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Kim H, Taslakjian B, Kim S, Tirrell MV, Guler MO. Therapeutic Peptides, Proteins and their Nanostructures for Drug Delivery and Precision Medicine. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300831. [PMID: 38408302 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Peptide and protein nanostructures with tunable structural features, multifunctionality, biocompatibility and biomolecular recognition capacity enable development of efficient targeted drug delivery tools for precision medicine applications. In this review article, we present various techniques employed for the synthesis and self-assembly of peptides and proteins into nanostructures. We discuss design strategies utilized to enhance their stability, drug-loading capacity, and controlled release properties, in addition to the mechanisms by which peptide nanostructures interact with target cells, including receptor-mediated endocytosis and cell-penetrating capabilities. We also explore the potential of peptide and protein nanostructures for precision medicine, focusing on applications in personalized therapies and disease-specific targeting for diagnostics and therapeutics in diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- HaRam Kim
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
| | - Boghos Taslakjian
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
| | - Sarah Kim
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
| | - Matthew V Tirrell
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
| | - Mustafa O Guler
- The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago, 60637, IL, USA
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Yang Q, Chen Z, Qiu Y, Huang W, Wang T, Song L, Sun X, Li C, Xu X, Kang L. Theranostic role of 89Zr- and 177Lu-labeled aflibercept in breast cancer. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:1246-1260. [PMID: 38135849 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis due to the absence of effective therapeutic targets. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family are expressed in 30-60% of TNBC, therefore providing potential therapeutic targets for TNBC. Aflibercept (Abe), a humanized recombinant fusion protein specifically bound to VEGF-A, B and placental growth factor (PIGF), has proven to be effective in the treatment in some cancers. Therefore, 89Zr/177Lu-labeled Abe was investigated for its theranostic role in TNBC. METHODS Abe was radiolabeled with 89Zr and 177Lu via the conjugation of chelators. Flow cytometry and cell immunofluorescent staining were performed to evaluate the binding affinity of Abe. Sequential PET imaging and fluorescent imaging were conducted in TNBC tumor bearing mice following the injection of 89Zr-labeled Abe and Cy5.5-labeled Abe. Treatment study was performed after the administration of 177Lu-labeled Abe. Tumor volume and survival were monitored and SPECT imaging and biodistribution studies were conducted. Safety evaluation was performed including body weight, blood cell measurement, and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining of major organs. Expression of VEGF and CD31 was tested by immunohistochemical staining. Dosimetry was estimated using the OLINDA software. RESULTS FITC-labeled Abe showed a strong binding affinity to VEGF in TNBC 4T1 cells and HUVECs by flow cytometry and cell immunofluorescence. Tumor uptake of 89Zr-labeled Abe peaked at 120 h (SUVmax = 3.2 ± 0.64) and persisted before 168 h (SUVmax = 2.54 ± 0.42). The fluorescence intensity of the Cy5.5-labeled Abe group surpassed that of the Cy5.5-labeled IgG group, implying that Cy5.5-labeled Abe is a viable candidate monitoring in vivo tumor targeting and localization. 177Lu-labeled Abe (11.1 MBq) served well as the therapeutic component to suppress tumor growth with standardized tumor volume at 16 days, significantly smaller than PBS group (about 815.66 ± 3.58% vs 3646.52 ± 11.10%, n = 5, P < 0.01). Moreover, SPECT images confirmed high contrast between tumors and normal organs, indicating selective tumor uptake of 177Lu-labeled Abe. No discernible abnormalities in blood cells, and no evident histopathological abnormality observed in liver, spleen, and kidney. Immunohistochemical staining showed that 177Lu-labeled Abe effectively inhibited the expression of VEGF and CD31 of tumor, suggesting that angiogenesis may be suppressed by 177Lu-labeled Abe. The whole-body effective dose for an adult human was estimated to be 0.16 mSv/MBq. CONCLUSION 89Zr/177Lu-labeled Abe could be a TNBC-specific marker with diagnostic value and provide insights into targeted therapy in the treatment of TNBC. Further clinical evaluation and translation may be of high significance for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Str., Xicheng Dist., Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Str., Xicheng Dist., Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yongkang Qiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Str., Xicheng Dist., Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Wenpeng Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Str., Xicheng Dist., Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Tianyao Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Str., Xicheng Dist., Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Lele Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Str., Xicheng Dist., Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xinyao Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Str., Xicheng Dist., Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Cuicui Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 95 Yong'an Rd., Xicheng Dist., Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Xiaojie Xu
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Lei Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Str., Xicheng Dist., Beijing, 100034, China.
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Huang Y, Peng H, Zeng A, Song L. The role of peptides in reversing chemoresistance of breast cancer: current facts and future prospects. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1188477. [PMID: 37284316 PMCID: PMC10239817 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1188477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the first malignant tumor in women, and its incidence is also increasing year by year. Chemotherapy is one of the standard therapies for breast cancer, but the resistance of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs is a huge challenge for the effective treatment of breast cancer. At present, in the study of reversing the drug resistance of solid tumors such as breast cancer, peptides have the advantages of high selectivity, high tissue penetration, and good biocompatibility. Some of the peptides that have been studied can overcome the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs in the experiment, and effectively control the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Here, we describe the mechanism of different peptides in reversing breast cancer resistance, including promoting cancer cell apoptosis; promoting non-apoptotic regulatory cell death of cancer cells; inhibiting the DNA repair mechanism of cancer cells; improving the tumor microenvironment; inhibiting drug efflux mechanism; and enhancing drug uptake. This review focuses on the different mechanisms of peptides in reversing breast cancer drug resistance, and these peptides are also expected to create clinical breakthroughs in promoting the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer patients and improving the survival rate of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiu Huang
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyao Peng
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Anqi Zeng
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology and Clinical Application, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Linjiang Song
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Liu S, Tian Y, Jiang S, Wang Z. A Novel Homodimer Peptide-Drug Conjugate Improves the Efficacy of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054590. [PMID: 36902021 PMCID: PMC10003747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-targeting peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) have become a focus of research in recent years. However, due to the instability of peptides and their short in vivo effective half-life, they have limited clinical application. Herein, we propose a new DOX PDC based on a homodimer HER-2-targeting peptide and acid-sensitive hydrazone bond, which could enhance the anti-tumor effect of DOX and reduce systemic toxicities. The PDC could accurately deliver DOX into HER2-positive SKBR-3 cells, with it showing 2.9 times higher cellular uptake than free DOX and enhanced cytotoxicity with respect to IC50 of 140 nM (vs. 410 nM for free DOX). In vitro assays showed that the PDC had high cellular internalization efficiency and cytotoxicity. In vivo anti-tumor experiments indicated that the PDC could significantly inhibit the growth of HER2-positive breast cancer xenografts in mice and reduce the side effects of DOX. In summary, we constructed a novel PDC molecule targeting HER2-positive tumors, which may overcome some deficiencies of DOX in breast cancer therapy.
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Li L, Duns GJ, Dessie W, Cao Z, Ji X, Luo X. Recent advances in peptide-based therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1052301. [PMID: 36794282 PMCID: PMC9922721 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1052301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in female worldwide. Effective therapies with low side effects for breast cancer treatment and prevention are, accordingly, urgently required. Targeting anticancer materials, breast cancer vaccines and anticancer drugs have been studied for many years to decrease side effects, prevent breast cancer and suppress tumors, respectively. There are abundant evidences to demonstrate that peptide-based therapeutic strategies, coupling of good safety and adaptive functionalities are promising for breast cancer therapy. In recent years, peptide-based vectors have been paid attention in targeting breast cancer due to their specific binding to corresponding receptors overexpressed in cell. To overcome the low internalization, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) could be selected to increase the penetration due to the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between CPPs and cell membranes. Peptide-based vaccines are at the forefront of medical development and presently, 13 types of main peptide vaccines for breast cancer are being studied on phase III, phase II, phase I/II and phase I clinical trials. In addition, peptide-based vaccines including delivery vectors and adjuvants have been implemented. Many peptides have recently been used in clinical treatments for breast cancer. These peptides show different anticancer mechanisms and some novel peptides could reverse the resistance of breast cancer to susceptibility. In this review, we will focus on current studies of peptide-based targeting vectors, CPPs, peptide-based vaccines and anticancer peptides for breast cancer therapy and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China
| | - Gregory J. Duns
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China
| | - Wubliker Dessie
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China
| | - Zhenmin Cao
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ji
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyuan Ji, ; Xiaofang Luo,
| | - Xiaofang Luo
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyuan Ji, ; Xiaofang Luo,
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Design and Validation of Nanofibers Made of Self-Assembled Peptides to Become Multifunctional Stimuli-Sensitive Nanovectors of Anticancer Drug Doxorubicin. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081544. [PMID: 35893800 PMCID: PMC9331957 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-assembled peptides possess remarkable potential as targeted drug delivery systems and key applications dwell anti-cancer therapy. Peptides can self-assemble into nanostructures of diverse sizes and shapes in response to changing environmental conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength). Herein, we investigated the development of self-assembled peptide-based nanofibers (NFs) with the inclusion of a cell-penetrating peptide (namely gH625) and a matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) responsive sequence, which proved to enhance respectively the penetration and tumor-triggered cleavage to release Doxorubicin in Triple Negative Breast Cancer cells where MMP-9 levels are elevated. The NFs formulation has been optimized via critical micelle concentration measurements, fluorescence, and circular dichroism. The final nanovectors were characterized for morphology (TEM), size (hydrodynamic diameter), and surface charge (zeta potential). The Doxo loading and release kinetics were studied in situ, by optical microspectroscopy (fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering–SERS). Confocal spectral imaging of the Doxo fluorescence was used to study the TNBC models in vitro, in cells with various MMP-9 levels, the drug delivery to cells as well as the resulting cytotoxicity profiles. The results confirm that these NFs are a promising platform to develop novel nanovectors of Doxo, namely in the framework of TNBC treatment.
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Famta P, Shah S, Chatterjee E, Singh H, Dey B, Guru SK, Singh SB, Srivastava S. Exploring new Horizons in overcoming P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug-resistant breast cancer via nanoscale drug delivery platforms. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 2:100054. [PMID: 34909680 PMCID: PMC8663938 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The high probability (13%) of women developing breast cancer in their lifetimes in America is exacerbated by the emergence of multidrug resistance after exposure to first-line chemotherapeutic agents. Permeation glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated drug efflux is widely recognized as the major driver of this resistance. Initial in vitro and in vivo investigations of the co-delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and P-gp inhibitors have yielded satisfactory results; however, these results have not translated to clinical settings. The systemic delivery of multiple agents causes adverse effects and drug-drug interactions, and diminishes patient compliance. Nanocarrier-based site-specific delivery has recently gained substantial attention among researchers for its promise in circumventing the pitfalls associated with conventional therapy. In this review article, we focus on nanocarrier-based co-delivery approaches encompassing a wide range of P-gp inhibitors along with chemotherapeutic agents. We discuss the contributions of active targeting and stimuli responsive systems in imparting site-specific cytotoxicity and reducing both the dose and adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Famta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Saurabh Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Essha Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Hoshiyar Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Biswajit Dey
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Guru
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Shashi Bala Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Saurabh Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
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Dong Y, Ma Y, Li X, Wang F, Zhang Y. ERK-Peptide-Inhibitor-Modified Ferritin Enhanced the Therapeutic Effects of Paclitaxel in Cancer Cells and Spheroids. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3365-3377. [PMID: 34370483 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00303] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rational design of a drug delivery system with enhanced therapeutic potency is critical for efficient tumor chemotherapy. Many protein-based drug delivery platforms have been designed to deliver drugs to target sites and improve the therapeutic efficacy. In this study, paclitaxel (PTX) molecules were encapsulated within an apoferritin nanocage-based drug delivery system with the modification of an extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) peptide inhibitor at the C-terminus of ferritin (HERK). Apoferritin is an endogenous nano-sized spherical protein which has the ability to specially bind to a majority of tumor cells via interacting with transferrin receptor 1. The ERK peptide inhibitor is a peptide which can disrupt the interaction of MEK with ERK in the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK pathway. By combining the targeted delivery effect of ferritin and the inhibitory effect of the ERK peptide inhibitor, the newly fabricated ferritin carrier nanoparticle HERK could still be taken up by tumor cells, and it displayed higher cell cytotoxicity than the parent ferritin. After loading with PTX, HERK-PTX displayed a favorable anticancer effect in human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and lung carcinoma cells A549. The remarkable inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 tumor spheroids was also identified. These results indicated that the constructed HERK nanocarrier is a promising multi-functional drug delivery vehicle to enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Dong
- College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China
| | - Yuanmeng Ma
- College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China
| | - Xun Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China
| | - Fei Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China
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Shuai W, Wang G, Zhang Y, Bu F, Zhang S, Miller DD, Li W, Ouyang L, Wang Y. Recent Progress on Tubulin Inhibitors with Dual Targeting Capabilities for Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7963-7990. [PMID: 34101463 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules play a crucial role in multiple cellular functions including mitosis, cell signaling, and organelle trafficking, which makes the microtubule an important target for cancer therapy. Despite the great successes of microtubule-targeting agents in the clinic, the development of drug resistance and dose-limiting toxicity restrict their clinical efficacy. In recent years, multitarget therapy has been considered an effective strategy to achieve higher therapeutic efficacy, in particular dual-target drugs. In terms of the synergetic effect of tubulin and other antitumor agents such as receptor tyrosine kinases inhibitors, histone deacetylases inhibitors, DNA-damaging agents, and topoisomerase inhibitors in combination therapy, designing dual-target tubulin inhibitors is regarded as a promising approach to overcome these limitations and improve therapeutic efficacy. In this Perspective, we discussed rational target combinations, design strategies, structure-activity relationships, and future directions of dual-target tubulin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Faqian Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Sicheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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10
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Saghaeidehkordi A, Chen S, Yang S, Kaur K. Evaluation of a Keratin 1 Targeting Peptide-Doxorubicin Conjugate in a Mouse Model of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:661. [PMID: 34063098 PMCID: PMC8148172 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the main treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer that is aggressive with a poor prognosis. While chemotherapeutics are potent, these agents lack specificity and are equally toxic to cancer and nonmalignant cells and tissues. Targeted therapies for TNBC treatment could lead to more safe and efficacious drugs. We previously engineered a breast cancer cell targeting peptide 18-4 that specifically binds cell surface receptor keratin 1 (K1) on breast cancer cells. A conjugate of peptide 18-4 and doxorubicin (Dox) containing an acid-sensitive hydrazone linker showed specific toxicity toward TNBC cells. Here, we report the in vivo evaluation of the K1 targeting peptide-Dox conjugate (PDC) in a TNBC cell-derived xenograft mouse model. Mice treated with the conjugate show significantly improved antitumor efficacy and reduced off-target toxicity compared to mice treated with Dox or saline. After six weekly treatments, on day 35, the mice treated with PDC (2.5 mg Dox equivalent/kg) showed significant reduction (1.5 times) in tumor volume compared to mice treated with Dox (2.5 mg/kg). The mice treated with the conjugate showed significantly higher (1.4 times) levels of Dox in tumors and lower (1.3-2.2 times) levels of Dox in other organs compared to mice treated with Dox. Blood collected at 15 min showed 3.6 times higher concentration of the drug (PDC and Dox) in mice injected with PDC compared to the drug (Dox) in mice injected with Dox. The study shows that the K1 targeting PDC is a promising novel modality for treatment of TNBC, with a favorable safety profile, and warrants further investigation of K1 targeting conjugates as TNBC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Saghaeidehkordi
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University, Irvine, CA 92618-1908, USA; (A.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shiuan Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Sun Yang
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University, Irvine, CA 92618-1908, USA; (A.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Kamaljit Kaur
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University, Irvine, CA 92618-1908, USA; (A.S.); (S.Y.)
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Alas M, Saghaeidehkordi A, Kaur K. Peptide-Drug Conjugates with Different Linkers for Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2020; 64:216-232. [PMID: 33382619 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Drug conjugates are chemotherapeutic or cytotoxic agents covalently linked to targeting ligands such as an antibody or a peptide via a linker. While antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are now clinically established for cancer therapy, peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) are gaining recognition as a new modality for targeted drug delivery with improved efficacy and reduced side effects for cancer treatment. The linker in a drug conjugate plays a key role in the circulation time of the conjugate and release of the drug for full activity at the target site. Herein, we highlight the main linker chemistries utilized in the design of PDCs and discuss representative examples of PDCs with different linker chemistries with the related outcome in cell and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Alas
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University, Irvine, California 92618-1908, United States
| | - Azam Saghaeidehkordi
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University, Irvine, California 92618-1908, United States
| | - Kamaljit Kaur
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University, Irvine, California 92618-1908, United States
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12
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Khan MM, Filipczak N, Torchilin VP. Cell penetrating peptides: A versatile vector for co-delivery of drug and genes in cancer. J Control Release 2020; 330:1220-1228. [PMID: 33248708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biological barriers hamper the efficient delivery of drugs and genes to targeted sites. Cell penetrating peptides (CPP) have the ability to rapidly internalize across biological membranes. CPP have been effective for delivery of various chemotherapeutic agents used to combat cancer. CPP can enhance delivery of drugs to a targeted site when combined with tumor targeting peptides. CPP can be linked with various cargos like nanoparticles, micelles and liposomes to deliver drugs and genes to the cancer cell. Here, we focus on CPP mediated delivery of drugs to the tumor sites, delivery of genes (siRNA,pDNA) and co-delivery of drugs and genes to combat drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Muzamil Khan
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicines, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
| | - Nina Filipczak
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicines, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Departments of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Vladimir P Torchilin
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicines, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Oncology, Radiotherapy and Plastic Surgery I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
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13
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Ni R, Zhu J, Xu Z, Chen Y. A self-assembled pH/enzyme dual-responsive prodrug with PEG deshielding for multidrug-resistant tumor therapy. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:1290-1301. [PMID: 31967176 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb02264c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major obstacles for tumor therapy. Intake by receptor-mediated endocytosis enables molecules to bypass ABC transporter efflux, which is the primary mechanism of MDR. Here, we developed a novel pH/enzyme dual-responsive polypeptide prodrug to reverse multidrug resistance. This drug is composed of pH/MMP2-sensitive nanoparticles (MSNPs) self-assembled from mPEG-peptide-DOX. MSNPs can overcome sequential physiological barriers of multidrug resistance by prolonging the circulation time through PEGylation, enhancing tumor accumulation through passive targeting, increasing tumor penetration by enzyme-sensitive PEG deshielding, bypassing ABC transporter efflux by undergoing receptor-mediated endocytosis, and inducing sufficient DOX release from nanoparticles triggered by lysosomal pH. The reversal of MDR by MSNPs was evaluated in MCF-7/ADR cells and nude mice bearing tumors consisting of MCF-7/ADR cells. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the MSNPs can effectively reverse MDR. Thus, MSNPs may constitute a potentially promising strategy for overcoming MDR in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghua Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, 818 Tian Yuan East Road, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Jianhua Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, 818 Tian Yuan East Road, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, 818 Tian Yuan East Road, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Yun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, 818 Tian Yuan East Road, Nanjing, 211166, China. and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China and Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, Nanjing, 211166, China
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14
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Ziaei E, Saghaeidehkordi A, Dill C, Maslennikov I, Chen S, Kaur K. Targeting Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells with Novel Cytotoxic Peptide-Doxorubicin Conjugates. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:3098-3106. [PMID: 31715102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we have designed and synthesized two novel peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) where the drug, doxorubicin (Dox), is linked to the peptide via a succinimidyl thioether bond or a hydrazone linker. A highly specific and proteolytically stable breast cancer cell targeting peptide (WxEAAYQrFL) is conjugated to Dox to synthesize peptide-Dox thioether (1) or hydrazone (2) conjugate. The evaluation of the stability in water, media, and human serum showed that the conjugate 1 with the succinimidyl thioether linkage is more stable compared to the acid-sensitive hydrazone containing conjugate 2. The cytotoxicity studies showed that the two PDCs were as toxic as free Dox toward the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and were 7-30 times less toxic (IC50 1.2-4.7 μM for TNBC cells versus 15-39 μM for noncancerous cells) toward the noncancerous breast cells compared to the free doxorubicin (IC50 0.35-1.5 μM for TNBC cells versus 0.24 μM for noncancerous cells). The results from the comparative study of the two PDCs suggest that both may have translational potential for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Ziaei
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus , Chapman University , Irvine , California 92618-1908 , United States
| | - Azam Saghaeidehkordi
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus , Chapman University , Irvine , California 92618-1908 , United States
| | - Cassandra Dill
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus , Chapman University , Irvine , California 92618-1908 , United States
| | - Innokentiy Maslennikov
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus , Chapman University , Irvine , California 92618-1908 , United States
| | - Shiuan Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology , Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope , Duarte , California 91010 , United States
| | - Kamaljit Kaur
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP), Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus , Chapman University , Irvine , California 92618-1908 , United States
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15
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Niu S, Williams GR, Wu J, Wu J, Zhang X, Chen X, Li S, Jiao J, Zhu LM. A chitosan-based cascade-responsive drug delivery system for triple-negative breast cancer therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2019; 17:95. [PMID: 31506085 PMCID: PMC6737697 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-019-0529-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is extremely difficult to develop targeted treatments for triple-negative breast (TNB) cancer, because these cells do not express any of the key biomarkers usually exploited for this goal. RESULTS In this work, we develop a solution in the form of a cascade responsive nanoplatform based on thermo-sensitive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL)-chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs). These are further modified with the cell penetrating peptide (CPP) and loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). The base copolymer was optimized to undergo a phase change at the elevated temperatures of the tumor microenvironment. The acid-responsive properties of CS provide a second trigger for drug release, and the inclusion of CPP should ensure the formulations accumulate in cancerous tissue. The resultant CPP-CS-co-PNVCL NPs could self-assemble in aqueous media into spherical NPs of size < 200 nm and with low polydispersity. They are able to accommodate a high DOX loading (14.8% w/w). The NPs are found to be selectively taken up by cancerous cells both in vitro and in vivo, and result in less off-target cytotoxicity than treatment with DOX alone. In vivo experiments employing a TNB xenograft mouse model demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor volume and prolonging of life span, with no obvious systemic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS The system developed in this work has the potential to provide new therapies for hard-to-treat cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Niu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Gareth R Williams
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Jianrong Wu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Junzi Wu
- School of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejing Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Shude Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianlin Jiao
- Technology Transfer Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650031, China.
| | - Li-Min Zhu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Christowitz C, Davis T, Isaacs A, van Niekerk G, Hattingh S, Engelbrecht AM. Mechanisms of doxorubicin-induced drug resistance and drug resistant tumour growth in a murine breast tumour model. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:757. [PMID: 31370818 PMCID: PMC6670209 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5939-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Doxorubicin is currently the most effective chemotherapeutic drug used to treat breast cancer. It has, however, been shown that doxorubicin can induce drug resistance resulting in poor patient prognosis and survival. Studies reported that the interaction between signalling pathways can promote drug resistance through the induction of proliferation, cell cycle progression and prevention of apoptosis. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the effects of doxorubicin on apoptosis signalling, autophagy, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)- and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathway, cell cycle control, and regulators of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in murine breast cancer tumours. METHODS A tumour-bearing mouse model was established by injecting murine E0771 breast cancer cells, suspended in Hank's Balances Salt Solution and Corning® Matrigel® Basement Membrane Matrix, into female C57BL/6 mice. Fourty-seven mice were randomly divided into three groups, namely tumour control (received Hank's Balances Salt Solution), low dose doxorubicin (received total of 6 mg/ml doxorubicin) and high dose doxorubicin (received total of 15 mg/ml doxorubicin) groups. A higher tumour growth rate was, however, observed in doxorubicin-treated mice compared to the untreated controls. We therefore compared the expression levels of markers involved in cell death and survival signalling pathways, by means of western blotting and fluorescence-based immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Doxorubicin failed to induce cell death, by means of apoptosis or autophagy, and cell cycle arrest, indicating the occurrence of drug resistance and uncontrolled proliferation. Activation of the MAPK/ extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway contributed to the resistance observed in treated mice, while no significant changes were found with the PI3K/Akt pathway and other MAPK pathways. Significant changes were also observed in cell cycle p21 and DNA replication minichromosome maintenance 2 proteins. No significant changes in EMT markers were observed after doxorubicin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that doxorubicin-induced drug resistance and tumour growth can occur through the adaptive role of the MAPK/ERK pathway in an effort to protect tumour cells. Previous studies have shown that the efficacy of doxorubicin can be improved by inhibition of the ERK signalling pathway and thereby treatment failure can be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Christowitz
- Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, African Cancer Institute, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, 8000 South Africa
| | - Tanja Davis
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
| | - Ashwin Isaacs
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
| | - Gustav van Niekerk
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
| | - Suzel Hattingh
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, 8000 South Africa
| | - Anna-Mart Engelbrecht
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
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17
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Synthesis and anti-cancer evaluation of folic acid-peptide- paclitaxel conjugates for addressing drug resistance. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 171:104-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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18
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You Y, Xu Z, Chen Y. Doxorubicin conjugated with a trastuzumab epitope and an MMP-2 sensitive peptide linker for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Drug Deliv 2018; 25:448-460. [PMID: 29405790 PMCID: PMC6058718 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2018.1435746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
HER2-positive breast cancer correlates with more aggressive tumor growth, a poorer prognosis and reduced overall survival. Currently, trastuzumab (Herceptin), which is an anti-HER2 antibody, is one of the key drugs. There is evidence indicating that conjugation of trastuzumab with chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin (DOX), for multiple targets could be more effective. However, incomplete penetration into tumors has been noted for those conjugates. Compared to an antibody, peptides may represent an attractive alternative. For HER2, a similar potency has been observed for a 12-amino-acid anti-HER2 peptide mimetic YCDGFYACYMDV-NH2 (AHNP, disulfide-bridged) and full-length trastuzumab. Thus, a peptide, GPLGLAGDDYCDGFYACYMDV-NH2, which consists of AHNP and an MMP-2 cleavable linker GPLGLAGDD, was first designed, followed by conjugation with DOX via a glycine residue at the N-terminus to form a novel DOX-peptide conjugate MAHNP-DOX. Using HER2-positive human breast cancer cells BT474 and SKBR3 as in vitro model systems and nude mice with BT474 xenografts as an in vivo model, this conjugate was comprehensively characterized, and its efficacy was evaluated and compared with that of free DOX. As a result, MAHNP-DOX demonstrated a much lower in vitro IC50, and its in vivo extent of inhibition in mice was more evident. During this process, enzymatic cleavage of MAHNP-DOX is critical for its activation and cellular uptake. In addition, a synergistic response was observed after the combination of DOX and AHNP. This effect was probably due to the involvement of AHNP in the PI3K–AKT signaling pathway, which can be largely activated by DOX and leads to anti-apoptotic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen You
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yun Chen
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine , Nanjing , China
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19
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Kebebe D, Liu Y, Wu Y, Vilakhamxay M, Liu Z, Li J. Tumor-targeting delivery of herb-based drugs with cell-penetrating/tumor-targeting peptide-modified nanocarriers. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:1425-1442. [PMID: 29563797 PMCID: PMC5849936 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s156616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become one of the leading causes of mortality globally. The major challenges of conventional cancer therapy are the failure of most chemotherapeutic agents to accumulate selectively in tumor cells and their severe systemic side effects. In the past three decades, a number of drug delivery approaches have been discovered to overwhelm the obstacles. Among these, nanocarriers have gained much attention for their excellent and efficient drug delivery systems to improve specific tissue/organ/cell targeting. In order to enhance targeting efficiency further and reduce limitations of nanocarriers, nanoparticle surfaces are functionalized with different ligands. Several kinds of ligand-modified nanomedicines have been reported. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are promising ligands, attracting the attention of researchers due to their efficiency to transport bioactive molecules intracellularly. However, their lack of specificity and in vivo degradation led to the development of newer types of CPP. Currently, activable CPP and tumor-targeting peptide (TTP)-modified nanocarriers have shown dramatically superior cellular specific uptake, cytotoxicity, and tumor growth inhibition. In this review, we discuss recent advances in tumor-targeting strategies using CPPs and their limitations in tumor delivery systems. Special emphasis is given to activable CPPs and TTPs. Finally, we address the application of CPPs and/or TTPs in the delivery of plant-derived chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dereje Kebebe
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yumei Wu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Maikhone Vilakhamxay
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhidong Liu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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20
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Erak M, Bellmann-Sickert K, Els-Heindl S, Beck-Sickinger AG. Peptide chemistry toolbox - Transforming natural peptides into peptide therapeutics. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:2759-2765. [PMID: 29395804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The development of solid phase peptide synthesis has released tremendous opportunities for using synthetic peptides in medicinal applications. In the last decades, peptide therapeutics became an emerging market in pharmaceutical industry. The need for synthetic strategies in order to improve peptidic properties, such as longer half-life, higher bioavailability, increased potency and efficiency is accordingly rising. In this mini-review, we present a toolbox of modifications in peptide chemistry for overcoming the main drawbacks during the transition from natural peptides to peptide therapeutics. Modifications at the level of the peptide backbone, amino acid side chains and higher orders of structures are described. Furthermore, we are discussing the future of peptide therapeutics development and their impact on the pharmaceutical market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Erak
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Bruederstrasse 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin Bellmann-Sickert
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Bruederstrasse 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sylvia Els-Heindl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Bruederstrasse 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette G Beck-Sickinger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Bruederstrasse 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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21
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Chen Z, Zheng Y, Shi Y, Cui Z. Overcoming tumor cell chemoresistance using nanoparticles: lysosomes are beneficial for (stearoyl) gemcitabine-incorporated solid lipid nanoparticles. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:319-336. [PMID: 29391792 PMCID: PMC5768424 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s149196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, chemotherapy using cytotoxic agents remains an indispensable modality in cancer treatment. Recently, there has been a growing emphasis in using nanomedicine in cancer chemotherapy, and several nanomedicines have already been used clinically to treat cancers. There is evidence that formulating small molecular cancer chemotherapeutic agents into nanomedicines significantly modifies their pharmacokinetics and often improves their efficacy. Importantly, cancer cells often develop resistance to chemotherapy, and formulating anticancer drugs into nanomedicines also helps overcome chemoresistance. In this review, we briefly describe the different classes of cancer chemotherapeutic agents, their mechanisms of action and resistance, and evidence of overcoming the resistance using nanomedicines. We then emphasize on gemcitabine and our experience in discovering the unique (stearoyl) gemcitabine solid lipid nanoparticles that are effective against tumor cells resistant to gemcitabine and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. It seems that lysosomes, which are an obstacle in the delivery of many drugs, are actually beneficial for our (stearoyl) gemcitabine solid lipid nanoparticles to overcome tumor cell resistance to gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chen
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yuanqiang Zheng
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yanchun Shi
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.,Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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22
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Liu L, Zhang C, Li Z, Wang C, Bi J, Yin S, Wang Q, Yu R, Liu Y, Su Z. Albumin Binding Domain Fusing R/K-X-X-R/K Sequence for Enhancing Tumor Delivery of Doxorubicin. Mol Pharm 2017; 14:3739-3749. [PMID: 28950700 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For the purpose of improving the tumor delivery of doxorubicin (DOX), a kind of peptide-DOXO conjugate was designed and prepared, in which the peptide composed of an albumin-binding domain (ABD) and a tumor-specific internalizing sequence (RGDK or RPARPAR) was conjugated to a (6-maleimidocaproyl) hydrazone derivative of doxorubicin (DOXO-EMCH). The doxorubicin uptake by lung cancer cell line of A549 evidenced that the conjugates are capable of being internalized through a tumor-specific sequence mediated manner, and the intracellular imaging of distribution in A549 cell demonstrated that the conjugated doxorubicin can be delivered to the cell nucleus. The A549 cell cytotoxicity of peptide-DOXO conjugates was presented with IC50 values and shown in the range of about 9-11 μM. Pharmacokinetics study revealed that both conjugates exhibited nearly 5.5 times longer half-time than DOX, and about 4 times than DOXO-EMCH. The in vivo growth inhibitions of the two peptide-DOXO conjugates on BALB/c nude mice bearing A549 tumor (47.78% for ABD-RGDK-DOXO and 47.09% for ABD-RPARPAR-DOXO) were much stronger than that of doxorubicin and DOXO-EMCH (24.28% and 25.67% respectively) at a doxorubicin equivalent dose. Besides, the in vivo fluorescence imaging study confirmed that the peptide markedly increased the payload accumulation in tumor tissues and indicated that albumin binding domain fusing tumor-specific sequence effectively enhanced the tumor delivery of doxorubicin and thus improved its therapeutic potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zenglan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chunyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Shuang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China.,School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
| | - Rong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongdong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190, China
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23
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Qiao H, Zhu Z, Fang D, Sun Y, Kang C, Di L, Zhang L, Gao Y. Redox-triggered mitoxantrone prodrug micelles for overcoming multidrug-resistant breast cancer. J Drug Target 2017; 26:75-85. [PMID: 28583001 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2017.1339195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) severely hinders the efficient chemotherapeutic treatments of cancer. d-α-Tocopherol polyethylene 1000 succinate (TPGS) based drug delivery system holds the potential of re-sensitizing resistant cancer cells. In this study, a TPGS prodrug containing both TPGS and mitoxantrone (MTO) via a disulphide bond was synthesised and assembled into micelle (TSMm) with a monodispersed diameter of 46.50 ± 1.12 nm. The disulphide bonds within the micelles could be cleaved in response to a high concentration of intracellular glutathione (GSH) after entering the tumour cells, leading a rapid release of MTO. In vitro cytotoxicity study showed TSMm significantly inhibited the growth of resistant breast tumour cells MDA-MB-231/MDR comparing to either free MTO or disulphide-free prodrug micelle (TCMm). In addition, TSMm could sustain favourable intracellular retention and cause the depletion of ATP activity, leading to the preferential transportation of MTO into the nucleus and the reversal of MDR. In vivo imaging also verified that TSMm was specifically targeted to the tumour regions at 24 h post injection. Finally, TSMm has significantly stronger antitumor activity in xenograft nude mice with negligible side effects. Hence, TSMm can serve as promising prodrug candidates to strengthen the reversal of MDR in tumours with less side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Qiao
- a Jiangsu Engineering Research Centre for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy , Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing , China
| | - Zhenzhu Zhu
- b State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science , Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
| | - Dong Fang
- a Jiangsu Engineering Research Centre for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy , Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing , China
| | - Yuan Sun
- c Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Chen Kang
- d Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine , University of Iowa , Iowa City , IA , USA
| | - Liuqing Di
- a Jiangsu Engineering Research Centre for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy , Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing , China
| | - Lei Zhang
- a Jiangsu Engineering Research Centre for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy , Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing , China
| | - Yahan Gao
- e State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
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24
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Liu Y, Li J, Li Z, Tang X, Zhang Z. Pharmacokinetics of a ternary conjugate based pH-responsive 10-HCPT prodrug nano-micelle delivery system. Asian J Pharm Sci 2017; 12:542-549. [PMID: 32104367 PMCID: PMC7032114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A pH-responsive conjugate based 10-hydroxycamptothecin-thiosemicarbazide-polyethene glycol 2000 (10-HCPT-hydro-PEG) nano-micelles were prepared in our previous study. In the present study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS) method is developed to investigate its pharmacokinetics and biodistribution in tumor bearing mice. The results demonstrated that the conjugate circulated for a much longer time in the blood circulation system than commercial 10-HCPT injection, and bioavailability was significantly improved compared with 10-HCPT. In vivo biodistribution study showed that the conjugate could enhance the targeting and residence time in tumor site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xing Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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Liu Y, Li D, Guo X, Xu H, Li Z, Zhang Y, Song C, Fan R, Tang X, Zhang Z. A pH-responsive prodrug delivery system of 10-HCPT for controlled release and tumor targeting. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:2227-2242. [PMID: 28356739 PMCID: PMC5367588 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s125849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We synthesized a pH-responsive conjugate of 10-hydroxycamptothecin-thiosemicarbazide-linear polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG2000). The conjugate was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption time of flight mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The water solubility of the prodrug was increased by over 3,000 times; much longer body circulation time, higher tumor-targeting ability, and reduced toxicity were observed, compared with commercial 10-HCPT injection. The linker contains a pH-sensitive hydrazone bond, which breaks under low pH conditions in the tumor microenvironment. The conjugates showed good stability in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) and rat plasma. This amphiphilic conjugate could self-assemble into nanosized micelles of 80–100 nm. Cytotoxicity assay results indicate significantly higher efficacy of the conjugate (IC50 [half maximal inhibitory concentration] =0.117 µM on SW180 cells) than 10-HCPT solution (IC50 =0.241 µM on SW480 cells). Cellular uptake analysis suggested its rapid internalization and nuclear transport. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the conjugates demonstrated that the conjugate circulated for a longer time in the blood circulation system (T2/1 =10.516±1.158 h) than did 10-HCPT solution (T2/1 =1.859±1.385 h), and that it also enhanced the targeting and mean residence time (MRT0–inf =39.873±4.549 h) in the tumor site, compared with 10-HCPT (MRT0–inf =9.247±1.026 h). Finally, the conjugate demonstrated an increased tumor growth inhibition effect (TIR =82.66%±7.175%) in vivo and lower side effects than 10-HCPT (TIR =63.85%±5.233%). This prodrug holds great promise in improving therapeutic efficacy and overcoming multidrug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou; Department of Pharmaceutics, Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation, Henan, Zhengzhou
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou
| | - Xinhong Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou
| | - Chuanjun Song
- Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruhan Fan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou
| | - Xing Tang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang
| | - Zhenzhong Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou
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26
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Abstract
Peptides have been used as drugs to treat various health conditions, and they are also being developed as diagnostic agents. Due to their receptor selectivity, peptides have recently been utilized for drug delivery to target drug molecules to specific types of cells (i.e. cancer cells, immune cells) to lower the side effects of the drugs. In this case, the drug is conjugated to the carrier peptide for directing the drug to the target cells (e.g. cancer cells) with higher expression of a specific receptor that recognizes the carrier peptide. As a result, the drug is directed to the target diseased cells without affecting the normal cells. Peptides are also being developed for improving drug delivery through the intestinal mucosa barrier (IMB) and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). These peptides were derived from intercellular junction proteins such as occludins, claudins, and cadherins and improve drug delivery through the IMB and BBB via the paracellular pathways. It is hypothesized that the peptides modulate protein-protein interactions in the intercellular junctions of the IMB and BBB to increase the porosity of paracellular pathways of the barriers. These modulator peptides have been shown to enhance brain delivery of small molecules and medium-sized peptides as well as a large protein such as 65 kDa albumin. In the future, this method has the potential to improve oral and brain delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic peptides and proteins.
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