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Tobi A, Haugas M, Rabi K, Sethi J, Põšnograjeva K, Paiste P, Jagomäe T, Pleiko K, Lingasamy P, Teesalu T. Protease-activated CendR peptides targeting tenascin-C: mitigating off-target tissue accumulation. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2945-2961. [PMID: 39012578 PMCID: PMC11384632 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01670-2] [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] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
To achieve precision and selectivity, anticancer compounds and nanoparticles (NPs) can be targeted with affinity ligands that engage with malignancy-associated molecules in the blood vessels. While tumor-penetrating C-end Rule (CendR) peptides hold promise for precision tumor delivery, C-terminally exposed CendR peptides can accumulate undesirably in non-malignant tissues expressing neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), such as the lungs. One example of such promiscuous peptides is PL3 (sequence: AGRGRLVR), a peptide that engages with NRP-1 through its C-terminal CendR element, RLVR.Here, we report the development of PL3 derivatives that bind to NRP-1 only after proteolytic processing by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), while maintaining binding to the other receptor of the peptide, the C-domain of tenascin-C (TNC-C). Through a rational design approach and screening of a uPA-treated peptide-phage library (PL3 peptide followed by four random amino acids) on the recombinant NRP-1, derivatives of the PL3 peptide capable of binding to NRP-1 only post-uPA processing were successfully identified. In vitro cleavage, binding, and internalization assays, along with in vivo biodistribution studies in orthotopic glioblastoma-bearing mice, confirmed the efficacy of two novel peptides, PL3uCendR (AGRGRLVR↓SAGGSVA) and SKLG (AGRGRLVR↓SKLG), which exhibit uPA-dependent binding to NRP-1, reducing off-target binding to healthy NRP-1-expressing tissues. Our study not only unveils novel uPA-dependent TNC-C targeting CendR peptides but also introduces a broader paradigm and establishes a technology for screening proteolytically activated tumor-penetrating peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Tobi
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maarja Haugas
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristina Rabi
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jhalak Sethi
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristina Põšnograjeva
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Päärn Paiste
- Department of Geology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Jagomäe
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Karlis Pleiko
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Prakash Lingasamy
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Teaduspargi 13, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14B, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
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2
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Li Y, Feng Q, Gao Q, Wang Y, Zhao S, Zhang X, Zhao M. PTX-RPPR, a conjugate of paclitaxel and NRP-1 peptide inhibitor to prevent tumor growth and metastasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117264. [PMID: 39146856 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117264] [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: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel, a potent anti-tumor drug widely recognized for its therapeutic efficacy, has faced limitations in clinical application due to its poor solubility. The use of Cremophor EL (CrEL) as a cosolvent in paclitaxel injections has been associated with hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a novel conjugate by linking a neuropilin-1 targeting peptide, RPPR, to paclitaxel, resulting in PTX-RPPR. This innovative approach has significantly enhanced the solubility of paclitaxel, achieving a 3.8 mg/mL concentration, a remarkable 90-fold increase over the native drug. PTX-RPPR has shown potent anti-tumor activity, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation with an IC50 ranging from 0.26 to 1.64 μM and effectively suppressing migration, invasion, and angiogenesis at a concentration of 75 nM. Notably, in a 4T1 mammary carcinoma model, PTX-RPPR administered at a dose of 0.7 μmol/kg exhibited tumor growth inhibition comparable to that of paclitaxel at a higher dose of 3.5 μmol/kg, with superior efficacy in preventing lung metastasis. Furthermore, PTX-RPPR effectively reduced NRP-1 expression in both tumors and lungs post-treatment. In contrast to paclitaxel formulated with CrEL, PTX-RPPR did not induce IL-6 expression, suggesting a safer profile in terms of immunological response. Characterized by a particle size of 200 nm and a zeta potential of +30 mV, the nano-formulation of PTX-RPPR demonstrated remarkable stability over seven days. This study introduced PTX-RPPR as a promising peptide-drug conjugate that addresses the solubility and hypersensitivity issues associated with paclitaxel, offering a safer therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qiqi Feng
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qi Gao
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yaonan Wang
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shurui Zhao
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhang
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Ming Zhao
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100026, China.
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3
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Puszko AK, Sosnowski P, Hermine O, Hopfgartner G, Lepelletier Y, Misicka A. Structure-activity relationship studies and biological properties evaluation of peptidic NRP-1 ligands: Investigation of N-terminal cysteine importance. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 94:117482. [PMID: 37774449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117482] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a major co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). It may also stimulate tumour growth and metastasis independently of VEGF-A165. These functions make VEGF-A165/NRP-1 complex formation and its inhibition of great interest, where NRP-1 is the target for which effective ligands are sought. Design of peptide-like inhibitors represent a strategy with great potential in the treatment of NRP-1-related disorders. Here, we present the synthesis, molecular modelling, structure-activity relationship studies as well as biological evaluation of peptides with the branched sequences H2N-X-Lys(hArg)-Dab-Oic-Arg-OH and H2N-Lys(X-hArg)-Dab-Oic-Arg-OH. Two of the designed peptides, in which Cys was inserted in X position, expressed high affinity (∼40 nM value) for NRP-1 and were resistant to enzymatic digestion in human serum. Moreover, peptide/NRP-1 complex promoted fast intracytoplasmic protein trafficking towards the plasma membrane in breast cancer cells. Our results suggest that these compounds might be good candidates for further development of VEGF-A165/NRP-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Piotr Sosnowski
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Olivier Hermine
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gérard Hopfgartner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Yves Lepelletier
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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Nguyen H, Nguyen HL, Lan PD, Thai NQ, Sikora M, Li MS. Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with host cells and antibodies: experiment and simulation. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:6497-6553. [PMID: 37650302 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs01170g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the devastating global COVID-19 pandemic announced by WHO in March 2020. Through unprecedented scientific effort, several vaccines, drugs and antibodies have been developed, saving millions of lives, but the fight against COVID-19 continues as immune escape variants of concern such as Delta and Omicron emerge. To develop more effective treatments and to elucidate the side effects caused by vaccines and therapeutic agents, a deeper understanding of the molecular interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with them and human cells is required. With special interest in computational approaches, we will focus on the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and the interaction of its spike protein with human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) as a prime entry point of the virus into host cells. In addition, other possible viral receptors will be considered. The fusion of viral and human membranes and the interaction of the spike protein with antibodies and nanobodies will be discussed, as well as the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on protein synthesis in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Nguyen
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Hoang Linh Nguyen
- Institute of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Duy Tan University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Pham Dang Lan
- Life Science Lab, Institute for Computational Science and Technology, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, 729110 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, 749000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Quoc Thai
- Dong Thap University, 783 Pham Huu Lau Street, Ward 6, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap, Vietnam
| | - Mateusz Sikora
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland.
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5
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Marin GH, Murail S, Andrini L, Garcia M, Loisel S, Tuffery P, Rebollo A. In Silico and In Vivo Studies of a Tumor-Penetrating and Interfering Peptide with Antitumoral Effect on Xenograft Models of Breast Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041180. [PMID: 37111665 PMCID: PMC10142558 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of a tumor-penetrating peptide (TPP) with a peptide able to interfere with a given protein-protein interaction (IP) is a promising strategy with potential clinical application. Little is known about the impact of fusing a TPP with an IP, both in terms of internalization and functional effect. Here, we analyze these aspects in the context of breast cancer, targeting PP2A/SET interaction, using both in silico and in vivo approaches. Our results support the fact that state-of-the-art deep learning approaches developed for protein-peptide interaction modeling can reliably identify good candidate poses for the IP-TPP in interaction with the Neuropilin-1 receptor. The association of the IP with the TPP does not seem to affect the ability of the TPP to bind to Neuropilin-1. Molecular simulation results suggest that peptide IP-GG-LinTT1 in a cleaved form interacts with Neuropilin-1 in a more stable manner and has a more helical secondary structure than the cleaved IP-GG-iRGD. Surprisingly, in silico investigations also suggest that the non-cleaved TPPs can bind the Neuropilin-1 in a stable manner. The in vivo results using xenografts models show that both bifunctional peptides resulting from the combination of the IP and either LinTT1 or iRGD are effective against tumoral growth. The peptide iRGD-IP shows the highest stability to serum proteases degradation while having the same antitumoral effect as Lin TT1-IP, which is more sensitive to proteases degradation. Our results support the development of the TPP-IP strategy as therapeutic peptides against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo H Marin
- Department of Pharmacology/Histology and Embryology, FMC, National University of La Plata, CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Samuel Murail
- BFA, Université Paris Cite, CNRS UMR 8251, Inserm U1133, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Laura Andrini
- Department of Pharmacology/Histology and Embryology, FMC, National University of La Plata, CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Marcela Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology/Histology and Embryology, FMC, National University of La Plata, CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | | | - Pierre Tuffery
- BFA, Université Paris Cite, CNRS UMR 8251, Inserm U1133, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Angelita Rebollo
- Faculté de Pharmacie, UTCBS, Université Paris Cite, Inserm U1267, 75006 Paris, France
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6
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Qin S, Liu Q, Li K, Qiu L, Xie M, Lin J. Neuropilin 1-targeted near-infrared fluorescence probes for tumor diagnosis. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 84:129196. [PMID: 36828298 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Two neuropilin 1 (NRP1)-targeted near-infrared fluorescence probes for tumor imaging were synthesized via click reaction. These two probes achieve excellent solubility and less aggregation. Importantly, they were able to rapidly target NRP1-overexpressing tumors and had long retention within tumors. Additionally, QS-1 with appropriate hydrophilicity displays higher tumor to muscle (T/M) ratio. And QS-1 can be easily modified with other functional group, and serve as a platform for constructing dual-modal or dual-targeting probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Qin
- School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Qingzhu Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Ke Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Minhao Xie
- School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China.
| | - Jianguo Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China.
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7
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Scandium-44 Radiolabeled Peptide and Peptidomimetic Conjugates Targeting Neuropilin-1 Co-Receptor as Potential Tools for Cancer Diagnosis and Anti-Angiogenic Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020564. [PMID: 36831099 PMCID: PMC9953004 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020564] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological angiogenesis, resulting from an imbalance between anti- and pro-angiogenic factors, plays a pivotal role in tumor growth, development and metastasis. The inhibition of the angiogenesis process by the VEGF/VEGFR-2/NRP-1 pathway raises interest in the search for such interaction inhibitors for the purpose of the early diagnosis and treatment of angiogenesis-dependent diseases. In this work we designed and tested peptide-based radiocompounds that selectively bind to the neuropilin-1 co-receptor and prevent the formation of the pro-angiogenic VEGF-A165/NRP-1 complex. Three biomolecules, A7R and retro-inverso DR7A peptides, and the branched peptidomimetic Lys(hArg)-Dab-Pro-Arg (K4R), conjugated with macrocyclic chelator through two linkers' types, were labeled with theranostic scandium-44 radionuclide, and studied in vitro as potential targeted radiopharmaceuticals. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) studies showed no negative effect of the introduced biomolecules' changes and high NRP-1 affinity in the case of A7R- and K4R-radiocompounds and a lack affinity for DR7A-radiocompounds. All radiopeptides showed a hydrophilic nature as well as high stability against ligand exchange reactions in cysteine/histidine solutions. Unfortunately, all radiocompounds showed unsatisfactory nano-scale stability in human serum, especially for use as therapeutic radioagents. Further work is ongoing and focused on the search for angiogenesis inhibitors that are more human serum stable.
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8
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Jobe A, Vijayan R. Characterization of peptide binding to the SARS-CoV-2 host factor neuropilin. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08251. [PMID: 34722943 PMCID: PMC8540010 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global health concern. It is now well established that the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 interacts with its primary host receptor, the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Additionally, the interaction of S with the neuropilin (NRP) receptor has been reported to facilitate viral entry. SARS-CoV-2 S protein binds to neuropilin-1 (NRP1) by virtue of a CendR motif which terminates with either an arginine or lysine. Furthermore, a number of different peptide sequences have been reported to bind to the same site in NRP1 including vascular endothelial growth factor A and other viral proteins. To gain a deeper understanding of additional factors besides the C-terminal arginine that may favour high NRP1 binding, several modelled peptides were investigated using triplicate 1 μs molecular dynamics simulations. A C-end histidine failed to exhibit strong NRP1 affinity. Some previously reported factors that increase binding affinity and secure NRP1 receptor activation was observed in the NRP1-peptide complexes studied and such complexes had higher molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area based free energy of binding. Additionally, the results also highlight the relevance of an exposed arginine at its canonical location as capping it blocked arginine from engaging key residues at the NRP1 receptor site that are indispensable for functional binding; and that the presence of proline reinforces the C-terminal arginine. Given that stable NRP1 binding is crucial for viral uptake, stable interactions should be accounted for in the design of potential drugs and treatment routes to target or disrupt this interface, considering the S1-NRP1 interaction as well as its endogenous VEGF-A ligand that is associated with nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie Jobe
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ranjit Vijayan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,The Big Data Analytics Center, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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9
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Savier E, Simon-Gracia L, Charlotte F, Tuffery P, Teesalu T, Scatton O, Rebollo A. Bi-Functional Peptides as a New Therapeutic Tool for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101631. [PMID: 34683924 PMCID: PMC8541685 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The interfering peptides that block protein–protein interactions have been receiving increasing attention as potential therapeutic tools. Methods: We measured the internalization and biological effect of four bi-functional tumor-penetrating and interfering peptides into primary hepatocytes isolated from three non-malignant and 11 hepatocellular carcinomas. Results: These peptides are internalized in malignant hepatocytes but not in non-malignant cells. Furthermore, the degree of peptide internalization correlated with receptor expression level and tumor aggressiveness levels. Importantly, penetration of the peptides iRGD-IP, LinTT1-IP, TT1-IP, and RPARPAR-IP induced apoptosis of the malignant hepatocytes without effect on non-malignant cells. Conclusion: Receptor expression levels correlated with the level of peptide internalization and aggressiveness of the tumor. This study highlights the potential to exploit the expression of tumor-penetrating peptide receptors as a predictive marker of liver tumor aggressiveness. These bi-functional peptides could be developed for personalized tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Savier
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Surgery, AP-HP, Pitié–Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France; (E.S.); (O.S.)
- Sant Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Institut Nationale de la Santé et la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Lorena Simon-Gracia
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (L.S.-G.); (T.T.)
| | - Frederic Charlotte
- Department of Pathology, AP-HP, Pitié–Salpêtrière Hospital, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Pierre Tuffery
- Biologie Fontionelle Adaptative (BFA), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 8251, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ERL U1133, Inserm, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia; (L.S.-G.); (T.T.)
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Olivier Scatton
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Surgery, AP-HP, Pitié–Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France; (E.S.); (O.S.)
- Sant Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Institut Nationale de la Santé et la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Angelita Rebollo
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Unité des Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (UTCBS), Inserm U1267, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS UMR8258, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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10
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Peng R, Wu LA, Wang Q, Qi J, Gao GF. Cell entry by SARS-CoV-2. Trends Biochem Sci 2021; 46:848-860. [PMID: 34187722 PMCID: PMC8180548 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) invades host cells by interacting with receptors/coreceptors, as well as with other cofactors, via its spike (S) protein that further mediates fusion between viral and cellular membranes. The host membrane protein, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is the major receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and is a crucial determinant for cross-species transmission. In addition, some auxiliary receptors and cofactors are also involved that expand the host/tissue tropism of SARS-CoV-2. After receptor engagement, specific proteases are required that cleave the S protein and trigger its fusogenic activity. Here we discuss the recent advances in understanding the molecular events during SARS-CoV-2 entry which will contribute to developing vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchao Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lian-Ao Wu
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China
| | - Qingling Wang
- Shanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China; Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - George Fu Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China.
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11
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Haspel N, Jang H, Nussinov R. Active and Inactive Cdc42 Differ in Their Insert Region Conformational Dynamics. Biophys J 2021; 120:306-318. [PMID: 33347888 PMCID: PMC7840443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell division control protein 42 homolog (Cdc42) protein, a Ras superfamily GTPase, regulates cellular activities, including cancer progression. Using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and essential dynamic analysis, we investigated the structure and dynamics of the catalytic domains of GDP-bound (inactive) and GTP-bound (active) Cdc42 in solution. We discovered substantial differences in the dynamics of the inactive and active forms, particularly in the "insert region" (residues 122-135), which plays a role in Cdc42 activation and binding to effectors. The insert region has larger conformational flexibility in the GDP-bound Cdc42 than in the GTP-bound Cdc42. The G2 loop and switch I at the effector lobe of the catalytic domain exhibit large conformational changes in both the GDP- and the GTP-bound systems, but in the GTP-bound Cdc42, the switch I interactions with GTP are retained. Oncogenic mutations were identified in the Ras superfamily. In Cdc42, the G12V and Q61L mutations decrease the GTPase activity. We simulated these mutations in both GDP- and GTP-bound Cdc42. Although the overall structural organization is quite similar between the wild type and the mutants, there are small differences in the conformational dynamics, especially in the two switch regions. Taken together, the G12V and Q61L mutations may play a role similar to their K-Ras counterparts in nucleotide binding and activation. The conformational differences, which are mainly in the insert region and, to a lesser extent, in the switch regions flanking the nucleotide binding site, can shed light on binding and activation. We propose that the differences are due to a network of hydrogen bonds that gets disrupted when Cdc42 is bound to GDP, a disruption that does not exist in other Rho GTPases. The differences in the dynamics between the two Cdc42 states suggest that the inactive conformation has reduced ability to bind to effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Haspel
- Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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12
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Puszko AK, Sosnowski P, Rignault-Bricard R, Hermine O, Hopfgartner G, Pułka-Ziach K, Lepelletier Y, Misicka A. Urea-Peptide Hybrids as VEGF-A 165/NRP-1 Complex Inhibitors with Improved Receptor Affinity and Biological Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010072. [PMID: 33374715 PMCID: PMC7793531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), the major co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), may also independently act with VEGF-A165 to stimulate tumour growth and metastasis. Therefore, there is great interest in compounds that can block VEGF-A165/NRP-1 interaction. Peptidomimetic type inhibitors represent a promising strategy in the treatment of NRP-1-related disorders. Here, we present the synthesis, affinity, enzymatic stability, molecular modeling and in vitro binding evaluation of the branched urea–peptide hybrids, based on our previously reported Lys(hArg)-Dab-Oic-Arg active sequence, where the Lys(hArg) branching has been modified by introducing urea units to replace the peptide bond at various positions. One of the resulting hybrids increased the affinity of the compound for NRP-1 more than 10-fold, while simultaneously improving resistance for proteolytic stability in serum. In addition, ligand binding to NRP-1 induced rapid protein stock exocytotic trafficking to the plasma membrane in breast cancer cells. Examined properties characterize this compound as a good candidate for further development of VEGF165/NRP-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.K.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Piotr Sosnowski
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (P.S.); (G.H.)
| | - Rachel Rignault-Bricard
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; (R.R.-B.); (O.H.); (Y.L.)
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 Boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Hermine
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; (R.R.-B.); (O.H.); (Y.L.)
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 Boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gérard Hopfgartner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (P.S.); (G.H.)
| | | | - Yves Lepelletier
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; (R.R.-B.); (O.H.); (Y.L.)
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 Boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.K.P.); (A.M.)
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13
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Simon‐Gracia L, Savier E, Parizot C, Brossas JY, Loisel S, Teesalu T, Conti F, Charlotte F, Scatton O, Aoudjehane L, Rebollo A. Bifunctional Therapeutic Peptides for Targeting Malignant B Cells and Hepatocytes: Proof of Concept in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Simon‐Gracia
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Tartu 50411 Estonia
| | - Eric Savier
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Surgery, AP‐HP Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital Paris 75013 France
- Sorbonne Université INSERM, ICAN Paris 75006 France
| | - Christophe Parizot
- Department of Immunology, AP‐HP Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital Paris 75013 France
| | - Jean Yves Brossas
- Department of Parasitology, AP‐HP Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital Paris 75013 France
| | - Severine Loisel
- Service Général des plateformes, Animalerie Commune Université de Brest Brest 29238 France
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Tartu 50411 Estonia
- Cancer Research Center Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute La Jolla CA 92037 USA
- Center for Nanomedicine University of California Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
| | - Filomena Conti
- Sorbonne Université INSERM, ICAN Paris 75006 France
- Department of Medical Liver Transplantation AP‐HP Pitié‐Salpêtrière Paris 75013 France
| | - Frederic Charlotte
- Department of Anatomophatoloty, AP‐HP Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital Paris 75013 France
| | - Olivier Scatton
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Surgery, AP‐HP Pitié‐Salpêtrière Hospital Paris 75013 France
| | | | - Angelita Rebollo
- Inserm U1267, CNRS‐UMR 8258, Faculté de Pharmacie Paris 75006 France
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14
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Zhao L, Chen H, Lu L, Wang L, Zhang X, Guo X. New insights into the role of co-receptor neuropilins in tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and targeted therapy strategies. J Drug Target 2020; 29:155-167. [PMID: 32838575 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1815210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Local tumour sites lead to pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis due to malignant conditions such as hypoxia. Although VEGF and VEGFR are considered to be the main anti-tumour treatment targets, the problems of limited efficacy and observable side effects of some drugs relevant to this target still remain to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new therapeutic targets for angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis. The neuropilin family is a class of single transmembrane glycoprotein receptors, including neuropilin1 (NRP1) and neuropilin2 (NRP2), which could act as co-receptors of VEGFA-165 and VEGFC and play a key role in promoting tumour proliferation, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we introduced the schematic diagram to visually reveal the function of NRP1 and NRP2 in enhancing the binding affinity of VEGFR2 to VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 to VEGFC, respectively. We also discussed the signalling pathways that depend on the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 and some existing targeted therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies, targeted peptides, microRNAs and small molecule inhibitors. It will contribute a vital foundation for the future research and development of new drugs targeting NRPs. HIGHLIGHTS NRP1 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR2 and the pro-angiogenic factor VEGFA-165 to up-regulate tumour angiogenesis by promoting endothelial cells proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and by preventing of apoptosis. NRP2 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR3 and the pro-lymphogenic factor VEGFC to facilitate tumour metastasis by promoting lymphangiogenesis. Although NRP1 and NRP2 do not have enzymatic signalling activity, the affinity of VEGFR2 for VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 for VEGFC can increase in a co-receptor manner, as detailed in the schematic. The exclusive roles of NRP1 and NRP2 in signalling pathways are specifically described to emphasise the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in co-receptors. Various studies have shown that the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 can be directly or indirectly targeted by different methods to prevent tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Therapeutic strategies targeting NRPs look promising soon as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongyuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong University Affiliated Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuli Guo
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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15
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Tobi A, Willmore AA, Kilk K, Sidorenko V, Braun GB, Soomets U, Sugahara KN, Ruoslahti E, Teesalu T. Silver Nanocarriers Targeted with a CendR Peptide Potentiate the Cytotoxic Activity of an Anticancer Drug. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Allan Tobi
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Ravila 14b Tartu 50411 Estonia
| | - Anne‐Mari A. Willmore
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Ravila 14b Tartu 50411 Estonia
| | - Kalle Kilk
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Ravila 14b Tartu 50411 Estonia
| | - Valeria Sidorenko
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Ravila 14b Tartu 50411 Estonia
| | - Gary B. Braun
- Cancer Research Center Sanford‐Burnham‐Prebys Medical Discovery Institute 10901 North Torrey Pines Road La Jolla CA 92037 USA
| | - Ursel Soomets
- Department of Biochemistry Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Ravila 14b Tartu 50411 Estonia
| | - Kazuki N. Sugahara
- Department of Surgery Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons New York NY 10032 USA
| | - Erkki Ruoslahti
- Cancer Research Center Sanford‐Burnham‐Prebys Medical Discovery Institute 10901 North Torrey Pines Road La Jolla CA 92037 USA
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine University of Tartu Ravila 14b Tartu 50411 Estonia
- Cancer Research Center Sanford‐Burnham‐Prebys Medical Discovery Institute 10901 North Torrey Pines Road La Jolla CA 92037 USA
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Cell Molecular and Developmental Biology University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara La Jolla CA 93106 USA
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16
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Das SS, Alkahtani S, Bharadwaj P, Ansari MT, ALKahtani MDF, Pang Z, Hasnain MS, Nayak AK, Aminabhavi TM. Molecular insights and novel approaches for targeting tumor metastasis. Int J Pharm 2020; 585:119556. [PMID: 32574684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, due to the effective drug delivery and preciseness of tumor sites or microenvironment, the targeted drug delivery approaches have gained ample attention for tumor metastasis therapy. The conventional treatment approaches for metastasis therapy have reported with immense adverse effects because they exhibited maximum probability of killing the carcinogenic cells along with healthy cells. The tumor vasculature, comprising of vasculogenic impressions and angiogenesis, greatly depends upon the growth and metastasis in the tumors. Therefore, various nanocarriers-based delivery approaches for targeting to tumor vasculature have been attempted as efficient and potential approaches for the treatment of tumor metastasis and the associated lesions. Furthermore, the targeted drug delivery approaches have found to be most apt way to overcome from all the limitations and adverse effects associated with the conventional therapies. In this review, various approaches for efficient targeting of pharmacologically active chemotherapeutics against tumor metastasis with the cohesive objectives of prognosis, tracking and therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabya Sachi Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835 215, Jharkhand, India
| | - Saad Alkahtani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Priyanshu Bharadwaj
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon 21000, France
| | - Mohammed Tahir Ansari
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, Kajang, Selangor 43500, Malaysia
| | - Muneera D F ALKahtani
- Biology Department, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 102275, Riyadh 11675, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhiqing Pang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Md Saquib Hasnain
- Department of Pharmacy, Shri Venkateshwara University, NH-24, Rajabpur, Gajraula, Amroha 244236, U.P., India.
| | - Amit Kumar Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Seemanta Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mayurbhanj 757086, Odisha, India.
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17
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Neuropilin: Handyman and Power Broker in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1223:31-67. [PMID: 32030684 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35582-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 form a small family of transmembrane receptors, which, due to the lack of a cytosolic protein kinase domain, act primarily as co-receptors for various ligands. Performing at the molecular level both the executive and organizing functions of a handyman as well as of a power broker, they are instrumental in controlling the signaling of various receptor tyrosine kinases, integrins, and other molecules involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological angiogenic processes. In this setting, the various neuropilin ligands and interaction partners on various cells of the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer cells, endothelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells, are surveyed. The suitability of various neuropilin-targeting substances and the intervention in neuropilin-mediated interactions is considered as a possible building block of tumor therapy.
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18
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Adhikari A, Tiwari AK, Shukla A, Mishra AK, Datta A. Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Radioligand,
99m
Tc‐DO3A‐Et‐RPAR for Imaging NRP‐1 Specific Tumor. ChemistrySelect 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201902556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anupriya Adhikari
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, DRDO Delhi India
- Department of ChemistryBabasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Anjani K. Tiwari
- Department of ChemistryBabasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Abha Shukla
- Department of ChemistryGurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar Uttarakhand India
| | - Anil K. Mishra
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, DRDO Delhi India
| | - Anupama Datta
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, DRDO Delhi India
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19
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Synthesis, 3D-structure and stability analyses of NRPa-308, a new promising anti-cancer agent. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:126710. [PMID: 31699610 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.126710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We report herein the synthesis of a newly described anti-cancer agent, NRPa-308. This compound antagonizes Neuropilin-1, a multi-partners transmembrane receptor overexpressed in numerous tumors, and thereby validated as promising target in oncology. The preparation of NRPa-308 proved challenging because of the orthogonality of the amide and sulphonamide bonds formation. Nevertheless, we succeeded a gram scale synthesis, according to an expeditious three steps route, without intermediate purification. This latter point is of utmost interest in reducing the ecologic impact and production costs in the perspective of further scale-up processes. The purity of NRPa-308 has been attested by means of conventional structural analyses and its crystallisation allowed a structural assessment by X-Ray diffraction. We also reported the remarkable chemical stability of this molecule in acidic, neutral and basic aqueous media. Eventually, we observed for the first time the accumulation of NRPa-308 in two types of human breast cancer cells MDA-MB231 and BT549.
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20
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Jia T, Ciccione J, Jacquet T, Maurel M, Montheil T, Mehdi A, Martinez J, Eymin B, Subra G, Coll JL. The presence of PEG on nanoparticles presenting the c[RGDfK]- and/or ATWLPPR peptides deeply affects the RTKs-AKT-GSK3β-eNOS signaling pathway and endothelial cells survival. Int J Pharm 2019; 568:118507. [PMID: 31299336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Covering the surface of a nanoparticle with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a common way to prevent non-specific interactions but how its presence impacts on the activity of targeting ligands is still poorly documented. We synthesized a set of 9 silica nanoparticles grafted with c[RGDfK]-, a peptide targeting integrin αvß3 (cRGD), and/or with ATWLPPR, an anti-neuropilin 1 peptide (ATW). We then added various PEGs, and studied NPs binding on primary endothelial cells, the downstream activated signaling pathways and the impact on apoptosis. Our results show that the presence of PEG2000 on cRGD/ATW nanoparticles moderately improves cell binding but induces a 6000 times augmentation of AKT-dependent cell response due to the recruitment of other Receptor Tyrosine Kinases. Augmenting the length of the spacer that separates the peptides from the silica (using PEG3000) mainly resulted in a loss of specificity. Finally, the PEG-mediated hyperactivation of AKT did not protect endothelial cell from dying in the absence of serum, while its moderate activation obtained without PEG did. Finally, PEGylation of cRGD/ATW-NPs can generate nanoparticles with potent capacities to activate the AKT-GSK3β-eNOS cascade and to affect the resistance of endothelial cells to apoptosis. Thus, the impact of PEGylation should be precisely considered in order to avoid the apparition of counter-productive biological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jia
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, F-38600 La Tronche, France; Université. Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, F-38600 La Tronche, France
| | - Jéremy Ciccione
- IBMM Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France; ICGM Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Thibault Jacquet
- Université. Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, F-38600 La Tronche, France
| | - Manon Maurel
- IBMM Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Titouan Montheil
- IBMM Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Ahmad Mehdi
- ICGM Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean Martinez
- IBMM Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Béatrice Eymin
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, F-38600 La Tronche, France; Université. Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, F-38600 La Tronche, France
| | - Gilles Subra
- IBMM Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Luc Coll
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, F-38600 La Tronche, France; Université. Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, F-38600 La Tronche, France.
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21
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Abstract
All proteins end with a carboxyl terminus that has unique biophysical properties and is often disordered. Although there are examples of important C-termini functions, a more global role for the C-terminus is not yet established. In this review, we summarize research on C-termini, a unique region in proteins that cells exploit. Alternative splicing and proteolysis increase the diversity of proteins and peptides in cells with unique C-termini. The C-termini of proteins contain minimotifs, short peptides with an encoded function generally characterized as binding, posttranslational modifications, and trafficking. Many of these activities are specific to minimotifs on the C-terminus. Approximately 13% of C-termini in the human proteome have a known minimotif, and the majority, if not all of the remaining termini have conserved motifs inferring a function that remains to be discovered. C-termini, their predictions, and their functions are collated in the C-terminome, Proteus, and Terminus Oriented Protein Function INferred Database (TopFIND) database/web systems. Many C-termini are well conserved, and some have a known role in health and disease. We envision that this summary of C-termini will guide future investigation of their biochemical and physiological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Sharma
- a Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine and School of Life Sciences , University of Nevada , Las Vegas , NV , USA
| | - Martin R Schiller
- a Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine and School of Life Sciences , University of Nevada , Las Vegas , NV , USA
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22
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Puszko AK, Sosnowski P, Tymecka D, Raynaud F, Hermine O, Lepelletier Y, Misicka A. Neuropilin-1 peptide-like ligands with proline mimetics, tested using the improved chemiluminescence affinity detection method. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:332-340. [PMID: 30881620 PMCID: PMC6390686 DOI: 10.1039/c8md00537k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Many reports have suggested that NRP-1 acts as a co-receptor for VEGF-A165 and boosts tumour growth and metastasis. This NRP-1, due to its important role in tumour progression, triggered interest in the design of new molecules able to significantly inhibit NRP-1/VEGF-A165 interaction to suppress pathological angiogenesis. Our previous SAR studies of compounds, showing affinity for NRP-1, led us to develop branched peptides with general formula Lys(hArg)-AA2-AA3-Arg. Here, three series of analogues were synthesized, in which the middle fragment (AA2 and/or AA3) of initial sequences was substituted with unnatural Pro analogues with different rigidities and ring sizes. The synthesized compounds were screened for VEGF-A165 inhibitory activity on an improved assay (ELISA), which was selected based on our comparative inhibition study of the parent compounds, indicating that the method with chemiluminescence detection gives more accurate data. The results of affinity for NRP-1 and enzymatic stability of newly obtained compounds enabled the selection of new structures, showing a 2 and 4-fold lower IC50 value compared to parent peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 1 , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland . ;
| | - Piotr Sosnowski
- Department of Neuropeptides , Mossakowski Medical Research Centre , Polish Academy of Sciences , Pawinskiego 5 , 02-106 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Dagmara Tymecka
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 1 , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland . ;
| | - Françoise Raynaud
- Imagine Institute , Paris Descartes University-Sorbonne Paris Cité , 24 boulevard Montparnasse , 75015 Paris , France
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications , INSERM UMR 1163 , 24 boulevard Montparnasse , 75015 Paris , France
- CNRS ERL 8254 , 24 boulevard Montparnasse , 75015 Paris , France
| | - Olivier Hermine
- Imagine Institute , Paris Descartes University-Sorbonne Paris Cité , 24 boulevard Montparnasse , 75015 Paris , France
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications , INSERM UMR 1163 , 24 boulevard Montparnasse , 75015 Paris , France
- CNRS ERL 8254 , 24 boulevard Montparnasse , 75015 Paris , France
| | - Yves Lepelletier
- Imagine Institute , Paris Descartes University-Sorbonne Paris Cité , 24 boulevard Montparnasse , 75015 Paris , France
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications , INSERM UMR 1163 , 24 boulevard Montparnasse , 75015 Paris , France
- CNRS ERL 8254 , 24 boulevard Montparnasse , 75015 Paris , France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 1 , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland . ;
- Department of Neuropeptides , Mossakowski Medical Research Centre , Polish Academy of Sciences , Pawinskiego 5 , 02-106 Warsaw , Poland
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Niland S, Eble JA. Neuropilins in the Context of Tumor Vasculature. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030639. [PMID: 30717262 PMCID: PMC6387129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 and Neuropilin-2 form a small family of plasma membrane spanning receptors originally identified by the binding of semaphorin and vascular endothelial growth factor. Having no cytosolic protein kinase domain, they function predominantly as co-receptors of other receptors for various ligands. As such, they critically modulate the signaling of various receptor tyrosine kinases, integrins, and other molecules involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological angiogenic processes. This review highlights the diverse neuropilin ligands and interacting partners on endothelial cells, which are relevant in the context of the tumor vasculature and the tumor microenvironment. In addition to tumor cells, the latter contains cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. Based on the prevalent neuropilin-mediated interactions, the suitability of various neuropilin-targeted substances for influencing tumor angiogenesis as a possible building block of a tumor therapy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Niland
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Johannes A Eble
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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24
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Branched pentapeptides as potent inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor 165 binding to Neuropilin-1: Design, synthesis and biological activity. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 158:453-462. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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25
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Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Hybrid Peptides for Ovarian and Prostate Cancer. Int J Pept Res Ther 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9751-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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26
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Simón-Gracia L, Hunt H, Teesalu T. Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Targeting with Tumor Homing Peptides. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23051190. [PMID: 29772690 PMCID: PMC6100015 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23051190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over recent decades multiple therapeutic approaches have been explored for improved management of peritoneally disseminated malignancies—a grim condition known as peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). Intraperitoneal (IP) administration can be used to achieve elevated local concentration and extended half-life of the drugs in the peritoneal cavity to improve their anticancer efficacy. However, IP-administered chemotherapeutics have a short residence time in the IP space, and are not tumor selective. An increasing body of work suggests that functionalization of drugs and nanoparticles with targeting peptides increases their peritoneal retention and provides a robust and specific tumor binding and penetration that translates into improved therapeutic response. Here we review the progress in affinity targeting of intraperitoneal anticancer compounds, imaging agents and nanoparticles with tumor-homing peptides. We review classes of tumor-homing peptides relevant for PC targeting, payloads for peptide-guided precision delivery, applications for targeted compounds, and the effects of nanoformulation of drugs and imaging agents on affinity-based tumor delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Simón-Gracia
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14b, Tartu 50411, Estonia.
| | - Hedi Hunt
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14b, Tartu 50411, Estonia.
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 14b, Tartu 50411, Estonia.
- Cancer Research Center, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
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27
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Baek DS, Kim JH, Kim YJ, Kim YS. Immunoglobulin Fc-Fused Peptide without C-Terminal Arg or Lys Residue Augments Neuropilin-1-Dependent Tumor Vascular Permeability. Mol Pharm 2017; 15:394-402. [PMID: 29232521 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), which functions as a coreceptor for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and is implicated in vascular permeability and tumorigenesis, has been targeted by peptides that specifically bind to the VEGF-binding region on NRP1. Like natural VEGF ligands, all known peptides with NRP1-binding activity bind only through a carboxy (C)-terminal R/K-x-x-R/K sequence motif (x stands for any amino acids); this strict requirement is called the C-end rule (CendR). Here, we report immunoglobulin Fc-fused NRP1-specific peptides deviating from CendR. We screened a yeast surface-displayed Fc-fused non-CendR peptide library against NRP1 and isolated Fc-V12, wherein V12 peptide comprising 12 amino acids has a PPRV sequence at its C-terminal end. Although Fc-V12 lacked the CendR motif, it showed selective binding to the VEGF-binding region of NRP1 and triggered cellular internalization of NRP1, which resulted in enhanced extravasation into tumor tissues and tumor tissue penetration of the Fc-fused peptide along with the coinjected chemical drug in tumor-bearing mice. Through a saturation mutagenesis study, we identified that the Val residue at the C-terminus of Fc-V12 is crucial for NRP1 binding. We further improved NRP1 affinity of Fc-V12 (KD = ∼761 nM) through directed evolution of the upstream sequence of PPRV to obtain Fc-V12-33 (KD = ∼17.4 nM), which exhibited enhanced NRP1-mediated vascular permeability as compared with Fc-V12. Our results provide functional Fc-fused non-CendR peptides, which bind to the VEGF-binding region of NRP1 and enhance vascular permeability, expanding the sequence space of NRP1-targeting peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du-San Baek
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University , Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University , Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University , Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sung Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University , Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
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28
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Triguero J, Flores-Ortega A, Zanuy D, Alemán C. Modeling of a C-end rule peptide adsorbed onto gold nanoparticles. J Pept Sci 2017; 24. [PMID: 29231280 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The RPAR peptide, a prototype C-end Rule (CendR) sequence that binds to neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), has potential therapeutic uses as internalization trigger in anticancer nanodevices. Recently, the functionalization of gold nanoparticles with CendR peptides has been proved to be a successful strategy to target the NRP-1 receptor in prostate cancer cells. In this work, we investigate the influence of two gold surface facets, (100) and (111), on the conformational preferences of RPAR using molecular dynamics simulations. Both clustering and conformational analyses revealed that the peptide backbone becomes very rigid upon adsorption onto gold, which is a very fast and favored process, the only flexibility being attributed to the side chains of the two Arg residues. Thus, the different components of RPAR tend to adopt an elongated shape, which is characterized by the pseudo-extended conformation of both the backbone and the Arg side chains. This conformation is very different from the already known bioactive conformation, indicating that RPAR is drastically affected by the substrate. Interestingly, the preferred conformations of the peptide adsorbed onto gold facets are not stabilized by salt bridges and/or specific intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which represent an important difference with respect to the conformations found in other environments (e.g. the peptide in solution and interacting with NRP-1 receptor). However, the conformational changes induced by the substrate are not detrimental for the use of gold nanoparticles as appropriate vehicles for the transport and targeted delivery of the RPAR. Thus, once their high affinity for the NRP-1 receptor induces the targeted delivery of the elongated peptide molecules from the gold nanoparticles, the lack of intramolecular interactions facilitates their evolution towards the bioactive conformation, increasing the therapeutic efficacy of the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Triguero
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I2, 08019, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandra Flores-Ortega
- Instituto de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ave. del Charro 450 Norte, Col. Partido Romero, Cd. Juárez, 32310, México, CHIH, Mexico
| | - David Zanuy
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I2, 08019, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Alemán
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I2, 08019, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/ Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. C, 08019, Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Jia T, Choi J, Ciccione J, Henry M, Mehdi A, Martinez J, Eymin B, Subra G, Coll JL. Heteromultivalent targeting of integrin α vβ 3 and neuropilin 1 promotes cell survival via the activation of the IGF-1/insulin receptors. Biomaterials 2017; 155:64-79. [PMID: 29169039 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis strongly depends on the activation of integrins, especially integrin αvβ3, and of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), a co-receptor of VEGFR2. Dual-targeted molecules that simultaneously block both of them are expected have increased anti-angiogenic and antitumor activity. Toward this goal, we generated bifunctional 40 nm-sized silica nanoparticles (NPs) coated with controlled amounts of cRGD and ATWLPPR peptides and studied their affinity, selectivity and biological activity in HUVECs. Sub-nanomolar concentrations of NPs grafted either with ATWLPPR alone or in combination with cRGD exhibit potent and specific antagonist activity against VEGFR2/AKT signaling. However, a 1 nM concentration of the cRGD/ATWLPPR-heteromultivalent particles (RGD/ATW-NPs) also blocks the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 while co-inducing an unexpected long-lasting activation of AKT via IGF-1R/IR-AKT/GSK3β/eNOS signaling that stimulates cell survival and abrogates the intrinsic toxicity of silica-NPs to serum-starved HUVECs. We also showed that their repeated intravenous administration was associated with the proliferation of human U87MG tumor cells engrafted in nude mice and a dilatation of the tumor blood vessels. We present biochemical evidence for the complex cross-talk generated by the binding of the heteromultivalent NPs with αvβ3-integrin and with NRP1. In particular, we show for the first time that such heteromultivalent NPs can trans-activate IGF-1/insulin receptors and exert dose-dependent pro-survival activity. This study demonstrates the difficulties in designing targeted silica-based NPs for antiangiogenic therapies and the possible risks posed by undesirable side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jia
- INSERM-UGA U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, La Tronche, France
| | - Jungyoon Choi
- INSERM-UGA U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, La Tronche, France
| | - Jéremy Ciccione
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR5247 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Maxime Henry
- INSERM-UGA U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, La Tronche, France
| | - Ahmad Mehdi
- Institut Charles Gerhardt, UMR5253, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Jean Martinez
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR5247 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Béatrice Eymin
- INSERM-UGA U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, La Tronche, France
| | - Gilles Subra
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR5247 CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Luc Coll
- INSERM-UGA U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, La Tronche, France.
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30
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Tymecka D, Lipiński PFJ, Fedorczyk B, Puszko A, Wileńska B, Perret GY, Misicka A. Structure-activity relationship study of tetrapeptide inhibitors of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A binding to Neuropilin-1. Peptides 2017. [PMID: 28627371 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 is considered as one of the key receptors responsible for signaling pathways involved in pathological angiogenesis necessary for tumor progression, therefore targeting of VEGF165 binding to NRP-1 could be a relevant strategy for antiangiogenic treatment. It was shown before that the VEGF165/NRP-1 interaction can be inhibited by short tetrapeptides with K/RXXR sequence. Here, we present a structure-activity relationship study of the systematic optimization of amino acid residues in positions 1-3 in the above tetrapeptides. All the 13 synthesized analogs possessed C-terminal arginine that is a necessary element for interaction with NRP-1. The obtained results of the inhibitory activity and modeling by molecular dynamics indicate that simultaneous interactions of the basic amino acid residues in position 1 and 4 (Arg) with Neuropilin-1 are crucial and their cooperation strongly affects the inhibitory activity. In addition, the binding strength is modulated by the flexibility of the peptide backbone (in the central part of the peptide), and the nature of the side chain of the amino acids at the second or third position. A dramatic decrease in the activity to the receptor is observed in flexible derivatives that are missing proline residues. The results described in this paper should prove useful for future studies aimed at establishing the best pharmacophore for inhibitors of VEGF165 binding to NRP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Tymecka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Anna Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Wileńska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gerard Y Perret
- Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1125, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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31
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Kerros C, Tripathi SC, Zha D, Mehrens JM, Sergeeva A, Philips AV, Qiao N, Peters HL, Katayama H, Sukhumalchandra P, Ruisaard KE, Perakis AA, St John LS, Lu S, Mittendorf EA, Clise-Dwyer K, Herrmann AC, Alatrash G, Toniatti C, Hanash SM, Ma Q, Molldrem JJ. Neuropilin-1 mediates neutrophil elastase uptake and cross-presentation in breast cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:10295-10305. [PMID: 28468826 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.773051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil elastase (NE) can be rapidly taken up by tumor cells that lack endogenous NE expression, including breast cancer, which results in cross-presentation of PR1, an NE-derived HLA-A2-restricted peptide that is an immunotherapy target in hematological and solid tumor malignancies. The mechanism of NE uptake, however, remains unknown. Using the mass spectrometry-based approach, we identify neuropilin-1 (NRP1) as a NE receptor that mediates uptake and PR1 cross-presentation in breast cancer cells. We demonstrated that soluble NE is a specific, high-affinity ligand for NRP1 with a calculated Kd of 38.7 nm Furthermore, we showed that NRP1 binds to the RRXR motif in NE. Notably, NRP1 knockdown with interfering RNA or CRISPR-cas9 system and blocking using anti-NRP1 antibody decreased NE uptake and, subsequently, susceptibility to lysis by PR1-specific cytotoxic T cells. Expression of NRP1 in NRP1-deficient cells was sufficient to induce NE uptake. Altogether, because NRP1 is broadly expressed in tumors, our findings suggest a role for this receptor in immunotherapy strategies that target cross-presented antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Kerros
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | | | - Dongxing Zha
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jennifer M Mehrens
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anna Sergeeva
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anne V Philips
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Na Qiao
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Haley L Peters
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hiroyuki Katayama
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | | | - Kathryn E Ruisaard
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Alexander A Perakis
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Lisa S St John
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Sijie Lu
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | | | - Karen Clise-Dwyer
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Amanda C Herrmann
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Gheath Alatrash
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Carlo Toniatti
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Samir M Hanash
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Qing Ma
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jeffrey J Molldrem
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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32
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Conformational latitude – activity relationship of KPPR tetrapeptide analogues toward their ability to inhibit binding of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 to neuropilin‐1. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:445-454. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Ying M, Zhan C, Wang S, Yao B, Hu X, Song X, Zhang M, Wei X, Xiong Y, Lu W. Liposome-Based Systemic Glioma-Targeted Drug Delivery Enabled by All-d Peptides. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:29977-29985. [PMID: 27797175 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b10146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
As the most aggressive brain tumor, chemotherapy of malignant glioma remains to be extremely challenging in clinic. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB) are physiological and pathological barriers preventing therapeutic drugs from reaching the glioma region. In addition, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formed by invasive glioma cells instead of endothelial cells and angiogenesis are very common in glioma, leading to the poor prognosis and recurrence of glioma. An ideal drug delivery system for glioma chemotherapy needs to traverse the BBB and BBTB and then target VM, angiogenesis, and glioma cells. Herein we developed a liposome-based drug delivery system with the modification of proteolytically stable d-peptide ligands (dCDX/dA7R-LS). dCDX is a d-peptide ligand of nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) capable of circumventing the BBB, and dA7R is a d-peptide ligand of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) overexpressed on angiogenesis, VM, and glioma, presenting excellent glioma-homing property. dCDX/dA7R-LS could efficiently internalize into the brain capillary endothelial cells, glioma cells, tumor neovascular endothelial cells, and tumor spheroids and cross the in vitro BBB and BBTB models. Ex vivo imaging and in vivo immunofluorescence assays confirmed the superiority of dCDX/dA7R-LS in targeting intracranial glioma in comparison to plain liposomes or liposomes modified with an individual d-peptide ligand (either dCDX or dA7R). When loaded with doxorubicin, dCDX/dA7R-LS achieved the best antiglioma, antiangiogenesis, and anti-VM effects among all tested formulations. These results suggested that systemic glioma-targeted drug delivery enabled by all-d peptide ligands was promising for the antiglioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Ying
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changyou Zhan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Songli Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bingxin Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuefeng Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xianfei Song
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingfei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, China
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34
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Carbohydrate-based peptidomimetics targeting neuropilin-1: Synthesis, molecular docking study and in vitro biological activities. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:5315-5325. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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35
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Dong P, Cai H, Chen L, Li Y, Yuan C, Wu X, Shen G, Zhou H, Zhang W, Li L. Biodistribution and evaluation of 131 I-labeled neuropilin-binding peptide for targeted tumor imaging. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2016; 11:467-474. [PMID: 27527756 DOI: 10.1002/cmmi.1708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is overexpressed in several kinds of cancer cell and contributes to tumor aggressiveness. Recently, the arginine/lysine-rich peptide with C-terminal motifs (R/K)XX(R/K) indicated promising penetrating and transporting capability into NRP-1 positive cancer cells. In the present study, we describe a 131 I-labeled C-end rule motif peptide conjugate, Tyr-tLyp-1, for NRP-1 positive tumor targeting and imaging properties. Briefly, a truncated Lyp-1 peptide was designed to expose its C-end motif and conjugated to tyrosine for radiolabeling after structural modification. The peptide indicated specific binding to A549 cancer cells at 2 μM concentration, and its binding was dependent on NRP-1 expression and could be inhibited by other NRP-1-binding peptides. In vivo imaging of 131 I-labeled Tyr-tLyp-1peptide showed that a subcutaneous A549 xenograft tumor could be visualized using a SPECT/CT scanner. The tumor uptake of 131 I-Tyr-tLyp-1 was 4.77 times higher than the uptake in muscles by SPECT/CT software quantification at 6 h post injection. Together, this study indicated that truncated Lyp-1 peptide could specifically localize in NRP-1 positive tumors and successfully mediate the 131 I radionuclide diagnosis, indicating promising targeted imaging capability for NRP-1 positive tumors. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Dong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Huawei Cai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalun Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Cen Yuan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoai Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Guohua Shen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijun Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
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Ying M, Shen Q, Liu Y, Yan Z, Wei X, Zhan C, Gao J, Xie C, Yao B, Lu W. Stabilized Heptapeptide A7R for Enhanced Multifunctional Liposome-Based Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:13232-13241. [PMID: 27195531 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b01300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
(L)A7R (ATWLPPR) is a heptapeptide with high binding affinity in vitro to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) overexpressed on glioma, glioma vasculogenic mimicry and neovasculature. However, its tumor targeting efficacy is significantly reduced in vivo due to proteolysis in blood circulation. To improve the in vivo stability and targeting efficacy, the retro inverso isomer of (L)A7R ((D)A7R) was developed for glioma-targeted drug delivery. (D)A7R was expected to have a similar binding affinity to its receptors in vitro (VEGFR2 and NRP-1), which was experimentally confirmed. In vivo, (D)A7R-modified liposomes achieved improved glioma-targeted efficiency than did (L)A7R-modified liposomes. After loading a chemotherapeutic agent (doxorubicin), (D)A7R-modified liposomes significantly inhibited subcutaneous model tumor in comparison to free doxorubicin, plain liposomes and (L)A7R-modified liposomes. In summary, the present study presented the potential of a proteolytically stable d-peptide ligand for in vivo tumor-targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Ying
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qing Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of chemistry and molecular engineering, East China Normal University , Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Changyou Zhan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University , Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cao Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bingxin Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, (Fudan University), Ministry of Education , Shanghai 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200032, China
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Conjugates of small targeting molecules to non-viral vectors for the mediation of siRNA. Acta Biomater 2016; 36:21-41. [PMID: 27045350 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED To use siRNA (small interfering RNA) for gene therapy, a gene delivery system is often necessary to overcome several challenging requirements including rapid excretion, low stability in blood serum, non-specific accumulation in tissues, poor cellular uptake and inefficient intracellular release. Active and/or passive targeting should help the delivery system to reach the desired tissue or cell, to be internalized, and to deliver siRNA to the cytoplasm so that siRNA can inhibit protein synthesis. This review covers conjugates of small targeting molecules and non-viral delivery systems for the mediation of siRNA, with a focus on their transfection properties in order to help the development of new and efficient siRNA delivery systems, as the therapeutic solutions of tomorrow. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The delivery of siRNA into cells or tissues remains to be a challenge for its applications, an alternative strategy for siRNA delivery systems is direct conjugation of non-viral vectors with targeting moieties for cellular delivery. In comparison to macromolecules, small targeting molecules have attracted great attention due to their many potential advantages including significant simplicity and ease of production, good repeatability and biodegradability. This review will focus on the most recent advances in the delivery of siRNA using conjugates of small targeting molecules and non-viral delivery systems. Based the editor's suggestions, we hope the revised manuscript could provide more profound understanding to the conjugates of targeting molecules to vectors for mediation of siRNA.
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Raimondi C, Brash JT, Fantin A, Ruhrberg C. NRP1 function and targeting in neurovascular development and eye disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2016; 52:64-83. [PMID: 26923176 PMCID: PMC4854174 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is expressed by neurons, blood vessels, immune cells and many other cell types in the mammalian body and binds a range of structurally and functionally diverse extracellular ligands to modulate organ development and function. In recent years, several types of mouse knockout models have been developed that have provided useful tools for experimental investigation of NRP1 function, and a multitude of therapeutics targeting NRP1 have been designed, mostly with the view to explore them for cancer treatment. This review provides a general overview of current knowledge of the signalling pathways that are modulated by NRP1, with particular focus on neuronal and vascular roles in the brain and retina. This review will also discuss the potential of NRP1 inhibitors for the treatment for neovascular eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Raimondi
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - James T Brash
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Alessandro Fantin
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Christiana Ruhrberg
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
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Pang HB, Braun GB, Ruoslahti E. Neuropilin-1 and heparan sulfate proteoglycans cooperate in cellular uptake of nanoparticles functionalized by cationic cell-penetrating peptides. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2015; 1:e1500821. [PMID: 26601141 PMCID: PMC4640594 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1500821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been widely used to deliver nanomaterials and other types of macromolecules into mammalian cells for therapeutic and diagnostic use. Cationic CPPs that bind to heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans on the cell surface induce potent endocytosis; however, the role of other surface receptors in this process is unclear. We describe the convergence of an HS-dependent pathway with the C-end rule (CendR) mechanism that enables peptide ligation with neuropilin-1 (NRP1), a cell surface receptor known to be involved in angiogenesis and vascular permeability. NRP1 binds peptides carrying a positive residue at the carboxyl terminus, a feature that is compatible with cationic CPPs, either intact or after proteolytic processing. We used CPP and CendR peptides, as well as HS- and NRP1-binding motifs from semaphorins, to explore the commonalities and differences of the HS and NRP1 pathways. We show that the CendR-NRP1 interaction determines the ability of CPPs to induce vascular permeability. We also show at the ultrastructural level, using a novel cell entry synchronization method, that both the HS and NRP1 pathways can initiate a macropinocytosis-like process and visualize these CPP-cargo complexes going through various endosomal compartments. Our results provide new insights into how CPPs exploit multiple surface receptor pathways for intracellular delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Pang
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gary B. Braun
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106–9610, USA
| | - Erkki Ruoslahti
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106–9610, USA
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Kizil C, Iltzsche A, Thomas AK, Bhattarai P, Zhang Y, Brand M. Efficient Cargo Delivery into Adult Brain Tissue Using Short Cell-Penetrating Peptides. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124073. [PMID: 25894337 PMCID: PMC4403811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish brains can regenerate lost neurons upon neurogenic activity of the radial glial progenitor cells (RGCs) that reside at the ventricular region. Understanding the molecular events underlying this ability is of great interest for translational studies of regenerative medicine. Therefore, functional analyses of gene function in RGCs and neurons are essential. Using cerebroventricular microinjection (CVMI), RGCs can be targeted efficiently but the penetration capacity of the injected molecules reduces dramatically in deeper parts of the brain tissue, such as the parenchymal regions that contain the neurons. In this report, we tested the penetration efficiency of five known cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and identified two- polyR and Trans - that efficiently penetrate the brain tissue without overt toxicity in a dose-dependent manner as determined by TUNEL staining and L-Plastin immunohistochemistry. We also found that polyR peptide can help carry plasmid DNA several cell diameters into the brain tissue after a series of coupling reactions using DBCO-PEG4-maleimide-based Michael's addition and azide-mediated copper-free click reaction. Combined with the advantages of CVMI, such as rapidness, reproducibility, and ability to be used in adult animals, CPPs improve the applicability of the CVMI technique to deeper parts of the central nervous system tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caghan Kizil
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden within the Helmholtz Association, Arnoldstr. 18, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) – Cluster of Excellence, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anne Iltzsche
- DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) – Cluster of Excellence, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alvin Kuriakose Thomas
- B-CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Arnoldstr. 18, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Prabesh Bhattarai
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden within the Helmholtz Association, Arnoldstr. 18, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Yixin Zhang
- B-CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Arnoldstr. 18, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Brand
- DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) – Cluster of Excellence, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Biotechnology Center of the TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- * E-mail:
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41
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Sugahara KN, Braun GB, de Mendoza TH, Kotamraju VR, French RP, Lowy AM, Teesalu T, Ruoslahti E. Tumor-penetrating iRGD peptide inhibits metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 14:120-8. [PMID: 25392370 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-specific tissue-penetrating peptides deliver drugs into extravascular tumor tissue by increasing tumor vascular permeability through interaction with neuropilin (NRP). Here, we report that a prototypic tumor-penetrating peptide iRGD (amino acid sequence: CRGDKGPDC) potently inhibits spontaneous metastasis in mice. The antimetastatic effect was mediated by the NRP-binding RXXK peptide motif (CendR motif), and not by the integrin-binding RGD motif. iRGD inhibited migration of tumor cells and caused chemorepulsion in vitro in a CendR- and NRP-1-dependent manner. The peptide induced dramatic collapse of cellular processes and partial cell detachment, resulting in the repellent activity. These effects were prominently displayed when the cells were seeded on fibronectin, suggesting a role of CendR in functional regulation of integrins. The antimetastatic activity of iRGD may provide a significant additional benefit when this peptide is used for drug delivery to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki N Sugahara
- Cancer Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California. Department of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
| | - Gary B Braun
- Cancer Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California. Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
| | | | | | - Randall P French
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Andrew M Lowy
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Cancer Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California. Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Erkki Ruoslahti
- Cancer Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California. Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
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Liu WQ, Megale V, Borriello L, Leforban B, Montès M, Goldwaser E, Gresh N, Piquemal JP, Hadj-Slimane R, Hermine O, Garbay C, Raynaud F, Lepelletier Y, Demange L. Synthesis and structure–activity relationship of non-peptidic antagonists of neuropilin-1 receptor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:4254-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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43
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Structure-based discovery of a small non-peptidic Neuropilins antagonist exerting in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity on breast cancer model. Cancer Lett 2014; 349:120-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Parker MW, Linkugel AD, Vander Kooi CW. Effect of C-terminal sequence on competitive semaphorin binding to neuropilin-1. J Mol Biol 2013; 425:4405-14. [PMID: 23871893 PMCID: PMC4038064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2013.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilins (Nrp) are type I transmembrane proteins that function as receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and class III Semaphorin (Sema3) ligand families. Sema3s function as potent endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors but require proteolytically processing by furin to compete with VEGF for Nrp binding. This processing liberates a C-terminal arginine (CR) that is necessary for binding to the b1 domain of Nrp, a common feature shared by Nrp ligands. The CR is necessary but not sufficient for potent Nrp inhibition, and the role of upstream residues is unknown. We demonstrate that the second-to-last residue (C-1), immediately upstream of the CR, plays a significant role in controlling competitive ligand binding by orienting the C-terminus for productive Nrp binding. With the use of a peptide library derived from Sema3F, C-1 residues that preferentially adopt an extended bound-like conformation, including proline and β-branched amino acids, were found to produce the most avid competitors. Consistent with this, analysis of the binding thermodynamics revealed that more favorable entropy is responsible for the observed binding enhancement of C-1 proline. We further tested the effect of the C-1 residue on Sema3F processing by furin and found an inverse relationship between processing and inhibitory potency. Analysis of all Sema3 family members reveals two non-equivalent furin processing sites differentiated by the presence of either a C-1 proline or a C-1 arginine and resulting in up to a 40-fold difference in potency. These data reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of Sema3 activity and define a fundamental mechanism for preferential Nrp binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Parker
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Andrew D. Linkugel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Craig W. Vander Kooi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536
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Teesalu T, Sugahara KN, Ruoslahti E. Tumor-penetrating peptides. Front Oncol 2013; 3:216. [PMID: 23986882 PMCID: PMC3753659 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-homing peptides can be used to deliver drugs into tumors. Phage library screening in live mice has recently identified homing peptides that specifically recognize the endothelium of tumor vessels, extravasate, and penetrate deep into the extravascular tumor tissue. The prototypic peptide of this class, iRGD (CRGDKGPDC), contains the integrin-binding RGD motif. RGD mediates tumor-homing through binding to αv integrins, which are selectively expressed on various cells in tumors, including tumor endothelial cells. The tumor-penetrating properties of iRGD are mediated by a second sequence motif, R/KXXR/K. This C-end Rule (or CendR) motif is active only when the second basic residue is exposed at the C-terminus of the peptide. Proteolytic processing of iRGD in tumors activates the cryptic CendR motif, which then binds to neuropilin-1 activating an endocytic bulk transport pathway through tumor tissue. Phage screening has also yielded tumor-penetrating peptides that function like iRGD in activating the CendR pathway, but bind to a different primary receptor. Moreover, novel tumor-homing peptides can be constructed from tumor-homing motifs, CendR elements and protease cleavage sites. Pathologies other than tumors can be targeted with tissue-penetrating peptides, and the primary receptor can also be a vascular "zip code" of a normal tissue. The CendR technology provides a solution to a major problem in tumor therapy, poor penetration of drugs into tumors. The tumor-penetrating peptides are capable of taking a payload deep into tumor tissue in mice, and they also penetrate into human tumors ex vivo. Targeting with these peptides specifically increases the accumulation in tumors of a variety of drugs and contrast agents, such as doxorubicin, antibodies, and nanoparticle-based compounds. Remarkably the drug to be targeted does not have to be coupled to the peptide; the bulk transport system activated by the peptide sweeps along any compound that is present in the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tambet Teesalu
- Cancer Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute , La Jolla, CA , USA ; Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
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