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Lucignano R, Sanità G, Esposito E, Russo Krauss I, D'Ursi AM, Buonocore M, Picone D. Human ferritin nanocarriers for drug-delivery: A molecular view of the disassembly process. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134373. [PMID: 39094874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134373] [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: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Ferritins are natural proteins which spontaneously self-assemble forming hollow nanocages physiologically deputed to iron storage and homeostasis. Thanks to their high stability and easy production in vitro, ferritins represent an intriguing system for nanobiotechnology. Here we investigated the mechanism of disassembly and reassembly of a human recombinant ferritin constituted by the heavy chain (hHFt) exploiting a new procedure which involves the use of minimal amounts of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and assessed its effectiveness in comparison with two commonly used protocols based on pH shift at highly acidic and alkaline values. The interest in this ferritin as drug nanocarrier is related to the strong affinity of the human H-chain for the transferrin receptor TfR-1, overexpressed in several tumoral cell lines. Using different techniques, like NMR, TEM and DLS, we demonstrated that the small concentrations of SDS can eliminate the nanocage architecture without detaching the monomers from each other, which instead remain strongly associated. Following this procedure, we encapsulated into the nanocage a small ruthenium complex with a remarkable improvement with respect to previous protocols in terms of yield, structural integrity of the recovered protein and encapsulation efficiency. In our opinion, the extensive network of interchain interactions preserved during the SDS-based disassembly procedure represents the key for a complete and correct hHFt reassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Lucignano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", University of Napoli Federico II Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Sanità
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems (ISASI), Naples Cryo Electron Microscopy Laboratory - EYE LAB, National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems (ISASI), Naples Cryo Electron Microscopy Laboratory - EYE LAB, National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Irene Russo Krauss
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", University of Napoli Federico II Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy; CSGI (Consorzio per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase), I-50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D'Ursi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Michela Buonocore
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", University of Napoli Federico II Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Delia Picone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", University of Napoli Federico II Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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Raut RK, Bhattacharyya G, Behera RK. Gastric stability of bare and chitosan-fabricated ferritin and its bio-mineral: implication for potential dietary iron supplements. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:13815-13830. [PMID: 39109655 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt01839g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), the most widespread nutritional disorder, is a persistent global health issue affecting millions, especially in resource-limited geographies. Oral iron supplementation is usually the first choice for exogenous iron administration owing to its convenience, effectiveness and low cost. However, commercially available iron supplementations are often associated with oxidative stress, gastrointestinal side effects, infections and solubility issues. Herein, we aim to address these limitations by employing ferritin proteins-self-assembled nanocaged architectures functioning as a soluble cellular iron repository-as a non-toxic and biocompatible alternative. Our in vitro studies based on PAGE and TEM indicate that bare ferritin proteins are resistant to gastric conditions but their cage integrity is compromised under longer incubation periods and at higher concentrations of pepsin, which is a critical component of gastric juice. To ensure the safe delivery of encapsulated iron cargo, with minimal cage disintegration/degradation and iron leakage along the gastrointestinal tract, we fabricated the surface of ferritin with chitosan. Further, the stoichiometry and absorptivity of iron-chelator complexes at both gastric and circumneutral pH were estimated using Job's plot. Unlike bipyridyl, deferiprone exhibited pH dependency. In vitro kinetics was studied to evaluate iron release from bare and chitosan-fabricated ferritins employing both reductive (in the presence of ascorbate and bipyridyl) and non-reductive (direct chelation by deferiprone) pathways to determine their bio-mineral stabilities. Chitosan-decorated ferritin displayed superior cage integrity and iron retention capability over bare ferritin in simulated gastric fluid. The ability of ferritins to naturally facilitate controlled iron release in conjugation with enteric coating provided by chitosan may mitigate the aforementioned side effects and enhance iron absorption in the intestine. The results of the current study could pave the way for the development of an oral formulation based on ferritin-caged iron bio-mineral that can be a promising alternative for the treatment of IDA, offering better therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Kumar Raut
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela - 769008, Odisha, India.
| | - Gargee Bhattacharyya
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela - 769008, Odisha, India.
| | - Rabindra K Behera
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela - 769008, Odisha, India.
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Sheng Y, Chen Z, Cherrier MV, Martin L, Bui TTT, Li W, Lynham S, Nicolet Y, Ebrahimi KH. A Versatile Virus-Mimetic Engineering Approach for Concurrent Protein Nanocage Surface-Functionalization and Cargo Encapsulation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310913. [PMID: 38726952 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Naturally occurring protein nanocages like ferritin are self-assembled from multiple subunits. Because of their unique cage-like structure and biocompatibility, there is a growing interest in their biomedical use. A multipurpose and straightforward engineering approach does not exist for using nanocages to make drug-delivery systems by encapsulating hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs and developing vaccines by surface functionalization with a protein like an antigen. Here, a versatile engineering approach is described by mimicking the HIV-1 Gap polyprotein precursor. Various PREcursors of nanoCages (PREC) are designed and created by linking two ferritin subunits via a flexible linker peptide containing a protease cleavage site. These precursors can have additional proteins at their N-terminus, and their protease cleavage generates ferritin-like nanocages named protease-induced nanocages (PINCs). It is demonstrated that PINC formation allows concurrent surface decoration with a protein and hydrophilic or hydrophobic drug encapsulation up to fourfold more than the amount achieved using other methods. The PINCs/Drug complex is stable and efficiently kills cancer cells. This work provides insight into the precursors' design rules and the mechanism of PINCs formation. The engineering approach and mechanistic insight described here will facilitate nanocages' applications in drug delivery or as a platform for making multifunctional therapeutics like mosaic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Sheng
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Zilong Chen
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Mickael V Cherrier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, Metalloproteins Unit, Grenoble, CS 10090, France
| | - Lydie Martin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, Metalloproteins Unit, Grenoble, CS 10090, France
| | - Tam T T Bui
- Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, SE11UL, UK
| | - Wei Li
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Steven Lynham
- Proteomics Core Facility, James Black Centre, King's College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Yvain Nicolet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, Metalloproteins Unit, Grenoble, CS 10090, France
| | - Kourosh H Ebrahimi
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
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4
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Xi Y, Ma R, Li S, Liu G, Liu C. Functionally Designed Nanovaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:764. [PMID: 39066402 PMCID: PMC11281565 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, generated by SARS-CoV-2, has significantly affected healthcare systems worldwide. The epidemic has highlighted the urgent need for vaccine development. Besides the conventional vaccination models, which include live-attenuated, recombinant protein, and inactivated vaccines, nanovaccines present a distinct opportunity to progress vaccine research and offer convenient alternatives. This review highlights the many widely used nanoparticle vaccine vectors, outlines their benefits and drawbacks, and examines recent developments in nanoparticle vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2. It also offers a thorough overview of the many advantages of nanoparticle vaccines, including an enhanced host immune response, multivalent antigen delivery, and efficient drug delivery. The main objective is to provide a reference for the development of innovative antiviral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.X.); (R.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Rongrong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.X.); (R.M.); (S.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
| | - Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.X.); (R.M.); (S.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Biology and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.X.); (R.M.); (S.L.)
- China Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
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5
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Chang X, Ma J, Zhou Y, Xiao S, Xiao X, Fang L. Development of a Ferritin Protein Nanoparticle Vaccine with PRRSV GP5 Protein. Viruses 2024; 16:991. [PMID: 38932282 PMCID: PMC11209462 DOI: 10.3390/v16060991] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) presents a significant threat to the global swine industry. The development of highly effective subunit nanovaccines is a promising strategy for preventing PRRSV variant infections. In this study, two different types of ferritin (Ft) nanovaccines targeting the major glycoprotein GP5, named GP5m-Ft and (Bp-IVp)3-Ft, were constructed and evaluated as vaccine candidates for PRRSV. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) demonstrated that both purified GP5m-Ft and (Bp-IVp)3-Ft proteins could self-assemble into nanospheres. A comparison of the immunogenicity of GP5m-Ft and (Bp-IVp)3-Ft with an inactivated PRRSV vaccine in BALB/c mice revealed that mice immunized with GP5m-Ft exhibited the highest ELISA antibody levels, neutralizing antibody titers, the lymphocyte proliferation index, and IFN-γ levels. Furthermore, vaccination with the GP5m-Ft nanoparticle effectively protected piglets against a highly pathogenic PRRSV challenge. These findings suggest that GP5m-Ft is a promising vaccine candidate for controlling PRRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjian Chang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.C.); (J.M.); (Y.Z.); (S.X.)
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jun Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.C.); (J.M.); (Y.Z.); (S.X.)
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yanrong Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.C.); (J.M.); (Y.Z.); (S.X.)
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shaobo Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.C.); (J.M.); (Y.Z.); (S.X.)
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xun Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.C.); (J.M.); (Y.Z.); (S.X.)
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liurong Fang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (X.C.); (J.M.); (Y.Z.); (S.X.)
- The Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
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Sobczak JM, Barkovska I, Balke I, Rothen DA, Mohsen MO, Skrastina D, Ogrina A, Martina B, Jansons J, Bogans J, Vogel M, Bachmann MF, Zeltins A. Identifying Key Drivers of Efficient B Cell Responses: On the Role of T Help, Antigen-Organization, and Toll-like Receptor Stimulation for Generating a Neutralizing Anti-Dengue Virus Response. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:661. [PMID: 38932390 PMCID: PMC11209419 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
T help (Th), stimulation of toll-like receptors (pathogen-associated molecular patterns, PAMPs), and antigen organization and repetitiveness (pathogen-associated structural patterns, PASPs) were shown numerous times to be important in driving B-cell and antibody responses. In this study, we dissected the individual contributions of these parameters using newly developed "Immune-tag" technology. As model antigens, we used eGFP and the third domain of the dengue virus 1 envelope protein (DV1 EDIII), the major target of virus-neutralizing antibodies. The respective proteins were expressed alone or genetically fused to the N-terminal fragment of the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) capsid protein-nCMV, rendering the antigens oligomeric. In a step-by-step manner, RNA was attached as a PAMP, and/or a universal Th-cell epitope was genetically added for additional Th. Finally, a PASP was added to the constructs by displaying the antigens highly organized and repetitively on the surface of CMV-derived virus-like particles (CuMV VLPs). Sera from immunized mice demonstrated that each component contributed stepwise to the immunogenicity of both proteins. All components combined in the CuMV VLP platform induced by far the highest antibody responses. In addition, the DV1 EDIII induced high levels of DENV-1-neutralizing antibodies only if displayed on VLPs. Thus, combining multiple cues typically associated with viruses results in optimal antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Sobczak
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irena Barkovska
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ina Balke
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Dominik A. Rothen
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mona O. Mohsen
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dace Skrastina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Anete Ogrina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Byron Martina
- Artemis Bioservices, 2629 JD Delft, The Netherlands;
- Protinhi Therapeutics, 6534 AT Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Juris Jansons
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Janis Bogans
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Monique Vogel
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin F. Bachmann
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Andris Zeltins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
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Sitia L, Saccomandi P, Bianchi L, Sevieri M, Sottani C, Allevi R, Grignani E, Mazzucchelli S, Corsi F. Combined Ferritin Nanocarriers with ICG for Effective Phototherapy Against Breast Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4263-4278. [PMID: 38766663 PMCID: PMC11102096 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s445334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for cancer with high immunostimulatory potential, no reported drug resistance, and reduced side effects. Indocyanine Green (ICG) has been used as a photosensitizer (PS) for PDT, although its poor stability and low tumor-target specificity strongly limit its efficacy. To overcome these limitations, ICG can be formulated as a tumor-targeting nanoparticle (NP). Methods We nanoformulated ICG into recombinant heavy-ferritin nanocages (HFn-ICG). HFn has a specific interaction with transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), which is overexpressed in most tumors, thus increasing HFn tumor tropism. First, we tested the properties of HFn-ICG as a PS upon irradiation with a continuous-wave diode laser. Then, we evaluated PDT efficacy in two breast cancer (BC) cell lines with different TfR1 expression levels. Finally, we measured the levels of intracellular endogenous heavy ferritin (H-Fn) after PDT treatment. In fact, it is known that cells undergoing ROS-induced autophagy, as in PDT, tend to increase their ferritin levels as a defence mechanism. By measuring intracellular H-Fn, we verified whether this interplay between internalized HFn and endogenous H-Fn could be used to maximize HFn uptake and PDT efficacy. Results We previously demonstrated that HFn-ICG stabilized ICG molecules and increased their delivery to the target site in vitro and in vivo for fluorescence guided surgery. Here, with the aim of using HFn-ICG for PDT, we showed that HFn-ICG improved treatment efficacy in BC cells, depending on their TfR1 expression. Our data revealed that endogenous H-Fn levels were increased after PDT treatment, suggesting that this defence reaction against oxidative stress could be used to enhance HFn-ICG uptake in cells, increasing treatment efficacy. Conclusion The strong PDT efficacy and peculiar Trojan horse-like mechanism, that we revealed for the first time in literature, confirmed the promising application of HFn-ICG in PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopoldo Sitia
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Saccomandi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bianchi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Sevieri
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Sottani
- Environmental Research Center, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Allevi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Grignani
- Environmental Research Center, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Mazzucchelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Corsi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
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8
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Rajabinejad M, Valadan R, Tehrani M, Najafi A, Negarandeh R, Saeedi M, Asgarian-Omran H. Effective delivery of anti-PD-L1 siRNA with human heavy chain ferritin (HFn) in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines. Med Oncol 2024; 41:149. [PMID: 38739199 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Because of the high biocompatibility, self-assembly capability, and CD71-mediated endocytosis, using human heavy chain ferritin (HFn) as a nanocarrier would greatly increase therapeutic effectiveness and reduce possible adverse events. Anti-PD-L1 siRNA can downregulate the level of PD-L1 on tumor cells, resulting in the activation of effector T cells against leukemia. Therefore, this study aimed to produce the tumor-targeting siPD-L1/HFn nanocarrier. Briefly, the HFn coding sequence was cloned into a pET-28a, and the constructed expression plasmid was subsequently transformed into E. coli BL21. After induction of Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), HFn was purified with Ni-affinity chromatography and dialyzed against PBS. The protein characteristics were analyzed using SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The final concentration was assessed using the Bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. The encapsulation was performed using the standard pH system. The treatment effects of siPD-L1/HFn were carried out on HL-60 and K-562 cancer cell lines. The RT-PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of PD-L1. The biocompatibility and excretion of siPD-L1/HFn have also been evaluated. The expression and purity of HFn were well verified through SDS-PAGE, WB, and DLS. RT-PCR analyses also showed significant siRNA-mediated PD-L1 silencing in both HL-60 and K-562 cells. Our study suggested a promising approach for siRNA delivery. This efficient delivery system can pave the way for the co-delivery of siRNAs and multiple chemotherapies to address the emerging needs of cancer combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misagh Rajabinejad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Molecular and Cell-Biology Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohsen Tehrani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Molecular and Cell-Biology Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Najafi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Negarandeh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Majid Saeedi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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9
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Nie J, Wang Q, Li C, Zhou Y, Yao X, Xu L, Chang Y, Ding F, Sun L, Zhan L, Zhu L, Xie K, Wang X, Shi Y, Zhao Q, Shan Y. Self-Assembled Multiepitope Nanovaccine Provides Long-Lasting Cross-Protection against Influenza Virus. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303531. [PMID: 37983728 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal influenza vaccines typically provide strain-specific protection and are reformulated annually, which is a complex and time-consuming process. Multiepitope vaccines, combining multiple conserved antigenic epitopes from a pathogen, can trigger more robust, diverse, and effective immune responses, providing a potential solution. However, their practical application is hindered by low immunogenicity and short-term effectiveness. In this study, multiple linear epitopes from the conserved stem domain of hemagglutinin and the ectodomain of matrix protein 2 are combined with the Helicobacter pylori ferritin, a stable self-assembled nanoplatform, to develop an influenza multiepitope nanovaccine, named MHF. MHF is prokaryotically expressed in a soluble form and self-assembles into uniform nanoparticles. The subcutaneous immunization of mice with adjuvanted MHF induces cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and cellular immunity, offering complete protection against H3N2 as well as partial protection against H1N1. Importantly, the vaccine cargo delivered by ferritin triggers epitope-specific memory B-cell responses, with antibody level persisting for over 6 months post-immunization. These findings indicate that self-assembled multiepitope nanovaccines elicit potent and long-lasting immune responses while significantly reducing the risk of vaccine escape mutants, and offer greater practicality in terms of scalable manufacturing and genetic manipulability, presenting a promising and effective strategy for future vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Nie
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, 519000, China
| | - Qingyu Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yongfei Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xin Yao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Lipeng Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yaotian Chang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Fan Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Li Zhan
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Lvzhou Zhu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Kunpeng Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yuhua Shi
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, 519000, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, 519000, China
| | - Yaming Shan
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
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10
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Lv Y, Li W, Liao W, Jiang H, Liu Y, Cao J, Lu W, Feng Y. Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Based on Natural Products. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:541-569. [PMID: 38260243 PMCID: PMC10802180 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s443692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural products have proven to have significant curative effects and are increasingly considered as potential candidates for clinical prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Compared with synthetic drugs, natural products not only have diverse structures but also exhibit a range of biological activities against different disease states and molecular targets, making them attractive for development in the field of medicine. Despite advancements in the use of natural products for clinical purposes, there remain obstacles that hinder their full potential. These challenges include issues such as limited solubility and stability when administered orally, as well as short durations of effectiveness. To address these concerns, nano-drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution to overcome the barriers faced in the clinical application of natural products. These systems offer notable advantages, such as a large specific surface area, enhanced targeting capabilities, and the ability to achieve sustained and controlled release. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have provided further evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle-based systems in delivering natural products in preclinical disease models. This review describes the limitations of natural product applications and the current status of natural products combined with nanotechnology. The latest advances in nano-drug delivery systems for delivery of natural products are considered from three aspects: connecting targeting warheads, self-assembly, and co-delivery. Finally, the challenges faced in the clinical translation of nano-drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lv
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Liao
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiansheng Cao
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenfei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Parisi G, Piacentini R, Incocciati A, Bonamore A, Macone A, Rupert J, Zacco E, Miotto M, Milanetti E, Tartaglia GG, Ruocco G, Boffi A, Di Rienzo L. Design of protein-binding peptides with controlled binding affinity: the case of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 derived peptides. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1332359. [PMID: 38250735 PMCID: PMC10797010 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1332359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of methods able to modulate the binding affinity between proteins and peptides is of paramount biotechnological interest in view of a vast range of applications that imply designed polypeptides capable to impair or favour Protein-Protein Interactions. Here, we applied a peptide design algorithm based on shape complementarity optimization and electrostatic compatibility and provided the first experimental in vitro proof of the efficacy of the design algorithm. Focusing on the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, we extracted a 23-residues long peptide that structurally mimics the major interacting portion of the ACE2 receptor and designed in silico five mutants of such a peptide with a modulated affinity. Remarkably, experimental KD measurements, conducted using biolayer interferometry, matched the in silico predictions. Moreover, we investigated the molecular determinants that govern the variation in binding affinity through molecular dynamics simulation, by identifying the mechanisms driving the different values of binding affinity at a single residue level. Finally, the peptide sequence with the highest affinity, in comparison with the wild type peptide, was expressed as a fusion protein with human H ferritin (HFt) 24-mer. Solution measurements performed on the latter constructs confirmed that peptides still exhibited the expected trend, thereby enhancing their efficacy in RBD binding. Altogether, these results indicate the high potentiality of this general method in developing potent high-affinity vectors for hindering/enhancing protein-protein associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Parisi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering (SBAI), Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
| | - Roberta Piacentini
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Incocciati
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bonamore
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
| | - Jakob Rupert
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Elsa Zacco
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Miotto
- Center for Life Nano and Neuro Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Roma, Italy
| | - Edoardo Milanetti
- Center for Life Nano and Neuro Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Roma, Italy
- Department of Physics, Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano and Neuro Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Roma, Italy
- Department of Physics, Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Boffi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Università“Sapienza”, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Rienzo
- Center for Life Nano and Neuro Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Roma, Italy
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12
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Nagar N, Naidu G, Mishra A, Poluri KM. Protein-Based Nanocarriers and Nanotherapeutics for Infection and Inflammation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:91-109. [PMID: 37699711 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious and inflammatory diseases are one of the leading causes of death globally. The status quo has become more prominent with the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To combat these potential crises, proteins have been proven as highly efficacious drugs, drug targets, and biomarkers. On the other hand, advancements in nanotechnology have aided efficient and sustained drug delivery due to their nano-dimension-acquired advantages. Combining both strategies together, the protein nanoplatforms are equipped with the advantageous intrinsic properties of proteins as well as nanoformulations, eloquently changing the field of nanomedicine. Proteins can act as carriers, therapeutics, diagnostics, and theranostics in their nanoform as fusion proteins or as composites with other organic/inorganic materials. Protein-based nanoplatforms have been extensively explored to target the major infectious and inflammatory diseases of clinical concern. The current review comprehensively deliberated proteins as nanocarriers for drugs and nanotherapeutics for inflammatory and infectious agents, with special emphasis on cancer and viral diseases. A plethora of proteins from diverse organisms have aided in the synthesis of protein-based nanoformulations. The current study specifically presented the proteins of human and pathogenic origin to dwell upon the field of protein nanotechnology, emphasizing their pharmacological advantages. Further, the successful clinical translation and current bottlenecks of the protein-based nanoformulations associated with the infection-inflammation paradigm have also been discussed comprehensively. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review discusses the plethora of promising protein-based nanocarriers and nanotherapeutics explored for infectious and inflammatory ailments, with particular emphasis on protein nanoparticles of human and pathogenic origin with reference to the advantages, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion parameters), and current bottlenecks in development of protein-based nanotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nupur Nagar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (N.N., G.N., K.M.P.) and Centre for Nanotechnology (K.M.P.), Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; and Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India (A.M.)
| | - Goutami Naidu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (N.N., G.N., K.M.P.) and Centre for Nanotechnology (K.M.P.), Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; and Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India (A.M.)
| | - Amit Mishra
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (N.N., G.N., K.M.P.) and Centre for Nanotechnology (K.M.P.), Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; and Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India (A.M.)
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (N.N., G.N., K.M.P.) and Centre for Nanotechnology (K.M.P.), Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; and Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India (A.M.)
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13
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Xia H, Xu H, Wang J, Wang C, Chen R, Tao T, Xu S, Zhang J, Ma K, Wang J. Heat sensitive E-helix cut ferritin nanocages for facile and high-efficiency loading of doxorubicin. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126973. [PMID: 37729988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126973] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin possesses a stable and uniform cage structure, along with tumor-targeting properties and excellent biocompatibility, making it a promising drug delivery vehicle. However, the current ferritin drug loading strategy involves complex steps and harsh reaction conditions, resulting in low yield and recovery of drug loading, which limits the clinical application prospects of ferritin nanomedicine. In this study, we utilized the high-efficiency heat-sensitivity of the multiple channel switch structures of the E-helix-cut ferritin mutant (Ecut-HFn) and Cu2+ assistance to achieve high-efficiency loading of chemotherapeutic drugs in a one-step process at low temperatures. This method features mild reaction conditions (45 °C), high loading efficiency (about 110 doxorubicin (Dox) per Ecut-HFn), and improved protein and Dox recovery rates (with protein recovery rate around 94 % and Dox recovery rate reaching up to 45 %). The prepared ferritin-Dox particles (Ecut-HFn-Cu-Dox) exhibit a uniform size distribution, good stability, and retain the natural tumor targeting ability of ferritin. Overall, this temperature-controlled drug loading strategy utilizing heat-sensitivity ferritin mutants is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, efficient, and easy to operate, offering a new perspective for scaling up the industrial production of ferritin drug carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Xia
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Huangtao Xu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China
| | - Jiarong Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China
| | - Changhao Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Ruiguo Chen
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China
| | - Tongxiang Tao
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Shuai Xu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China
| | - Kun Ma
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China.
| | - Junfeng Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China; Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China.
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14
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Zhang S, Chen M, Geng Z, Liu T, Li S, Yu Q, Cao L, Liu D. Potential Application of Self-Assembled Peptides and Proteins in Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17056. [PMID: 38069380 PMCID: PMC10706889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research is gradually broadening the idea of cancer treatment, with attention being focused on nanoparticles to improve the stability, therapeutic efficacy, targeting, and other important metrics of conventional drugs and traditional drug delivery methods. Studies have demonstrated that drug delivery carriers based on biomaterials (e.g., protein nanoparticles and lipids) and inorganic materials (e.g., metal nanoparticles) have potential anticancer effects. Among these carriers, self-assembled proteins and peptides, which are highly biocompatible and easy to standardize and produce, are strong candidates for the preparation of anticancer drugs. Breast cancer (BC) and cervical cancer (CC) are two of the most common and deadly cancers in women. These cancers not only threaten lives globally but also put a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Despite advances in medical care, the incidence of these two cancers, particularly CC, which is almost entirely preventable, continues to rise, and the mortality rate remains steady. Therefore, there is still a need for in-depth research on these two cancers to develop more targeted, efficacious, and safe therapies. This paper reviews the types of self-assembling proteins and peptides (e.g., ferritin, albumin, and virus-like particles) and natural products (e.g., soy and paclitaxel) commonly used in the treatment of BC and CC and describes the types of drugs that can be delivered using self-assembling proteins and peptides as carriers (e.g., siRNAs, DNA, plasmids, and mRNAs). The mechanisms (including self-assembly) by which the natural products act on CC and BC are discussed. The mechanism of action of natural products on CC and BC and the mechanism of action of self-assembled proteins and peptides have many similarities (e.g., NF-KB and Wnt). Thus, natural products using self-assembled proteins and peptides as carriers show potential for the treatment of BC and CC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lingling Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (S.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.G.); (T.L.); (S.L.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Da Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (S.Z.); (M.C.); (Z.G.); (T.L.); (S.L.); (Q.Y.)
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15
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Wang Z, Wang X, Xu W, Li Y, Lai R, Qiu X, Chen X, Chen Z, Mi B, Wu M, Wang J. Translational Challenges and Prospective Solutions in the Implementation of Biomimetic Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2623. [PMID: 38004601 PMCID: PMC10674763 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomimetic delivery systems (BDSs), inspired by the intricate designs of biological systems, have emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm in nanomedicine, offering unparalleled advantages in therapeutic delivery. These systems, encompassing platforms such as liposomes, protein-based nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and polysaccharides, are lauded for their targeted delivery, minimized side effects, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. However, the translation of BDSs from research settings to clinical applications is fraught with challenges, including reproducibility concerns, physiological stability, and rigorous efficacy and safety evaluations. Furthermore, the innovative nature of BDSs demands the reevaluation and evolution of existing regulatory and ethical frameworks. This review provides an overview of BDSs and delves into the multifaceted translational challenges and present emerging solutions, underscored by real-world case studies. Emphasizing the potential of BDSs to redefine healthcare, we advocate for sustained interdisciplinary collaboration and research. As our understanding of biological systems deepens, the future of BDSs in clinical translation appears promising, with a focus on personalized medicine and refined patient-specific delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; (Z.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Xinpei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Wanting Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Yongxiao Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Ruizhi Lai
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; (Z.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Xiaohui Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Bobin Mi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China;
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Meiying Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Junqing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
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16
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Zhang H, Long Y, Peng Y, Chen Y, Hu C, Chen J, Chen X, Guo A. Soluble expression and purification of recombinant bovine ferritin H-chain. Protein Expr Purif 2023; 211:106340. [PMID: 37481118 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106340] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin is a potential medicine delivery vehicle and vaccine platform, and its efficient expression is a prerequisite for widespread application. This study introduces a soluble expression strategy for recombinant bovine ferritin heavy chain (rFTH) in a prokaryotic system and an improved protein purification method. The amplified rFTH gene was ligated into the prokaryotic expression vector pET30a. The recombinant vectors with the N-terminal His-tag(N-His) or C-terminal His-tag(C-His) were translated and expressed separately. The results showed that the solubility of rFTH with C-His was significantly higher than that with N-His. The expression of rFTH with C-His was attempted at 37 °C and 16 °C, respectively. The results showed that the proportion of soluble protein expressed at 37 °C was more than 90%, higher than that expressed at 16 °C. Then rFTH with C-His was purified successfully using anion exchange chromatography, modified PEG precipitation, and dialysis. The rFTH protein was characterized using SDS-PAGE, Native-PAGE, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The results demonstrated that the purified rFTH protein self-assembled into ferritin nanoparticles with a regular shape and uniform size. This study sheds new light on the soluble expression of ferritin and provides a foundation for the construction of bovine ferritin nanoparticle production platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yiting Long
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yongchong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yingyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Changmin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jianguo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Aizhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Wuhan, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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17
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Shchaslyvyi AY, Antonenko SV, Tesliuk MG, Telegeev GD. Current State of Human Gene Therapy: Approved Products and Vectors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1416. [PMID: 37895887 PMCID: PMC10609992 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the realm of gene therapy, a pivotal moment arrived with Paul Berg's groundbreaking identification of the first recombinant DNA in 1972. This achievement set the stage for future breakthroughs. Conditions once considered undefeatable, like melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and a host of other ailments, are now being addressed at their root cause-the genetic level. Presently, the gene therapy landscape stands adorned with 22 approved in vivo and ex vivo products, including IMLYGIC, LUXTURNA, Zolgensma, Spinraza, Patisiran, and many more. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into a rich assortment of 16 drugs, from siRNA, miRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9 to DNA aptamers and TRAIL/APO2L, as well as 46 carriers, from AAV, AdV, LNPs, and exosomes to naked mRNA, sonoporation, and magnetofection. The article also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each product and vector type, as well as the current challenges faced in the practical use of gene therapy and its future potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aladdin Y. Shchaslyvyi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150, Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine; (S.V.A.); (M.G.T.); (G.D.T.)
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18
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Shesh BP, Connor JR. A novel view of ferritin in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188917. [PMID: 37209958 PMCID: PMC10330744 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery more than 85 years ago, ferritin has principally been known as an iron storage protein. However, new roles, beyond iron storage, are being uncovered. Novel processes involving ferritin such as ferritinophagy and ferroptosis and as a cellular iron delivery protein not only expand our thinking on the range of contributions of this protein but present an opportunity to target these pathways in cancers. The key question we focus on within this review is whether ferritin modulation represents a useful approach for treating cancers. We discussed novel functions and processes of this protein in cancers. We are not limiting this review to cell intrinsic modulation of ferritin in cancers, but also focus on its utility in the trojan horse approach in cancer therapeutics. The novel functions of ferritin as discussed herein realize the multiple roles of ferritin in cell biology that can be probed for therapeutic opportunities and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James R Connor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.
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19
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Wang Z, Zhang T, Jia F, Ge C, He Y, Tian Y, Wang W, Yang G, Huang H, Wang J, Shi C, Yang W, Cao X, Zeng Y, Wang N, Qian A, Wang C, Jiang Y. Homologous Sequential Immunization Using Salmonella Oral Administration Followed by an Intranasal Boost with Ferritin-Based Nanoparticles Enhanced the Humoral Immune Response against H1N1 Influenza Virus. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0010223. [PMID: 37154735 PMCID: PMC10269571 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00102-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The influenza virus continues to pose a great threat to public health due to the frequent variations in RNA viruses. Vaccines targeting conserved epitopes, such as the extracellular domain of the transmembrane protein M2 (M2e), a nucleoprotein, and the stem region of hemagglutinin proteins, have been developed, but more efficient strategies, such as nanoparticle-based vaccines, are still urgently needed. However, the labor-intensive in vitro purification of nanoparticles is still necessary, which could hinder the application of nanoparticles in the veterinary field in the future. To overcome this limitation, we used regulated lysis Salmonella as an oral vector with which to deliver three copies of M2e (3M2e-H1N1)-ferritin nanoparticles in situ and evaluated the immune response. Then, sequential immunization using Salmonella-delivered nanoparticles followed by an intranasal boost with purified nanoparticles was performed to further improve the efficiency. Compared with 3M2e monomer administration, Salmonella-delivered in situ nanoparticles significantly increased the cellular immune response. Additionally, the results of sequential immunization showed that the intranasal boost with purified nanoparticles dramatically stimulated the activation of lung CD11b dendritic cells (DCs) and elevated the levels of effector memory T (TEM) cells in both spleen and lung tissues as well as those of CD4 and CD8 tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells in the lungs. The increased production of mucosal IgG and IgA antibody titers was also observed, resulting in further improvements to protection against a virus challenge, compared with the pure oral immunization group. Salmonella-delivered in situ nanoparticles efficiently increased the cellular immune response, compared with the monomer, and sequential immunization further improved the systemic immune response, as shown by the activation of DCs, the production of TEM cells and TRM cells, and the mucosal immune response, thereby providing us with a novel strategy by which to apply nanoparticle-based vaccines in the future. IMPORTANCE Salmonella-delivered in situ nanoparticle platforms may provide novel nanoparticle vaccines for oral administration, which would be beneficial for veterinary applications. The combination of administering Salmonella-vectored, self-assembled nanoparticles and an intranasal boost with purified nanoparticles significantly increased the production of effector memory T cells and lung resident memory T cells, thereby providing partial protection against an influenza virus challenge. This novel strategy could open a novel avenue for the application of nanoparticle vaccines for veterinary purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhannan Wang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Tongyu Zhang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Futing Jia
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Chongbo Ge
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingkai He
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yawen Tian
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenfeng Wang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Guilian Yang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Haibin Huang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianzhong Wang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunwei Shi
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Wentao Yang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Cao
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Wang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Aidong Qian
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunfeng Wang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanlong Jiang
- College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
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20
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Abstract
Encapsulins are a recently discovered class of prokaryotic self-assembling icosahedral protein nanocompartments measuring between 24 and 42 nm in diameter, capable of selectively encapsulating dedicated cargo proteins in vivo. They have been classified into four families based on sequence identity and operon structure, and thousands of encapsulin systems have recently been computationally identified across a wide range of bacterial and archaeal phyla. Cargo encapsulation is mediated by the presence of specific targeting motifs found in all native cargo proteins that interact with the interior surface of the encapsulin shell during self-assembly. Short C-terminal targeting peptides (TPs) are well documented in Family 1 encapsulins, while more recently, larger N-terminal targeting domains (TDs) have been discovered in Family 2. The modular nature of TPs and their facile genetic fusion to non-native cargo proteins of interest has made cargo encapsulation, both in vivo and in vitro, readily exploitable and has therefore resulted in a range of rationally engineered nano-compartmentalization systems. This review summarizes current knowledge on cargo protein encapsulation within encapsulins and highlights select studies that utilize TP fusions to non-native cargo in creative and useful ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Jones
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Robert Benisch
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tobias W Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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21
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Yousefi A, Ying C, Parmenter CD, Assadipapari M, Sanderson G, Zheng Z, Xu L, Zargarbashi S, Hickman GJ, Cousins RB, Mellor CJ, Mayer M, Rahmani M. Optical Monitoring of In Situ Iron Loading into Single, Native Ferritin Proteins. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:3251-3258. [PMID: 37053043 PMCID: PMC10141409 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin is a protein that stores and releases iron to prevent diseases associated with iron dysregulation in plants, animals, and bacteria. The conversion between iron-loaded holo-ferritin and empty apo-ferritin is an important process for iron regulation. To date, studies of ferritin have used either ensemble measurements to quantify the characteristics of a large number of proteins or single-molecule approaches to interrogate labeled or modified proteins. Here we demonstrate the first real-time study of the dynamics of iron ion loading and biomineralization within a single, unlabeled ferritin protein. Using optical nanotweezers, we trapped single apo- and holo-ferritins indefinitely, distinguished one from the other, and monitored their structural dynamics in real time. The study presented here deepens the understanding of the iron uptake mechanism of ferritin proteins, which may lead to new therapeutics for iron-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Yousefi
- Advanced
Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School
of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham NG118 NS, United
Kingdom
| | - Cuifeng Ying
- Advanced
Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School
of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham NG118 NS, United
Kingdom
- Email
for C.Y.:
| | | | - Mahya Assadipapari
- Advanced
Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School
of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham NG118 NS, United
Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Sanderson
- Advanced
Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School
of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham NG118 NS, United
Kingdom
| | - Ze Zheng
- Advanced
Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School
of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham NG118 NS, United
Kingdom
| | - Lei Xu
- Advanced
Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School
of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham NG118 NS, United
Kingdom
| | - Saaman Zargarbashi
- Advanced
Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School
of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham NG118 NS, United
Kingdom
| | - Graham J. Hickman
- School
of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, United
Kingdom
| | - Richard B. Cousins
- Nanoscale
and Microscale Research Centre, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Mellor
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
| | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe
Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Mohsen Rahmani
- Advanced
Optics and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School
of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent
University, Nottingham NG118 NS, United
Kingdom
- Email for M.R.:
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22
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Knödler M, Opdensteinen P, Sankaranarayanan RA, Morgenroth A, Buhl EM, Mottaghy FM, Buyel JF. Simple plant-based production and purification of the assembled human ferritin heavy chain as a nanocarrier for tumor-targeted drug delivery and bioimaging in cancer therapy. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1038-1054. [PMID: 36539373 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles are used as carriers for the delivery of drugs and imaging agents. Proteins are safer than synthetic nanocarriers due to their greater biocompatibility and the absence of toxic degradation products. In this context, ferritin has the additional benefit of inherently targeting the membrane receptor transferrin 1, which is overexpressed by most cancer cells. Furthermore, this self-assembling multimeric protein can be loaded with more than 2000 iron atoms, as well as drugs, contrast agents, and other cargos. However, recombinant ferritin currently costs ~3.5 million € g-1 , presumably because the limited number of producers cannot meet demand, making it generally unaffordable as a nanocarrier. Because plants can produce proteins at very-large-scale, we developed a simple, proof-of-concept process for the production of the human ferritin heavy chain by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. We optimized the protein yields by screening different compartments and 5'-untranslated regions in PCPs, and selected the best-performing construct for production in differentiated plants. We then established a rapid and scalable purification protocol by combining pH and heat treatment before extraction, followed by an ultrafiltration/diafiltration size-based separation process. The optimized process achieved ferritin levels of ~40 mg kg-1 fresh biomass although depth filtration limited product recovery to ~7%. The purity of the recombinant product was >90% at costs ~3% of the current sales price. Our method therefore allows the production of affordable ferritin heavy chain as a carrier for therapeutic and diagnostic agents, which is suitable for further stability and functionality testing in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Knödler
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V., Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Patrick Opdensteinen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V., Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Agnieszka Morgenroth
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Eva Miriam Buhl
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Felix M Mottaghy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Felix Buyel
- Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering (IBSE), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
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23
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Reutovich AA, Srivastava AK, Arosio P, Bou-Abdallah F. Ferritin nanocages as efficient nanocarriers and promising platforms for COVID-19 and other vaccines development. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130288. [PMID: 36470367 PMCID: PMC9721431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of safe and effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses with high antigenic drift is of crucial importance to public health. Ferritin is a well characterized and ubiquitous iron storage protein that has emerged not only as a useful nanoreactor and nanocarrier, but more recently as an efficient platform for vaccine development. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review discusses ferritin structure-function properties, self-assembly, and novel bioengineering strategies such as interior cavity and exterior surface modifications for cargo encapsulation and delivery. It also discusses the use of ferritin as a scaffold for biomedical applications, especially for vaccine development against influenza, Epstein-Barr, HIV, hepatitis-C, Lyme disease, and respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. The use of ferritin for the synthesis of mosaic vaccines to deliver a cocktail of antigens that elicit broad immune protection against different viral variants is also explored. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The remarkable stability, biocompatibility, surface functionalization, and self-assembly properties of ferritin nanoparticles make them very attractive platforms for a wide range of biomedical applications, including the development of vaccines. Strong immune responses have been observed in pre-clinical studies against a wide range of pathogens and have led to the exploration of ferritin nanoparticles-based vaccines in multiple phase I clinical trials. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The broad protective antibody response of ferritin nanoparticles-based vaccines demonstrates the usefulness of ferritin as a highly promising and effective approaches for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayush K Srivastava
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York, Potsdam, NY 13676, USA
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Fadi Bou-Abdallah
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York, Potsdam, NY 13676, USA.
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24
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Dong Y, Yang K, Xu Z, Li X, Wang F, Zhang Y. Effective Delivery of Paclitaxel-Loaded Ferritin via Inverso CendR Peptide for Enhanced Cancer Therapy. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:942-952. [PMID: 36574345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The application of drug delivery systems based on ferritin nanocarrier has been developed as a potential strategy in cancer therapy. The limited permeability of ferritin remains a challenge for drug penetration into the deeper tumor tissues. CendR peptides have been reported to bear tumor-specific penetration by recognizing neuropilin (NRP-1) receptor that overexpressed on a wide range of cancer cells. Herein, we modified CendR peptide L(RGERPPR), its retro-inverso peptide D(RPPREGR), and inverso peptide D(RGERPPR) on the outer surface of human H chain ferritin by sulfhydryl-maleimide coupling reaction. Approximately 45 paclitaxel (PTX) molecules could be loaded into each ferritin inner cavity by a thermal-triggered method at a specific ionic strength. The penetration ability of three peptide-modified ferritin constructs showed that D(RGERPPR)-modified HFtn was able to be engulfed by A549 and MCF-7 tumor cells and spheroids at the highest level. Due to the dual-targeting effect of ferritin and modified peptides, the PTX-loaded nanocomposites could effectively enter the cells with high expression of TfR1 and NRP-1 receptors and enhanced the cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Remarkably, H-D(RGE)-PTX displayed a superior tumor growth suppression efficacy in A549 tumor-bearing nude mice. The inverso CendR peptide-modified HFtn nanocarrier was first generated and could provide an effective dual-targeting platform for treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Dong
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing210037, P. R. China
| | - Kun Yang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing210037, P. R. China
| | - Zicheng Xu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing210009, P. R. China
| | - Xun Li
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing210037, P. R. China
| | - Fei Wang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing210037, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization of Agro-Forest Biomass, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing210037, P. R. China
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25
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Lai WF, Zhang D, Wong WT. Design of erythrocyte-derived carriers for bioimaging applications. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:228-241. [PMID: 36031485 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.07.010] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Erythrocytes are physiological entities that have been exploited in both preclinical and clinical trials for the delivery of exogenous agents. Over the years, diverse erythrocyte-derived carriers (ECs) have been developed with related patents granted for industrial and commercial purposes. However, most ECs have only been exploited for drug delivery. Serious discussions regarding their applications in imaging are scarce. This article reviews the role of ECs in enhancing imaging efficiency and subsequently delineates strategies for engineering and optimising their preclinical and clinical performance. With a snapshot of the latest developments and use of ECs in imaging, directions to streamline the clinical translation of related technologies can be attained for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Fu Lai
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Urology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Zhejiang 310012, China.
| | - Dahong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Zhejiang 310012, China
| | - Wing-Tak Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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26
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Kim HS, Bae JH, Kim G, Song JJ, Kim HS. Construction and Functionalization of a Clathrin Assembly for a Targeted Protein Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204620. [PMID: 36456203 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Protein assemblies have drawn much attention as platforms for biomedical applications, including gene/drug delivery and vaccine, due to biocompatibility and functional diversity. Here, the construction and functionalization of a protein assembly composed of human clathrin heavy chain and light chain for a targeted protein delivery, is presented. The clathrin heavy and light chains are redesigned and associated with each other, and the resulting triskelion unit further self-assembled into a clathrin assembly with the size of about 28 nm in diameter. The clathrin assembly is dual-functionalized with a protein cargo and a targeting moiety using two different orthogonal protein-ligand pairs through one-pot reaction. The functionalized clathrin assembly exhibits about a 900-fold decreased KD value for a cell-surface target due to avidity compared to a native targeting moiety. The utility of the clathrin assembly is demonstrated by an efficient delivery of a protein cargo into tumor cells in a target-specific manner, resulting in a strong cytotoxic effect. The present approach can be used in the creation of protein assemblies with multimodality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Sik Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Gijeong Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Joon Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak-Sung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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Baldelomar EJ, Emoto KC, Jordan MVC, Charlton JR, Reichert DE, Parvin N, Yokono C, Hann BD, Bennett KM. Synthesis and Expression of a Targeted, Ferritin-Based Tracer for PET Imaging of Kidney Glomeruli. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2664:201-213. [PMID: 37423992 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3179-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Cationic ferritin (CF) has been developed as a multimodal, targeted imaging tracer to directly detect and map nephrons in the kidney in vivo. Direct detection of functional nephrons provides a unique, sensitive biomarker to predict or monitor kidney disease progression. CF has been developed to map functional nephron number from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET). Previous preclinical imaging studies have used non-human-derived ferritin and commercial formulations that must still be developed for translation to clinical use. Here we describe the reproducible formulation of CF (either derived from horse or from human recombinant ferritin) optimized for intravenous injection and radiolabeling by PET. The human recombinant heteropolymer ferritin is spontaneously assembled in liquid culture (Escherichia coli, E. coli) and modified to form human recombinant cationic ferritin (HrCF) to mitigate potential immunologic reactions for use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin J Baldelomar
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kasey C Emoto
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Maria Veronica Clavijo Jordan
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Charlton
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - David E Reichert
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Neda Parvin
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Courtnie Yokono
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Bradley D Hann
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Kevin M Bennett
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Sudarev VV, Dolotova SM, Bukhalovich SM, Bazhenov SV, Ryzhykau YL, Uversky VN, Bondarev NA, Osipov SD, Mikhailov AE, Kuklina DD, Murugova TN, Manukhov IV, Rogachev AV, Gordeliy VI, Gushchin IY, Kuklin AI, Vlasov AV. Ferritin self-assembly, structure, function, and biotechnological applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 224:319-343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Fernandez A, Krishna J, Anson F, Dinsmore AD, Thayumanavan S. Consequences of Noncovalent Interfacial Contacts between Nanoparticles and Giant Vesicles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202208616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Fernandez
- Department of Chemistry University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - Jithu Krishna
- Department of Chemistry University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - Francesca Anson
- Department of Chemistry University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - Anthony D. Dinsmore
- Department of Physics University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - S. Thayumanavan
- Department of Chemistry Department of Biomedical Engineering Center for Bioactive Delivery Institute for Applied Life Sciences University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst MA 01003 USA
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Gastrointestinal Tract Stabilized Protein Delivery Using Disulfide Thermostable Exoshell System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179856. [PMID: 36077259 PMCID: PMC9456531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermostable exoshells (tES) are engineered proteinaceous nanoparticles used for the rapid encapsulation of therapeutic proteins/enzymes, whereby the nanoplatform protects the payload from proteases and other denaturants. Given the significance of oral delivery as the preferred model for drug administration, we structurally improved the stability of tES through multiple inter-subunit disulfide linkages that were initially absent in the parent molecule. The disulfide-linked tES, as compared to tES, significantly stabilized the activity of encapsulated horseradish peroxidase (HRP) at acidic pH and against the primary human digestive enzymes, pepsin, and trypsin. Furthermore, the disulfide-linked tES (DS-tES) exhibited significant intestinal permeability as evaluated using Caco2 cells. In vivo bioluminescence assay showed that encapsulated Renilla luciferase (rluc) was ~3 times more stable in mice compared to the free enzyme. DS-tES collected mice feces had ~100 times more active enzyme in comparison to the control (free enzyme) after 24 h of oral administration, demonstrating strong intestinal stability. Taken together, the in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate the potential of DS-tES for intraluminal and systemic oral drug delivery applications.
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Wei B, Ma Y. Synergistic effect of GF9 and streptomycin on relieving gram-negative bacteria-induced sepsis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:973588. [PMID: 36110326 PMCID: PMC9468263 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.973588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) regulates inflammation and promotes a vigorous immune response. GF9 is one of the peptides that inhibit the mTREM-1 signaling pathway, thus reducing the inflammatory mediators in diseases including sepsis. Nanotechnology could offer a new complementary strategy for diseases. Streptomycin is also one treatment of sepsis. However, the role of nanoparticles delivered GF9 combined with streptomycin on sepsis had never been discovered. In the present study, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and lipopolysaccharide [LPS, Escherichia coli (E. coli) O111:B4] sepsis models were constructed. SDS-PAGE was used to evaluate the size of nano drugs; Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of MMP2 and TREM-1 in cells. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by ELISA. Histopathological changes were observed by HE staining. And the nanomedicines of GF9-HFn/Str were successfully constructed. The size of GF9-HFn/Str is 36 kD. The ferritin-based nanoparticle plays a vital role in delivering streptomycin into cells and tissues. GF9 (1.6 μM) and streptomycin (40 μM) co-delivery nanomedicine showed a better effect on promoting overall survival, decreasing E. coli, significantly suppressed the expression levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6), and can reduce lung injury. Our study demonstrated that combination delivery of nanomedicine GF9 and streptomycin have a better effect on overall survival rate, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial in sepsis. Our present study revealed a new potential therapeutic method for sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wei
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, Clinical Center for Medicine in Acute Infection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingmin Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yingmin Ma,
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Safdarpour S, Eftekhari Z, Eidi A, Doroud D. Encapsulated saponin by ferritin nanoparticles attenuates the murine pneumococcal pneumonia. Microb Pathog 2022; 172:105731. [PMID: 36041710 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumonia is classified as a gram-positive bacterial pathogen that causes asymptomatic or symptomatic respiratory infections. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of designed encapsulated saponin by ferritin nanoparticles in the healing progression of experimental bacterial pneumonia. The saponin encapsulated by ferritin followed the disassembly-reassembly process. Pneumonia was induced by the preparation of Streptococcus pneumonia. A total of 50 NMRI mice were divided into control, pneumonia, pneumonia + ferritin, pneumonia + saponin, and pneumonia + encapsulated saponin by ferritin nanoparticles (Nano Saponin) groups. ELISA, Real-time PCR, and Western blotting were used to measure sera IL-4 level, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf-α), and protein cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression, respectively. COX-2 protein expression, Tnf-α gene expression, and serum levels of IL-4 reduced compared to the pneumonia group. The histopathology results revealed that the rates of inflammation, mucus secretion, pulmonary hemorrhage, thickening of the alveoli wall, and secretion of inflammatory cells were lower in the Nano Saponin group than in the other groups. This study suggests that Glycyrrhiza glabra saponin and encapsulated saponin by ferritin nanoparticles oral consumption with anti-Tnf-α effect besides decreasing protein expression of COX-2 allows mice with pneumonia to recover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Safdarpour
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohre Eftekhari
- Quality Control Department, Research & Production Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Alborz, Iran.
| | - Akram Eidi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delaram Doroud
- Research & Production Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Alborz, Iran
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Unlocking the Treasure Box: The Role of HEPES Buffer in Disassembling an Uncommon Ferritin Nanoparticle. SEPARATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9080222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferritins are ideal nanoparticles as drug delivery systems due to their hollow-sphere structure and the ability to target specific receptors on the cell surface. Here, we develop and characterize a new ferritin derived from the chimeric humanized A. fulgidus one, already designed to recognize the TfR1 receptor. Starting from the synthetic gene of this chimeric protein, we replaced two positively charged amino acids with two alanine residues to close the large triangular pores on its surface. These mutations make the protein nanoparticle suitable to incorporate even small therapeutics without leakage. Size-exclusion chromatography shows that the assembling/disassembling of this new protein cage can be easily fine-tuned by varying the HEPES buffer and MgCl2 concentration. The protein cage can be opened using 150 mM HEPES buffer without magnesium ions. Adding this divalent cation to the solution promotes the quick assembly of the ferritin as a 24-mer. The development of this new protein cage paves the way for encapsulation and delivery studies of small molecules for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
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34
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Lee Y, Kim M, Kang JY, Jung Y. Protein Cages Engineered for Interaction-Driven Selective Encapsulation of Biomolecules. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:35357-35365. [PMID: 35916207 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c06924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hollow protein cages have become attractive drug delivery vehicles with high biocompatibility and precise functional/structural manipulability. However, difficulties in effective cargo loading inside the cages have been limiting further development of protein cage-based drug carriers. Here, we developed a specific interaction-driven encapsulation and cellular delivery strategy for various biomolecules by engineering a porous protein cage. The computationally designed hyperstable mi3 protein cage was circularly permuted to fuse the cancer targeting RGD tripeptide to the cage surface and SpyTag (ST), which forms a covalent bond with SpyCatcher (SC), to the cage inner cavity. SC-fused proteins with different sizes and charges could be stably and actively encapsulated in the engineered nanocage via the ST/SC reaction. Cargo protein encapsulation inside the cage was directly confirmed by cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structure determination. In addition, SC-fused monomeric avidin was added to the nanocage to encapsulate various biotinylated (nonprotein) cargos such as oligonucleotides and the anticancer drug doxorubicin. All cargo molecules loaded onto the engineered mi3 were effectively delivered to cells. This work introduces a highly versatile cargo loading/delivery strategy, where loading/delivery interactions, cargo molecules, and cell targeting moieties can be further varied for optimal cellular drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeolin Lee
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjae Kim
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Kang
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongwon Jung
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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35
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Nanocarriers: A Reliable Tool for the Delivery of Anticancer Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081566. [PMID: 36015192 PMCID: PMC9415391 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanomedicines have gained popularity due to their potential therapeutic applications, especially cancer treatment. Targeted nanoparticles can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells and enable prolonged drug release, reducing off-target toxicity and increasing therapeutic efficacy. However, translating nanomedicines from preclinical to clinical settings has been difficult. Rapid advancements in nanotechnology promise to enhance cancer therapies. Nanomedicine offers advanced targeting and multifunctionality. Nanoparticles (NPs) have several uses nowadays. They have been studied as drug transporters, tumor gene delivery agents, and imaging contrast agents. Nanomaterials based on organic, inorganic, lipid, or glycan substances and synthetic polymers have been used to enhance cancer therapies. This review focuses on polymeric nanoparticle delivery strategies for anticancer nanomedicines.
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36
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Fernandez A, Krishna J, Anson F, Dinsmore AD, Thayumanavan S. Consequences of Noncovalent Interfacial Contacts between Nanoparticles and Giant Vesicles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202208616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Fernandez
- University of Massachusetts Amherst Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Jithu Krishna
- University of Massachusetts Amherst Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | | | | | - Sankaran Thayumanavan
- University of Massachusetts Amherst Department of Chemistry 710 N. Pleasant Street 01003 Amherst UNITED STATES
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37
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Co-loaded lapatinib/PAB by ferritin nanoparticles eliminated ECM-detached cluster cells via modulating EGFR in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:557. [PMID: 35725558 PMCID: PMC9209505 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cell (CSC) cluster of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is suggested to be responsible for therapy resistance, metastatic process and cancer recurrence, yet the sensitivity of CSC clusters of TNBC to ferroptosis remains elusive in a great measure. Current research revealed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) reinforced CD44-mediated TNBC cell clustering, whether blockade of EGFR has synergistic effects on erastin-induced tumor inhibition of CSC clusters is still poorly understood. Here, we found that fraction of CD24lowCD44high cells and size of tumor spheres clearly decreased following EGFR inhibition in TNBC cells. Inhibition of EGFR promoted expression of LC3B-II via YAP/mTOR signaling pathway, indicating that EGFR-mediated autophagy which contributed to ferroptosis. In order to further verify the protective effects of EGFR on ferroptosis induced by small molecules in TNBC cells, pseudolaric acid B (PAB) which led to ferroptosis of malignant cells was selected. In our experiment, lapatinib and PAB cotreatment inhibited TNBC cells viability and restrained formation of tumor spheres, accompanied with a high level of intracellular ROS. To target delivery lapatinib and PAB to TNBC cells, lapatinib/PAB@Ferritin (L/P@Ferritin) nanoparticles were prepared; results of in vitro and in vivo showed a higher tumor suppression efficiency of L/P@Ferritin, highlighting that it might provide a new perspective for treatment of CSC clusters of TNBC.
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38
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Mohanty A, Parida A, Raut RK, Behera RK. Ferritin: A Promising Nanoreactor and Nanocarrier for Bionanotechnology. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 2:258-281. [PMID: 37101573 PMCID: PMC10114856 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The essence of bionanotechnology lies in the application of nanotechnology/nanomaterials to solve the biological problems. Quantum dots and nanoparticles hold potential biomedical applications, but their inherent problems such as low solubility and associated toxicity due to their interactions at nonspecific target sites is a major concern. The self-assembled, thermostable, ferritin protein nanocages possessing natural iron scavenging ability have emerged as a potential solution to all the above-mentioned problems by acting as nanoreactor and nanocarrier. Ferritins, the cellular iron repositories, are hollow, spherical, symmetric multimeric protein nanocages, which sequester the excess of free Fe(II) and synthesize iron biominerals (Fe2O3·H2O) inside their ∼5-8 nm central cavity. The electrostatics and dynamics of the pore residues not only drives the natural substrate Fe2+ inside ferritin nanocages but also uptakes a set of other metals ions/counterions during in vitro synthesis of nanomaterial. The current review aims to report the recent developments/understanding on ferritin structure (self-assembly, surface/pores electrostatics, metal ion binding sites) and chemistry occurring inside these supramolecular protein cages (protein mediated metal ion uptake and mineralization/nanoparticle formation) along with its surface modification to exploit them for various nanobiotechnological applications. Furthermore, a better understanding of ferritin self-assembly would be highly useful for optimizing the incorporation of nanomaterials via the disassembly/reassembly approach. Several studies have reported the successful engineering of these ferritin protein nanocages in order to utilize them as potential nanoreactor for synthesizing/incorporating nanoparticles and as nanocarrier for delivering imaging agents/drugs at cell specific target sites. Therefore, the combination of nanoscience (nanomaterials) and bioscience (ferritin protein) projects several benefits for various applications ranging from electronics to medicine.
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39
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Edwardson TGW, Levasseur MD, Tetter S, Steinauer A, Hori M, Hilvert D. Protein Cages: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications. Chem Rev 2022; 122:9145-9197. [PMID: 35394752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins that self-assemble into polyhedral shell-like structures are useful molecular containers both in nature and in the laboratory. Here we review efforts to repurpose diverse protein cages, including viral capsids, ferritins, bacterial microcompartments, and designed capsules, as vaccines, drug delivery vehicles, targeted imaging agents, nanoreactors, templates for controlled materials synthesis, building blocks for higher-order architectures, and more. A deep understanding of the principles underlying the construction, function, and evolution of natural systems has been key to tailoring selective cargo encapsulation and interactions with both biological systems and synthetic materials through protein engineering and directed evolution. The ability to adapt and design increasingly sophisticated capsid structures and functions stands to benefit the fields of catalysis, materials science, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mao Hori
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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40
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Khursheed R, Paudel KR, Gulati M, Vishwas S, Jha NK, Hansbro PM, Oliver BG, Dua K, Singh SK. Expanding the arsenal against pulmonary diseases using surface-functionalized polymeric micelles: breakthroughs and bottlenecks. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:881-911. [PMID: 35332783 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary diseases such as lung cancer, asthma and tuberculosis have remained one of the common challenges globally. Polymeric micelles (PMs) have emerged as an effective technique for achieving targeted drug delivery for a local as well as a systemic effect. These PMs encapsulate and protect hydrophobic drugs, increase pulmonary targeting, decrease side effects and enhance drug efficacy through the inhalation route. In the current review, emphasis has been placed on the different barriers encountered by the drugs given via the pulmonary route and the mechanism of PMs in achieving drug targeting. The applications of PMs in different pulmonary diseases have also been discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubiya Khursheed
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Keshav R Paudel
- Centre of Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India.,Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary & Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Sukriti Vishwas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Plot No. 32-34 Knowledge Park III Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Centre of Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Brian G Oliver
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2007, Australia.,School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary & Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India.,Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary & Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
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41
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Gupta S, Tejavath KK. Nano Phytoceuticals: A Step Forward in Tracking Down Paths for Therapy Against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. J CLUST SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10876-021-02213-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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42
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Xia X, Tan X, Wu C, Li Y, Zhao G, Du M. PM1-loaded recombinant human H-ferritin nanocages: A novel pH-responsive sensing platform for the identification of cancer cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 199:223-233. [PMID: 34971641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.12.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) material has been widely used in biological detection due to their unique property of fluorescing in aggregation state. However, the poor dispersion and biocompatibility limit its application in in vivo real-time imaging. Here, a novel strategy is designed to obtain pH-responsive AIE nanomaterials, working through 4-Undecoxy Tetraphenyl Ethylene Methacrylate (PM1) block, with excellent features (dispersion, biocompatibility, self-reconstruction and cancer specific recognition). The recombinant human H-ferritin (rHuHF) was used to prepare rHuHF-PM1 nanocomposites which effectively supported the dispersion and transfer of PM1 in the biological environment, even making it target tumor cells due to the overexpression of ferritin receptors on tumor cells. To simulate the changes of rHuHF in intracellular lysosomes, particle size and fluorescence of rHuHF-PM1 were analyzed, which reflected the loose structural changes of rHuHF nanocages in weak acid system that facilitated the degradation of macromolecular rHuHF in intracellular lysosomes and following release of PM1. The released PM1 molecules aggregated and emitted brilliant blue fluorescence. Several cell lines, Hela, HT-29, HepG2, L-O2 and HUVEC have all been sensitively detected and distinguished. Accordingly, this nanocage has a potential to be applied to disease diagnosis and provides a novel sensing platform for the identification of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xia
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Xiaoyi Tan
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chao Wu
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Yao Li
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ming Du
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China.
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43
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Bulos JA, Guo R, Wang Z, DeLessio MA, Saven JG, Dmochowski IJ. Design of a Superpositively Charged Enzyme: Human Carbonic Anhydrase II Variant with Ferritin Encapsulation and Immobilization. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3596-3609. [PMID: 34757723 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Supercharged proteins exhibit high solubility and other desirable properties, but no engineered superpositively charged enzymes have previously been made. Superpositively charged variants of proteins such as green fluorescent protein have been efficiently encapsulated within Archaeoglobus fulgidus thermophilic ferritin (AfFtn). Encapsulation by supramolecular ferritin can yield systems with a variety of sequestered cargo. To advance applications in enzymology and green chemistry, we sought a general method for supercharging an enzyme that retains activity and is compatible with AfFtn encapsulation. The zinc metalloenzyme human carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII) is an attractive encapsulation target based on its hydrolytic activity and physiologic conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate. A computationally designed variant of hCAII contains positively charged residues substituted at 19 sites on the protein's surface, resulting in a shift of the putative net charge from -1 to +21. This designed hCAII(+21) exhibits encapsulation within AfFtn without the need for fusion partners or additional reagents. The hCAII(+21) variant retains esterase activity comparable to the wild type and spontaneously templates the assembly of AfFtn 24mers around itself. The AfFtn-hCAII(+21) host-guest complex exhibits both greater activity and thermal stability when compared to hCAII(+21). Upon immobilization on a solid support, AfFtn-hCAII(+21) retains enzymatic activity and exhibits an enhancement of activity at elevated temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Bulos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Zhiheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Maegan A DeLessio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jeffery G Saven
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ivan J Dmochowski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Jones JA, Cristie-David AS, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Triggered Reversible Disassembly of an Engineered Protein Nanocage*. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:25034-25041. [PMID: 34532937 PMCID: PMC8578439 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202110318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Protein nanocages play crucial roles in sub-cellular compartmentalization and spatial control in all domains of life and have been used as biomolecular tools for applications in biocatalysis, drug delivery, and bionanotechnology. The ability to control their assembly state under physiological conditions would further expand their practical utility. To gain such control, we introduced a peptide capable of triggering conformational change at a key structural position in the largest known encapsulin nanocompartment. We report the structure of the resulting engineered nanocage and demonstrate its ability to disassemble and reassemble on demand under physiological conditions. We demonstrate its capacity for in vivo encapsulation of proteins of choice while also demonstrating in vitro cargo loading capabilities. Our results represent a functionally robust addition to the nanocage toolbox and a novel approach for controlling protein nanocage disassembly and reassembly under mild conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5622, USA
| | - Ajitha S Cristie-David
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5622, USA
| | - Michael P Andreas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5622, USA
| | - Tobias W Giessen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5622, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5622, USA
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45
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Jones JA, Cristie‐David AS, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Triggered Reversible Disassembly of an Engineered Protein Nanocage**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202110318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A. Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2 Ann Arbor MI 48109-5622 USA
| | - Ajitha S. Cristie‐David
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2 Ann Arbor MI 48109-5622 USA
| | - Michael P. Andreas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2 Ann Arbor MI 48109-5622 USA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2 Ann Arbor MI 48109-5622 USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., MSRB2 Ann Arbor MI 48109-5622 USA
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46
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Rodrigues MQ, Alves PM, Roldão A. Functionalizing Ferritin Nanoparticles for Vaccine Development. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1621. [PMID: 34683914 PMCID: PMC8540537 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the interest in ferritin-based vaccines has been increasing due to their safety and immunogenicity. Candidates against a wide range of pathogens are now on Phase I clinical trials namely for influenza, Epstein-Barr, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Manufacturing challenges related to particle heterogeneity, improper folding of fused antigens, and antigen interference with intersubunit interactions still need to be overcome. In addition, protocols need to be standardized so that the production bioprocess becomes reproducible, allowing ferritin-based therapeutics to become readily available. In this review, the building blocks that enable the formulation of ferritin-based vaccines at an experimental stage, including design, production, and purification are presented. Novel bioengineering strategies of functionalizing ferritin nanoparticles based on modular assembly, allowing the challenges associated with genetic fusion to be circumvented, are discussed. Distinct up/down-stream approaches to produce ferritin-based vaccines and their impact on production yield and vaccine efficacy are compared. Finally, ferritin nanoparticles currently used in vaccine development and clinical trials are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Q. Rodrigues
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.Q.R.); (P.M.A.)
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paula M. Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.Q.R.); (P.M.A.)
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - António Roldão
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.Q.R.); (P.M.A.)
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
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47
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Zhang J, Cheng D, He J, Hong J, Yuan C, Liang M. Cargo loading within ferritin nanocages in preparation for tumor-targeted delivery. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:4878-4896. [PMID: 34497386 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00602-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ferritins are spherical iron storage proteins within cells, composed of 24 subunits of two types, heavy-chain ferritin (HFn) and light-chain ferritin. Ferritins auto-assemble naturally into hollow nanocages with an outer diameter of 12 nm and an interior cavity 8 nm in diameter. Since the intrinsic tumor-targeting property of human HFn was first reported in 2012, HFn has been extensively explored for tumor-targeted delivery of anticancer drugs and diagnostic molecules, including radioisotopes and fluorophores, as well as inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and chemotherapeutic drugs. This protocol provides four detailed procedures describing how to load four types of cargoes within HFn nanocages that are capable of accurately controlling cargo loading: synthesis of inorganic metal nanoparticles within the cavity of a wild-type human HFn nanocage (Procedure 1, requires ~5 h); loading of doxorubicin into the cavity of a wild-type human HFn nanocage (Procedure 2, requires ~3 d); loading Gd3+ into the cavity of a genetically engineered human HFn nanocage (Procedure 3, requires ~20 h); and loading 64Cu2+ radioisotope into the cavity of a genetically engineered human HFn nanocage (Procedure 4, requires ~3 h). Subsequent use of these HFn-based formulations is advantageous as they have intrinsic tumor-targeting capability and lack immunogenicity. Human HFn generated as described in this protocol can therefore be used to deliver therapeutic drugs and diagnostic signals as multifunctional nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Zhang
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Dengfeng Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University/Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiuyang He
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juanji Hong
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Yuan
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Minmin Liang
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
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48
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Zhang T, Wang R, Li Z, Wang L, Gao Z, Tu Y, Cao X. Anti-EGFR Single-Chain Fv Antibody Fragment Displayed on the Surface of Ferritin H-Chain Protein Nanoparticle for Asthma Therapy. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:6690-6702. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tianbao Zhang
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Zihui Li
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Zonglin Gao
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
| | - Yaping Tu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68178, United States
| | - Xuni Cao
- School of Biotechnology, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
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49
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Kumar A, Nandwana V, Ryoo SR, Ravishankar S, Sharma B, Pervushin K, Dravid VP, Lim S. Magnetoferritin enhances T 2 contrast in magnetic resonance imaging of macrophages. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 128:112282. [PMID: 34474835 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Imaging of immune cells has wide implications in understanding disease progression and staging. While optical imaging is limited in penetration depth due to light properties, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides a more powerful tool for the imaging of deep tissues where immune cells reside. Due to poor MR signal to noise ratio, tracking of such cells typically requires contrast agents. This report presents an in-depth physical characterization and application of archaeal magnetoferritin for MR imaging of macrophages - an important component of the innate immune system that is the first line of defense and first responder in acute inflammation. Magnetoferritin is synthesized by loading iron in apoferritin in anaerobic condition at 65 °C. The loading method results in one order of magnitude enhancement of r1 and r2 relaxivities compared to standard ferritin synthesized by aerobic loading of iron at room temperature. Detailed characterizations of the magnetoferritin revealed a crystalline core structure that is distinct from previously reported ones indicating magnetite form. The magnetite core is more stable in the presence of reducing agents and has higher peroxidase-like activities compared to the core in standard loading. Co-incubation of macrophage cells with magnetoferritin in-vitro shows significantly higher enhancement in T2-MRI contrast of the immune cells compared to standard ferritin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambrish Kumar
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Dr., Block N1.3, Singapore 637457, Singapore; NTU-Northwestern Institute for Nanomedicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553
| | - Vikas Nandwana
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Soo-Ryoon Ryoo
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Samyukta Ravishankar
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Dr., Block N1.3, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Bhargy Sharma
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr, Singapore 637551
| | - Konstantin Pervushin
- NTU-Northwestern Institute for Nanomedicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553; School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Dr, Singapore 637551
| | - Vinayak P Dravid
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Applied Physics Program, Norhtwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sierin Lim
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Dr., Block N1.3, Singapore 637457, Singapore; NTU-Northwestern Institute for Nanomedicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553.
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50
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Zaheer Y, Vorup‐Jensen T, Webster TJ, Ahmed M, Khan WS, Ihsan A. Protein based nanomedicine: Promising therapeutic modalities against inflammatory disorders. NANO SELECT 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yumna Zaheer
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE‐C, PIEAS) Faisalabad Punjab 38000 Pakistan
| | - Thomas Vorup‐Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Thomas J. Webster
- Department of Chemical Engineering Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Mukhtiar Ahmed
- Chemistry of Interfaces Luleå University of Technology Luleå Sweden
| | - Waheed S. Khan
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE‐C, PIEAS) Faisalabad Punjab 38000 Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Ihsan
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering College Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE‐C, PIEAS) Faisalabad Punjab 38000 Pakistan
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