1
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Zeng L, Kang D, Zhu L, Zhou Z, Li Y, Ling W, Zhang Y, Yu DG, Kim I, Song W. Poly(phenylalanine) and poly(3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine): Promising biomedical materials for building stimuli-responsive nanocarriers. J Control Release 2024; 372:810-828. [PMID: 38968969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.002] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a serious threat to human health because of its high annual mortality rate. It has attracted significant attention in healthcare, and identifying effective strategies for the treatment and relief of cancer pain requires urgency. Drug delivery systems (DDSs) offer the advantages of excellent efficacy, low cost, and low toxicity for targeting drugs to tumor sites. In recent decades, copolymer carriers based on poly(phenylalanine) (PPhe) and poly(3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine) (PDopa) have been extensively investigated owing to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controllable stimulus responsiveness, which have resulted in DDSs with loading and targeted delivery capabilities. In this review, we introduce the synthesis of PPhe and PDopa, highlighting the latest proposed synthetic routes and comparing the differences in drug delivery between PPhe and PDopa. Subsequently, we summarize the various applications of PPhe and PDopa in nanoscale-targeted DDSs, providing a comprehensive analysis of the drug release behavior based on different stimulus-responsive carriers using these two materials. In the end, we discuss the challenges and prospects of polypeptide-based DDSs in the field of cancer therapy, aiming to promote their further development to meet the growing demands for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingcong Zeng
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Dandan Kang
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Linglin Zhu
- Oncology Department of Huadong Hospital, Minimally Invasive Tumor Treatment Center, No. 139 Yan'an West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China 200040
| | - Zunkang Zhou
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Yichong Li
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Wei Ling
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, PR China
| | - Deng-Guang Yu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China
| | - Il Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Wenliang Song
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, PR China.
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2
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Yuan L, Chen B, Zhu K, Ren L, Yuan X. Development of Macromolecular Cryoprotectants for Cryopreservation of Cells. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400309. [PMID: 39012218 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400309] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is a common way for long-term storage of therapeutical proteins, erythrocytes, and mammalian cells. For cryoprotection of these biosamples to keep their structural integrity and biological activities, it is essential to incorporate highly efficient cryoprotectants. Currently, permeable small molecular cryoprotectants such as glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide dominate in cryostorage applications, but they are harmful to cells and human health. As acting in the extracellular space, membrane-impermeable macromolecular cryoprotectants, which exert remarkable membrane stabilization against cryo-injury and are easily removed post-thaw, are promising candidates with biocompatibility and feasibility. Water-soluble hydroxyl-containing polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) and polyol-based polymers are potent ice recrystallization inhibitors, while polyampholytes, polyzwitterions, and bio-inspired (glyco)polypeptides can significantly increase post-thaw recovery with reduced membrane damages. In this review, the synthetic macromolecular cryoprotectants are systematically summarized based on their synthesis routes, practical utilities, and cryoprotective mechanisms. It provides a valuable insight in development of highly efficient macromolecular cryoprotectants with valid ice recrystallization inhibition activity for highly efficient and safe cryopreservation of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Binlin Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Kongying Zhu
- Analysis and Measurement Center, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Lixia Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
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3
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Zhang J, Sun X, Zhao H, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Xie F, Li B, Guo G. In Silico Design and Synthesis of Antifungal Peptides Guided by Quantitative Antifungal Activity. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4277-4285. [PMID: 38743449 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Antifungal peptides (AFPs) are emerging as promising candidates for advanced antifungal therapies because of their broad-spectrum efficacy and reduced resistance development. In silico design of AFPs, however, remains challenging, due to the lack of an efficient and well-validated quantitative assessment of antifungal activity. This study introduced an AFP design approach that leverages an innovative quantitative metric, named the antifungal index (AFI), through a three-step process, i.e., segmentation, single-point mutation, and global multipoint optimization. An exhaustive search of 100 putative AFP sequences indicated that random modifications without guidance only have a 5.97-20.24% chance of enhancing antifungal activity. Analysis of the search results revealed that (1) N-terminus truncation is more effective in enhancing antifungal activity than the modifications at the C-terminus or both ends, (2) introducing the amino acids within the 10-60% sequence region that enhance aromaticity and hydrophobicity are more effective in increasing antifungal efficacy, and (3) incorporating alanine, cysteine, and phenylalanine during multiple point mutations has a synergistic effect on enhancing antifungal activity. Subsequently, 28 designed peptides were synthesized and tested against four typical fungal strains. The success rate for developing promising AFPs, with a minimal inhibitory concentration of ≤5.00 μM, was an impressive 82.14%. The predictive and design tool is accessible at https://antifungipept.chemoinfolab.com.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Xinhao Sun
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Yiling Zhang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Feng Xie
- Moutai Institute, Renhuai 564507, China
| | - Boyan Li
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Guo Guo
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
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4
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Nadal-Bufí F, Chan LY, Mohammad HH, Mason JM, Salomon C, Lai A, Thompson EW, Craik DJ, Kaas Q, Henriques ST. Peptide-based LDH5 inhibitors enter cancer cells and impair proliferation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:606. [PMID: 36436181 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04633-3] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lactate dehydrogenase 5 (LDH5) is overexpressed in many cancers and is a potential target for anticancer therapy due to its role in aerobic glycolysis. Small-molecule drugs have been developed as competitive inhibitors to bind substrate/cofactor sites of LDH5, but none reached the clinic to date. Recently, we designed the first LDH5 non-competitive inhibitor, cGmC9, a peptide that inhibits protein-protein interactions required for LDH5 enzymatic activity. Peptides are gaining a large interest as anticancer agents to modulate intracellular protein-protein interactions not targetable by small molecules; however, delivery of these peptides to the cytosol, where LDH5 and other anticancer targets are located, remains a challenge for this class of therapeutics. In this study, we focused on the cellular internalisation of cGmC9 to achieve LDH5 inhibition in the cytosol. We designed cGmC9 analogues and compared them for LDH5 inhibition, cellular uptake, toxicity, and antiproliferation against a panel of cancer cell lines. The lead analogue, [R/r]cGmC9, specifically impairs proliferation of cancer cell lines with high glycolytic profiles. Proteomics analysis showed expected metabolic changes in response to decreased glycolysis. This is the first report of a peptide-based LDH5 inhibitor able to modulate cancer metabolism and kill cancer cells that are glycolytic. The current study demonstrates the potential of using peptides as inhibitors of intracellular protein-protein interactions relevant for cancer pathways and shows that active peptides can be rationally designed to improve their cell permeation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Nadal-Bufí
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Lai Y Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Hadi H Mohammad
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.,Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Knowledge University, Erbil, 44001, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia.,Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, 8320000, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew Lai
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Biomedical Sciences and Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia. .,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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5
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Klemm P, Solomun JI, Rodewald M, Kuchenbrod MT, Hänsch VG, Richter F, Popp J, Hertweck C, Hoeppener S, Bonduelle C, Lecommandoux S, Traeger A, Schubert S. Efficient Gene Delivery of Tailored Amphiphilic Polypeptides by Polyplex Surfing. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:4718-4733. [PMID: 36269943 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Within this study, an amphiphilic and potentially biodegradable polypeptide library based on poly[(4-aminobutyl)-l-glutamine-stat-hexyl-l-glutamine] [P(AB-l-Gln-stat-Hex-l-Gln)] was investigated for gene delivery. The influence of varying proportions of aliphatic and cationic side chains affecting the physicochemical properties of the polypeptides on transfection efficiency was investigated. A composition of 40 mol% Hex-l-Gln and 60 mol % AB-l-Gln (P3) was identified as best performer over polypeptides with higher proportions of protonatable monomers. Detailed studies of the transfection mechanism revealed the strongest interaction of P3 with cell membranes, promoting efficient endocytic cell uptake and high endosomal release. Spectrally, time-, and z-resolved fluorescence microscopy further revealed the crucial role of filopodia surfing in polyplex-cell interaction and particle internalization in lamellipodia regions, followed by rapid particle transport into cells. This study demonstrates the great potential of polypeptides for gene delivery. The amphiphilic character improves performance over cationic homopolypeptides, and the potential biodegradability is advantageous toward other synthetic polymeric delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Klemm
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jana I Solomun
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Marko Rodewald
- Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technology Jena, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Maren T Kuchenbrod
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Veit G Hänsch
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Friederike Richter
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technology Jena, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hertweck
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Colin Bonduelle
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | | | - Anja Traeger
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
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6
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Liu X, Gao S, Ren L, Yuan X. Achieving high intracellular trehalose in hRBCs by reversible membrane perturbation of maltopyranosides with synergistic membrane protection of macromolecular protectants. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 141:213114. [PMID: 36113360 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Trehalose is considered as a biocompatible cryoprotectant for solvent-free cryopreservation of cells, but the difficulty of the current trehalose delivery platforms to human red blood cells (hRBCs) limits its wide applications. Due to cell injuries caused by incubation at 37 °C and low intracellular loading efficiency, development of novel methods to facilitate trehalose entry in hRBCs is essential. Herein, a reversible membrane perturbation and synergistic membrane stabilization system based on maltopyranosides and macromolecular protectants was constructed, demonstrating the ability of efficient trehalose loading in hRBCs at 4 °C. Results of confocal laser scanning microscopy exhibited that the intracellular loading with the assistance of maltopyranosides was a reversible process, while the membrane protective effect of macromolecular protectants on trehalose loading in hRBCs was necessary. It was suggested that introduction of 30 mM poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) 8000 combined with 1 mM dodecyl-β-D-maltopyranoside and 0.8 M trehalose could increase the intracellular trehalose to 84.0 ± 11.3 mM in hRBCs, whereas poly(ethylene glycol), dextran, human serum albumin or hydroxyethyl starch had a weak effect. All the macromolecular protectants could promote the cryosurvival of hRBCs, exhibiting membrane stabilization, and incubation and followed by cryopreservation did not change the basic functions and normal morphology of hRBCs substantially. This study provided an alternative strategy for glycerol-free cryopreservation of cells and the delivery of membrane-impermeable cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwen Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Shuhui Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lixia Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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7
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Niu Q, Gao S, Liu X, Chong J, Ren L, Zhu K, Shi W, Yuan X. Membrane stabilization versus perturbation by aromatic monoamine-modified γ-PGA for cryopreservation of human RBCs with high intracellular trehalose. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:6038-6048. [PMID: 35894777 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01074g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
As a nonreducing disaccharide, trehalose can be used as a biocompatible cryoprotectant for solvent-free cell cryopreservation, but the membrane-impermeability limits its cryoprotective efficiency. Herein, a series of aromatic monoamines with a 1-4 methylene spacer were grafted onto γ-poly(glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) for promoting intracellular trehalose uptake in human red blood cells (hRBCs) via membrane perturbation. The self-assembled nanoparticles of the obtained amphiphilic γ-PGA could be adsorbed on the cell membrane by the hydrophobic interaction to disturb the lipid arrangement and increase the membrane permeability of trehalose under hypertonic conditions. Results suggested that the intracellular trehalose could be enhanced progressively with the methylene spacer length, significantly increasing to 75.1 ± 0.7 mM by incubating hRBCs in 0.8 M trehalose containing phenylbutylamine-grafted γ-PGA at 4 °C for 24 h. Meanwhile, the other three polymers exhibited membrane stabilization in addition to improved intracellular trehalose, maintaining the membrane integrity during cryopreservation to achieve high cryosurvival. Molecular dynamics simulation further confirmed that defects could be formed by interaction of the above four amphiphilic polymers on the modeled phospholipid bilayer. It was believed that glycerol-free cryopreservation of human cells could be realized by using trehalose as the biocompatible cryoprotectant, and membrane stabilization can be a compensatory approach to membrane perturbation during impermeable biomolecule delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjing Niu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Shuhui Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Xingwen Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | | | - Lixia Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Kongying Zhu
- Analysis and Measurement Center, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenxiong Shi
- Institute for New Energy Materials and Low Carbon Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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8
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Yuan X, Luo SZ, Chen L. Novel branched amphiphilic peptides for nucleic acids delivery. Int J Pharm 2022; 624:121983. [PMID: 35803534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121983] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Highly efficient and safe non-viral vectors for nucleic acids delivery have attracted much attention due to their potential applications in gene therapy, gene editing and vaccination against infectious diseases, and various materials have been investigated and designed as delivery vectors. Herein, we designed a series of branched amphiphilic peptides (BAPs) and tested their applications as pDNA/mRNA delivery vectors. The BAP structure was inspired by the phospholipids, in which lysine oligomers were used as the "polar head", segments containing phenylalanine, histidine and leucine were used as the "hydrophobic tails", and a lysine residue was used as the branching point. By comparing the gel retardation, particle sizes and zeta potentials of the BAP/pDNA complexes of the short-branch BAPs (BAP-V1 ∼ BAP-V4), we determined the optimal lysine oligomer was K6. However, their cell transfection efficiencies were not satisfactory, and thus three long-branch BAPs (BAP-V5 ∼ BAP-V7) were further designed. In these long-branch BAPs, more hydrophobic residues were added and the overall amphiphilicity increased accordingly. The results showed that these three BAPs could effectively compact the nucleic acids, including both pDNA and mRNA, and all could transfect nucleic acids into HEK 293 cells, with low cytotoxicity. Among the three long-branch BAPs, BAP-V7 (bis(FFLFFHHH)-K-K6) showed the best transfection efficiency at N/P = 10, which was better than the commercial transfection reagent PEI-25 K. These results indicate that increased amphiphilicity would also benefit for BAP mediated nucleic acid delivery. The designed BAPs provide more documents of such novel type of nucleic acids delivery vectors, which is worth of further investigation as a new gene theranostic platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiushuang Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Long Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
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9
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Liu X, Gao S, Niu Q, Zhu K, Ren L, Yuan X. Facilitating trehalose entry into hRBCs at 4 °C by alkylated ε-poly(L-lysine) for glycerol-free cryopreservation. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:1042-1054. [PMID: 35080234 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02674g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Currently, glycerol is a conventional cryoprotectant of human red blood cells (hRBCs), but the time-consuming thawing and deglycerolization processes are essential before transfusion. Much of the research up to now has been conducted on the delivery of impermeable trehalose to hRBCs at 37 °C, but the cryoprotective effect of trehalose and deterioration of cells still remain challenging. Encouraged by the interaction of hydrophobic or cationic groups on cell membranes and osmotic stabilization, herein, we propose a novel cryopreservation system to facilitate trehalose entry into hRBCs at 4 °C and pH 7.4. High intracellular trehalose contents and cryosurvival of hRBCs were achieved with small function variations via the assistance of self-assembled nanoparticles of alkylated ε-poly(L-lysine) (ε-PL) along with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). The effect of amphipathic alkylated ε-PL with various alkyl chains and grafting ratios on membrane perturbation with protection of PVP was systematically investigated. Overall, by the combination of alkylated ε-PL and PVP, the intracellular trehalose could be enhanced to 109.7 ± 6.1 mM and subsequently hRBC cryosurvival reached 91.7 ± 5.5%, significantly higher than those containing trehalose only, 11.9 ± 1.1 mM and 50.0 ± 2.1%, respectively. It was observed that the biocompatible trehalose-loading system could benefit glycerol-free cryopreservation of hRBCs and also provide a feasible way for impermeable biomacromolecule delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwen Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Shuhui Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Qingjing Niu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Kongying Zhu
- Analysis and Measurement Center, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Lixia Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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10
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Gao S, Niu Q, Liu X, Zhu C, Chong J, Ren LX, Zhu K, Yuan X. Cryopreservation of human erythrocytes through high intracellular trehalose with membrane stabilization of maltotriose-grafted ε-poly(L-lysine). J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:4452-4462. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00445c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human erythrocytes via suitable cryoprotectants is essential for transfusion at emergency, but the conventional glycerolization method requires a tedious thawing-deglycerolization process. Alternatively, trehalose, a nonreducing disaccharide, has gained...
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Gao S, Zhu K, Zhang Q, Niu Q, Chong J, Ren L, Yuan X. Development of Icephilic ACTIVE Glycopeptides for Cryopreservation of Human Erythrocytes. Biomacromolecules 2021; 23:530-542. [PMID: 34965723 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ice formation and recrystallization exert severe impairments to cellular cryopreservation. In light of cell-damaging washing procedures in the current glycerol approach, many researches have been devoted to the development of biocompatible cryoprotectants for optimal bioprotection of human erythrocytes. Herein, we develop a novel ACTIVE glycopeptide of saccharide-grafted ε-poly(L-lysine), that can be credited with adsorption on membrane surfaces, cryopreservation with trehalose, and icephilicity for validity of human erythrocytes. Then, by Borch reductive amination or amidation, glucose, lactose, maltose, maltotriose, or trehalose was tethered to ε-polylysine. The synthesized ACTIVE glycopeptides with intrinsic icephilicity could localize on the membrane surface of human erythrocytes and improve cryopreservation with trehalose, so that remarkable post-thaw cryosurvival of human erythrocytes was achieved with a slight variation in cell morphology and functions. Human erythrocytes (∼50% hematocrit) in cryostores could maintain high cryosurvival above 74%, even after plunged in liquid nitrogen for 6 months. Analyses of differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, and dynamic ice shaping suggested that this cryopreservation protocol combined with the ACTIVE glycopeptide and trehalose could enhance the hydrogen bond network in nonfrozen solutions, resulting in inhibition of recrystallization and growth of ice. Therefore, the ACTIVE glycopeptide can be applied as a trehalose-associated "chaperone", providing a new way to serve as a candidate in glycerol-free human erythrocyte cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Kongying Zhu
- Analysis and Measurement Center, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qifa Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qingjing Niu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | | | - Lixia Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
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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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13
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Wang S. pH-Responsive Amphiphilic Carboxylate Polymers: Design and Potential for Endosomal Escape. Front Chem 2021; 9:645297. [PMID: 33834015 PMCID: PMC8021698 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.645297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular delivery of emerging biomacromolecular therapeutics, such as genes, peptides, and proteins, remains a great challenge. Unlike small hydrophobic drugs, these biotherapeutics are impermeable to the cell membrane, thus relying on the endocytic pathways for cell entry. After endocytosis, they are entrapped in the endosomes and finally degraded in lysosomes. To overcome these barriers, many carriers have been developed to facilitate the endosomal escape of these biomacromolecules. This mini-review focuses on the development of anionic pH-responsive amphiphilic carboxylate polymers for endosomal escape applications, including the design and synthesis of these polymers, the mechanistic insights of their endosomal escape capability, the challenges in the field, and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Wang
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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14
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Liu B, Zhang L, Zhang Q, Gao S, Zhao Y, Ren L, Shi W, Yuan X. Membrane Stabilization of Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polypeptide-g-trehalose Assists Cryopreservation of Red Blood Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:3294-3303. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lingyue Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qifa Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Shuhui Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yunhui Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lixia Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wenxiong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
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15
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Liu B, Zhang Q, Zhao Y, Ren L, Yuan X. Trehalose-functional glycopeptide enhances glycerol-free cryopreservation of red blood cells. J Mater Chem B 2019; 7:5695-5703. [DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01089k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Arginine- and trehalose-modified ε-polylysine (ε-PL) demonstrated a high synergistic function with trehalose for RBC cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300350
- China
| | - Qifa Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300350
- China
| | - Yunhui Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300350
- China
| | - Lixia Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300350
- China
| | - Xiaoyan Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300350
- China
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