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Chen Y, Song S, Sun Y, Wu F, Yang G, Wang Z, Yu M. Small animal PET imaging with the 68Ga-labeled pH (low) insertion peptide-like peptide YJL-4 in a triple-negative breast cancer mouse model. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2024; 9:33. [PMID: 38678139 PMCID: PMC11055835 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-024-00267-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to prepare a novel 68Ga-labeled pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP)-like peptide, YJL-4, and determine its value for the early diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) via in vivo imaging of tumor-bearing nude mice. The novel peptide YJL-4 was designed using a template-assisted method and synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis. After modification with the chelator 1,4,7‑triazacyclononane-N,N',N″-triacetic acid (NOTA), the peptide was labeled with 68Ga. Then, the biodistribution of 68Ga-YJL-4 in tumor-bearing nude mice was investigated, and the mice were imaged by small animal positron emission tomography (PET). RESULTS The radiochemical yield and radiochemical purity of 68Ga-YJL-4 were 89.5 ± 0.16% and 97.95 ± 0.06%, respectively. The biodistribution of 68Ga-YJL-4 in tumors (5.94 ± 1.27% ID/g, 6.72 ± 1.69% ID/g and 4.54 ± 0.58% ID/g at 1, 2 and 4 h after injection, respectively) was significantly greater than that of the control peptide in tumors at the corresponding time points (P < 0.01). Of the measured off-target organs, 68Ga-YJL-4 was highly distributed in the liver and blood. The small animal PET imaging results were consistent with the biodistribution results. The tumors were visualized by PET at 2 and 4 h after the injection of 68Ga-YJL-4. No tumors were observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The novel pHLIP family peptide YJL-4 can adopt an α-helical structure for easy insertion into the cell membrane in an acidic environment. 68Ga-YJL-4 was produced in high radiochemical yield with good stability and can target TNBC tissue. Moreover, the strong concentration of radioactive 68Ga-YJL-4 in the abdomen does not hinder the imaging of early TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- YueHua Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - ShuangShuang Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - YanQin Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - FengYu Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - GuangJie Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - ZhenGuang Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266100, China.
| | - MingMing Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266100, China.
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2
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Wachira FW, Githirwa DC, McPartlon T, Nazarenko V, Gonzales JJC, Gazura MM, Leen C, Clary HR, Alston C, Klees LM, Yao L, An M. D-to-E and T19V Variants of the pH-Low Insertion Peptide and Their Doxorubicin Conjugates Interact with Membrane at Higher pH Ranges Than WT. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2997-3011. [PMID: 37793002 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
To improve targeted cargo delivery to cancer cells, pH-Low Insertion Peptide (pHLIP) variants were developed to interact with the membrane at pH values higher than those of the WT. The Asp-to-Glu variants aim to increase side chain pKa without disturbing the sequence of protonations that underpin membrane insertion. The Thr19 variants represent efforts to perturb the critical Pro20 residue. To study the effect of cargo on pHLIP insertion, doxorubicin (Dox), a fluorescent antineoplastic drug, was conjugated to selected variants near the inserting C-terminus. Variants and conjugates were characterized on a POPC membrane using Trp and Dox fluorescence methods to define the entire pH range of insertion (pHinitial-pHfinal). Compared to WT with a pHi-pHf range of 6.7-5.6, D25E-D31E-D33E, D14E-D25E-D31E-D33E, and T19V-D25E variants demonstrated higher pHi-pHf ranges of 7.3-6.1, 7.3-6.3, and 8.2-5.4, respectively. The addition of Dox expanded the pHi-pHf range, mainly by shifting pHi to higher pH values (e.g., WT pHLIP-Dox has a pHi-pHf range of 7.7-5.2). Despite the low Hill coefficient observed for the conjugates, D14E-D25E-D31E-D33E pHLIP-Dox completed insertion by a pHf of 5.7. However, the Dox cargo remained in the hydrophobic membrane interior after pHLIP insertion, which may impede drug release. Finally, a logistic function can describe pHLIP insertion as a peripheral-to-TM (start-to-finish) two-state transition; wherever possible, we discuss data deviating from such sigmoidal fitting in support of the idea that pH-specific intermediate states distinct from the initial peripheral state and the final TM state exist at intervening pH values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith W Wachira
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Dancan C Githirwa
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Thomas McPartlon
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Vladyslav Nazarenko
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Jerel J C Gonzales
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Makenzie M Gazura
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Caitlin Leen
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Hannah R Clary
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Claire Alston
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Lukas M Klees
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Lan Yao
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
- Department of Physics, SUNY, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Ming An
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York (SUNY), Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
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3
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Liu YC, Wang ZX, Pan JY, Wang LQ, Dai XY, Wu KF, Ye XW, Xu XL. Recent Advances in Imaging Agents Anchored with pH (Low) Insertion Peptides for Cancer Theranostics. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052175. [PMID: 36903419 PMCID: PMC10004179 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052175] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The acidic extracellular microenvironment has become an effective target for diagnosing and treating tumors. A pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) is a kind of peptide that can spontaneously fold into a transmembrane helix in an acidic microenvironment, and then insert into and cross the cell membrane for material transfer. The characteristics of the acidic tumor microenvironment provide a new method for pH-targeted molecular imaging and tumor-targeted therapy. As research has increased, the role of pHLIP as an imaging agent carrier in the field of tumor theranostics has become increasingly prominent. In this paper, we describe the current applications of pHLIP-anchored imaging agents for tumor diagnosis and treatment in terms of different molecular imaging methods, including magnetic resonance T1 imaging, magnetic resonance T2 imaging, SPECT/PET, fluorescence imaging, and photoacoustic imaging. Additionally, we discuss relevant challenges and future development prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cheng Liu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Zhi-Xian Wang
- First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Jing-Yi Pan
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Ling-Qi Wang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Xin-Yi Dai
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Ke-Fei Wu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Xue-Wei Ye
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
- Correspondence:
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4
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Xiao P, Huang J, Han X, Cheu JWS, Liu Y, Law LH, Lai JHC, Li J, Park SW, Wong CCL, Lam RHW, Chan KWY. Monitor Tumor pHe and Response Longitudinally during Treatment Using CEST MRI-Detectable Alginate Microbeads. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:54401-54410. [PMID: 36448714 PMCID: PMC9756293 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c10493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Imaging pHe of the tumor microenvironment has paramount importance for characterizing aggressive, invasive tumors, as well as therapeutic responses. Here, a robust approach to image pH changes in the tumor microenvironment longitudinally and during sodium bicarbonate treatment was reported. The pH-sensing microbeads were designed and prepared based on materials approved for clinical use, i.e., alginate microbead-containing computed tomography (CT) contrast-agent (iopamidol)-loaded liposomes (Iop-lipobeads). This Iop-lipobead prepared using a customized microfluidic device generated a CEST contrast of 10.6% at 4.2 ppm at pH 7.0, which was stable for 20 days in vitro. The CEST contrast decreased by 11.8% when the pH decreased from 7.0 to 6.5 in vitro. Optimized Iop-lipobeads next to tumors showed a significant increase of 19.7 ± 6.1% (p < 0.01) in CEST contrast at 4.2 ppm during the first 3 days of treatment and decreased to 15.2 ± 4.8% when treatment stopped. Notably, percentage changes in Iop-lipobeads were higher than that of amide CEST (11.7% and 9.1%) in tumors during and after treatment. These findings demonstrated that the Iop-lipobead could provide an independent and sensitive assessment of the pHe changes for a noninvasive and longitudinal monitoring of the treatment effects using multiple CEST contrast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xiao
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianpan Huang
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiongqi Han
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jacinth W. S. Cheu
- Department
of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine,
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lok Hin Law
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joseph H. C. Lai
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiyu Li
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Se Weon Park
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carmen C. L. Wong
- Department
of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine,
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Raymond H. W. Lam
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kannie W. Y. Chan
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, City University
of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- City
University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
- Russell
H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Tung
Biomedical
Sciences Centre, City University of Hong
Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong
Kong Centre for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, Hong Kong, China
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5
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Silva TD, Vila-Viçosa D, Machuqueiro M. Increasing the Realism of in Silico pHLIP Peptide Models with a Novel pH Gradient CpHMD Method. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:6472-6481. [PMID: 36257921 PMCID: PMC9775217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The pH-low insertion peptides (pHLIP) are pH-dependent membrane inserting peptides, whose function depends on the cell microenvironment acidity. Several peptide variants have been designed to improve upon the wt-sequence, particularly the state transition kinetics and the selectivity for tumor pH. The variant 3 (Var3) peptide is a 27 residue long peptide, with a key titrating residue (Asp-13) that, despite showing a modest performance in liposomes (pKins ∼ 5.0), excelled in tumor cell experiments. To help rationalize these results, we focused on the pH gradient in the cell membrane, which is one of the crucial properties that are not present in liposomes. We extended our CpHMD-L method and its pH replica-exchange (pHRE) implementation to include a pH gradient and mimic the pHLIP-membrane microenvironment in a cell where the internal pH is fixed (pH 7.2) and the external pH is allowed to change. We showed that, by properly modeling the pH-gradient, we can correctly predict the experimentally observed loss and gain of performance in tumor cells experiments by the wt and Var3 sequences, respectively. In sum, the pH gradient implementation allowed for more accurate and realistic pKa estimations and was a pivotal step in bridging the in silico data and the in vivo cell experiments.
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6
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Multiplexed Imaging Reveals the Spatial Relationship of the Extracellular Acidity-Targeting pHLIP with Necrosis, Hypoxia, and the Integrin-Targeting cRGD Peptide. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213499. [DOI: 10.3390/cells11213499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
pH (low) insertion peptides (pHLIPs) have been developed for cancer imaging and therapy targeting the acidic extracellular microenvironment. However, the characteristics of intratumoral distribution (ITD) of pHLIPs are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to reveal the details of the ITD of pHLIPs and their spatial relationship with other tumor features of concern. The fluorescent dye-labeled pHLIPs were intravenously administered to subcutaneous xenograft mouse models of U87MG and IGR-OV1 expressing αVβ3 integrins (using large necrotic tumors). The αVβ3 integrin-targeting Cy5.5-RAFT-c(-RGDfK-)4 was used as a reference. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging, whole-tumor section imaging, fluorescence microscopy, and multiplexed fluorescence colocalization analysis were performed. The ITD of fluorescent dye-labeled pHLIPs was heterogeneous, having a high degree of colocalization with necrosis. A direct one-to-one comparison of highly magnified images revealed the cellular localization of pHLIP in pyknotic, karyorrhexis, and karyolytic necrotic cells. pHLIP and hypoxia were spatially contiguous but not overlapping cellularly. The hypoxic region was found between the ITDs of pHLIP and the cRGD peptide and the Ki-67 proliferative activity remained detectable in the pHLIP-accumulated regions. The results provide a better understanding of the characteristics of ITD of pHLIPs, leading to new insights into the theranostic applications of pHLIPs.
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7
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Moshnikova A, DuPont M, Visca H, Engelman DM, Andreev OA, Reshetnyak YK. Eradication of tumors and development of anti-cancer immunity using STINGa targeted by pHLIP. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1023959. [PMID: 36330464 PMCID: PMC9622777 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1023959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the development of novel STING agonists (STINGa), applications appear to be challenged by the low efficiency and poor selectivity of these agents. A pH Low Insertion Peptide (pHLIP) extends the lifetime of a STINGa in the blood and targets it to acidic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid derived suppressor cells (mMDSCs) and dendritic cells (DCs). CAFs constitute 25% of all live cells within CT26 tumors, and M2-type TAMs and mMDSCs are the most abundant among the immune cells. The resulting activation of cytokines within the tumor microenvironment (TME) triggers the eradication of small (100 mm3) and large (400-700 mm3) CT26 tumors in mice after a single dose of pHLIP-STINGa. The tumor stroma was destroyed (the number of CAFs was reduced by 98%), intratumoral hemorrhage developed, and the level of acidity within the TME was reduced. Further, no tumors developed in 20 out of 25 tumor-free mice re-challenged by an additional injection of cancer cells. The therapeutic effect on CT26 tumors was insignificant in nude mice, lacking T-cells. Thus, targeted delivery of STINGa to tumor stroma and TAMs induces activation of signaling, potentially resulting in the recruitment and infiltration of T-cells, which gain access to the tumor core. The cytotoxic activity of T-cells is not impaired by an acidic environment and immune memory is developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Moshnikova
- Physics Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Michael DuPont
- Physics Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Hannah Visca
- Physics Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Donald M. Engelman
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Oleg A. Andreev
- Physics Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Yana K. Reshetnyak
- Physics Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
- *Correspondence: Yana K. Reshetnyak,
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8
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van der Heide CD, Dalm SU. Radionuclide imaging and therapy directed towards the tumor microenvironment: a multi-cancer approach for personalized medicine. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:4616-4641. [PMID: 35788730 PMCID: PMC9606105 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05870-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Targeted radionuclide theranostics is becoming more and more prominent in clinical oncology. Currently, most nuclear medicine compounds researched for cancer theranostics are directed towards targets expressed in only a small subset of cancer types, limiting clinical applicability. The identification of cancer-specific targets that are (more) universally expressed will allow more cancer patients to benefit from these personalized nuclear medicine–based interventions. A tumor is not merely a collection of cancer cells, it also comprises supporting stromal cells embedded in an altered extracellular matrix (ECM), together forming the tumor microenvironment (TME). Since the TME is less genetically unstable than cancer cells, and TME phenotypes can be shared between cancer types, it offers targets that are more universally expressed. The TME is characterized by the presence of altered processes such as hypoxia, acidity, and increased metabolism. Next to the ECM, the TME consists of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), macrophages, endothelial cells forming the neo-vasculature, immune cells, and cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs). Radioligands directed at the altered processes, the ECM, and the cellular components of the TME have been developed and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies for targeted radionuclide imaging and/or therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the TME targets and their corresponding radioligands. In addition, we discuss what developments are needed to further explore the TME as a target for radionuclide theranostics, with the hopes of stimulating the development of novel TME radioligands with multi-cancer, or in some cases even pan-cancer, application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone U Dalm
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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In Vivo Distribution and Therapeutic Efficacy of Radioiodine-Labeled pH-Low Insertion Peptide Variant 3 in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer. Mol Imaging 2022; 2022:7456365. [PMID: 35903249 PMCID: PMC9281440 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7456365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose. Extracellular acidity is a marker of highly aggressive breast cancer (BC). pH-low insertion peptides (pHLIPs) target the acidic tumor microenvironment. This study evaluates the distribution and therapeutic efficacy of radioiodine-labeled pHLIP variant 3 (Var3) in a mouse model of BC. Methods. The binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)- or radioiodine-125 (125I) labeled Var3-pHLIP to MDA-MB-231, 4T1, and SK-BR-3 BC cell lines under different pH values was evaluated in vitro. The distribution of 125I-labeled Var3-pHLIP and wild-type- (WT-) pHLIP in tumor-bearing mice was analyzed in vivo using micro-SPECT/CT imaging. The therapeutic efficacy of radioiodine-131 (131I)-labeled Var3-pHLIP in MDA-MB-231 xenografts was evaluated by relative tumor volume measurement and immunohistochemical analysis. Results. The binding ability of FITC- or 125I-labeled Var3-pHLIP to tumor cells increased with the decrease in pH. The tumor-to-background ratio of 125I-Var3-pHLIP in BC xenografts showed the best imaging contrast at 24 h or 48 h postinjection. The uptake of 125I-Var3-pHLIP in MDA-MB-231 xenografts at 2 h postinjection was significantly higher than that of 125I-WT-pHLIP (
vs.
%ID/g,
). The relative tumor volume in MDA-MB-231 xenografts was significantly lower in the 131I-Var3-pHLIP-treated group than in the groups treated with Var3-pHLIP (
), 131I (
), and saline (
). The 131I-Var 3-pHLIP group presented a lower expression of Ki67 and a higher expression of caspase 3. Conclusion. Radioiodine-labeled Var3-pHLIP effectively targeted BC cells in an acidic environment and inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 xenografts by ionizing radiation.
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Kubinec J, Širůčková V, Havlíčková J, Kotek J, Kubicek V, Lubal P, Hermann P. Complexes of NOTA‐monoamides with CuII ion: Structural, equilibrium and kinetic study. Eur J Inorg Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202200173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kubinec
- Univerzita Karlova Přírodovědecká fakulta: Univerzita Karlova Prirodovedecka fakulta Department of Inorganic Chemistry CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Viktorie Širůčková
- Masarykova univerzita Přírodovědecká fakulta: Masarykova univerzita Prirodovedecka Fakulta Department of Chemistry CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Jana Havlíčková
- PřF UK: Univerzita Karlova Prirodovedecka fakulta Department of Inorganic Chemistry CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Jan Kotek
- Univerzita Karlova Prirodovedecka fakulta Department of Inorganic Chemistry CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Vojtech Kubicek
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science Department of Inorganic Chemistry Hlavova 2030 128 40 Prague 2 CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Přemysl Lubal
- Masarykova univerzita Přírodovědecká fakulta: Masarykova univerzita Prirodovedecka Fakulta Department of Chemistry CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Petr Hermann
- Univerzita Karlova Přírodovědecká fakulta: Univerzita Karlova Prirodovedecka fakulta Departmnet of Inorganic Chemistry CZECH REPUBLIC
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Bauer D, Visca H, Weerakkody A, Carter LM, Samuels Z, Kaminsky S, Andreev OA, Reshetnyak YK, Lewis JS. PET Imaging of Acidic Tumor Environment With 89Zr-labeled pHLIP Probes. Front Oncol 2022; 12:882541. [PMID: 35664740 PMCID: PMC9160799 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.882541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acidosis of the tumor microenvironment is a hallmark of tumor progression and has emerged as an essential biomarker for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluation of treatment response. A tool for quantitatively visualizing the acidic tumor environment could significantly advance our understanding of the behavior of aggressive tumors, improving patient management and outcomes. 89Zr-labeled pH-low insertion peptides (pHLIP) are a class of radiopharmaceutical imaging probes for the in vivo analysis of acidic tumor microenvironments via positron emission tomography (PET). Their unique structure allows them to sense and target acidic cancer cells. In contrast to traditional molecular imaging agents, pHLIP’s mechanism of action is pH-dependent and does not rely on the presence of tumor-specific molecular markers. In this study, one promising acidity-imaging PET probe ([89Zr]Zr-DFO-Cys-Var3) was identified as a candidate for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bauer
- Department of Radiology and the Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hannah Visca
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Anuradha Weerakkody
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Lukas M. Carter
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zachary Samuels
- Department of Radiology and the Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Spencer Kaminsky
- Department of Radiology and the Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Oleg A. Andreev
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Yana K. Reshetnyak
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Jason S. Lewis
- Department of Radiology and the Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Jason S. Lewis,
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Chen Y, Su Y, Pang X, Song X, Zhao W, Yu M. Synthesis and Evaluation of Technetium-99m-Labeled pH (Low) Insertion Peptide Variant 7 for Early Diagnosis of MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:869260. [PMID: 35530359 PMCID: PMC9069674 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.869260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To prepare technetium-99m (99mTc)-labeled pH (low) insertion peptide variant 7 [pHLIP (Var7)] and carry out small-animal single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) imaging of tumor-bearing nude mice in vivo to study its value in the early diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods The pHLIP (Var7) sequence was synthesized via solid-phase peptide synthesis. Four amino acids, Gly-(D)-Ala-Gly-Gly, were attached to the N-terminus of pHLIP (Var7) to form a strong chelating group containing an N4 structure. The peptide was labeled with 99mTc using a direct labeling method. We determined the in vitro binding fraction of 99mTc-pHLIP (Var7) to MDA-MB-231 cells. Serial biodistribution studies and small-animal SPECT/CT imaging in MDA-MB-231 TNBC-bearing mice were performed using 99mTc-pHLIP (Var7). Results The radiochemical yield and purity of 99mTc-pHLIP (Var7) were 99.49 ± 0.17% and 99.63 ± 0.44%, respectively. The radiochemical purity was still more than 96% after 24 h in serum. The binding fraction of 99mTc-pHLIP (Var7) to MDA-MB-231 cells continuously increased in an acidic environment and was significantly higher than the cell-binding fraction (P < 0.01) at pH = 7.4 and the cell-binding fraction (P < 0.01) of 99mTc-kVar7 at different pH values (pH = 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 and 7.4) at each time point (P < 0.01). The distribution of 99mTc-pHLIP (Var7) in tumors at each time point was significantly greater than that of 99mTc-kVar7 (P < 0.01). SPECT/CT imaging was largely consistent with the biodistribution results; the tumor was clearly imaged at each time point after injection of 99mTc-pHLIP (Var7) but could not be imaged after injection of 99mTc-kVar7. Conclusion 99mTc-pHLIP (Var7) showed a high radiochemical yield and stability and was highly concentrated in tumor tissues. Although there was strong radioactive background in the abdomen of tumor-bearing nude mice, it did not hinder early diagnosis of TNBC.
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Wei X, Zhao H, Huang G, Liu J, He W, Huang Q. ES-MION-Based Dual-Modality PET/MRI Probes for Acidic Tumor Microenvironment Imaging. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:3442-3451. [PMID: 35128253 PMCID: PMC8811892 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Among all characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are caused by abnormal proliferation of solid tumors, extracellular acidity is an important indicator for malignancy grading. pH-low insertion peptides (pHLIPs) are adopted to discern the acidic TME. To date, different imaging agents including fluorescent, positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents with pHLIPs to target the acidic TME have been used to image various tumor models successfully. In this article, a PET/MRI dual-modality probe, based on extremely small magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (ES-MIONs) with pHLIPs as a targeting unit, was proposed for the first time. In the phantom study, the probe showed relatively high r 1 relaxivity (r 1 = 1.03 mM-1 s-1), indicating that it could be used as a T1-weighted MR contrast agent. The 68Ga-radiolabeled probe was further studied in vitro and in vivo to evaluate pHLIP targeting efficacy and feasibility for PET/MRI. PET with intratumoral injection and T1-weighted MRI with intravenous injection both showed pHLIP-specific delivery of the probe. Therefore, we successfully designed and developed a radiolabeled ES-MION-based dual-modality PET/MRI agent to target the acidic tumor microenvironment. Although the accumulation of the probe in tumors with intravenous injection was not high enough to exhibit signals in the PET imaging study, our study still provides further insights into the ES-MION-based PET/MRI strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyan Wei
- Medical
Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji
Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao
Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Medical
Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Weina He
- Medical
Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qingqing Huang
- Shanghai
Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai
University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
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Wu F, Chen Y, Li D, Wang Z, Yu M. Synthesis and Evaluation of Radioiodine-Labeled pH (Low) Insertion Peptide Variant 7-Like Peptide as a Noninvasive Tumor Microenvironment Imaging Agent in a Mouse MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Model. Mol Imaging Biol 2022; 24:570-579. [PMID: 35006491 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01702-0] [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: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) family can target the tumor microenvironment (TME). If pHLIP can be labeled with radioiodine, the imaging and treatment of tumors can be considered. However, tyrosine and tryptophan can bind with iodine in the insertion region of pHLIP, and radioiodine labeling may affect the formation of α-helix structures in acidic environments; therefore, it is necessary to adjust the structure of pHLIP. This study aims to develop an 125I-labeled pH (low) insertion peptide variant 7-like peptide (pHLIP (Var7) LP) for imaging the TME in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) xenograft tumor models. PROCEDURES Based on pHLIP (Var7), a new peptide sequence, pHLIP (Var7) LP, was obtained by the sequence modification method and then characterized. The binding of pHLIP (Var7) LP to MDA-MB-231 cells was analyzed. pHLIP (Var7) LP was labeled with 125I by the iodogen iodination method. Serial biodistribution studies and small-animal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) imaging in subcutaneous MDA-MB-231 TNBC-bearing mice were performed using [125I] I-pHLIP (Var7) LP. RESULTS A novel peptide, pHLIP (Var7) LP, has the characteristics of an α-helix structure, electronegativity, and amphiphilicity. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy showed that the peptide presented a typical pH-dependent transition from an unstructured conformation to an α-helix structure when the pH was reduced from 8.0 to 4.0. The relative fluorescence intensities of 5-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (5-TAMRA)-pHLIP(var7) LP at pH = 6.0, 6.6, and 7.4 were 100.00 ± 5.98%, 72.10 ± 4.65%, and 13.72 ± 1.41%, respectively. The distribution of [125I] I-pHLIP (Var7) LP in tumors reached the highest level (8.7 ± 1.6% ID/g) at 2 h after injection, and the tumor-to-muscle ratios and tumor-to-blood ratios increased with time. Of the measured off-target organs, the stomach, kidney, and bladder showed higher uptake levels. SPECT imaging revealed rapid and sustained tumor uptake of [125I] I-pHLIP (Var7) LP in breast cancer-bearing mice. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that [125I]I-pHLIP (Var7)LP had rapid and sustained tumor uptake in MDA-MB-231 TNBC and provided a new method for TNBC imaging and further treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- FengYu Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.59, Haier St., Laoshan District, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - YueHua Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.59, Haier St., Laoshan District, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - DaCheng Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.59, Haier St., Laoshan District, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - ZhenGuang Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.59, Haier St., Laoshan District, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - MingMing Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No.59, Haier St., Laoshan District, Qingdao, 266100, China.
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15
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Wu AM. Imaging the host response to cancer. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822960-6.00114-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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16
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Lilburn DM, Groves AM. The role of PET in imaging of the tumour microenvironment and response to immunotherapy. Clin Radiol 2021; 76:784.e1-784.e15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Abstract
The use of PET imaging agents in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease shows the power of this technique in evaluating the molecular and biological characteristics of numerous diseases. These agents provide crucial information for designing therapeutic strategies for individual patients. Novel PET tracers are in continual development and many have potential use in clinical and research settings. This article discusses the potential applications of tracers in diagnostics, the biological characteristics of diseases, the ability to provide prognostic indicators, and using this information to guide treatment strategies including monitoring treatment efficacy in real time to improve outcomes and survival.
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Targeting the Hypoxic and Acidic Tumor Microenvironment with pH-Sensitive Peptides. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030541. [PMID: 33806273 PMCID: PMC8000199 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The delivery of cancer therapeutics can be limited by pharmacological issues such as poor bioavailability and high toxicity to healthy tissue. pH-low insertion peptides (pHLIPs) represent a promising tool to overcome these limitations. pHLIPs allow for the selective delivery of agents to tumors on the basis of pH, taking advantage of the acidity of the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. This review article highlights the various applications in which pHLIPs have been utilized for targeting and treating diseases in hypoxic environments, including delivery of small molecule inhibitors, toxins, nucleic acid analogs, fluorescent dyes, and nanoparticles.
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Bo S, Sedaghat F, Pavuluri K, Rowe SP, Cohen A, Kates M, McMahon MT. Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-MR CEST Urography: An Emerging Tool in the Diagnosis and Management of Upper Urinary Tract Obstruction. Tomography 2021; 7:80-94. [PMID: 33801533 PMCID: PMC8103243 DOI: 10.3390/tomography7010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Upper urinary tract obstructions (UTOs) are blockages that inhibit the flow of urine through its normal course, leading to impaired kidney function. Imaging plays a significant role in the initial diagnosis of UTO, with anatomic imaging (primarily ultrasound (US) and non-contrast computed tomography (CT)) serving as screening tools for the detection of the dilation of the urinary collecting systems (i.e., hydronephrosis). Whether hydronephrosis represents UTO or a non-obstructive process is determined by functional imaging (typically nuclear medicine renal scintigraphy). If these exams reveal evidence of UTO but no discernable source, multiphase contrast enhanced CT urography and/or dynamic contrast enhanced MR urography (DCE-MRU) may be performed to delineate a cause. These are often performed in conjunction with direct ureteroscopic evaluation. While contrast-enhanced CT currently predominates, it can induce renal injury due to contrast induced nephropathy (CIN), subject patients to ionizing radiation and is limited in quantifying renal function (traditionally assessed by renal scintigraphy) and establishing the extent to which hydronephrosis is due to functional obstruction. Traditional MRI is similarly limited in its ability to quantify function. DCE-MRU presents concerns regarding nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), although decreased with newer gadolinium-based contrast agents, and regarding cumulative gadolinium deposition in the basal ganglia. DCE-MR CEST urography is a promising alternative, employing new MRI contrast agents and imaging schemes and allowing for concurrent assessment of renal anatomy and functional parameters. In this review we highlight clinical challenges in the diagnosis and management of UTO, identify key advances in imaging agents and techniques for DCE-MR CEST urography and provide perspective on how this technique may evolve in clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowei Bo
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.B.); (F.S.); (K.P.); (S.P.R.)
| | - Farzad Sedaghat
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.B.); (F.S.); (K.P.); (S.P.R.)
| | - KowsalyaDevi Pavuluri
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.B.); (F.S.); (K.P.); (S.P.R.)
| | - Steven P. Rowe
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.B.); (F.S.); (K.P.); (S.P.R.)
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (A.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Andrew Cohen
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (A.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Max Kates
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (A.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Michael T. McMahon
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (S.B.); (F.S.); (K.P.); (S.P.R.)
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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20
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An Experimental Study on [ 125I]I-pHLIP (Var7) for SPECT/CT Imaging of an MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Mouse Model by Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment. Mol Imaging 2021; 2021:5565932. [PMID: 33746628 PMCID: PMC7953584 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5565932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer with 125I-labeled pHLIP (Var7) by single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. Methods The binding fraction of [125I]I-pHLIP (Var7) and MDA-MB-231 cells was measured at pH 7.4 and pH 6.0, and tumor-bearing mice were subjected to small-animal SPECT/CT imaging studies. Results At pH = 6.0, the binding fractions of [125I]I-pHLIP (Var7) and MDA-MB-231 cells at 10 min, 40 min, 1 h, and 2 h were 1.9 ± 0.1%, 3.5 ± 0.1%, 6.3 ± 0.8%, and 6.6 ± 0.3%, respectively. At pH = 7.4, there was no measured binding between [125I]I-pHLIP (Var7) and MDA-MB-231 cells. Small-animal SPECT/CT imaging showed clearly visible tumors at 1 and 2 h after injection. Conclusions [125I]I-pHLIP (Var7) could bind to MDA-MB-231 cells in an acidic environment, and small-animal SPECT/CT imaging showed clear tumors at 1 and 2 h after probe injection.
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21
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Molecular and Functional Imaging and Theranostics of the Tumor Microenvironment. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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22
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Anemone A, Consolino L, Conti L, Irrera P, Hsu MY, Villano D, Dastrù W, Porporato PE, Cavallo F, Longo DL. Tumour acidosis evaluated in vivo by MRI-CEST pH imaging reveals breast cancer metastatic potential. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:207-216. [PMID: 33257841 PMCID: PMC7782702 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour acidosis is considered to play a central role in promoting cancer invasion and migration, but few studies have investigated in vivo how tumour pH correlates with cancer invasion. This study aims to determine in vivo whether tumour acidity is associated with cancer metastatic potential. METHODS Breast cancer cell lines with different metastatic potentials have been characterised for several markers of aggressiveness and invasiveness. Murine tumour models have been developed and assessed for lung metastases and tumour acidosis has been assessed in vivo by a magnetic resonance imaging-based chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) pH imaging approach. RESULTS The higher metastatic potential of 4T1 and TS/A primary tumours, in comparison to the less aggressive TUBO and BALB-neuT ones, was confirmed by the highest expression of cancer cell stem markers (CD44+CD24-), highlighting their propensity to migrate and invade, coinciding with the measurement obtained by in vitro assays. MRI-CEST pH imaging successfully discriminated the more aggressive 4T1 and TS/A tumours that displayed a more acidic pH. Moreover, the observed higher tumour acidity was significantly correlated with an increased number of lung metastases. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicate that the extracellular acidification is associated with the metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annasofia Anemone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Imaging Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, Torino, Italy
| | - Lorena Consolino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Imaging Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, Torino, Italy
| | - Pietro Irrera
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Viale Abramo Lincoln, 5, Caserta, Italy
| | - Myriam Y Hsu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Imaging Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, Torino, Italy
| | - Daisy Villano
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Imaging Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, Torino, Italy
| | - Walter Dastrù
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Imaging Center, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo E Porporato
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, Torino, Italy
| | - Dario Livio Longo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Nizza 52, Torino, Italy.
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Ma X, Yao M, Shi J, Li X, Gao Y, Luo Q, Hou R, Liang X, Wang F. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound-Responsive and Ultrastable Cerasomal Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets for Alleviating Tumor Multidrug Resistance and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. ACS NANO 2020; 14:15904-15918. [PMID: 33175487 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia is a hostile hallmark of most solid tumors, which often leads to multidrug resistance (MDR) and causes the failure of chemotherapy. Hypoxia also promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to acceleration of tumor metastasis. Many chemotherapeutic drugs can further exacerbate hypoxia and thus promote metastasis. Therefore, relieving hypoxia is necessary for chemotherapy to inhibit both MDR and EMT. Herein, highly stable cerasomal perfluorocarbon nanodroplets with an atomic layer of polyorganosiloxane surface and pH-sensitive tumor-targeting peptide (D-vPCs-O2) were fabricated to co-deliver oxygen and therapeutic drug, doxorubicin. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was utilized to trigger the co-release of doxorubicin and oxygen and simultaneously enhance ultrasound imaging, therefore achieving imaging-guided drug delivery. Mild-temperature HIFU (M-HIFU) not only triggered oxygen release from nanodroplets but also slightly elevated tumor temperature to accelerate tumor blood flow. The oxygen release and temperature elevation jointly relieved tumor hypoxia and alleviated MDR, which greatly enhanced the drug therapeutic efficacy as compared to clinically used doxorubicin and Doxil. Overall side effects were also largely reduced owing to the ultrastable drug loading of cerasome. The improvement of insufficient chemotherapy and the relief of tumor hypoxia corporately down-regulated TGF-β1, leading to the alleviation of EMT, and therefore significantly inhibited tumor metastasis. When "D-vPCs-O2 + M-HIFU" was utilized as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy, nanodroplets down-regulated heat shock proteins, reducing tumor relapse after the high-temperature HIFU (H-HIFU)-mediated hyperthermia ablation. The chemo-hyperthermia therapy totally eradicated tumors without any relapse or metastasis, providing a promising way to treat the triple-negative breast cancer, which is highly malignant, easily metastatic, and lacks effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotu Ma
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Meinan Yao
- Medical Isotopes Research Center and Department of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Jiyun Shi
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoda Li
- Medical and Health Analysis Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Yu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Qi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, P.R. China
| | - Rui Hou
- Medical Isotopes Research Center and Department of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Fan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
- Medical Isotopes Research Center and Department of Radiation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510005, P.R. China
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Chaturvedi S, Hazari PP, Kaul A, Mishra AK. Microenvironment Stimulated Bioresponsive Small Molecule Carriers for Radiopharmaceuticals. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:26297-26306. [PMID: 33110957 PMCID: PMC7581084 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The widespread and successful use of radiopharmaceuticals in diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutic monitoring of cancer and other ailments has spawned significant literature. The transition from untargeted to targeted radiopharmaceuticals reflects the various stages of design and development. Targeted radiopharmaceuticals bind to specific biomarkers, get fixed, and highlight the disease site. A new subset of radioprobes, the bioresponsive radiopharmaceuticals, has been developed in recent years. These probes generally benefit from signal enhancement after undergoing molecular changes due to the fluctuations in the environment (pH, redox, or enzymatic activity) at the site of interest. This review presents a comprehensive overview of bioresponsive radioimaging probes covering the basis, application, and scope of development.
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Zhang W, Yu L, Ji T, Wang C. Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Peptide-Based Supramolecular Drug Delivery System. Front Chem 2020; 8:549. [PMID: 32775317 PMCID: PMC7388741 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical and biochemical differences between tumor tissues and normal tissues provide promising triggering factors that can be utilized to engineer stimuli-responsive drug delivery platforms for cancer treatment. Rationally designed peptide-based supramolecular architectures can perform structural conversion by responding to the tumor microenvironment and achieve the controlled release of antitumor drugs. This mini review summarizes recent approaches for designing internal trigger-responsive drug delivery platforms using peptide-based materials. Peptide assemblies that exhibit a stimuli-responsive structural conversion upon acidic pH, high temperature, high oxidative potential, and the overexpressed proteins in tumor tissues are emphatically introduced. We also discuss the challenges of current peptide-based supramolecular delivery platforms against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biophysics and Structural Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lanlan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biophysics and Structural Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjiao Ji
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Drug Delivery, Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Chenxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Biophysics and Structural Biology, Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Real-time monitoring of extracellular pH using a pH-potentiometric sensing SECM dual-microelectrode. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:3737-3743. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02625-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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27
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Brito J, Golijanin B, Kott O, Moshnikova A, Mueller-Leonhard C, Gershman B, Andreev OA, Reshetnyak YK, Amin A, Golijanin D. Ex-vivo Imaging of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Using Novel pH Low Insertion Peptide (Variant 3), a Molecular Imaging Probe. Urology 2020; 139:134-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Reshetnyak YK, Moshnikova A, Andreev OA, Engelman DM. Targeting Acidic Diseased Tissues by pH-Triggered Membrane-Associated Peptide Folding. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:335. [PMID: 32411684 PMCID: PMC7198868 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The advantages of targeted therapy have motivated many efforts to find distinguishing features between the molecular cell surface landscapes of diseased and normal cells. Typically, the features have been proteins, lipids or carbohydrates, but other approaches are emerging. In this discussion, we examine the use of cell surface acidity as a feature that can be exploited by using pH-sensitive peptide folding to target agents to diseased cell surfaces or cytoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana K Reshetnyak
- Department of Physics, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Anna Moshnikova
- Department of Physics, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Oleg A Andreev
- Department of Physics, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Donald M Engelman
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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29
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Pereira PMR, Edwards KJ, Mandleywala K, Carter LM, Escorcia FE, Campesato LF, Cornejo M, Abma L, Mohsen AA, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Merghoub T, Lewis JS. iNOS Regulates the Therapeutic Response of Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1681-1692. [PMID: 32086240 PMCID: PMC7165066 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly resistant to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these modalities, and surgery remains the only curative intervention for localized disease. Although cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are abundant in PDAC tumors, the effects of radiotherapy on CAFs and the response of PDAC cells to radiotherapy are unknown. Using patient samples and orthotopic PDAC biological models, we showed that radiotherapy increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the tumor tissues. Mechanistic in vitro studies showed that, although undetectable in radiotherapy-activated tumor cells, iNOS expression and nitric oxide (NO) secretion were significantly increased in CAFs secretome following radiotherapy. Culture of PDAC cells with conditioned media from radiotherapy-activated CAFs increased iNOS/NO signaling in tumor cells through NF-κB, which, in turn, elevated the release of inflammatory cytokines by the tumor cells. Increased NO after radiotherapy in PDAC contributed to an acidic microenvironment that was detectable using the radiolabeled pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP). In murine orthotopic PDAC models, pancreatic tumor growth was delayed when iNOS inhibition was combined with radiotherapy. These data show the important role that iNOS/NO signaling plays in the effectiveness of radiotherapy to treat PDAC tumors. SIGNIFICANCE: A radiolabeled pH-targeted peptide can be used as a PET imaging tool to assess therapy response within PDAC and blocking iNOS/NO signaling may improve radiotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M R Pereira
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kimberly J Edwards
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Komal Mandleywala
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lukas M Carter
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Freddy E Escorcia
- Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Luis Felipe Campesato
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mike Cornejo
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lolkje Abma
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Abu-Akeel Mohsen
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Christine A Iacobuzio-Donahue
- The David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Taha Merghoub
- Swim Across America and Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Immunology Program, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Radiochemistry and Molecular Imaging Probes Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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30
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Anemone A, Consolino L, Arena F, Capozza M, Longo DL. Imaging tumor acidosis: a survey of the available techniques for mapping in vivo tumor pH. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 38:25-49. [PMID: 30762162 PMCID: PMC6647493 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells are characterized by a metabolic shift in cellular energy production, orchestrated by the transcription factor HIF-1α, from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to increased glycolysis, regardless of oxygen availability (Warburg effect). The constitutive upregulation of glycolysis leads to an overproduction of acidic metabolic products, resulting in enhanced acidification of the extracellular pH (pHe ~ 6.5), which is a salient feature of the tumor microenvironment. Despite the importance of pH and tumor acidosis, there is currently no established clinical tool available to image the spatial distribution of tumor pHe. The purpose of this review is to describe various imaging modalities for measuring intracellular and extracellular tumor pH. For each technique, we will discuss main advantages and limitations, pH accuracy and sensitivity of the applied pH-responsive probes and potential translatability to the clinic. Particular attention is devoted to methods that can provide pH measurements at high spatial resolution useful to address the task of tumor heterogeneity and to studies that explored tumor pH imaging for assessing treatment response to anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annasofia Anemone
- Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorena Consolino
- Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Arena
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Nizza 52, Turin, Italy.,Center for Preclinical Imaging, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Ribes 5, Colleretto Giacosa, Italy
| | - Martina Capozza
- Center for Preclinical Imaging, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Ribes 5, Colleretto Giacosa, Italy
| | - Dario Livio Longo
- Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, Italy. .,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Nizza 52, Turin, Italy.
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31
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Dallavalle S, Dobričić V, Lazzarato L, Gazzano E, Machuqueiro M, Pajeva I, Tsakovska I, Zidar N, Fruttero R. Improvement of conventional anti-cancer drugs as new tools against multidrug resistant tumors. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 50:100682. [PMID: 32087558 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2020.100682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is the dominant cause of the failure of cancer chemotherapy. The design of antitumor drugs that are able to evade MDR is rapidly evolving, showing that this area of biomedical research attracts great interest in the scientific community. The current review explores promising recent approaches that have been developed with the aim of circumventing or overcoming MDR. Encouraging results have been obtained in the investigation of the MDR-modulating properties of various classes of natural compounds and their analogues. Inhibition of P-gp or downregulation of its expression have proven to be the main mechanisms by which MDR can be surmounted. The use of hybrid molecules that are able to simultaneously interact with two or more cancer cell targets is currently being explored as a means to circumvent drug resistance. This strategy is based on the design of hybrid compounds that are obtained either by merging the structural features of separate drugs, or by conjugating two drugs or pharmacophores via cleavable/non-cleavable linkers. The approach is highly promising due to the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages that can be achieved over the independent administration of the two individual components. However, it should be stressed that the task of obtaining successful multivalent drugs is a very challenging one. The conjugation of anticancer agents with nitric oxide (NO) donors has recently been developed, creating a particular class of hybrid that can combat tumor drug resistance. Appropriate NO donors have been shown to reverse drug resistance via nitration of ABC transporters and by interfering with a number of metabolic enzymes and signaling pathways. In fact, hybrid compounds that are produced by covalently attaching NO-donors and antitumor drugs have been shown to elicit a synergistic cytotoxic effect in a variety of drug resistant cancer cell lines. Another strategy to circumvent MDR is based on nanocarrier-mediated transport and the controlled release of chemotherapeutic drugs and P-gp inhibitors. Their pharmacokinetics are governed by the nanoparticle or polymer carrier and make use of the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect, which can increase selective delivery to cancer cells. These systems are usually internalized by cancer cells via endocytosis and accumulate in endosomes and lysosomes, thus preventing rapid efflux. Other modalities to combat MDR are described in this review, including the pharmaco-modulation of acridine, which is a well-known scaffold in the development of bioactive compounds, the use of natural compounds as means to reverse MDR, and the conjugation of anticancer drugs with carriers that target specific tumor-cell components. Finally, the outstanding potential of in silico structure-based methods as a means to evaluate the ability of antitumor drugs to interact with drug transporters is also highlighted in this review. Structure-based design methods, which utilize 3D structural data of proteins and their complexes with ligands, are the most effective of the in silico methods available, as they provide a prediction regarding the interaction between transport proteins and their substrates and inhibitors. The recently resolved X-ray structure of human P-gp can help predict the interaction sites of designed compounds, providing insight into their binding mode and directing possible rational modifications to prevent them from becoming P-gp drug substrates. In summary, although major efforts were invested in the search for new tools to combat drug resistant tumors, they all require further implementation and methodological development. Further investigation and progress in the abovementioned strategies will provide significant advances in the rational combat against cancer MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Dallavalle
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Vladimir Dobričić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Loretta Lazzarato
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Gazzano
- Department of Oncology, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Miguel Machuqueiro
- BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, C8 Building, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal; Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ilza Pajeva
- QSAR and Molecular Modelling Department, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 105, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivanka Tsakovska
- QSAR and Molecular Modelling Department, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 105, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nace Zidar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roberta Fruttero
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy.
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Henry KE, Chaney AM, Nagle VL, Cropper HC, Mozaffari S, Slaybaugh G, Parang K, Andreev OA, Reshetnyak YK, James ML, Lewis JS. Demarcation of Sepsis-Induced Peripheral and Central Acidosis with pH (Low) Insertion Cycle Peptide. J Nucl Med 2020; 61:1361-1368. [PMID: 32005774 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.119.233072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acidosis is a key driver for many diseases, including cancer, sepsis, and stroke. The spatiotemporal dynamics of dysregulated pH across disease remain elusive, and current diagnostic strategies do not provide localization of pH alterations. We sought to explore if PET imaging using hydrophobic cyclic peptides that partition into the cellular membrane at low extracellular pH (denoted as pH [low] insertion cycles, or pHLIC) can permit accurate in vivo visualization of acidosis. Methods: Acid-sensitive cyclic peptide c[E4W5C] pHLIC was conjugated to bifunctional maleimide-NO2A and radiolabeled with 64Cu (half-life, 12.7 h). C57BL/6J mice were administered lipopolysaccharide (15 mg/kg) or saline (vehicle) and serially imaged with [64Cu]Cu-c[E4W5C] over 24 h. Ex vivo autoradiography was performed on resected brain slices and subsequently stained with cresyl violet to enable high-resolution spatial analysis of tracer accumulation. A non-pH-sensitive cell-penetrating control peptide (c[R4W5C]) was used to confirm specificity of [64Cu]Cu-c[E4W5C]. CD11b (macrophage/microglia) and TMEM119 (microglia) immunostaining was performed to correlate extent of neuroinflammation with [64Cu]Cu-c[E4W5C] PET signal. Results: [64Cu]Cu-c[E4W5C] radiochemical yield and purity were more than 95% and more than 99%, respectively, with molar activity of more than 0.925 MBq/nmol. Significantly increased [64Cu]Cu-c[E4W5C] uptake was observed in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice (vs. vehicle) within peripheral tissues, including blood, lungs, liver, and small intestines (P < 0.001-0.05). Additionally, there was significantly increased [64Cu]Cu-c[E4W5C] uptake in the brains of lipopolysaccharide-treated animals. Autoradiography confirmed increased uptake in the cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus of lipopolysaccharide-treated mice (vs. vehicle). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed microglial or macrophage infiltration, suggesting activation in brain regions containing increased tracer uptake. [64Cu]Cu-c[R4W5C] demonstrated significantly reduced uptake in the brain and periphery of lipopolysaccharide mice compared with the acid-mediated [64Cu]Cu-c[E4W5C] tracer. Conclusion: Here, we demonstrate that a pH-sensitive PET tracer specifically detects acidosis in regions associated with sepsis-driven proinflammatory responses. This study suggests that [64Cu]Cu-pHLIC is a valuable tool to noninvasively assess acidosis associated with both central and peripheral innate immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Henry
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Aisling M Chaney
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Veronica L Nagle
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Departments of Pharmacology and Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Haley C Cropper
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Saghar Mozaffari
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California
| | - Gregory Slaybaugh
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California
| | - Oleg A Andreev
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Yana K Reshetnyak
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Michelle L James
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California; and
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York .,Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Departments of Pharmacology and Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.,Radiochemistry and Molecular Imaging Probes Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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33
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Svoronos AA, Bahal R, Pereira MC, Barrera FN, Deacon JC, Bosenberg M, DiMaio D, Glazer PM, Engelman DM. Tumor-Targeted, Cytoplasmic Delivery of Large, Polar Molecules Using a pH-Low Insertion Peptide. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:461-471. [PMID: 31855437 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted drug delivery systems offer not only the advantage of an enhanced therapeutic index, but also the possibility of overcoming the limitations that have largely restricted drug design to small, hydrophobic, "drug-like" molecules. Here, we explore the ability of a tumor-targeted delivery system centered on the use of a pH-low insertion peptide (pHLIP) to directly deliver moderately polar, multi-kDa molecules into tumor cells. A pHLIP is a short, pH-responsive peptide capable of inserting across a cell membrane to form a transmembrane helix at acidic pH. pHLIPs target the acidic tumor microenvironment with high specificity, and a drug attached to the inserting end of a pHLIP can be translocated across the cell membrane during the insertion process. We investigate the ability of wildtype pHLIP to deliver peptide nucleic acid (PNA) cargoes of varying sizes across lipid membranes. We find that pHLIP effectively delivers PNAs up to ∼7 kDa into cells in a pH-dependent manner. In addition, pHLIP retains its tumor-targeting capabilities when linked to cargoes of this size, although the amount delivered is reduced for PNA cargoes greater than ∼6 kDa. As drug-like molecules are traditionally restricted to sizes of ∼500 Da, this constitutes an order-of-magnitude expansion in the size range of deliverable drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , Storrs , Connecticut 06269 , United States
| | - Mohan C Pereira
- Department of Science & Mathematics , Cedarville University , Cedarville , Ohio 45314 , United States
| | - Francisco N Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology , University of Tennessee , Knoxville , Tennessee 37996 , United States
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Wang L, Shi C, Wang X, Guo D, Duncan TM, Luo J. Zwitterionic Janus Dendrimer with distinct functional disparity for enhanced protein delivery. Biomaterials 2019; 215:119233. [PMID: 31176068 PMCID: PMC6585461 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of a facile protein delivery vehicle is challenging and remains an unmet demand for clinical applications. The well-defined structure and functionality of a nanocarrier are highly desirable for the reproducibility and regulatory compliance. Herein, we report for the first time a novel Janus dendrimer (JD) system, comprised of two distinct dendrons with superior protein binding and protein repelling properties, respectively, for efficient spontaneous protein loading and enhanced in vivo protein delivery. Core-forming dendron is tethered with a combination of charged and hydrophobic moieties, which coat protein surface efficiently via the multivalent and synergistic interactions. Zwitterionic peripheries on the counter dendron endow the nanoparticle (<20 nm) with a highly hydrophilic and antifouling surface, which efficiently prevents serum protein adsorption and exchange as demonstrated in biolayer interferometry assay, therefore, reducing premature protein release. Surprisingly, JD nanocarriers containing biomimicking glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) surface significantly enhanced the intracellular uptake of protein therapeutics specifically in cancer cells, compared with zwitterionic carboxybetain (CB)-JD and PEGylated nanocarriers. The zwitterionic JD nanocarriers greatly prolonged the in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles of payloads relative to the PEGylated nanocarriers. Janus nanocarrier controlled the in vivo release of insulin and improved the blood sugar control in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States
| | - Changying Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States; National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, PR China
| | - Dandan Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States
| | - Thomas M Duncan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States
| | - Juntao Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States; Department of Surgery, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States; Upstate Cancer Center, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States.
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35
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PET imaging of occult tumours by temporal integration of tumour-acidosis signals from pH-sensitive 64Cu-labelled polymers. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 4:314-324. [PMID: 31235828 PMCID: PMC6928453 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0416-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Owing to the diversity of cancer types and the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of tumour signals, high-resolution imaging of occult malignancy is challenging. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography allows for near-universal cancer detection, yet in many clinical scenarios it is hampered by false positives. Here, we report a method for the amplification of imaging contrast in tumours via the temporal integration of the imaging signals triggered by tumour acidosis. This method exploits the catastrophic disassembly, at the acidic pH of the tumour milieu, of pH-sensitive positron-emitting neutral copolymer micelles into polycationic polymers, which are then internalized and retained by the cancer cells. Positron emission tomography imaging of the 64Cu-labelled polymers detected small occult tumours (10-20 mm3) in the brain, head, neck and breast of mice at much higher contrast than 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, 11C-methionine and pH-insensitive 64Cu-labelled nanoparticles. We also show that the pH-sensitive probes reduce false positive detection rates in a mouse model of non-cancerous lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. This macromolecular strategy for integrating tumour acidosis should enable improved cancer detection, surveillance and staging.
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36
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Leithner D, Horvat JV, Bernard-Davila B, Helbich TH, Ochoa-Albiztegui RE, Martinez DF, Zhang M, Thakur SB, Wengert GJ, Staudenherz A, Jochelson MS, Morris EA, Baltzer PAT, Clauser P, Kapetas P, Pinker K. A multiparametric [ 18F]FDG PET/MRI diagnostic model including imaging biomarkers of the tumor and contralateral healthy breast tissue aids breast cancer diagnosis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2019; 46:1878-1888. [PMID: 31197455 PMCID: PMC6647078 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-019-04331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To develop a multiparametric [18F]FDG positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) model for breast cancer diagnosis incorporating imaging biomarkers of breast tumors and contralateral healthy breast tissue. Methods In this prospective study and retrospective data analysis, 141 patients (mean 57 years) with an imaging abnormality detected on mammography and/or ultrasound (BI-RADS 4/5) underwent combined multiparametric [18F]FDG PET/MRI with PET/computed tomography and multiparametric MRI of the breast at 3 T. Images were evaluated and the following were recorded: for the tumor, BI-RADS descriptors on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI, mean apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADCmean) on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) on [18F]FDG-PET; and for the contralateral healthy breast, background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) and amount of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) on DCE-MRI, ADCmean on DWI, and SUVmax. Histopathology served as standard of reference. Uni-, bi-, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the relationships between malignancy and imaging features. Predictive discrimination of benign and malignant breast lesions was examined using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results There were 100 malignant and 41 benign lesions (size: median 1.9, range 0.5–10 cm). The multivariate regression model incorporating significant univariate predictors identified tumor enhancement kinetics (P = 0.0003), tumor ADCmean (P < 0.001), and BPE of the contralateral healthy breast (P = 0.0019) as independent predictors for breast cancer diagnosis. Other biomarkers did not reach significance. Combination of the three significant biomarkers achieved an AUC value of 0.98 for breast cancer diagnosis. Conclusion A multiparametric [18F]FDG PET/MRI diagnostic model incorporating both qualitative and quantitative parameters of the tumor and the healthy contralateral tissue aids breast cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Leithner
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Joao V Horvat
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Blanca Bernard-Davila
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas H Helbich
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Elena Ochoa-Albiztegui
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Danny F Martinez
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Michelle Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sunitha B Thakur
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Georg J Wengert
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Staudenherz
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maxine S Jochelson
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Morris
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Pascal A T Baltzer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paola Clauser
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Panagiotis Kapetas
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katja Pinker
- Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E 66th St, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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37
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Roberts S, Strome A, Choi C, Andreou C, Kossatz S, Brand C, Williams T, Bradbury M, Kircher MF, Reshetnyak YK, Grimm J, Lewis JS, Reiner T. Acid specific dark quencher QC1 pHLIP for multi-spectral optoacoustic diagnoses of breast cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8550. [PMID: 31189972 PMCID: PMC6561946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44873-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of malignant growth in women. Early detection of breast cancer, as well as the identification of possible metastatic spread poses a significant challenge because of the structural and genetic heterogeneity that occurs during the progression of the disease. Currently, mammographies, biopsies and MRI scans are the standard of care techniques used for breast cancer diagnosis, all of which have their individual shortfalls, especially when it comes to discriminating tumors and benign growths. With this in mind, we have developed a non-invasive optoacoustic imaging strategy that targets the acidic environment of breast cancer. A pH low insertion peptide (pHLIP) was conjugated to the dark quencher QC1, yielding a non-fluorescent sonophore with high extinction coefficient in the near infrared that increases signal as a function of increasing amounts of membrane insertion. In an orthotopic murine breast cancer model, pHLIP-targeted optoacoustic imaging allowed us to differentiate between healthy and breast cancer tissues with high signal/noise ratios. In vivo, the sonophore QC1-pHLIP could detect malignancies at higher contrast than its fluorescent analog ICG-pHLIP, which was developed for fluorescence-guided surgical applications. PHLIP-type optoacoustic imaging agents in clinical settings are attractive due to their ability to target breast cancer and a wide variety of other malignant growths for diagnostic purposes. Intuitively, these agents could also be used for visualization during surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl Roberts
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Arianna Strome
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Crystal Choi
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Chrysafis Andreou
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Susanne Kossatz
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Christian Brand
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Travis Williams
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Michelle Bradbury
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA.,Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Moritz F Kircher
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA.,Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, New York, 10065, USA.,Center for Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology (CMINT), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA.,Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yana K Reshetnyak
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, 2 Lippitt Rd, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Jan Grimm
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA.,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA.,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.,Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Radiochemistry and Molecular Imaging Probes Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Reiner
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA. .,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, New York, 10065, USA. .,Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, 10065, United States.
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38
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Kalmouni M, Al-Hosani S, Magzoub M. Cancer targeting peptides. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2171-2183. [PMID: 30877335 PMCID: PMC11105397 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite continuing advances in the development of biomacromolecules for therapeutic purposes, successful application of these often large and hydrophilic molecules has been hindered by their inability to efficiently traverse the cellular plasma membrane. In recent years, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have received considerable attention as a promising class of delivery vectors due to their ability to mediate the efficient import of a large number of cargoes in vitro and in vivo. However, the lack of target specificity of CPPs remains a major obstacle to their clinical development. To address this issue, researchers have developed strategies in which chemotherapeutic drugs are conjugated to cancer targeting peptides (CTPs) that exploit the unique characteristics of the tumor microenvironment or cancer cells, thereby improving cancer cell specificity. This review highlights several of these strategies that are currently in use, and discusses how multi-component nanoparticles conjugated to CTPs can be designed to provide a more efficient cancer therapeutic delivery strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Kalmouni
- Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sumaya Al-Hosani
- Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mazin Magzoub
- Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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39
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Towards Ni(II) complexes with spin switches for 19F MR-based pH sensing. MAGNETIC RESONANCE MATERIALS IN PHYSICS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 32:89-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s10334-018-0698-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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40
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Lacroix R, Rozeman EA, Kreutz M, Renner K, Blank CU. Targeting tumor-associated acidity in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1331-1348. [PMID: 29974196 PMCID: PMC11028141 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2195-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibodies have changed profoundly the treatment of melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and bladder cancer. Currently, they are tested in various tumor entities as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapies or targeted therapies. However, only a subgroup of patients benefit from checkpoint blockade (combinations). This raises the question, which all mechanisms inhibit T cell function in the tumor environment, restricting the efficacy of these immunotherapeutic approaches. Serum activity of lactate dehydrogenase, likely reflecting the glycolytic activity of the tumor cells and thus acidity within the tumor microenvironment, turned out to be one of the strongest markers predicting response to checkpoint inhibition. In this review, we discuss the impact of tumor-associated acidity on the efficacy of T cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy and possible approaches to break this barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Lacroix
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa A Rozeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marina Kreutz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Renner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian U Blank
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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41
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Wyatt LC, Moshnikova A, Crawford T, Engelman DM, Andreev OA, Reshetnyak YK. Peptides of pHLIP family for targeted intracellular and extracellular delivery of cargo molecules to tumors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E2811-E2818. [PMID: 29507241 PMCID: PMC5866553 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1715350115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pH (low) insertion peptides (pHLIPs) target acidity at the surfaces of cancer cells and show utility in a wide range of applications, including tumor imaging and intracellular delivery of therapeutic agents. Here we report pHLIP constructs that significantly improve the targeted delivery of agents into tumor cells. The investigated constructs include pHLIP bundles (conjugates consisting of two or four pHLIP peptides linked by polyethylene glycol) and Var3 pHLIPs containing either the nonstandard amino acid, γ-carboxyglutamic acid, or a glycine-leucine-leucine motif. The performance of the constructs in vitro and in vivo was compared with previous pHLIP variants. A wide range of experiments was performed on nine constructs including (i) biophysical measurements using steady-state and kinetic fluorescence, circular dichroism, and oriented circular dichroism to study the pH-dependent insertion of pHLIP variants across the membrane lipid bilayer; (ii) cell viability assays to gauge the pH-dependent potency of peptide-toxin constructs by assessing the intracellular delivery of the polar, cell-impermeable cargo molecule amanitin at physiological and low pH (pH 7.4 and 6.0, respectively); and (iii) tumor targeting and biodistribution measurements using fluorophore-peptide conjugates in a breast cancer mouse model. The main principles of the design of pHLIP variants for a range of medical applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linden C Wyatt
- Physics Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881
| | - Anna Moshnikova
- Physics Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881
| | - Troy Crawford
- Physics Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881
| | - Donald M Engelman
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Oleg A Andreev
- Physics Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881;
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42
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Heinzmann K, Carter LM, Lewis JS, Aboagye EO. Multiplexed imaging for diagnosis and therapy. Nat Biomed Eng 2017; 1:697-713. [PMID: 31015673 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-017-0131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Complex molecular and metabolic phenotypes depict cancers as a constellation of different diseases with common themes. Precision imaging of such phenotypes requires flexible and tunable modalities capable of identifying phenotypic fingerprints by using a restricted number of parameters while ensuring sensitivity to dynamic biological regulation. Common phenotypes can be detected by in vivo imaging technologies, and effectively define the emerging standards for disease classification and patient stratification in radiology. However, for the imaging data to accurately represent a complex fingerprint, the individual imaging parameters need to be measured and analysed in relation to their wider spatial and molecular context. In this respect, targeted palettes of molecular imaging probes facilitate the detection of heterogeneity in oncogene-driven alterations and their response to treatment, and lead to the expansion of rational-design elements for the combination of imaging experiments. In this Review, we evaluate criteria for conducting multiplexed imaging, and discuss its opportunities for improving patient diagnosis and the monitoring of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Heinzmann
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Lukas M Carter
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Eric O Aboagye
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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43
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Hundshammer C, Düwel S, Schilling F. Imaging of Extracellular pH Using Hyperpolarized Molecules. Isr J Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.201700017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hundshammer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar; Technical University of Munich; Ismaninger Str. 22 81675 München Germany
- Department of Chemistry; Technical University of Munich; Lichtenbergstr. 2 85748 Garching Germany
| | - Stephan Düwel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar; Technical University of Munich; Ismaninger Str. 22 81675 München Germany
- Department of Chemistry; Technical University of Munich; Lichtenbergstr. 2 85748 Garching Germany
- Institute of Medical Engineering; Technical University of Munich; Boltzmannstr. 11 85748 Garching Germany
| | - Franz Schilling
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar; Technical University of Munich; Ismaninger Str. 22 81675 München Germany
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44
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Li HM, Dong ZP, Wang QY, Liu LX, Li BX, Ma XN, Lin MS, Lu T, Wang Y. De Novo Computational Design for Development of a Peptide Ligand Oriented to VEGFR-3 with High Affinity and Long Circulation. Mol Pharm 2017; 14:2236-2244. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong M. Li
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhi P. Dong
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qi Y. Wang
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Li X. Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Bing X. Li
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiao N. Ma
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Center of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ming S. Lin
- TA Instruments-Waters LLC, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Tao Lu
- State
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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45
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Applications of pHLIP Technology for Cancer Imaging and Therapy. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 35:653-664. [PMID: 28438340 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acidity is a biomarker of cancer that is not subject to the blunting clonal selection effects that reduce the efficacy of other biomarker technologies, such as antibody targeting. The pH (low) insertion peptides (pHLIP®s) provide new opportunities for targeting acidic tissues. Through the physical mechanism of membrane-associated folding, pHLIPs are triggered by the acidic microenvironment to insert and span the membranes of tumor cells. The pHLIP platform can be applied to imaging acidic tissues, delivering cell-permeable and impermeable molecules to the cytoplasm, and promoting the cellular uptake of nanoparticles. Since acidosis is a hallmark of tumor development, progression, and aggressiveness, the pHLIP technology may prove useful in targeting cancer cells and metastases for tumor diagnosis, imaging, and therapy.
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46
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Ramamonjisoa N, Ackerstaff E. Characterization of the Tumor Microenvironment and Tumor-Stroma Interaction by Non-invasive Preclinical Imaging. Front Oncol 2017; 7:3. [PMID: 28197395 PMCID: PMC5281579 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are often characterized by hypoxia, vascular abnormalities, low extracellular pH, increased interstitial fluid pressure, altered choline-phospholipid metabolism, and aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect). The impact of these tumor characteristics has been investigated extensively in the context of tumor development, progression, and treatment response, resulting in a number of non-invasive imaging biomarkers. More recent evidence suggests that cancer cells undergo metabolic reprograming, beyond aerobic glycolysis, in the course of tumor development and progression. The resulting altered metabolic content in tumors has the ability to affect cell signaling and block cellular differentiation. Additional emerging evidence reveals that the interaction between tumor and stroma cells can alter tumor metabolism (leading to metabolic reprograming) as well as tumor growth and vascular features. This review will summarize previous and current preclinical, non-invasive, multimodal imaging efforts to characterize the tumor microenvironment, including its stromal components and understand tumor-stroma interaction in cancer development, progression, and treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirilanto Ramamonjisoa
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Ackerstaff
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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47
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Narayanan T, Weerakkody D, Karabadzhak AG, Anderson M, Andreev OA, Reshetnyak YK. pHLIP Peptide Interaction with a Membrane Monitored by SAXS. J Phys Chem B 2016; 120:11484-11491. [PMID: 27726396 PMCID: PMC5209755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b06643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
pH (Low) Insertion Peptides (pHLIP peptides) find application in studies of membrane-associated folding because spontaneous insertion of these peptides is conveniently triggered by varying pH. Here, we employed small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to investigate a wild-type (WT) pHLIP peptide oligomeric state in solution at high concentrations and monitor changes in the liposome structure upon peptide insertion into the bilayer. We established that even at high concentrations (up to 300 μM) the WT pHLIP peptide at pH 8.0 does not form oligomers larger than tetramers (which exhibit concentration-dependent transfer to the monomeric state, as was shown previously). This finding has significance for medical applications when high concentration of the peptide is injected into blood and diluted in blood circulation. The interaction of WT pHLIP peptide with liposomes does not alter the unilamellar vesicle structure upon peptide adsorption by the lipid bilayer at high pH or upon insertion across the bilayer at low pH. At the same time, SAXS data clearly demonstrate the insertion of the peptide into the membrane at low pH, which opens the possibility of investigating the kinetic process of polypeptide insertion and exit from the membrane in real time by time-resolved SAXS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhammika Weerakkody
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | | | - Michael Anderson
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Oleg A. Andreev
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Yana K. Reshetnyak
- Department of Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
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