1
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Falanga A, Bellavita R, Braccia S, Galdiero S. Hydrophobicity: The door to drug delivery. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3558. [PMID: 38115215 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3558] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The engineering of intracellular delivery systems with the goal of achieving personalized medicine has been encouraged by advances in nanomaterial science as well as a greater understanding of diseases and of the biochemical pathways implicated in many disorders. The development of vectors able to transport the drug to a target location and release it only on demand is undoubtedly the primary issue. From a molecular perspective, the topography of drug carrier surfaces is directly related to the design of an effective drug carrier because it provides a physical hint to modifying its interactions with biological systems. For instance, the initial ratio of hydrophilic to hydrophobic surfaces and the changes brought about by external factors enable the release or encapsulation of a therapeutic molecule and the ability of the nanosystem to cross biological barriers and reach its target without causing systemic toxicity. The first step in creating new materials with enhanced functionality is to comprehend and characterize the interplay between hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules at the molecular level. Therefore, the focus of this review is on the function of hydrophobicity, which is essential for matching the complexity of biological environments with the intended functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- CiRPEB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Braccia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- CiRPEB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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2
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Kharga K, Jha S, Vishwakarma T, Kumar L. Current developments and prospects of the antibiotic delivery systems. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-40. [PMID: 38425122 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2321480] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotics have remained the cornerstone for the treatment of bacterial infections ever since their discovery in the twentieth century. The uproar over antibiotic resistance among bacteria arising from genome plasticity and biofilm development has rendered current antibiotic therapies ineffective, urging the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. The development of antibiotic resistance among bacteria has further heightened the clinical failure of antibiotic therapy, which is often linked to its low bioavailability, side effects, and poor penetration and accumulation at the site of infection. In this review, we highlight the potential use of siderophores, antibodies, cell-penetrating peptides, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, and nanoparticles to smuggle antibiotics across impermeable biological membranes to achieve therapeutically relevant concentrations of antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We will discuss the general mechanisms via which each delivery system functions and how it can be tailored to deliver antibiotics against the paradigm of mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusum Kharga
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Shubhang Jha
- School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Tanvi Vishwakarma
- School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Lokender Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India
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3
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Moazzam M, Zhang M, Hussain A, Yu X, Huang J, Huang Y. The landscape of nanoparticle-based siRNA delivery and therapeutic development. Mol Ther 2024; 32:284-312. [PMID: 38204162 PMCID: PMC10861989 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Five small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutics have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), namely patisiran, givosiran, lumasiran, inclisiran, and vutrisiran. Besides, siRNA delivery to the target site without toxicity is a big challenge for researchers, and naked-siRNA delivery possesses several challenges, including membrane impermeability, enzymatic degradation, mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) entrapment, fast renal excretion, endosomal escape, and off-target effects. The siRNA therapeutics can silence any disease-specific gene, but their intracellular and extracellular barriers limit their clinical applications. For this purpose, several modifications have been employed to siRNA for better transfection efficiency. Still, there is a quest for better delivery systems for siRNA delivery to the target site. In recent years, nanoparticles have shown promising results in siRNA delivery with minimum toxicity and off-target effects. Patisiran is a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based siRNA formulation for treating hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis that ultimately warrants the use of nanoparticles from different classes, especially lipid-based nanoparticles. These nanoparticles may belong to different categories, including lipid-based, polymer-based, and inorganic nanoparticles. This review briefly discusses the lipid, polymer, and inorganic nanoparticles and their sub-types for siRNA delivery. Finally, several clinical trials related to siRNA therapeutics are addressed, followed by the future prospects and conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Moazzam
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Abid Hussain
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaotong Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology of Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jia Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- School of Life Science, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Medical Technology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Rigerna Therapeutics Co. Ltd., Suzhou 215127, China.
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4
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Chen H, Zhan M, Zhang Y, Liu J, Wang R, An Y, Gao Z, Jiang L, Xing Y, Kang Y, Li Z, Yin F. Intracellular Delivery of Stabilized Peptide Blocking MTDH-SND1 Interaction for Breast Cancer Suppression. JACS AU 2024; 4:139-149. [PMID: 38274259 PMCID: PMC10806767 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant cancers worldwide. Disrupting the MTDH-SND1 protein-protein interaction has recently been shown to be a promising strategy for breast cancer therapy. In this work, a novel potent stabilized peptide with a stronger binding affinity was obtained through rational structure-based optimization. Furthermore, a sulfonium-based peptide delivery system was established to improve the cell penetration and antitumor effects of stabilized peptides in metastatic breast cancer. Our study further broadens the in vivo applications of the stabilized peptides for blocking MTDH-SND1 interaction and provides promising opportunities for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Meimiao Zhan
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Yuhao An
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Zhanxia Gao
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Leying Jiang
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yun Xing
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department
of Molecular Biology and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Princeton
Branch, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Zigang Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Feng Yin
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology
and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen
Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Pingshan
Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
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5
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Shin HJ, Lee BK, Kang HA. Transdermal Properties of Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Applications and Skin Penetration Mechanisms. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:1-16. [PMID: 38079575 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00659] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) consist of 5-30 amino acids with intracellular transduction abilities and diverse physicochemical properties, origins, and sequences. Although recent developments in bioinformatics have facilitated the prediction of CPP candidates with the potential for transduction into cells, the mechanisms by which CPPs penetrate cells and various tissues have not yet been elucidated at the molecular interaction level. Recently, the skin-penetrating ability of CPPs has gained wide attention and emerged as a simple and effective strategy for the delivery of macromolecules into the skin. Studies on the skin structure have suggested that the penetration potential of CPPs is based on the molecular interactions and characteristics of the lipid lamellar structure between corneocytes in the stratum corneum. This review provides a brief overview of the general properties, transduction mechanisms, applications, and safety issues of CPPs, focusing on CPPs with transdermal properties, that are currently being used to develop therapeutics and cosmetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Je Shin
- ProCell R&D Center, ProCell Therapeutics, Inc., #1009 Ace-Twin Tower II, 273, Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, 84, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Kyu Lee
- ProCell R&D Center, ProCell Therapeutics, Inc., #1009 Ace-Twin Tower II, 273, Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08381, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ah Kang
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, 84, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
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6
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Li Z, Dang Q, Wang P, Zhao F, Huang J, Wang C, Liu X, Min W. Food-Derived Peptides: Beneficial CNS Effects and Cross-BBB Transmission Strategies. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:20453-20478. [PMID: 38085598 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Food-derived peptides, as dietary supplements, have significant effects on promoting brain health and relieving central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) greatly limits their in-brain bioavailability. Thus, overcoming the BBB to target the CNS is a major challenge for bioactive peptides in the prevention and treatment of CNS diseases. This review discusses improvement in the neuroprotective function of food-derived active peptides in CNS diseases, as well as the source of BBB penetrating peptides (BBB-shuttles) and the mechanism of transmembrane transport. Notably, this review also discusses various peptide modification methods to overcome the low permeability and stability of the BBB. Lipification, glycosylation, introduction of disulfide bonds, and cyclization are effective strategies for improving the penetration efficiency of peptides through the BBB. This review provides a new prospective for improving their neuroprotective function and developing treatments to delay or even prevent CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Li
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, ChangChun, Jilin 130118, P.R. China
| | - Qiao Dang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, ChangChun, Jilin 130118, P.R. China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Fanrui Zhao
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| | - Jianqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| | - Chongchong Wang
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
| | - Xingquan Liu
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Weihong Min
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, P.R. China
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7
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Tang TM, Mason JM. Intracellular Application of an Asparaginyl Endopeptidase for Producing Recombinant Head-to-Tail Cyclic Proteins. JACS AU 2023; 3:3290-3296. [PMID: 38155637 PMCID: PMC10751764 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Peptide backbone cyclization is commonly observed in nature and is increasingly applied to proteins and peptides to improve thermal and chemical stability and resistance to proteolytic enzymes and enhance biological activity. However, chemical synthesis of head-to-tail cyclic peptides and proteins is challenging, is often low yielding, and employs toxic and unsustainable reagents. Plant derived asparaginyl endopeptidases such as OaAEP1 have been employed to catalyze the head-to-tail cyclization of peptides in vitro, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to chemical methods. However, while asparaginyl endopeptidases have been used in vitro and in native and transgenic plant species, they have never been used to generate recombinant cyclic proteins in live recombinant organisms outside of plants. Using dihydrofolate reductase as a proof of concept, we show that a truncated OaAEP1 variant C247A is functional in the Escherichia coli physiological environment and can therefore be coexpressed with a substrate protein to enable concomitant in situ cyclization. The bacterial system is ideal for cyclic protein production owing to the fast growth rate, durability, ease of use, and low cost. This streamlines cyclic protein production via a biocatalytic process with fast kinetics and minimal ligation scarring, while negating the need to purify the enzyme, substrate, and reaction mixtures individually. The resulting cyclic protein was characterized in vitro, demonstrating enhanced thermal stability compared to the corresponding linear protein without impacting enzyme activity. We anticipate this convenient method for generating cyclic peptides will have broad utility in a range of biochemical and chemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. M.
Simon Tang
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, North Somerset BA2
7AY, U.K.
| | - Jody M. Mason
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, North Somerset BA2
7AY, U.K.
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8
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Cheng J, Zhou J, Kong L, Wang H, Zhang Y, Wang X, Liu G, Chu Q. Stabilized cyclic peptides as modulators of protein-protein interactions: promising strategies and biological evaluation. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2496-2508. [PMID: 38107173 PMCID: PMC10718590 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00487b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) control many essential biological pathways which are often misregulated in disease. As such, selective PPI modulators are desirable to unravel complex functions of PPIs and thus expand the repertoire of therapeutic targets. However, the large size and relative flatness of PPI interfaces make them challenging molecular targets for conventional drug modalities, rendering most PPIs "undruggable". Therefore, there is a growing need to discover innovative molecules that are able to modulate crucial PPIs. Peptides are ideal candidates to deliver such therapeutics attributed to their ability to closely mimic structural features of protein interfaces. However, their inherently poor proteolysis resistance and cell permeability inevitably hamper their biomedical applications. The introduction of a constraint (i.e., peptide cyclization) to stabilize peptides' secondary structure is a promising strategy to address this problem as witnessed by the rapid development of cyclic peptide drugs in the past two decades. Here, we comprehensively review the recent progress on stabilized cyclic peptides in targeting challenging PPIs. Technological advancements and emerging chemical approaches for stabilizing active peptide conformations are categorized in terms of α-helix stapling, β-hairpin mimetics and macrocyclization. To discover potent and selective ligands, cyclic peptide library technologies were updated based on genetic, biochemical or synthetic methodologies. Moreover, several advances to improve the permeability and oral bioavailability of biologically active cyclic peptides enable the de novo development of cyclic peptide ligands with pharmacological properties. In summary, the development of cyclic peptide-based PPI modulators carries tremendous promise for the next generation of therapeutic agents to target historically "intractable" PPI systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongjia Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Junlong Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University 639 Longmian Avenue Nanjing 211198 China
| | - Lingyan Kong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Yuchi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Guangxiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University 639 Longmian Avenue Nanjing 211198 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
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9
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Jagrosse ML, Baliga UK, Jones CW, Russell JJ, García CI, Najar RA, Rahman A, Dean DA, Nilsson BL. Impact of Peptide Sequence on Functional siRNA Delivery and Gene Knockdown with Cyclic Amphipathic Peptide Delivery Agents. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:6090-6103. [PMID: 37963105 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00455] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Short-interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotide therapeutics that modify gene expression by accessing RNA-interference (RNAi) pathways have great promise for the treatment of a range of disorders; however, their application in clinical settings has been limited by significant challenges in cellular delivery. Herein, we report a structure-function study using a series of modified cyclic amphipathic cell-penetrating peptides (CAPs) to determine the impact of peptide sequence on (1) siRNA-binding efficiency, (2) cellular delivery and knockdown efficiency, and (3) the endocytic uptake mechanism. Nine cyclic peptides of the general sequence Ac-C[XZ]4CG-NH2 in which X residues are hydrophobic/aromatic (Phe, Tyr, Trp, or Leu) and Z residues are charged/hydrophilic (Arg, Lys, Ser, or Glu) are assessed along with one acyclic peptide, Ac-(WR)4G-NH2. Cyclization is enforced by intramolecular disulfide bond formation between the flanking Cys residues. Binding analyses indicate that strong cationic character and the presence of aromatic residues that are competent to participate in CH-π interactions lead to CAP sequences that most effectively interact with siRNA. CAP-siRNA binding increases in the following order as a function of CAP hydrophobic/aromatic content: His < Phe < Tyr < Trp. Both cationic charge and disulfide-constrained cyclization of CAPs improve uptake of siRNA in vitro. Net neutral CAPs and an acyclic peptide demonstrate less-efficient siRNA translocation compared to the cyclic, cationic CAPs tested. All CAPs tested facilitated efficient siRNA target gene knockdown of at least 50% (as effective as a lipofectamine control), with the best CAPs enabling >80% knockdown. Significantly, gene knockdown efficiency does not strongly correlate with CAP-siRNA internalization efficiency but moderately correlates with CAP-siRNA-binding affinity. Finally, utilization of small-molecule inhibitors and targeted knockdown of essential endocytic pathway proteins indicate that most CAP-siRNA nanoparticles facilitate siRNA delivery through clathrin- and caveolin-mediated endocytosis. These results provide insight into the design principles for CAPs to facilitate siRNA delivery and the mechanisms by which these peptides translocate siRNA into cells. These studies also demonstrate the nature of the relationships between peptide-siRNA binding, cellular delivery of siRNA cargo, and functional gene knockdown. Strong correlations between these properties are not always observed, which illustrates the complexity in the design of optimal next-generation materials for oligonucleotide delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Jagrosse
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216, United States
| | - Uday K Baliga
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Christopher W Jones
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216, United States
| | - Jade J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216, United States
| | - Claudia I García
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216, United States
| | - Rauf Ahmad Najar
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Arshad Rahman
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - David A Dean
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Bradley L Nilsson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0216, United States
- Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
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10
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Lee Y, Kim KM, Nguyen DL, Jannah F, Seong HJ, Kim JM, Kim YP. Cyclized proteins with tags as permeable and stable cargos for delivery into cells and liposomes. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 252:126520. [PMID: 37625744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite the therapeutic potential of recombinant proteins, their cell permeabilities and stabilities remain significant challenges. Here we demonstrate that cyclized recombinant proteins can be used as universal cargos for permeable and stable delivery into cells and polydiacetylene liposomes. Utilizing a split intein-mediated process, cyclized model fluorescent proteins containing short tetraarginine (R4) and hexahistidine (H6) tags were generated without compromising their native protein functions. Strikingly, as compared to linear R4/H6-tagged proteins, the cyclized counterparts have substantially increased permeabilities in both cancer cells and synthetic liposomes, as well as higher resistances to enzymatic degradation in cancer cells. These properties are likely a consequence of structural constraints imposed on the proteins in the presence of short functional peptides. Additionally, photodynamic therapy by cyclized photoprotein-loaded liposomes in cancer cells was significantly improved in comparison to that by their non-cyclized counterparts. These findings suggest that our strategy will be universally applicable to intercellular delivery of proteins and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonju Lee
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Min Kim
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Duc Long Nguyen
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Fadilatul Jannah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Seong
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Man Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Pil Kim
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Department of HY-KIST Bio-Convergence, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea; Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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11
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He H, Zhou C, Chen X. ATNC: Versatile Nanobody Chimeras for Autophagic Degradation of Intracellular Unligandable and Undruggable Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145. [PMID: 37826913 PMCID: PMC10655170 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) through the autophagy pathway displays broad substrate scope and is gaining increasing interest in biology and medicine. However, current approaches using small-molecule degraders have limitations due to the lack of versatility, modularity, and ease of implementation and are restricted to addressing only ligandable proteins. Herein, we report a nonsmall molecule-based autophagy-targeting nanobody chimera (ATNC), or phagobody, for selective degradation of intracellular targets, which overcomes these limitations. The core of an ATNC features a nanobody for recruiting proteins as well as an autophagic pathway-directing module. ATNC turns out to be a general, modular, and versatile degradation platform. We show that ATNC can be versatilely implemented in different ways including expressed ATNC intrabodies for ease of use, chemically induced proximity (CIP)-operated logic-gated conditional and tunable degradation, and cyclic cell-penetrating peptide-tethered cell-permeable phagobodies that selectively degrade the undruggable therapeutically relevant HE4 protein, resulting in effective suppression of ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration. Overall, ATNC represents a general, modular, and versatile targeted degradation platform that degrades unligandable proteins and offers therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping He
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for
Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of
Technology (HIT), Harbin 150001, P. R. China
- School
of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Chengjian Zhou
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for
Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of
Technology (HIT), Harbin 150001, P. R. China
- School
of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for
Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of
Technology (HIT), Harbin 150001, P. R. China
- School
of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin 150001, P. R. China
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12
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Gong L, Zhao H, Liu Y, Wu H, Liu C, Chang S, Chen L, Jin M, Wang Q, Gao Z, Huang W. Research advances in peptide‒drug conjugates. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3659-3677. [PMID: 37719380 PMCID: PMC10501876 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide‒drug conjugates (PDCs) are drug delivery systems consisting of a drug covalently coupled to a multifunctional peptide via a cleavable linker. As an emerging prodrug strategy, PDCs not only preserve the function and bioactivity of the peptides but also release the drugs responsively with the cleavable property of the linkers. Given the ability to significantly improve the circulation stability and targeting of drugs in vivo and reduce the toxic side effects of drugs, PDCs have already been extensively applied in drug delivery. Herein, we review the types and mechanisms of peptides, linkers and drugs used to construct PDCs, and summarize the clinical applications and challenges of PDC drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Heming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shuangyan Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Liqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Mingji Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qiming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhonggao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulations, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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13
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Zhang H, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Yu H, Ma Y, Li Z, Shi N. Recent Advances of Cell-Penetrating Peptides and Their Application as Vectors for Delivery of Peptide and Protein-Based Cargo Molecules. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2093. [PMID: 37631307 PMCID: PMC10459450 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides and proteins, two important classes of biomacromolecules, play important roles in the biopharmaceuticals field. As compared with traditional drugs based on small molecules, peptide- and protein-based drugs offer several advantages, although most cannot traverse the cell membrane, a natural barrier that prevents biomacromolecules from directly entering cells. However, drug delivery via cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) is increasingly replacing traditional approaches that mediate biomacromolecular cellular uptake, due to CPPs' superior safety and efficiency as drug delivery vehicles. In this review, we describe the discovery of CPPs, recent developments in CPP design, and recent advances in CPP applications for enhanced cellular delivery of peptide- and protein-based drugs. First, we discuss the discovery of natural CPPs in snake, bee, and spider venom. Second, we describe several synthetic types of CPPs, such as cyclic CPPs, glycosylated CPPs, and D-form CPPs. Finally, we summarize and discuss cell membrane permeability characteristics and therapeutic applications of different CPPs when used as vehicles to deliver peptides and proteins to cells, as assessed using various preclinical disease models. Ultimately, this review provides an overview of recent advances in CPP development with relevance to applications related to the therapeutic delivery of biomacromolecular drugs to alleviate diverse diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yanfei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Chuang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Huan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yinghui Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
| | - Zhengqiang Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China;
| | - Nianqiu Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin 132013, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.M.)
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
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14
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Alboreggia G, Udompholkul P, Baggio C, Pellecchia M. Mixture-Based Screening of Focused Combinatorial Libraries by NMR: Application to the Antiapoptotic Protein hMcl-1. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37464766 PMCID: PMC10388297 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
We report on an innovative ligand discovery strategy based on protein NMR-based screening of a combinatorial library of ∼125,000 compounds that was arranged in 96 distinct mixtures. Using sensitive solution protein NMR spectroscopy and chemical perturbation-based screening followed by an iterative synthesis, deconvolutions, and optimization strategy, we demonstrate that the approach could be useful in the identification of initial binding molecules for difficult drug targets, such as those involved in protein-protein interactions. As an application, we will report novel agents targeting the Bcl-2 family protein hMcl-1. The approach is of general applicability and could be deployed as an effective screening strategy for de novo identification of ligands, particularly when tackling targets involved in protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Alboreggia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Parima Udompholkul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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15
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Singh D. Cell-penetrating peptides are widely used molecular transporter for peptide delivery in cancer: recent advancements. Ther Deliv 2023; 14:401-405. [PMID: 37535345 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2023-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dilpreet Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, 140413, India
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16
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De Martini LB, Sulmona C, Brambilla L, Rossi D. Cell-Penetrating Peptides as Valuable Tools for Nose-to-Brain Delivery of Biological Drugs. Cells 2023; 12:1643. [PMID: 37371113 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their high specificity toward the target and their low toxicity, biological drugs have been successfully employed in a wide range of therapeutic areas. It is yet to be mentioned that biologics exhibit unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties, are susceptible to degradation by endogenous enzymes, and cannot penetrate biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier (i.e., the major impediment to reaching the central nervous system (CNS)). Attempts to overcome these issues have been made by exploiting the intracerebroventricular and intrathecal routes of administration. The invasiveness and impracticality of these procedures has, however, prompted the development of novel drug delivery strategies including the intranasal route of administration. This represents a non-invasive way to achieve the CNS, reducing systemic exposure. Nonetheless, biotherapeutics strive to penetrate the nasal epithelium, raising the possibility that direct delivery to the nervous system may not be straightforward. To maximize the advantages of the intranasal route, new approaches have been proposed including the use of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and CPP-functionalized nanosystems. This review aims at describing the most impactful attempts in using CPPs as carriers for the nose-to-brain delivery of biologics by analyzing their positive and negative aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Benedetta De Martini
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri-IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Sulmona
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri-IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Liliana Brambilla
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri-IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri-IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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17
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Dayani L, Aliomrani M, Hashempour H, Varshosaz J, Sadeghi Dinani M, Taheri A. Cyclotide Nanotubes as a Novel Potential Drug-Delivery System: Characterization and Biocompatibility. Int J Pharm 2023:123104. [PMID: 37277089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyclotides are a class of cyclic peptides that can be self-assembled. This study aimed to discover the properties of cyclotide nanotubes. We performed differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) to characterize their properties. Then, we incorporated the coumarin as a probe and identified the morphology of nanostructures. The stability of cyclotide nanotubes after 3 months of keeping at -20 °C was determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The cytocompatibility of cyclotide nanotubes was evaluated on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In vivo, studies were also conducted on female C57BL/6 mice by intraperitoneally administration of nanotubes at 5, 50, and 100 mg/kg doses. Blood sampling was done before and 24 h after nanotube administration and complete blood count tests were conducted. DSC thermogram showed that the cyclotide nanotubes were stable after heating until 200 °C. Fluorescence microscopy images proved that the self-assembled structures of cyclotide can encapsulate the coumarin. FESEM proved that these nanotubes were stable even after 3 months. The results of the cytotoxicity assay and in-vivo study confirmed that these novel prepared nanotubes were biocompatible. These results suggested that the cyclotide nanotubes could be considered as a new carrier in biological fields while they are biocompatible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladan Dayani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Aliomrani
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Hossein Hashempour
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Jaleh Varshosaz
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Novel Drug Delivery Systems Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Masoud Sadeghi Dinani
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, Isfahan University of medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Azade Taheri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Novel Drug Delivery Systems Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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18
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Melander E, Eriksson C, Wellens S, Hosseini K, Fredriksson R, Gosselet F, Culot M, Göransson U, Hammarlund-Udenaes M, Loryan I. Differential Blood-Brain Barrier Transport and Cell Uptake of Cyclic Peptides In Vivo and In Vitro. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051507. [PMID: 37242750 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051507] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses major challenges to drug delivery to the CNS. SFTI-1 and kalata B1 are cyclic cell-penetrating peptides (cCPPs) with high potential to be used as scaffolds for drug delivery. We here studied their transport across the BBB and distribution within the brain to gauge the potential of these two cCPPs as scaffolds for CNS drugs. In a rat model, SFTI-1 exhibited, for a peptide, high extent of BBB transport with a partitioning of unbound SFTI-1 across the BBB, Kp,uu,brain, of 13%, while only 0.5% of kalata B1 equilibrated across the BBB. By contrast, kalata B1, but not SFTI-1, readily entered neural cells. SFTI-1, but not kalata B1, could be a potential CNS delivery scaffold for drugs directed to extracellular targets. These findings indicate that differences between the BBB transport and cellular uptake abilities of CPPs are crucial in the development of peptide scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Melander
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Camilla Eriksson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Wellens
- Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des Sciences Jean Perrin, University of Artois, UR 2465, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Kimia Hosseini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Fredriksson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des Sciences Jean Perrin, University of Artois, UR 2465, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Maxime Culot
- Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), Faculté des Sciences Jean Perrin, University of Artois, UR 2465, Rue Jean Souvraz SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Ulf Göransson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Irena Loryan
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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19
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Qian L, Lin X, Gao X, Khan RU, Liao JY, Du S, Ge J, Zeng S, Yao SQ. The Dawn of a New Era: Targeting the "Undruggables" with Antibody-Based Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2023. [PMID: 37186942 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The high selectivity and affinity of antibodies toward their antigens have made them a highly valuable tool in disease therapy, diagnosis, and basic research. A plethora of chemical and genetic approaches have been devised to make antibodies accessible to more "undruggable" targets and equipped with new functions of illustrating or regulating biological processes more precisely. In this Review, in addition to introducing how naked antibodies and various antibody conjugates (such as antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, antibody-enzyme conjugates, etc.) work in therapeutic applications, special attention has been paid to how chemistry tools have helped to optimize the therapeutic outcome (i.e., with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects) or facilitate the multifunctionalization of antibodies, with a focus on emerging fields such as targeted protein degradation, real-time live-cell imaging, catalytic labeling or decaging with spatiotemporal control as well as the engagement of antibodies inside cells. With advances in modern chemistry and biotechnology, well-designed antibodies and their derivatives via size miniaturization or multifunctionalization together with efficient delivery systems have emerged, which have gradually improved our understanding of important biological processes and paved the way to pursue novel targets for potential treatments of various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Qian
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuefen Lin
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rizwan Ullah Khan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jia-Yu Liao
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shubo Du
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Su Zeng
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cancer Center, & Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shao Q Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Drive 2, Singapore, 117544
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20
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Liu BR, Chen CW, Huang YW, Lee HJ. Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Use in Development of Transgenic Plants. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083367. [PMID: 37110602 PMCID: PMC10142301 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified plants and crops can contribute to remarkable increase in global food supply, with improved yield and resistance to plant diseases or insect pests. The development of biotechnology introducing exogenous nucleic acids in transgenic plants is important for plant health management. Different genetic engineering methods for DNA delivery, such as biolistic methods, Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and other physicochemical methods have been developed to improve translocation across the plasma membrane and cell wall in plants. Recently, the peptide-based gene delivery system, mediated by cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), has been regarded as a promising non-viral tool for efficient and stable gene transfection into both animal and plant cells. CPPs are short peptides with diverse sequences and functionalities, capable of agitating plasma membrane and entering cells. Here, we highlight recent research and ideas on diverse types of CPPs, which have been applied in DNA delivery in plants. Various basic, amphipathic, cyclic, and branched CPPs were designed, and modifications of functional groups were performed to enhance DNA interaction and stabilization in transgenesis. CPPs were able to carry cargoes in either a covalent or noncovalent manner and to internalize CPP/cargo complexes into cells by either direct membrane translocation or endocytosis. Importantly, subcellular targets of CPP-mediated nucleic acid delivery were reviewed. CPPs offer transfection strategies and influence transgene expression at subcellular localizations, such as in plastids, mitochondria, and the nucleus. In summary, the technology of CPP-mediated gene delivery provides a potent and useful tool to genetically modified plants and crops of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Revon Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Chen
- Department of Life Science, College of Science and Engineering, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 974301, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Wern Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA
| | - Han-Jung Lee
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, College of Environmental Studies and Oceanography, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 974301, Taiwan
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21
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Moreno J, Zoghebi K, Salehi D, Kim L, Shoushtari SK, Tiwari RK, Parang K. Amphiphilic Cell-Penetrating Peptides Containing Arginine and Hydrophobic Residues as Protein Delivery Agents. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030469. [PMID: 36986567 PMCID: PMC10053436 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030469] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The entry of proteins through the cell membrane is challenging, thus limiting their use as potential therapeutics. Seven cell-penetrating peptides, designed in our laboratory, were evaluated for the delivery of proteins. Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis was utilized for the synthesis of seven cyclic or hybrid cyclic-linear amphiphilic peptides composed of hydrophobic (tryptophan (W) or 3,3-diphenylalanine (Dip) and positively-charged arginine (R) residues, such as [WR]4, [WR]9, [WWRR]4, [WWRR]5, [(RW)5K](RW)5, [R5K]W7, and [DipR]5. Confocal microscopy was used to screen the peptides as a protein delivery system of model cargo proteins, green and red fluorescein proteins (GFP and RFP). Based on the confocal microscopy results, [WR]9 and [DipR]5 were found to be more efficient among all the peptides and were selected for further studies. [WR]9 (1-10 µM) + protein (GFP and RFP) physical mixture did not show high cytotoxicity (>90% viability) in triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) after 24 h, while [DipR]5 (1-10 µM) physical mixture with GFP exhibited more than 81% cell viability. Confocal microscopy images revealed internalization of GFP and RFP in MDA-MB-231 cells using [WR]9 (2-10 μM) and [DipR]5 (1-10 µM). Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis indicated that the cellular uptake of GFP was concentration-dependent in the presence of [WR]9 in MDA-MB-231 cells after 3 h of incubation at 37 °C. The concentration-dependent uptake of GFP and RFP was also observed in the presence of [DipR5] in SK-OV-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells after 3 h of incubation at 37 °C. FACS analysis indicated that the cellular uptake of GFP in the presence of [WR]9 was partially decreased by methyl-β-cyclodextrin and nystatin as endocytosis inhibitors after 3 h of incubation in MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas nystatin and chlorpromazine as endocytosis inhibitors slightly reduced the uptake of GFP in the presence of [DipR]5 after 3 h of incubation in MDA-MB-231. [WR]9 was able to deliver therapeutically relevant proteins (Histone H2A) at different concentrations. These results provide insight into the use of amphiphilic cyclic peptides in the delivery of protein-related therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Moreno
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Khalid Zoghebi
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 82826, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Salehi
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Lois Kim
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Sorour Khayyatnejad Shoushtari
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Rakesh K Tiwari
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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22
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Spleis H, Sandmeier M, Claus V, Bernkop-Schnürch A. Surface design of nanocarriers: Key to more efficient oral drug delivery systems. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 313:102848. [PMID: 36780780 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
As nanocarriers (NCs) can improve the solubility of drugs, prevent their degradation by gastrointestinal (GI) enzymes and promote their transport across the mucus gel layer and absorption membrane, the oral bioavailability of these drugs can be substantially enhanced. All these properties of NCs including self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and polymeric micelles depend mainly on their surface chemistry. In particular, interaction with food, digestive enzymes, bile salts and electrolytes, diffusion behaviour across the mucus gel layer and fate on the absorption membrane are determined by their surface. Bioinert surfaces limiting interactions with gastrointestinal fluid and content as well as with mucus, adhesive surfaces providing an intimate contact with the GI mucosa and absorption enhancing surfaces can be designed. Furthermore, charge converting surfaces shifting their zeta potential from negative to positive directly at the absorption membrane and surfaces providing a targeted drug release are advantageous. In addition to these passive surfaces, even active surfaces cleaving mucus glycoproteins on their way through the mucus gel layer can be created. Within this review, we provide an overview on these different surfaces and discuss their impact on the performance of NCs in the GI tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Spleis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, Innsbruck 6020, Austria; Thiomatrix Forschungs und Beratungs GmbH, Trientlgasse 65, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Matthias Sandmeier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, Innsbruck 6020, Austria; Thiomatrix Forschungs und Beratungs GmbH, Trientlgasse 65, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Victor Claus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, Innsbruck 6020, Austria; Thiomatrix Forschungs und Beratungs GmbH, Trientlgasse 65, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Andreas Bernkop-Schnürch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, Innsbruck 6020, Austria.
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23
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Modified Linear Peptides Effectively Silence STAT-3 in Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020666. [PMID: 36839988 PMCID: PMC9962452 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has drawn enormous attention as a powerful tool because of its capability to interfere with mRNA and protein production. However, designing a safe and efficient delivery system in RNAi therapeutics remains challenging. Herein, we have designed and synthesized several linear peptides containing tryptophan (W) and arginine (R) residues separated by the β-alanine (βA) spacer and attached to a lipophilic fatty acyl chain, cholesterol, or PEG. The peptide backbone sequences were: Ac-C-βA-βA-W4-βA-βA-R4-CO-NH2 and Ac-K-βA-βA-W4-βA-βA-R4-CO-NH2, with only a difference in N-terminal amino acid. The cysteine side chain in the first sequence was used for the conjugation with PEG2000 and PEG550. Alternatively, the side chain of lysine in the second sequence was used for conjugation with cholesterol or oleic acid. We hypothesized that amphiphilic peptides and optimum fatty acyl chain or PEG could function as an effective siRNA carrier by complementing each structural component's self-assembly and membrane internalization properties. None of the designed peptides showed cytotoxicity up to 10 µM. Serum stability studies suggested that the newly designed peptides efficiently protected siRNA against early degradation by nucleases. Flow cytometry analysis indicated 50-90% cellular uptake of siRNA using the newly developed modified linear peptides (MLPs). Western blot results revealed more than 90% protein downregulation after targeting STAT3 in MDA-MB-231 and SKOV-3 cell lines. In summary, a new peptide class was developed to safely and efficiently deliver siRNA.
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24
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Zhang Q, Liu N, Wang J, Liu Y, Wang K, Zhang J, Pan X. The Recent Advance of Cell-Penetrating and Tumor-Targeting Peptides as Drug Delivery Systems Based on Tumor Microenvironment. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:789-809. [PMID: 36598861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has become the primary reason for industrial countries death. Although first-line treatments have achieved remarkable results in inhibiting tumors, they could have serious side effects because of insufficient selectivity. Therefore, specific localization of tumor cells is currently the main desire for cancer treatment. In recent years, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), as a kind of promising delivery vehicle, have attracted much attention because they mediate the high-efficiency import of large quantities of cargos in vivo and vitro. Unfortunately, the poor targeting of CPPs is still a barrier to their clinical application. In order to solve this problem, researchers use the various characteristics of tumor microenvironment and multiple receptors to improve the specificity toward tumors. This review focuses on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, and introduces the development of strategies and peptides based on these characteristics as drug delivery system in the tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Nanxin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yuying Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
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25
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Kim L, Lohan S, Moreno J, Zoghebi K, Tiwari RK, Parang K. Cyclic and Linear Peptides Containing Alternate WW and RR Residues as Molecular Cargo Delivery Tools. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:341-356. [PMID: 36445335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell-impermeable and negatively charged compounds' cellular uptake across the cell membranes remains challenging. Herein, the synthesis of four linear [(WWRR)2, (WWRR)3, (WWRR)4, and (WWRR)5] and four cyclic ([WWRR]2, [WWRR]3, [WWRR]4, and [WWRR]5) peptides containing alternate two tryptophan (WW) and two arginine (RR) residues and their biological evaluation as molecular transporters are reported. The peptides did not show any significant cytotoxicity in different cell lines (MDA-MB-23, SK-OV-3, and HEK 293) at a concentration of 5 μM and after 3 h of incubation time. The uptake of fluorescence-labeled cargo molecules (F'-GpYEEI, F'-siRNA, and F'-3TC) in the presence of the peptides was monitored in different cell lines (SK-OV-3 and MDA-MB-231) with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Among all the peptides, [WWRR]5 (C4) showed the highest cellular uptake of cargo molecules, indicating it can act as effective molecular transporter. Confocal microscopy in MDA-MB-231 cells showed the cellular uptake of F'-GpYEEI in the presence of C4 and the intracellular localization of fluorescence-labeled C4 (F'-C4) in the cytosol. The F'-C4 cellular uptake was found to be concentration- and time-dependent, as shown by flow cytometry in MDA-MB-231 cells. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry of F'-C4 in MDA-MB-231 cells were examined alone and in the presence of different endocytosis inhibitors (chlorpromazine, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, chloroquine, and nystatin). The data showed that the cellular uptake of F'-C4 in the presence of chlorpromazine, chloroquine, and methyl-β-cyclodextrin was reduced but not completely eliminated, indicating that both energy-independent and energy-dependent pathways contributed to the cellular uptake of F'-C4. Similar results were obtained using the confocal microscopy of C4 and F'-GpYEEI in the presence of endocytosis inhibitors (chlorpromazine, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, chloroquine, and nystatin). These data indicate that C4 has the potential to be used as a cell-penetrating peptide and cargo transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois Kim
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Sandeep Lohan
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Jonathan Moreno
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Khalid Zoghebi
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, 82826, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rakesh Kumar Tiwari
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
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26
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First direct evidence for direct cell-membrane penetrations of polycationic homopoly(amino acid)s produced by bacteria. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1132. [PMID: 36289442 PMCID: PMC9606270 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria produce polycationic homopoly(amino acid)s, which are characterized by isopeptide backbones. Although the biological significance of polycationic homopoly(amino acid)s remains unclear, increasing attention has recently been focused on their potential use to achieve cellular internalization. Here, for the first time, we provide direct evidence that two representative bacterial polycationic isopeptides, ε-poly-L-α-lysine (ε-PαL) and ε-oligo-L-β-lysine (ε-OβL), were internalized into mammalian cells by direct cell-membrane penetration and then diffused throughout the cytosol. In this study, we used clickable ε-PαL and ε-OβL derivatives carrying a C-terminal azide group, which were enzymatically produced and then conjugated with a fluorescent dye to analyze subcellular localization. Interestingly, fluorescent proteins conjugated with the clickable ε-PαL or ε-OβL were also internalized into cells and diffused throughout the cytosol. Notably, a Cre recombinase conjugate with ε-PαL entered cells and mediated the Cre/loxP recombination, and ε-PαL was found to deliver a full-length IgG antibody to the cytosol and nucleus.
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27
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Parrasia S, Szabò I, Zoratti M, Biasutto L. Peptides as Pharmacological Carriers to the Brain: Promises, Shortcomings and Challenges. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3700-3729. [PMID: 36174227 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are among the most difficult to treat, mainly because the vast majority of the drugs fail to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or to reach the brain at concentrations adequate to exert a pharmacological activity. The obstacle posed by the BBB has led to the in-depth study of strategies allowing the brain delivery of CNS-active drugs. Among the most promising strategies is the use of peptides addressed to the BBB. Peptides are versatile molecules that can be used to decorate nanoparticles or can be conjugated to drugs, with either a stable link or as pro-drugs. They have been used to deliver to the brain both small molecules and proteins, with applications in diverse therapeutic areas such as brain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and imaging. Peptides can be generally classified as receptor-targeted, recognizing membrane proteins expressed by the BBB microvessels (e.g., Angiopep2, CDX, and iRGD), "cell-penetrating peptides" (CPPs; e.g. TAT47-57, SynB1/3, and Penetratin), undergoing transcytosis through unspecific mechanisms, or those exploiting a mixed approach. The advantages of peptides have been extensively pointed out, but so far few studies have focused on the potential negative aspects. Indeed, despite having a generally good safety profile, some peptide conjugates may display toxicological characteristics distinct from those of the peptide itself, causing for instance antigenicity, cardiovascular alterations or hemolysis. Other shortcomings are the often brief lifetime in vivo, caused by the presence of peptidases, the vulnerability to endosomal/lysosomal degradation, and the frequently still insufficient attainable increase of brain drug levels, which remain below the therapeutically useful concentrations. The aim of this review is to analyze not only the successful and promising aspects of the use of peptides in brain targeting but also the problems posed by this strategy for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Parrasia
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Ildikò Szabò
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Zoratti
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Lucia Biasutto
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
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28
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Maeda H, Ichimizu S, Watanabe H, Hamasaki K, Chikamatsu M, Murata R, Yumoto N, Seki T, Katsuki H, Otagiri M, Maruyama T. Cell-penetrating albumin enhances the sublingual delivery of antigens through macropinocytosis. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 221:1439-1452. [PMID: 36126807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.132] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Innovations in oral immunotherapy have greatly advanced the therapeutic control of allergies. However, these therapeutic effects suffer from the fact that the amount of antigen delivered to antigen-presenting cells is limited given the formulations that are currently available. We recently designed a cell-penetrating albumin and found that this modified albumin enters cells via the induction of macropinocytosis. Herein, we report on a novel system for delivering antigens based on cell-penetrating albumin-inducible macropinocytosis that allows larger amounts of antigens to be delivered to antigen-presenting cells. A treatment with cell-penetrating albumin significantly increased the permeability of ovalbumin (45 kDa) or dextran (2000 kDa) on monolayers derived from human oral squamous carcinoma cells. Flow cytometric analyses showed that the cell-penetrating albumin treatment resulted in a significant elevation in the amount of dextran that was delivered to two types of antigen-presenting cells. Finally, mice that had been sensitized by Japanese cedar pollen extract (JCPE) and cell-penetrating albumin showed a decline in the frequency of nose-rubbing against a subsequent intranasal administration of JCPE. These findings suggest that the sublingual administration of cell-penetrating albumin efficiently delivers antigens to antigen-presenting cells via the induction of macropinocytosis, resulting in an enhancement in the therapeutic effect of sublingual immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Maeda
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Shota Ichimizu
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Watanabe
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan.
| | - Keisuke Hamasaki
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Mayuko Chikamatsu
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Ryota Murata
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Nao Yumoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Takahiro Seki
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Katsuki
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Masaki Otagiri
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 1-22-4 Ikeda, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto 860-0082, Japan
| | - Toru Maruyama
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan.
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29
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Shalaby KE, Aouida M, Gupta V, Abdesselem H, El-Agnaf OMA. Development of non-viral vectors for neuronal-targeted delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 RNA-proteins as a therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:4959-4977. [PMID: 35880637 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00368f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aging population contributes to an increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Due to the progressive nature of these diseases and an incomplete understanding of their pathophysiology, current drugs are inefficient, with a limited efficacy and major side effects. In this study, CRISPR-Cas9 RNA-proteins (RNP) composed of a Cas9 nuclease and single-guide RNA were delivered with a non-viral targeted delivery system to rescue the PD-associated phenotype in neuronal cells. Here, we fused the cell-penetrating amphipathic peptide, PepFect14 (PF14), with a short fragment of the rabies virus glycoprotein (C2) previously shown to have an affinity towards nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed on neuronal cells and on the blood-brain barrier. The resultant peptide, C2-PF14, was used to complex with and deliver RNPs to neuronal cells. We observed that RNP/C2-PF14 complexes formed nanosized, monodispersed, and nontoxic nanoparticles that led to a specific delivery into neuronal cells. α-Synuclein (α-syn) plays a major role in the pathology of PD and is considered to be a target for therapy. We demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas9 RNP delivered by C2-PF14 achieved α-syn gene (SNCA) editing in neuronal cells as determined by T7EI assay and western blotting. Furthermore, RNP/C2-PF14 relieved PD-associated toxicity in neuronal cells in vitro. This is a proof-of-concept towards simple and safe targeted genome-editing for treating PD and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim E Shalaby
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. .,Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mustapha Aouida
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Vijay Gupta
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Houari Abdesselem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. .,Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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30
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Jin P, Jiang J, Zhou L, Huang Z, Nice EC, Huang C, Fu L. Mitochondrial adaptation in cancer drug resistance: prevalence, mechanisms, and management. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:97. [PMID: 35851420 PMCID: PMC9290242 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01313-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance represents a major obstacle in cancer management, and the mechanisms underlying stress adaptation of cancer cells in response to therapy-induced hostile environment are largely unknown. As the central organelle for cellular energy supply, mitochondria can rapidly undergo dynamic changes and integrate cellular signaling pathways to provide bioenergetic and biosynthetic flexibility for cancer cells, which contributes to multiple aspects of tumor characteristics, including drug resistance. Therefore, targeting mitochondria for cancer therapy and overcoming drug resistance has attracted increasing attention for various types of cancer. Multiple mitochondrial adaptation processes, including mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial metabolism, and mitochondrial apoptotic regulatory machinery, have been demonstrated to be potential targets. However, recent increasing insights into mitochondria have revealed the complexity of mitochondrial structure and functions, the elusive functions of mitochondria in tumor biology, and the targeting inaccessibility of mitochondria, which have posed challenges for the clinical application of mitochondrial-based cancer therapeutic strategies. Therefore, discovery of both novel mitochondria-targeting agents and innovative mitochondria-targeting approaches is urgently required. Here, we review the most recent literature to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial stress adaptation and their intricate connection with cancer drug resistance. In addition, an overview of the emerging strategies to target mitochondria for effectively overcoming chemoresistance is highlighted, with an emphasis on drug repositioning and mitochondrial drug delivery approaches, which may accelerate the application of mitochondria-targeting compounds for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Sadeghian I, Heidari R, Raee MJ, Negahdaripour M. Cell-penetrating peptide-mediated delivery of therapeutic peptides/proteins to manage the diseases involving oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 74:1085-1116. [PMID: 35728949 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgac038] [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: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Peptides and proteins represent great potential for modulating various cellular processes including oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis and consequently the treatment of related diseases. However, their therapeutic effects are limited by their inability to cross cellular barriers. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which can transport cargoes into the cell, could resolve this issue, as would be discussed in this review. KEY FINDINGS CPPs have been successfully exploited in vitro and in vivo for peptide/protein delivery to treat a wide range of diseases involving oxidative stress, inflammatory processes and apoptosis. Their in vivo applications are still limited due to some fundamental issues of CPPs, including nonspecificity, proteolytic instability, potential toxicity and immunogenicity. SUMMARY Totally, CPPs could potentially help to manage the diseases involving oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis by delivering peptides/proteins that could selectively reach proper intracellular targets. More studies to overcome related CPP limitations and confirm the efficacy and safety of this strategy are needed before their clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issa Sadeghian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Biotechnology Incubator, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Raee
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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32
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Lath A, Santal AR, Kaur N, Kumari P, Singh NP. Anti-cancer peptides: their current trends in the development of peptide-based therapy and anti-tumor drugs. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2022; 39:45-84. [PMID: 35699384 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2022.2082157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Human cancer remains a cause of high mortality throughout the world. The conventional methods and therapies currently employed for treatment are followed by moderate-to-severe side effects. They have not generated curative results due to the ineffectiveness of treatments. Besides, the associated high costs, technical requirements, and cytotoxicity further characterize their limitations. Due to relatively higher presidencies, bioactive peptides with anti-cancer attributes have recently become treatment choices within the therapeutic arsenal. The peptides act as potential anti-cancer agents explicitly targeting tumor cells while being less toxic to normal cells. The anti-cancer peptides are isolated from various natural sources, exhibit high selectivity and high penetration efficiency, and could be quickly restructured. The therapeutic benefits of compatible anti-cancer peptides have contributed to the significant expansion of cancer treatment; albeit, the mechanisms by which bioactive peptides inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells remain unclear. This review will provide a framework for assessing anti-cancer peptides' structural and functional aspects. It shall provide appropriate information on their mode of action to support and strengthen efforts to improve cancer prevention. The article will mention the therapeutic health benefits of anti-cancer peptides. Their importance in clinical studies is elaborated for reducing cancer incidences and developing sustainable treatment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Lath
- Centre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Anita Rani Santal
- Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Nameet Kaur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Poonam Kumari
- Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility, CIL and UCIM, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Inida
| | - Nater Pal Singh
- Centre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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33
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Huber S, Braun NJ, Schmacke LC, Quek JP, Murra R, Bender D, Hildt E, Luo D, Heine A, Steinmetzer T. Structure-Based Optimization and Characterization of Macrocyclic Zika Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6555-6572. [PMID: 35475620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a human pathogenic arbovirus. So far, neither a specific treatment nor a vaccination against ZIKV infections has been approved. Starting from our previously described lead structure, a series of 29 new macrocyclic inhibitors of the Zika virus protease containing different linker motifs have been synthesized. By selecting hydrophobic d-amino acids as part of the linker, numerous inhibitors with Ki values < 5 nM were obtained. For 12 inhibitors, crystal structures in complex with the ZIKV protease up to 1.30 Å resolution were determined, which contribute to the understanding of the observed structure-activity relationship (SAR). In immunofluorescence assays, an antiviral effect was observed for compound 26 containing a d-homocyclohexylalanine residue in its linker segment. Due to its excellent selectivity profile and low cytotoxicity, this inhibitor scaffold could be a suitable starting point for the development of peptidic drugs against the Zika virus and related flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Huber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Niklas J Braun
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Luna C Schmacke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jun Ping Quek
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921
| | - Robin Murra
- Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Daniela Bender
- Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Andreas Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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Szabó I, Yousef M, Soltész D, Bató C, Mező G, Bánóczi Z. Redesigning of Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Improve Their Efficacy as a Drug Delivery System. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14050907. [PMID: 35631493 PMCID: PMC9146218 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14050907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are promising tools for the transport of a broad range of compounds into cells. Since the discovery of the first members of this peptide family, many other peptides have been identified; nowadays, dozens of these peptides are known. These peptides sometimes have very different chemical–physical properties, but they have similar drawbacks; e.g., non-specific internalization, fast elimination from the body, intracellular/vesicular entrapment. Although our knowledge regarding the mechanism and structure–activity relationship of internalization is growing, the prediction and design of the cell-penetrating properties are challenging. In this review, we focus on the different modifications of well-known CPPs to avoid their drawbacks, as well as how these modifications may increase their internalization and/or change the mechanism of penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Szabó
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary;
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (Z.B.)
| | - Mo’ath Yousef
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Dóra Soltész
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Csaba Bató
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Gábor Mező
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Zoltán Bánóczi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Y.); (D.S.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (Z.B.)
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35
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Hymel HC, Rahnama A, Sanchez OM, Liu D, Gauthier TJ, Melvin AT. How Cargo Identity Alters the Uptake of Cell-Penetrating Peptide (CPP)/Cargo Complexes: A Study on the Effect of Net Cargo Charge and Length. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071195. [PMID: 35406759 PMCID: PMC8997848 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have emerged as a powerful tool for the delivery of otherwise impermeable cargoes into intact cells. Recent efforts to improve the delivery capability of peptides have mainly focused on the identity of the CPP; however, there is evidence that the identity of the cargo itself affects the uptake. The goal of this work was to investigate how the characteristics of a peptide cargo, including net charge and length, either enhance or diminish the internalization efficiency of the CPP/cargo complex. A small library of CPP/cargo complexes were synthesized consisting of structured and unstructured CPPs with cargoes of net positive, negative, or neutral charge and lengths of 4 or 8 amino acids. Cargoes with a net positive charge were found to enhance the overall uptake of the complexes while net neutral and negatively charged cargoes diminished uptake. Conversely, the net length of the cargo had no significant effect on uptake of the CPP/cargo complexes. Microcopy images confirmed the increased uptake of the positively charged cargoes; however, an increase in punctate regions with the addition of a cargo was also observed. The effects of the net positively charged cargoes were confirmed with both structured and unstructured CPPs, which demonstrated similar trends of an increase in uptake with the addition of positively charged residues. These findings demonstrate that the net charge of cargoes impacts the uptake of the complex, which can be considered in the future when designing peptide-based reporters or therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Hymel
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (H.C.H.); (A.R.); (O.M.S.)
| | - Alireza Rahnama
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (H.C.H.); (A.R.); (O.M.S.)
| | - Olivia M. Sanchez
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (H.C.H.); (A.R.); (O.M.S.)
| | - Dong Liu
- LSU AgCenter Biotechnology Laboratory, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (D.L.); (T.J.G.)
| | - Ted J. Gauthier
- LSU AgCenter Biotechnology Laboratory, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (D.L.); (T.J.G.)
| | - Adam T. Melvin
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (H.C.H.); (A.R.); (O.M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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36
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de Oliveira ECL, da Costa KS, Taube PS, Lima AH, Junior CDSDS. Biological Membrane-Penetrating Peptides: Computational Prediction and Applications. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:838259. [PMID: 35402305 PMCID: PMC8992797 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.838259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides comprise a versatile class of biomolecules that present a unique chemical space with diverse physicochemical and structural properties. Some classes of peptides are able to naturally cross the biological membranes, such as cell membrane and blood-brain barrier (BBB). Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and blood-brain barrier-penetrating peptides (B3PPs) have been explored by the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries to develop new therapeutic molecules and carrier systems. The computational prediction of peptides’ penetration into biological membranes has been emerged as an interesting strategy due to their high throughput and low-cost screening of large chemical libraries. Structure- and sequence-based information of peptides, as well as atomistic biophysical models, have been explored in computer-assisted discovery strategies to classify and identify new structures with pharmacokinetic properties related to the translocation through biomembranes. Computational strategies to predict the permeability into biomembranes include cheminformatic filters, molecular dynamics simulations, artificial intelligence algorithms, and statistical models, and the choice of the most adequate method depends on the purposes of the computational investigation. Here, we exhibit and discuss some principles and applications of these computational methods widely used to predict the permeability of peptides into biomembranes, exhibiting some of their pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewerton Cristhian Lima de Oliveira
- Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Kauê Santana da Costa, ; Ewerton Cristhian Lima de Oliveira,
| | - Kauê Santana da Costa
- Laboratory of Computational Simulation, Institute of Biodiversity, Federal University of Western Pará, Santarém, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Kauê Santana da Costa, ; Ewerton Cristhian Lima de Oliveira,
| | - Paulo Sérgio Taube
- Laboratory of Computational Simulation, Institute of Biodiversity, Federal University of Western Pará, Santarém, Brazil
| | - Anderson H. Lima
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
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Moulahoum H, Ghorbanizamani F, Bayir E, Timur S, Zihnioglu F. A polyplex human saliva peptide histatin 5-grafted methoxy PEG-b-polycaprolactone polymersome for intelligent stimuli-oriented doxorubicin delivery. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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38
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Horn JM, Obermeyer AC. Genetic and Covalent Protein Modification Strategies to Facilitate Intracellular Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4883-4904. [PMID: 34855385 PMCID: PMC9310055 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics represent a rapidly growing segment of approved disease treatments. Successful intracellular delivery of proteins is an important precondition for expanded in vivo and in vitro applications of protein therapeutics. Direct modification of proteins and peptides for improved cytosolic translocation are a promising method of increasing delivery efficiency and expanding the viability of intracellular protein therapeutics. In this Review, we present recent advances in both synthetic and genetic protein modifications for intracellular delivery. Active endocytosis-based and passive internalization pathways are discussed, followed by a review of modification methods for improved cytosolic delivery. After establishing how proteins can be modified, general strategies for facilitating intracellular delivery, such as chemical supercharging or inclusion of cell-penetrating motifs, are covered. We then outline protein modifications that promote endosomal escape. We finally examine the delivery of two potential classes of therapeutic proteins, antibodies and associated antibody fragments, and gene editing proteins, such as cas9.
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39
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Chu JCH, Shao C, Ha SYY, Fong WP, Wong CTT, Ng DKP. One-pot peptide cyclisation and surface modification of photosensitiser-loaded red blood cells for targeted photodynamic therapy. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:7832-7837. [PMID: 34726672 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01306h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We report herein a one-pot approach to cyclise a tumour-targeting peptide and conjugate it on the surface of red blood cells loaded with a boron dipyrromethene-based photosensitiser using a bifunctional linker consisting of a bis(bromomethyl)phenyl unit and an ortho-phthalaldehyde unit. This cell-based photosensitiser with surface modification with cyclic RGD peptide moieties can selectively bind against the αvβ3 integrin-overexpressed cancer cells, leading to enhanced photocytotoxicity. The results demonstrate that this facile strategy is effective for live-cell surface modification for a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky C H Chu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chihao Shao
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Summer Y Y Ha
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wing-Ping Fong
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Clarence T T Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Dennis K P Ng
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
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40
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Zheng JL, Wu D, Lin N, Liu YP, Wang L, Zhu XT, Hao WJ, Wang SL, Jiang B. Kharasch-type photocyclization of 1,7-diynes for the stereospecific synthesis of tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ols. Tetrahedron Lett 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2021.153485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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41
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Zhao L, Yang H, Jiang C, Kan Y, Hu J, Pang W. Studies on the oral absorption of cyclic peptides from Pseudostellaria heterophylla and interacting with membrane receptors. Fitoterapia 2021; 156:105072. [PMID: 34728327 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.105072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax. (Taizishen, TZS) contains a variety of natural active cyclic-peptide compounds (CP). In this article, four kinds of CP monomers were isolated by HPLC and the structures were identified by mass spectrometry. The in vivo absorption of CP was detected by UPLC-MS/MS. The interaction between CP and membrane receptor was analyzed by SPR. As a result, the relative absorption rate of CP was Pesudostellarin B > Heterophyllin B > Pesudostellarin C > Pesudostellarin E. The difference in absorption rate of CP in vivo was related to its interaction with membrane receptors. The absorption mechanism of CP might be different. This is the first report that in vivo absorption study of different CP from TZS and explore its absorption mechanism, laying a theoretical foundation for the research and development of its oral drugs, and providing new ideas for the study of the absorption mechanism of CP from traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; Fujian Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Han Yang
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Chang Jiang
- Fujian Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Yongjun Kan
- Fujian Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, China
| | - Juan Hu
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350003, China.
| | - Wensheng Pang
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China.
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42
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Sadiq IZ, Muhammad A, Mada SB, Ibrahim B, Umar UA. Biotherapeutic effect of cell-penetrating peptides against microbial agents: a review. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:1995285. [PMID: 34694961 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1995285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective permeability of biological membranes represents a significant barrier to the delivery of therapeutic substances into both microorganisms and mammalian cells, restricting the access of drugs into intracellular pathogens. Cell-penetrating peptides usually 5-30 amino acids with the characteristic ability to penetrate biological membranes have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents for treating infections as well as an effective delivery modality for biological conjugates such as nucleic acids, drugs, vaccines, nanoparticles, and therapeutic antibodies. However, several factors such as antimicrobial resistance and poor drug delivery of the existing medications justify the urgent need for developing a new class of antimicrobials. Herein, we review cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) used to treat microbial infections. Although these peptides are biologically active for infections, effective transduction into membranes and cargo transport, serum stability, and half-life must be improved for optimum functions and development of next-generation antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idris Zubairu Sadiq
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Muhammad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Sanusi Bello Mada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Bashiru Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Umar Aliyu Umar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Nasrolahi Shirazi A, Sajid MI, Mandal D, Stickley D, Nagasawa S, Long J, Lohan S, Parang K, Tiwari RK. Cyclic Peptide-Gadolinium Nanocomplexes as siRNA Delivery Tools. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111064. [PMID: 34832846 PMCID: PMC8617768 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently reported that a cyclic peptide containing five tryptophan, five arginine, and one cysteine amino acids [(WR)5C], was able to produce peptide-capped gadolinium nanoparticles, [(WR)5C]-GdNPs, in the range of 240 to 260 nm upon mixing with an aqueous solution of GdCl3. Herein, we report [(WR)5C]-GdNPs as an efficient siRNA delivery system. The peptide-based gadolinium nanoparticles (50 µM) did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity (~93% cell viability at 50 µM) in human leukemia T lymphoblast cells (CCRF-CEM) and triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) after 48 h. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis indicated that the cellular uptakes of Alexa-488-labeled siRNA were found to be enhanced by more than 10 folds in the presence of [(WR)5C]-GdNPs compared with siRNA alone in CCRF-CEM and MDA-MB-231 cells after 6 h of incubation at 37 °C. The gene silencing efficacy of the nanoparticles was determined via the western blot technique using an over-expressed gene, STAT-3 protein, in MDA-MB-231 cells. The results showed ~62% reduction of STAT-3 was observed in MDA-MB-231 with [(WR)5C]-GdNPs at N/P 40. The integrity of the cellular membrane of CCRF-CEM cells was found to be intact when incubated with [(WR)5C]-Gd nanoparticles (50 µM) for 2 h. Confocal microscopy reveals higher internalization of siRNA in MDA-MB-231 cells using [(WR)5C]-GdNPs at N/P 40. These results provided insight about the use of the [(WR)5C]-GdNPs complex as a potent intracellular siRNA transporter that could be a nontoxic choice to be used as a transfection agent for nucleic-acid-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Nasrolahi Shirazi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA; (D.S.); (S.N.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.N.S.); (R.K.T.); Tel.: +1-(714)-449-7497 (A.N.S.); +1-(714)-516-5483 (R.K.T.); Fax: +1-(714)-872-5706 (A.N.S.); +1-(714)-516-5481 (R.K.T.)
| | - Muhammad Imran Sajid
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; (M.I.S.); (D.M.); (S.L.); (K.P.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Dindyal Mandal
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; (M.I.S.); (D.M.); (S.L.); (K.P.)
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | - David Stickley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA; (D.S.); (S.N.); (J.L.)
| | - Stephanie Nagasawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA; (D.S.); (S.N.); (J.L.)
| | - Joshua Long
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA; (D.S.); (S.N.); (J.L.)
| | - Sandeep Lohan
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; (M.I.S.); (D.M.); (S.L.); (K.P.)
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; (M.I.S.); (D.M.); (S.L.); (K.P.)
| | - Rakesh Kumar Tiwari
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; (M.I.S.); (D.M.); (S.L.); (K.P.)
- Correspondence: (A.N.S.); (R.K.T.); Tel.: +1-(714)-449-7497 (A.N.S.); +1-(714)-516-5483 (R.K.T.); Fax: +1-(714)-872-5706 (A.N.S.); +1-(714)-516-5481 (R.K.T.)
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44
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Róg T, Girych M, Bunker A. Mechanistic Understanding from Molecular Dynamics in Pharmaceutical Research 2: Lipid Membrane in Drug Design. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1062. [PMID: 34681286 PMCID: PMC8537670 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as a drug design tool in the context of the role that the lipid membrane can play in drug action, i.e., the interaction between candidate drug molecules and lipid membranes. In the standard "lock and key" paradigm, only the interaction between the drug and a specific active site of a specific protein is considered; the environment in which the drug acts is, from a biophysical perspective, far more complex than this. The possible mechanisms though which a drug can be designed to tinker with physiological processes are significantly broader than merely fitting to a single active site of a single protein. In this paper, we focus on the role of the lipid membrane, arguably the most important element outside the proteins themselves, as a case study. We discuss work that has been carried out, using MD simulation, concerning the transfection of drugs through membranes that act as biological barriers in the path of the drugs, the behavior of drug molecules within membranes, how their collective behavior can affect the structure and properties of the membrane and, finally, the role lipid membranes, to which the vast majority of drug target proteins are associated, can play in mediating the interaction between drug and target protein. This review paper is the second in a two-part series covering MD simulation as a tool in pharmaceutical research; both are designed as pedagogical review papers aimed at both pharmaceutical scientists interested in exploring how the tool of MD simulation can be applied to their research and computational scientists interested in exploring the possibility of a pharmaceutical context for their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Róg
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Alex Bunker
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
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45
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Raju M, Kavarthapu R, Anbazhagan R, Hassan SA, Dufau ML. Blockade of GRTH/DDX25 Phosphorylation by Cyclic Peptides Provides an Avenue for Developing a Nonhormonal Male Contraceptive. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14715-14727. [PMID: 34601876 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH)/DDX25 is a DEAD-box RNA helicase essential for the completion of spermatogenesis. Our previous studies indicated that blocking the GRTH phospho-site or perturbing the GRTH/protein kinase A (PKA) interface could provide an avenue for developing a nonhormonal male contraceptive. In this study, cyclic peptides were rationally designed and synthesized as promising therapeutic agents. The peptides showed effective delivery into COS-1 and germ cells and a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on GRTH phosphorylation. The peptides inhibit GRTH phosphorylation in the presence of PKA, and binding to the helicase resulted in thermal stabilization of non-phospho GRTH. Increased efficiency in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay revealed their interaction with GRTH. Cyclic peptide exposure of cultures from mice seminiferous tubules resulted in significant inhibition of phospho GRTH. These peptides did not exhibit toxicity. Effective delivery and targeted decrease of in vitro expression of phospho GRTH by cyclic peptides provide a promising angle to develop effective compounds as a nonhormonal male contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murugananthkumar Raju
- Section on Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Raghuveer Kavarthapu
- Section on Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Rajakumar Anbazhagan
- Section on Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Sergio A Hassan
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Maria L Dufau
- Section on Molecular Endocrinology, Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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46
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Khayyatnejad Shoushtari S, Zoghebi K, Sajid MI, Tiwari RK, Parang K. Hybrid Cyclic-Linear Cell-Penetrating Peptides Containing Alternative Positively Charged and Hydrophobic Residues as Molecular Transporters. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3909-3919. [PMID: 34491768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cell membrane properties create a significant obstacle in intracellular delivery of cell-impermeable and negatively charged molecules. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of hybrid cyclic-linear peptides containing alternative positive and hydrophobic amino acids on the ring and side chain [(RW)5]K(RW)X (X = 1-5) to compare their molecular transporter efficiency. The peptides were synthesized through Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. In vitro cytotoxicity of the peptides showed that the peptides did not exhibit any significant cytotoxicity at the concentration of 10 μM in human leukemia carcinoma cell line (CCRF-CEM), human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells (SK-OV-3), human epithelial embryonic kidney healthy (HEK-293), and human epithelial mammary gland adenocarcinoma cells (MDA-MB-231) after 3 h incubation. The cellular uptake of a fluorescence-labeled phosphopeptide (F'-GpYEEI) and anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs (lamivudine (F'-3TC), emtricitabine (F'-FTC), Stavudine (F'-d4T)), where F' is carboxyfluorescein, was measured in the presence of the peptides in CCRF-CEM and SK-OV-3 cells. Among all peptides, [(RW)5K](RW)5 (10 μM) was the most efficient transporter that improved the cellular uptake of F'-GpYEEI (2 μM) by 18- and 11-fold in CCRF-CEM and SK-OV-3, respectively, compared with F'-GpYEEI alone. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis results indicated that the cellular uptake of fluorescence-labeled peptide (F'-[(RW)5K](RW)5) was only partially inhibited by chlorpromazine as an endocytosis inhibitor after 3 h incubation in MDA-MB-231 cells. These data suggest the potential of this series of hybrid cyclic-linear peptides as cell-penetrating peptides and molecular transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorour Khayyatnejad Shoushtari
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Khalid Zoghebi
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imran Sajid
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Rakesh Kumar Tiwari
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, California 92618, United States
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47
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Different Approaches to Cyclize a Cell-Penetrating Peptide and to Tether Bioactive Payloads. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2371:375-389. [PMID: 34596859 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1689-5_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are versatile tools to deliver various molecules into different cell types. The majority of CPPs are usually represented by linear structures, but numerous recent studies demonstrated cyclization to be an effective strategy leading to favorable biological activities. Here we describe two different methods for the side chain and backbone cyclization of CPPs . Furthermore, we highlight straightforward procedures for the covalent coupling of fluorophores or cytotoxic payloads.
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48
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Guo X, Chen L, Wang L, Geng J, Wang T, Hu J, Li J, Liu C, Wang H. In silico identification and experimental validation of cellular uptake and intracellular labeling by a new cell penetrating peptide derived from CDN1. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:1722-1736. [PMID: 34463179 PMCID: PMC8409945 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.1963352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioactive therapeutic molecules are generally impermeable to the cell membrane, hindering their utility and efficacy. A group of peptides called cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) were found to have the capability of transporting different types of cargo molecules across the cell membrane. Here, we identified a short peptide named P2, which has a higher proportion of basic residues than the CDN1 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1) protein it is derived from, and we used bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation to confirm the penetration property of peptide P2. We found that peptide P2 can efficiently enter different cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. The endocytosis pathway, especially receptor-related endocytosis, may be involved in the process of P2 penetration. Our data also showed that peptide P2 is safe in cultured cell lines and red blood cells. Lastly, peptide P2 can efficiently deliver self-labeling protein HaloTag into cells for imaging. Our study illustrates that peptide P2 is a promising imaging agent delivery vehicle for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangli Guo
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Hubei Key Lab of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Linlin Chen
- Hubei Key Lab of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Affiliated Ren He Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Lidan Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Hubei Key Lab of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jingping Geng
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Hubei Key Lab of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Tao Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jixiong Hu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jason Li
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Changbai Liu
- Hubei Key Lab of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Lead Contact
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49
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Kim HS, Lee Y, Shin MH, Lim HS. Cell-penetrating, amphipathic cyclic peptoids as molecular transporters for cargo delivery. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:6800-6803. [PMID: 34236370 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc02848k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Here we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of cell-penetrating, amphipathic cyclic peptoids as a novel class of molecular transporters. We demonstrated that macrocyclization, along with the introduction of hydrophobic residues, greatly enhanced cellular uptake of polyguanidine linear peptoids. The amphipathic cyclic peptoids showed an order of magnitude more efficient intracellular delivery ability, compared to a commonly used polyarginine cell-penetrating peptide, representing one of the best molecular transporters reported to date. Given the excellent cell-permeability, proteolytic stability, and ease of synthesis, the amphipathic cyclic peptoids would be broadly applicable to a wide range of clinical and biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Soo Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea.
| | - Yeongju Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea.
| | - Min Hyeon Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea.
| | - Hyun-Suk Lim
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea.
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50
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Tivon B, Gabizon R, Somsen BA, Cossar PJ, Ottmann C, London N. Covalent flexible peptide docking in Rosetta. Chem Sci 2021; 12:10836-10847. [PMID: 34476063 PMCID: PMC8372624 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02322e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrophilic peptides that form an irreversible covalent bond with their target have great potential for binding targets that have been previously considered undruggable. However, the discovery of such peptides remains a challenge. Here, we present Rosetta CovPepDock, a computational pipeline for peptide docking that incorporates covalent binding between the peptide and a receptor cysteine. We applied CovPepDock retrospectively to a dataset of 115 disulfide-bound peptides and a dataset of 54 electrophilic peptides. It produced a top-five scoring, near-native model, in 89% and 100% of the cases when docking from the native conformation, and 20% and 90% when docking from an extended peptide conformation, respectively. In addition, we developed a protocol for designing electrophilic peptide binders based on known non-covalent binders or protein-protein interfaces. We identified 7154 peptide candidates in the PDB for application of this protocol. As a proof-of-concept we validated the protocol on the non-covalent complex of 14-3-3σ and YAP1 phosphopeptide. The protocol identified seven highly potent and selective irreversible peptide binders. The predicted binding mode of one of the peptides was validated using X-ray crystallography. This case-study demonstrates the utility and impact of CovPepDock. It suggests that many new electrophilic peptide binders can be rapidly discovered, with significant potential as therapeutic molecules and chemical probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barr Tivon
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 7610001 Israel
| | - Ronen Gabizon
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 7610001 Israel
| | - Bente A Somsen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Cossar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Christian Ottmann
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Nir London
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 7610001 Israel
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