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Chen Q, Zhou J, Sun R. Carbon Nanotube Loading Strategies for Peptide Drugs: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:13515-13526. [PMID: 38887887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be regarded as a potential platform for transmembrane drug delivery as many experimental works have demonstrated their capability to effectively transport bioactive molecules into living cells. Within this framework, the loading of a peptide drug onto either the interior or exterior of CNTs has gained considerable interest. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive comparison of these two loading methods. To this end, we performed molecular dynamics simulations and the umbrella sampling technique to investigate the interaction energy, conformational changes, and free energy changes of a model peptide drug containing α-helical structure interacting with the inner or outer walls of a 14.7-nm-long (20,20) CNT. Our finding reveals that, for a tube of such dimensions, it is thermodynamically more favorable for the peptide to be loaded onto the inner tube wall than the outer tube wall, primarily due to a larger free energy change for the former strategy. Conversely, unloading the drug from the tube interior poses greater challenges. Moreover, the tube's curvature plays an essential role in influencing the conformation of the adsorbed peptide. Despite the relatively weaker van der Waals interaction between the CNT exterior and the peptide, loading the peptide onto the exterior may induce significant conformational changes, particularly affecting the peptide's α-helix structure. In contrast, loading of the peptide on the CNT interior could maintain most of the α-helical content. CNTs do not typically attract specific peptide residues, with adsorbed groups primarily determined by the peptide's configurations and orientations. Finally, we offer a guideline for selecting an optimal loading strategy for CNT-based drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu Chen
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Zhou
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Sun
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, People's Republic of China
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2
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Tao N, Xu X, Ying Y, Hu S, Sun Q, Lv G, Gao J. Thymosin α1 and Its Role in Viral Infectious Diseases: The Mechanism and Clinical Application. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083539. [PMID: 37110771 PMCID: PMC10144173 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is an immunostimulatory peptide that is commonly used as an immune enhancer in viral infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tα1 can influence the functions of immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, by interacting with various Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Generally, Tα1 can bind to TLR3/4/9 and activate downstream IRF3 and NF-κB signal pathways, thus promoting the proliferation and activation of target immune cells. Moreover, TLR2 and TLR7 are also associated with Tα1. TLR2/NF-κB, TLR2/p38MAPK, or TLR7/MyD88 signaling pathways are activated by Tα1 to promote the production of various cytokines, thereby enhancing the innate and adaptive immune responses. At present, there are many reports on the clinical application and pharmacological research of Tα1, but there is no systematic review to analyze its exact clinical efficacy in these viral infectious diseases via its modulation of immune function. This review offers an overview and discussion of the characteristics of Tα1, its immunomodulatory properties, the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects, and its clinical applications in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Tao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xie Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuyuan Ying
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shiyu Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qingru Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Guiyuan Lv
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jianli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
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Matteucci C, Nepravishta R, Argaw-Denboba A, Mandaliti W, Giovinazzo A, Petrone V, Balestrieri E, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Pica F, Paci M, Garaci E. Thymosin α1 interacts with Galectin-1 modulating the β-galactosides affinity and inducing alteration in the biological activity. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110113. [PMID: 37028279 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110113] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The study of mechanism of action of Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) and the basis of the pleiotropic effect in health and disease, is one of the main focus of our ongoing research. Tα1 is a thymic peptide that demonstrates a peculiar ability to restore homeostasis in different physiological and pathological conditions (i.e., infections, cancer, immunodeficiency, vaccination, and aging) acting as multitasking protein depending on the host state of inflammation or immune dysfunction. However, few are the information about mechanisms of action mediated by specific Tα1-target protein interaction that could explain its pleiotropic effect. We investigated the interaction of Tα1 with Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a protein belonging to an oligosaccharide binding protein family involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes, including immunoregulation, infections, cancer progression and aggressiveness. Using molecular and cellular methodological approaches, we demonstrated the interaction between these two proteins. Tα1 specifically inhibited the hemagglutination activity of Gal-1, the Gal-1 dependent in vitro formation of endothelial cell tubular structures, and the migration of cancer cells in wound healing assay. Physico-chemical methods revealed the details of the molecular interaction of Tα1 with Gal-1. Hence, the study allowed the identification of the not known until now specific interaction between Tα1 and Gal-1, and unraveled a novel mechanism of action of Tα1 that could support understanding of its pleiotropic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, Monterotondo, Rome 00015, Italy
| | - Walter Mandaliti
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giovinazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Monterotondo, Rome 00015, Italy
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- IRCCS San Raffaele and IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome 00163, Italy; Medical and Experimental BioImaging Center, MEBIC Consortium, Rome 00166, Italy
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Esquivel N, García Y, Menéndez R, García TE, Morales AR, Rodríguez C. Potential anti neuro-inflammatory effect of BioCen-128 in animal models of dementia. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:369-376. [PMID: 35971614 PMCID: PMC9434568 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background BioCen‐128 is a new active pharmaceutical ingredient composed of a specific bovine thymic fraction of a polypeptide nature. Positive results of similar thymus extracts have been shown to be effective in delaying the processes associated with aging, immunosenescence and Alzheimer's disease (AD), where the inflammation plays an important role. Because of the anti‐inflammatory potential of BioCen‐128, the aim of this study was to evaluate the granuloma model induced by a cotton wool implantation and the model induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of streptozotocin (STZ). Method The experiment was carried out using male OF‐1cenp mice weighing 20 ± 2 g. Results Mice administered BioCen‐128 in via the IP route at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of corporal weigh showed a decrease in the wet and dry weights of the granuloma, providing evidence of a systemic anti‐inflammatory effect. In the ICV model of STZ, the administration of BioCen‐128 improved cognitive function. Conclusion These responses suggested an anti‐neuroinflammatory effect explainable by the action of thymosin β4 and thymosin alfa proteins. The results suggested that BioCen‐128 could be used in the prevention and treatment of some diseases, for example AD, where neuroinflammation is one of the biological events that take place.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yenela García
- National Center for Bioproducts (BIOCEN), Bejucal, Cuba
| | | | | | - Ana R Morales
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Marine Sciences (ICIMAR), Havana, Cuba
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Aslam MS, Zaidi SZJ, Toor RH, Gull I, Iqbal MM, Abbas Z, Tipu I, Ahmed A, Athar MA, Harito C, Hassan SU. Interferon α2-Thymosin α1 Fusion Protein (IFNα2-Tα1): A Genetically Engineered Fusion Protein with Enhanced Anticancer and Antiviral Effect. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14123318. [PMID: 34203928 PMCID: PMC8232609 DOI: 10.3390/ma14123318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Human interferon α2 (IFNα2) and thymosin α1 (Tα1) are therapeutic proteins used for the treatment of viral infections and different types of cancer. Both IFNα2 and Tα1 show a synergic effect in their activities when used in combination. Furthermore, the therapeutic fusion proteins produced through the genetic fusion of two genes can exhibit several therapeutic functions in one molecule. In this study, we determined the anticancer and antiviral effect of human interferon α2-thymosin α1 fusion protein (IFNα2-Tα1) produced in our laboratory for the first time. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of IFNα2-Tα1 was evaluated in HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The in vitro assays confirmed that IFNα2-Tα1 inhibited the growth of cells more effectively than IFNα2 alone and showed an elevated genotoxic effect. The expression of proapoptotic genes was also significantly enhanced in IFNα2-Tα1-treated cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. Furthermore, the HCV RNA level was significantly reduced in IFNα2-Tα1-treated HCV-infected Huh7 cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. The quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of various genes, the products of which inhibit HCV replication, was significantly enhanced in IFNα2-Tα1-treated cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. Our findings demonstrate that IFNα2-Tα1 is more effective than single IFNα2 as an anticancer and antiviral agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahbaz Aslam
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.); (S.Z.J.Z.); (S.-u.H.)
| | - Syed Zohaib Javaid Zaidi
- Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.); (S.Z.J.Z.); (S.-u.H.)
| | - Rabail Hassan Toor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (R.H.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Iram Gull
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Muhammad Mudassir Iqbal
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan;
| | - Imran Tipu
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management & Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan;
| | - Aftab Ahmed
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (R.H.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Muhammad Amin Athar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Christian Harito
- Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta 11480, Indonesia;
| | - Sammer-ul Hassan
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.); (S.Z.J.Z.); (S.-u.H.)
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Dominari A, III DH, Pandav K, Matos W, Biswas S, Reddy G, Thevuthasan S, Khan MA, Mathew A, Makkar SS, Zaidi M, Fahem MMM, Beas R, Castaneda V, Paul T, Halpern J, Baralt D. Thymosin alpha 1: A comprehensive review of the literature. World J Virol 2020; 9:67-78. [PMID: 33362999 PMCID: PMC7747025 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v9.i5.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 is a peptide naturally occurring in the thymus that has long been recognized for modifying, enhancing, and restoring immune function. Thymosin alpha 1 has been utilized in the treatment of immunocompromised states and malignancies, as an enhancer of vaccine response, and as a means of curbing morbidity and mortality in sepsis and numerous infections. Studies have postulated that thymosin alpha 1 could help improve the outcome in severely ill corona virus disease 2019 patients by repairing damage caused by overactivation of lymphocytic immunity and how thymosin alpha 1 could prevent the excessive activation of T cells. In this review, we discuss key literature on the background knowledge and current clinical uses of thymosin alpha 1. Considering the known biochemical properties including antibacterial and antiviral properties, time-honored applications, and the new promising findings regarding the use of thymosin, we believe that thymosin alpha 1 deserves further investigation into its antiviral properties and possible repurposing as a treatment against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asimina Dominari
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Donald Hathaway III
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Krunal Pandav
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Wanessa Matos
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sharmi Biswas
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Gowry Reddy
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sindhu Thevuthasan
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Muhammad Adnan Khan
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Anoopa Mathew
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sarabjot Singh Makkar
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Madiha Zaidi
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | | | - Renato Beas
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Valeria Castaneda
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Trissa Paul
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - John Halpern
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Diana Baralt
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
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Bioactive Thymosin Alpha-1 Does Not Influence F508del-CFTR Maturation and Activity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10310. [PMID: 31311979 PMCID: PMC6635361 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46639-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Deletion of phenylalanine 508 (F508del) in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel is the most frequent mutation causing cystic fibrosis (CF). F508del-CFTR is misfolded and prematurely degraded. Recently thymosin a-1 (Tα-1) was proposed as a single molecule-based therapy for CF, improving both F508del-CFTR maturation and function by restoring defective autophagy. However, three independent laboratories failed to reproduce these results. Lack of reproducibility has been ascribed by the authors of the original paper to the use of DMSO and to improper handling. Here, we address these potential issues by demonstrating that Tα-1 changes induced by DMSO are fully reversible and that Tα-1 peptides prepared from different stock solutions have equivalent biological activity. Considering the negative results here reported, six independent laboratories failed to demonstrate F508del-CFTR correction by Tα-1. This study also calls into question the autophagy modulator cysteamine, since no rescue of mutant CFTR function was detected following treatment with cysteamine, while deleterious effects were observed when bronchial epithelia were exposed to cysteamine plus the antioxidant food supplement EGCG. Although these studies do not exclude the possibility of beneficial immunomodulatory effects of thymosin α-1, they do not support its utility as a corrector of F508del-CFTR.
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Wang F, Xu C, Peng R, Li B, Shen X, Zheng H, Lao X. Effect of a C-end rule modification on antitumor activity of thymosin α1. Biochimie 2018; 154:99-106. [PMID: 30096371 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1), a hormone containing 28 amino acids, has been approved in several cancer therapies, but the lack of tumor-targeting hinders its full use in tumor treatment. We designed a new peptide by connecting Tα1 and RGDR, generating a product, Tα1-RGDR, where RGDR is located in the C-end with both tumor-homing and cell internalizing properties (C-end rule peptides, a consensus R/KXXR/K motif). This work aimed to study the antitumor and immunological activities of Tα1-RGDR, and its differences compared with the wild-type Tα1. The antitumor and immunological activities of Tα1-RGDR were measured using the B16F10 tumor and immunologic suppression models. Tα1-RGDR treatment led to significant inhibition of tumor growth at a dose at which Tα1 showed a slight effect in the B16F10 tumor growth model. In the immunologic suppression model, Tα1-RGDR shared almost equivalent immunomodulatory effect with Tα1. These results demonstrated the better therapeutic effects after treatment with Tα1-RGDR compared with Tα1. Moreover, both Tα1-RGDR and Tα1 shared a helical conformation in the presence of trifluoroethanol based on CD spectroscopy. Our dock information of Tα1-RGDR when combined with integrin αvβ3 or neuropilin-1 further confirmed previous experimental results. All these findings suggest that Tα1-RGDR might be a useful therapy for tumors by overcoming its wild type limitation of tumor homing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Caoying Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Renhao Peng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Bin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xutong Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Mandaliti W, Nepravishta R, Pica F, Vallebona PS, Garaci E, Paci M. Potential mechanism of thymosin-α1-membrane interactions leading to pleiotropy: experimental evidence and hypotheses. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:33-42. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1456527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Mandaliti
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, East Anglia University, Norwich, UK
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Garaci
- San Raffaele Pisana Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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10
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Wang F, Li B, Fu P, Li Q, Zheng H, Lao X. Immunomodulatory and enhanced antitumor activity of a modified thymosin α1 in melanoma and lung cancer. Int J Pharm 2018; 547:611-620. [PMID: 29933059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted therapy is an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Peptide hormone thymosin α1 (Tα1) has been used against several diseases, including cancer, but its activity is pleiotropic. Herein, we designed a fusion protein Tα1-iRGD by introducing the tumor homing peptide iRGD to Tα1. Results show that Tα1-iRGD can promote T-cell activation and CD86 expression, thereby exerting better effect and stronger inhibitory against melanoma and lung cancer, respectively, than Tα1 in vivo. These effects are indicated by the reduced densities of tumor vessels and Tα1-iRGD accumulation in tumors. Moreover, compared with Tα1, Tα1-iRGD can attach more B16F10 and H460 cells and exhibits significantly better immunomodulatory activity in immunosuppression models induced by hydrocortisone. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and structural analysis results revealed that Tα1 and Tα1-iRGD both adopted a helical confirmation in the presence of trifluoroethanol, indicating the structural basis of their functions. These findings highlight the vital function of Tα1-iRGD in tumor-targeted therapy and suggest that Tα1-iRGD is a better antitumor drug than Tα1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Bin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Pengcheng Fu
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Hunan 423000, PR China
| | - Qingqing Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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11
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Mandaliti W, Nepravishta R, Pica F, Vallebona PS, Garaci E, Paci M. Thymosin α1 Interacts with Hyaluronic Acid Electrostatically by Its Terminal Sequence LKEKK. Molecules 2017; 22:E1843. [PMID: 29077041 PMCID: PMC6150299 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22111843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1), is a peptidic hormone, whose immune regulatory properties have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo and approved in different countries for treatment of several viral infections and cancers. Tα1 assumes a conformation in negative membranes upon insertion into the phosphatidylserine exposure as found in several pathologies and in apoptosis. These findings are in agreement with the pleiotropy of Tα1, which targets both normal and tumor cells, interacting with multiple cellular components, and have generated renewed interest in the topic. Hyaluronan (HA) occurs ubiquitously in the extracellular matrix and on cell surfaces and has been related to a variety of diseases, and developmental and physiological processes. Proteins binding HA, among them CD44 and the Receptor for HA-mediated motility (RHAMM) receptors, mediate its biological effects. NMR spectroscopy indicated preliminarily that an interaction of Tα1 with HA occurs specifically around lysine residues of the sequence LKEKK of Tα1 and is suggestive of a possible interference of Tα1 in the binding of HA with CD44 and RHAMM. Further studies are needed to deepen these observations because Tα1 is known to potentiate the T-cell immunity and anti-tumor effect. The binding inhibitory activity of Tα1 on HA-CD44 or HA-RHAMM interactions can suppress both T-cell reactivity and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Mandaliti
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- School of Pharmacy, East Anglia University, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Garaci
- San Raffaele Pisana Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, 00163 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Lao X, Li B, Liu M, Shen C, Yu T, Gao X, Zheng H. A modified thymosin alpha 1 inhibits the growth of breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo: suppressment of cell proliferation, inducible cell apoptosis and enhancement of targeted anticancer effects. Apoptosis 2016; 20:1307-20. [PMID: 26283169 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-015-1151-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is commonly used for treating several diseases; however its usage has been limited because of poor penetration of the target tissue, such as tumor cells. In the present study, Tα1-iRGD, a peptide by conjugating Tα1 with the iRGD fragment, was evaluated its performance in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Compared with the wild-type peptide, Tα1-iRGD was more selective in binding tumor cells in the cell attachment assay. Furthermore, the MTT assay confirmed that Tα1-iRGD proved more effective in significantly inhibiting the growth of MCF-7 cells in contrast to the general inhibition displayed by Tα1. Further, conjugation of Tα1 with iRGD preserved the immunomodulatory activity of the drug by increasing the proliferation of mouse spleen lymphocytes. Further, compared with Tα1 treatment, Tα1-iRGD treatment of MCF-7 cells considerably increased the number of cells undergoing apoptosis, resulting in a dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell growth, which was associated with a much better effect on up-regulation of the expression of BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase 9, etc. More importantly, treatment with Ta1-iRGD was more efficacious than treatment with Ta1 in vivo. This study highlights the importance of iRGD on enhancement of cell penetration and tumor accumulation. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the novel modified Tα1 developed in this study has the potential to be used for treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China,
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Nepravishta R, Mandaliti W, Vallebona PS, Pica F, Garaci E, Paci M. Mechanism of Action of Thymosinα1: Does It Interact with Membrane by Recognition of Exposed Phosphatidylserine on Cell Surface? A Structural Approach. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:101-19. [PMID: 27450732 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thymosinα1 is a peptidic hormone with pleiotropic activity, which is used in the therapy of several diseases. It is unstructured in water solution and interacts with negative regions of micelles and vesicles assuming two tracts of helical conformation with a structural flexible break in between. The studies of the interaction of Thymosinα1 with micelles of mixed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and sodium dodecylsulfate and vesicles with mixed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine, the latter the negative component of the membranes, by (1)H and natural abundance (15)N NMR are herewith reported, reviewed, and discussed. The results indicate that the preferred interactions are those where the surface is negatively charged due to sodium dodecylsulfate or due to the presence of dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine exposed on the surface. In fact the unbalance of dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine on the cellular surface is an important phenomenon present in pathological conditions of cells. Moreover, the direct interaction of Thymosinα1 with K562 cells presenting an overexposure of phosphatidylserine as a consequence of resveratrol-induced apoptosis was carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Nepravishta
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Faculty of Pharmacy Catholic University "Our Lady of Good Counsel", Tirane, Albania
| | - W Mandaliti
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - F Pica
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - E Garaci
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; San Raffaele Pisana Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, Rome, Italy
| | - M Paci
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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Mandaliti W, Nepravishta R, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Pica F, Garaci E, Paci M. Thymosin α1 Interacts with Exposed Phosphatidylserine in Membrane Models and in Cells and Uses Serum Albumin as a Carrier. Biochemistry 2016; 55:1462-72. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b01345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Mandaliti
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department
of Chemical Pharmaceutical and Biomolecular Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”, Rr. D.
Hoxha, Tirane, Albania
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- Department
of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department
of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- Department
of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- San
Raffaele Pisana Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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New studies about the insertion mechanism of Thymosin α1 in negative regions of model membranes as starting point of the bioactivity. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1231-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2169-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Nepravishta R, Mandaliti W, Eliseo T, Vallebona PS, Pica F, Garaci E, Paci M. Thymosin α1 inserts N terminus into model membranes assuming a helical conformation. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S71-81. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1009034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Lao X, Liu M, Chen J, Zheng H. A tumor-penetrating peptide modification enhances the antitumor activity of thymosin alpha 1. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72242. [PMID: 23977262 PMCID: PMC3747120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A serious limitation of numerous antitumor drugs is the incapacity to penetrate solid tumors. However, addition of an RGD fragment to peptide drugs might solve this problem. In this study, we explored whether the introduction of a permeability-enhancing sequence, such as iRGD (CRGDK/RGPD/EC) fragments, would enhance the activity of thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1). The modified Tα1 (Tα1-iRGD) was successfully expressed and purified, and the in vitro assay showed that Tα1-iRGD presented a similar activity as Tα1 in promoting proliferation of mouse splenocytes. Meanwhile, cell adhesion analysis revealed that Tα1-iRGD exhibited more specific and greater binding with tumor cells compared with Tα1. Furthermore, the iRGD fragment evidently enhanced the basal ability of Tα1 to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells in vitro, particularly of mouse melanoma cell line B16F10 and human lung cancer cell line H460. Our findings indicated that the addition of an iRGD fragment increased the anti-proliferative activity of Tα1 against cancer cells by improving the ability of Tα1 to penetrate the tumor cells. This study highlighted the important roles of an iRGD sequence in the therapeutic strategy of Tα1-iRGD. Thus, Tα1-iRGD could be a novel drug candidate for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhen Lao
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiang Su Province, P.R. China
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiang Su Province, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiang Su Province, P.R. China
| | - Heng Zheng
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiang Su Province, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
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Volk DE, Tuthill CW, Elizondo-Riojas MA, Gorenstein DG. NMR structural studies of thymosin α1 and β-thymosins. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1270:73-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Benaki D, Zikos C, Karachaliou CE, Tsitsilonis O, Leondiadis L, Kalbacher H, Voelter W, Papadopoulos M, Pirmettis I, Pelecanou M, Livaniou E. Complexes of an Alpha Thymosin Derivative with185/187Re and99mTc: Structural Analysis and Initial Biological Evaluation. Chem Biol Drug Des 2012; 80:545-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2012.01425.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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