore, NanoLock provides a novel metabolic therapy to exploit synergistic inhibition of exogenous nutrient supply and endogenous energy production, which potentially advances oral cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurui Xu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Anwei Zhou
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, School of Physics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Can Cheng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Kerong Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhou
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Gui Zhang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211101, China
| | - Likang Ding
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, USA
| | - Xiaotong Wu
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Haixiong Ge
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Heming Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Xinghai Ning
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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6
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Hemmati S, Rasekhi Kazerooni H. Polypharmacological Cell-Penetrating Peptides from Venomous Marine Animals Based on Immunomodulating, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Properties. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20120763. [PMID: 36547910 PMCID: PMC9787916 DOI: 10.3390/md20120763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex pathological diseases, such as cancer, infection, and Alzheimer's, need to be targeted by multipronged curative. Various omics technologies, with a high rate of data generation, demand artificial intelligence to translate these data into druggable targets. In this study, 82 marine venomous animal species were retrieved, and 3505 cryptic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) were identified in their toxins. A total of 279 safe peptides were further analyzed for antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory characteristics. Protease-resistant CPPs with endosomal-escape ability in Hydrophis hardwickii, nuclear-localizing peptides in Scorpaena plumieri, and mitochondrial-targeting peptides from Synanceia horrida were suitable for compartmental drug delivery. A broad-spectrum S. horrida-derived antimicrobial peptide with a high binding-affinity to bacterial membranes was an antigen-presenting cell (APC) stimulator that primes cytokine release and naïve T-cell maturation simultaneously. While antibiofilm and wound-healing peptides were detected in Synanceia verrucosa, APC epitopes as universal adjuvants for antiviral vaccination were in Pterois volitans and Conus monile. Conus pennaceus-derived anticancer peptides showed antiangiogenic and IL-2-inducing properties with moderate BBB-permeation and were defined to be a tumor-homing peptide (THP) with the ability to inhibit programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1). Isoforms of RGD-containing peptides with innate antiangiogenic characteristics were in Conus tessulatus for tumor targeting. Inhibitors of neuropilin-1 in C. pennaceus are proposed for imaging probes or therapeutic delivery. A Conus betulinus cryptic peptide, with BBB-permeation, mitochondrial-targeting, and antioxidant capacity, was a stimulator of anti-inflammatory cytokines and non-inducer of proinflammation proposed for Alzheimer's. Conclusively, we have considered the dynamic interaction of cells, their microenvironment, and proportional-orchestrating-host- immune pathways by multi-target-directed CPPs resembling single-molecule polypharmacology. This strategy might fill the therapeutic gap in complex resistant disorders and increase the candidates' clinical-translation chance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +98-7132-424-128
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7
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Zaman R, Islam RA, Chowdhury EH. Evolving therapeutic proteins to precisely kill cancer cells. J Control Release 2022; 351:779-804. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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8
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Bose D, Roy L, Chatterjee S. Peptide therapeutics in the management of metastatic cancers. RSC Adv 2022; 12:21353-21373. [PMID: 35975072 PMCID: PMC9345020 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra02062a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading health concern threatening lives of millions of patients worldwide. Peptide-based drugs provide a valuable alternative to chemotherapeutics as they are highly specific, cheap, less toxic and easier to synthesize compared to other drugs. In this review, we have discussed various modes in which peptides are being used to curb cancer. Our review highlights specially the various anti-metastatic peptide-based agents developed by targeting a plethora of cellular factors. Herein we have given a special focus on integrins as targets for peptide drugs, as these molecules play key roles in metastatic progression. The review also discusses use of peptides as anti-cancer vaccines and their efficiency as drug-delivery tools. We hope this work will give the reader a clear idea of the mechanisms of peptide-based anti-cancer therapeutics and encourage the development of superior drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopriya Bose
- Department of Biophysics Bose Institute Unified Academic Campus EN 80, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar Kolkata 700091 WB India
| | - Laboni Roy
- Department of Biophysics Bose Institute Unified Academic Campus EN 80, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar Kolkata 700091 WB India
| | - Subhrangsu Chatterjee
- Department of Biophysics Bose Institute Unified Academic Campus EN 80, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar Kolkata 700091 WB India
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9
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Karami Fath M, Babakhaniyan K, Zokaei M, Yaghoubian A, Akbari S, Khorsandi M, Soofi A, Nabi-Afjadi M, Zalpoor H, Jalalifar F, Azargoonjahromi A, Payandeh Z, Alagheband Bahrami A. Anti-cancer peptide-based therapeutic strategies in solid tumors. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:33. [PMID: 35397496 PMCID: PMC8994312 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nowadays, conventional medical treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy cannot cure all types of cancer. A promising approach to treat solid tumors is the use of tumor-targeting peptides to deliver drugs or active agents selectively. Result Introducing beneficial therapeutic approaches, such as therapeutic peptides and their varied methods of action against tumor cells, can aid researchers in the discovery of novel peptides for cancer treatment. The biomedical applications of therapeutic peptides are highly interesting. These peptides, owing to their high selectivity, specificity, small dimensions, high biocompatibility, and easy modification, provide good opportunities for targeted drug delivery. In recent years, peptides have shown considerable promise as therapeutics or targeting ligands in cancer research and nanotechnology. Conclusion This study reviews a variety of therapeutic peptides and targeting ligands in cancer therapy. Initially, three types of tumor-homing and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are described, and then their applications in breast, glioma, colorectal, and melanoma cancer research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimiya Babakhaniyan
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zokaei
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Science, Food Science and Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Beyza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Beyza, Iran
| | - Azadeh Yaghoubian
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadaf Akbari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Khorsandi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Asma Soofi
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of biological science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- American Association of Kidney Patients, Tampa, FL, USA.,Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Jalalifar
- School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division Medical Inflammation Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Armina Alagheband Bahrami
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Natural Peptides Inducing Cancer Cell Death: Mechanisms and Properties of Specific Candidates for Cancer Therapeutics. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247453. [PMID: 34946535 PMCID: PMC8708364 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, cancer has become the second highest leading cause of death, and it is expected to continue to affect the population in forthcoming years. Additionally, treatment options will become less accessible to the public as cases continue to grow and disease mechanisms expand. Hence, specific candidates with confirmed anticancer effects are required to develop new drugs. Among the novel therapeutic options, proteins are considered a relevant source, given that they have bioactive peptides encrypted within their sequences. These bioactive peptides, which are molecules consisting of 2–50 amino acids, have specific activities when administered, producing anticancer effects. Current databases report the effects of peptides. However, uncertainty is found when their molecular mechanisms are investigated. Furthermore, analyses addressing their interaction networks or their directly implicated mechanisms are needed to elucidate their effects on cancer cells entirely. Therefore, relevant peptides considered as candidates for cancer therapeutics with specific sequences and known anticancer mechanisms were accurately reviewed. Likewise, those features which turn certain peptides into candidates and the mechanisms by which peptides mediate tumor cell death were highlighted. This information will make robust the knowledge of these candidate peptides with recognized mechanisms and enhance their non-toxic capacity in relation to healthy cells and further avoid cell resistance.
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11
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Trinidad-Calderón PA, Varela-Chinchilla CD, García-Lara S. Natural Peptides Inducing Cancer Cell Death: Mechanisms and Properties of Specific Candidates for Cancer Therapeutics. Molecules 2021. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, cancer has become the second highest leading cause of death, and it is expected to continue to affect the population in forthcoming years. Additionally, treatment options will become less accessible to the public as cases continue to grow and disease mechanisms expand. Hence, specific candidates with confirmed anticancer effects are required to develop new drugs. Among the novel therapeutic options, proteins are considered a relevant source, given that they have bioactive peptides encrypted within their sequences. These bioactive peptides, which are molecules consisting of 2–50 amino acids, have specific activities when administered, producing anticancer effects. Current databases report the effects of peptides. However, uncertainty is found when their molecular mechanisms are investigated. Furthermore, analyses addressing their interaction networks or their directly implicated mechanisms are needed to elucidate their effects on cancer cells entirely. Therefore, relevant peptides considered as candidates for cancer therapeutics with specific sequences and known anticancer mechanisms were accurately reviewed. Likewise, those features which turn certain peptides into candidates and the mechanisms by which peptides mediate tumor cell death were highlighted. This information will make robust the knowledge of these candidate peptides with recognized mechanisms and enhance their non-toxic capacity in relation to healthy cells and further avoid cell resistance.
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12
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Ahmadi P, Muguruma K, Chang TC, Tamura S, Tsubokura K, Egawa Y, Suzuki T, Dohmae N, Nakao Y, Tanaka K. In vivo metal-catalyzed SeCT therapy by a proapoptotic peptide. Chem Sci 2021; 12:12266-12273. [PMID: 34603656 PMCID: PMC8480321 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc01784e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective cell tagging (SeCT) therapy is a strategy for labeling a targeted cell with certain chemical moieties via a catalytic chemical transformation in order to elicit a therapeutic effect. Herein, we report a cancer therapy based on targeted cell surface tagging with proapoptotic peptides (Ac-GGKLFG-X; X = reactive group) that induce apoptosis when attached to the cell surface. Using either Au-catalyzed amidation or Ru-catalyzed alkylation, these proapoptotic peptides showed excellent therapeutic effects both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, co-treatment with proapoptotic peptide and the carrier-Ru complex significantly and synergistically inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival rate of tumor-bearing mice after only a single injection. This is the first report of Ru catalyst application in vivo, and this approach could be used in SeCT for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peni Ahmadi
- Biofunctional Synthetic Chemistry, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Kyohei Muguruma
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology 2-12-1 Ookayama Meguro Tokyo 152-8552 Japan
| | - Tsung-Che Chang
- Biofunctional Synthetic Chemistry, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Satoru Tamura
- Department of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Iwate Medical University Yahaba Iwate 028-3694 Japan
| | - Kazuki Tsubokura
- Biofunctional Synthetic Chemistry, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Yasuko Egawa
- Biofunctional Synthetic Chemistry, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Yoichi Nakao
- School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Waseda University 3-4-1 Okubo Shinjuku Tokyo 169-8555 Japan
| | - Katsunori Tanaka
- Biofunctional Synthetic Chemistry, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research 2-1 Hirosawa Wako Saitama 351-0198 Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology 2-12-1 Ookayama Meguro Tokyo 152-8552 Japan
- Biofunctional Chemistry Laboratory, A. Butlerov Institute of Chemistry, Kazan Federal University 18 Kremlyovskaya Street Kazan 420008 Russia
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13
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Ilangala AB, Lechanteur A, Fillet M, Piel G. Therapeutic peptides for chemotherapy: Trends and challenges for advanced delivery systems. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2021; 167:140-158. [PMID: 34311093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.07.010] [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: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The past decades witnessed an increasing interest in peptides as clinical therapeutics. Rightfully considered as a potential alternative for small molecule therapy, these remarkable pharmaceuticals can be structurally fine-tuned to impact properties such as high target affinity, selectivity, low immunogenicity along with satisfactory tissue penetration. Although physicochemical and pharmacokinetic challenges have mitigated, to some extent, the clinical applications of therapeutic peptides, their potential impact on modern healthcare remains encouraging. According to recent reports, there are more than 400 peptides under clinical trials and 60 were already approved for clinical use. As the demand for efficient and safer therapy became high, especially for cancers, peptides have shown some exciting developments not only due to their potent antiproliferative action but also when used as adjuvant therapies, either to decrease side effects with tumor-targeted therapy or to enhance the activity of anticancer drugs via transbarrier delivery. The first part of the present review gives an insight into challenges related to peptide product development. Both molecular and formulation approaches intended to optimize peptide's pharmaceutical properties are covered, and some of their current issues are highlighted. The second part offers a comprehensive overview of the emerging applications of therapeutic peptides in chemotherapy from bioconjugates to nanovectorized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ange B Ilangala
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Anna Lechanteur
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Marianne Fillet
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Géraldine Piel
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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14
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Beheshtirouy S, Mirzaei F, Eyvazi S, Tarhriz V. Recent Advances in Therapeutic Peptides for Breast Cancer Treatment. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 22:74-88. [PMID: 33208071 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721999201117123616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy and is the second leading cause of mortality among women around the world. Increasing the resistance to anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer cells persuades researchers to search the novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of this malignancy. Among the novel methods, therapeutic peptides that target and disrupt tumor cells have been of great interest. Therapeutic peptides are short amino acid monomer chains with high specificity to bind and modulate a protein interaction of interest. Several advantages of peptides, such as specific binding on tumor cells surface, low molecular weight, and low toxicity on normal cells, make the peptides appealing therapeutic agents against solid tumors, particularly breast cancer. Also, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes therapeutic peptides as a suitable candidate for the treatment of drug-resistant breast cancer. In this review, we attempt to review the different therapeutic peptides against breast cancer cells that can be used in the treatment and diagnosis of the malignancy. Meanwhile, we presented an overview of peptide vaccines that have been developed for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samad Beheshtirouy
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Mirzaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Eyvazi
- Department of Biology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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15
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Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the search for specialised therapy options has been a challenge for decades. The emergence of active targeted therapies provides the opportunity to treat cancerous tissues without harming healthy ones due to peculiar physiological changes. Herein, peptides and peptide analogs have been gaining a lot of attention over the last decade, especially for the on-site delivery of therapeutics to target tissues in order to achieve efficient and reliable cancer treatment. Combining peptides with highly efficient drug delivery platforms could potentially eliminate off-target adverse effects encountered during active targeting of conventional chemotherapeutics. Small size, ease of production and characterisation, low immunogenicity and satisfactory binding affinity of peptides offer some advantages over other complex targeting moiety, no wonder the market of peptide-based drugs continues to expand expeditiously. It is estimated that the global peptide drug market will be worth around USD 48.04 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%. In this review, the current state of art of peptide-based therapeutics with special interest on tumour targeting peptides has been discussed. Moreover, various active targeting strategies such as the use functionalised peptides or peptide analogs are also elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selin Seda Timur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - R Neslihan Gürsoy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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16
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Covalent and noncovalent constraints yield a figure eight-like conformation of a peptide inhibiting the menin-MLL interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112748. [PMID: 32882610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between menin and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) was identified as an interesting target for treating some cancers including acute leukemia. On the basis of the known crystal structure of the MBM1-menin complex (MBM - menin binding motif), several cyclic peptides were designed. Elaboration of the effective cyclization strategy using a metathesis reaction allowed for a successfully large number of derivatives to be obtained. Subsequent optimization of the loop size, as well as N-terminal, central and C-terminal parts of the studied peptides resulted in structures exhibiting low nanomolar activities. A crystal structure of an inhibitor-menin complex revealed a compact conformation of the ligand molecule, which is stabilized not only by the introduction of a covalent linker but also three intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The inhibitor adopts a figure eight-like conformation, which perfectly fits the cleft of menin. We demonstrated that the development of compact, miniprotein-like structures is a highly effective approach for inhibition of protein-protein interactions.
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17
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Scorpion Toxins and Ion Channels: Potential Applications in Cancer Therapy. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050326. [PMID: 32429050 PMCID: PMC7290751 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis, a genetically directed process of cell death, has been studied for many years, and the biochemical mechanisms that surround it are well known and described. There are at least three pathways by which apoptosis occurs, and each pathway depends on extra or intracellular processes for activation. Apoptosis is a vital process, but disturbances in proliferation and cell death rates can lead to the development of diseases like cancer. Several compounds, isolated from scorpion venoms, exhibit inhibitory effects on different cancer cells. Indeed, some of these compounds can differentiate between healthy and cancer cells within the same tissue. During the carcinogenic process, morphological, biochemical, and biological changes occur that enable these compounds to modulate cancer but not healthy cells. This review highlights cancer cell features that enable modulation by scorpion neurotoxins. The properties of the isolated scorpion neurotoxins in cancer cells and the potential uses of these compounds as alternative treatments for cancer are discussed.
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18
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Amatya R, Park T, Hwang S, Yang J, Lee Y, Cheong H, Moon C, Kwak HD, Min KA, Shin MC. Drug Delivery Strategies for Enhancing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Toxin-Derived Anti-Diabetic Peptides. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050313. [PMID: 32397648 PMCID: PMC7290885 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxin peptides derived from the skin secretions of amphibians possess unique hypoglycemic activities. Many of these peptides share cationic and amphipathic structural similarities and appear to possess cell-penetrating abilities. The mechanism of their insulinotropic action is yet not elucidated, but they have shown great potential in regulating the blood glucose levels in animal models. Therefore, they have emerged as potential drug candidates as therapeutics for type 2 diabetes. Despite their anti-diabetic activity, there remain pharmaceutical challenges to be addressed for their clinical applications. Here, we present an overview of recent studies related to the toxin-derived anti-diabetic peptides derived from the skin secretions of amphibians. In the latter part, we introduce the bottleneck challenges for their delivery in vivo and general drug delivery strategies that may be applicable to extend their blood circulation time. We focus our research on the strategies that have been successfully applied to improve the plasma half-life of exendin-4, a clinically available toxin-derived anti-diabetic peptide drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reeju Amatya
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Korea; (R.A.); (T.P.)
| | - Taehoon Park
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Korea; (R.A.); (T.P.)
| | - Seungmi Hwang
- College of Pharmacy and Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, 197 Injero, Gimhae, Gyeongnam 50834, Korea;
| | - JaeWook Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, 75 Bokjiro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47392, Korea; (J.Y.); (H.D.K.)
- T2B Infrastructure Center for Ocular Disease, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, 81 Jinsaro 83 Beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47397, Korea;
| | - Yoonjin Lee
- T2B Infrastructure Center for Ocular Disease, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, 81 Jinsaro 83 Beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47397, Korea;
| | - Heesun Cheong
- Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea;
| | - Cheol Moon
- College of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Suncheon, Jeonnam 57922, Korea;
| | - Hyun Duck Kwak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, 75 Bokjiro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47392, Korea; (J.Y.); (H.D.K.)
| | - Kyoung Ah Min
- College of Pharmacy and Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, 197 Injero, Gimhae, Gyeongnam 50834, Korea;
- Correspondence: (K.A.M.); (M.C.S.); Tel.: +82-55-320-3459 (K.A.M.); +82-55-772-2429 (M.C.S.)
| | - Meong Cheol Shin
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Korea; (R.A.); (T.P.)
- Correspondence: (K.A.M.); (M.C.S.); Tel.: +82-55-320-3459 (K.A.M.); +82-55-772-2429 (M.C.S.)
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19
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Cui H, Han W, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Su X. Advances in the Regulatory Effects of Bioactive Peptides on Metabolic Signaling Pathways in Tumor Cells. J Cancer 2019; 10:2425-2433. [PMID: 31258747 PMCID: PMC6584345 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in cell metabolism are an important feature of tumors that has always been an intense topic of study, particularly in regard to whether metabolic disorders are a cause or an effect of tumorigenesis. Studies have shown that the processes underlying metabolic changes in tumors involve the activation of protooncogenes and the inactivation of cancer suppressor genes, as well as changes in metabolic flux in cells due to the abnormal activation of signaling pathways that modulate metabolic enzymes and/or metabolic regulatory proteins at several levels, including transfer and posttranslational modification. Thus, the repair of abnormal metabolic pathways via intervention in the relevant tumor metabolic pathways that impact specific targets has become a new method of cancer prevention and treatment. Bioactive peptides, which have many biological functions, could specifically target malignant tumors. Their interaction with signal transduction molecules involved in the development and transference of tumors could regulate the relevant cell metabolic pathways and inhibit the development of tumors and/or accelerate apoptosis in tumor cells. In this review, several aspects of tumor suppression using bioactive peptides will be discussed and summarized, including the regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMPK, and STST3 signaling pathways, the modulation of the TRAIL death receptor signaling pathway, the regulation of aerobic glycolysis by PKM2, and the modulation of the NF-кB signaling pathway, to aid in the search for better and more specific antineoplastic drugs in the form of bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Cui
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Han
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China
| | - Junyao Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China
| | - Xiulan Su
- Clinical Medical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China
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20
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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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21
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Are peptides a solution for the treatment of hyperactivated JAK3 pathways? Inflammopharmacology 2019; 27:433-452. [PMID: 30929155 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-019-00589-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
While the inactivation mutations that eliminate JAK3 function lead to the immunological disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency, activation mutations, causing constitutive JAK3 signaling, are known to trigger various types of cancer or are responsible for autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel diseases. Treatment of hyperactivated JAK3 is still an obstacle, due to different sensibility of mutation types to conventional drugs and unwanted side effects, because these drugs are not absolutely specific for JAK3, thus inhibiting other members of the JAK family, too. Lack of information, in which way sole inhibition of JAK3 is necessary for elimination of the disease, calls for the development of isoform-specific JAK3 inhibitors. Beside this strategy, up to date peptides are a rising alternative as chemo- or immunotherapeutics, but still sparsely represented in drug development and clinical trials. Beyond a possible direct inhibition function, crossing the cancer cell membrane and interfering in disease-causing pathways or triggering apoptosis, peptides could be used in future as adjunct remedies to potentialize traditional therapy and preserve non-affected cells. To discuss such feasible topics, this review deals with the knowledge about the structure-function of JAK3 and the actual state-of-the-art of isoform-specific inhibitor development, as well as the function of currently approved drugs or those currently being tested in clinical trials. Furthermore, several strategies for the application of peptide-based drugs for cancer therapy and the physicochemical and structural relations to peptide efficacy are discussed, and an overview of peptide sequences, which were qualified for clinical trials, is given.
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