1
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Krzyscik MA, Porębska N, Opaliński Ł, Otlewski J. Targeting HER2 and FGFR-positive cancer cells with a bispecific cytotoxic conjugate combining anti-HER2 Affibody and FGF2. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127657. [PMID: 38287563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127657] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of effective targeted therapies. This study aimed to create bispecific targeting molecules against HER2 and FGFR1, two receptors known to play crucial roles in breast cancer progression. By combining the high-affinity Affibody ZHER2:2891 and a modified, stable form of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), we successfully generated bispecific proteins capable of simultaneously recognizing HER2 and FGFR1. Two variants were designed: AfHER2-sFGF2 with a shorter linker and AfHER2-lFGF2 with a longer linker between the HER2 and FGFR1-recognizing proteins. Both proteins exhibited selective binding to HER2 and FGFR1, with AfHER2-lFGF2 demonstrating simultaneous binding to both receptors. AfHER2-lFGF2 exhibited superior internalization compared to FGF2 in FGFR-positive cells and significantly increased internalization compared to AfHER2 in HER2-positive cells. To enhance their therapeutic potential, highly potent cytotoxic agent MMAE was conjugated to the targeting proteins, resulting in protein-drug conjugates. The bispecific AfHER2-lFGF2-vcMMAE conjugate demonstrated exceptional cytotoxic activity against HER2-positive, FGFR-positive, and dual-positive cancer cell lines that was significantly higher compared to monospecific conjugates. These data indicate the beneficial effect of simultaneous targeting of HER2 and FGFR1 in precise anticancer medicine and contribute valuable insights into the design and potential of bispecific targeting molecules for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz A Krzyscik
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Natalia Porębska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Opaliński
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
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2
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Nawrocka D, Krzyscik MA, Sluzalska KD, Otlewski J. Dual-Warhead Conjugate Based on Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Dimer Loaded with α-Amanitin and Monomethyl Auristatin E Exhibits Superior Cytotoxicity towards Cancer Cells Overproducing Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10143. [PMID: 37373291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210143] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers associated with alterations in the FGFR1 gene. In this study, we developed a highly cytotoxic bioconjugate based on fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), which is a natural ligand of this receptor, and two potent cytotoxic drugs-α-amanitin and monomethyl auristatin E-with completely independent mechanistic modes of action. Utilizing recombinant DNA technology, we produced an FGF2 N- to C-end dimer that exhibited superior internalization capacity in FGFR1-positive cells. The drugs were site-specifically attached to the targeting protein using SnoopLigase- and evolved sortase A-mediated ligations. The resulting dimeric dual-warhead conjugate selectively binds to the FGFR1 and utilizes receptor-mediated endocytosis to enter the cells. Moreover, our results demonstrate that the developed conjugate exhibits about 10-fold higher cytotoxic potency against FGFR1-positive cell lines than an equimolar mixture of single-warhead conjugates. The diversified mode of action of the dual-warhead conjugate may help to overcome the potential acquired resistance of FGFR1-overproducing cancer cells to single cytotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Nawrocka
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Adam Krzyscik
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dominika Sluzalska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
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3
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Szymczyk J, Sochacka M, Chudy P, Opalinski L, Otlewski J, Zakrzewska M. FGF1 protects FGFR1-overexpressing cancer cells against drugs targeting tubulin polymerization by activating AKT via two independent mechanisms. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1011762. [PMID: 36276073 PMCID: PMC9582358 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1011762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer drug resistance is a common, unpredictable phenomenon that develops in many types of tumors, resulting in the poor efficacy of current anticancer therapies. One of the most common, and yet the most complex causes of drug resistance is a mechanism related to dysregulation of tumor cell signaling. Abnormal signal transduction in a cancer cell is often stimulated by growth factors and their receptors, including fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and FGF receptors (FGFRs). Here, we investigated the effect of FGF1 and FGFR1 activity on the action of drugs that disrupt tubulin polymerization (taltobulin, paclitaxel, vincristine) in FGFR1-positive cell lines, U2OS stably transfected with FGFR1 (U2OSR1) and DMS114 cells. We observed that U2OSR1 cells exhibited reduced sensitivity to the tubulin-targeting drugs, compared to U2OS cells expressing a negligible level of FGFRs. This effect was dependent on receptor activation, as inhibition of FGFR1 by a specific small-molecule inhibitor (PD173074) increased the cells’ sensitivity to these drugs. Expression of functional FGFR1 in U2OS cells resulted in increased AKT phosphorylation, with no change in total AKT level. U2OSR1 cells also exhibited an elevated MDR1 and blocking MDR1 activity with cyclosporin A increased the toxicity of paclitaxel and vincristine, but not taltobulin. Analysis of tubulin polymerization pattern using fluorescence microscopy revealed that FGF1 in U2OSR1 cells partially reverses the drug-altered phenotype in paclitaxel- and vincristine-treated cells, but not in taltobulin-treated cells. Furthermore, we showed that FGF1, through activation of FGFR1, reduces caspase 3/7 activity and PARP cleavage, preventing apoptosis induced by tubulin-targeting drugs. Next, using specific kinase inhibitors, we investigated which signaling pathways are responsible for the FGF1-mediated reduction of taltobulin cytotoxicity. We found that AKT kinase is a key factor in FGF1-induced cell protection against taltobulin in U2OSR1 and DMS114 cells. Interestingly, only direct inhibition of AKT or dual-inhibition of PI3K and mTOR abolished this effect for cells treated with taltobulin. This suggests that both canonical (PI3K-dependent) and alternative (PI3K-independent) AKT-activating pathways may regulate FGF1/FGFR1-driven cancer cell survival. Our findings may contribute to the development of more effective therapies and may facilitate the prevention of drug resistance in FGFR1-positive cancer cells.
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4
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Krzyscik MA, Opaliński Ł, Szymczyk J, Otlewski J. Cyclic and dimeric fibroblast growth factor 2 variants with high biomedical potential. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 218:243-258. [PMID: 35878661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a pleiotropic protein engaged in the regulation of key cellular processes in a wide spectrum of cells. FGF2 is an important object of basic research as well as a molecule used in regenerative medicine, in vitro cell culture maintenance, and as an anticancer drug carrier. However, the unsatisfactory stability and pleiotropic activities of the wild-type FGF2 largely limit its use as a medical product. To overcome these limitations, we have designed a set of FGF2-based macromolecules via sortase A-mediated cyclization and oligomerization. We obtained heparin-switchable FGF2 variants with enhanced stability and improved ability to stimulate cell proliferation and migration. We have shown that stimulation of glucose uptake by adipocytes is modulated by the architecture of FGF2 oligomers. Moreover, we used hyper-stable FGF2 variants for the construction of highly effective drug carriers for selective killing of FGFR1-overproducing cancer cells. The strategy for FGF2 engineering presented in this work provides novel insights into the design of growth factor variants for regenerative and anti-cancer precise medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz A Krzyscik
- University of Wroclaw, Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Opaliński
- University of Wroclaw, Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Szymczyk
- University of Wroclaw, Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- University of Wroclaw, Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
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5
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Jendryczko K, Rzeszotko J, Krzyscik MA, Kocyła A, Szymczyk J, Otlewski J, Szlachcic A. Drug Conjugation via Maleimide-Thiol Chemistry Does Not Affect Targeting Properties of Cysteine-Containing Anti-FGFR1 Peptibodies. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1422-1433. [PMID: 35389227 PMCID: PMC9066409 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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With a wide range
of available cytotoxic therapeutics, the main
focus of current cancer research is to deliver them specifically to
the cancer cells, minimizing toxicity against healthy tissues. Targeted
therapy utilizes different carriers for cytotoxic drugs, combining
a targeting molecule, typically an antibody, and a highly toxic payload.
For the effective delivery of such cytotoxic conjugates, a molecular
target on the cancer cell is required. Various proteins are exclusively
or abundantly expressed in cancer cells, making them a possible target
for drug carriers. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) overexpression
has been reported in different types of cancer, but no FGFR1-targeting
cytotoxic conjugate has been approved for therapy so far. In this
study, the FGFR1-targeting peptide previously described in the literature
was reformatted into a peptibody–peptide fusion with the fragment
crystallizable (Fc) domain of IgG1. PeptibodyC19 can be effectively
internalized into FGFR1-overexpressing cells and does not induce cells’
proliferation. The main challenge for its use as a cytotoxic conjugate
is a cysteine residue located within the targeting peptide. A standard
drug-conjugation strategy based on the maleimide–thiol reaction
involves modification of cysteines within the Fc domain hinge region.
Applied here, however, may easily result in the modification of the
targeting peptide with the drug, limiting its affinity to the target
and therefore the potential for specific drug delivery. To investigate
if this is the case, we have performed conjugation reactions with
different auristatin derivatives (PEGylated and unmodified) under
various conditions. By controlling the reduction conditions and the
type of cytotoxic payload, different numbers of cysteines were substituted,
allowing us to avoid conjugating the drug to the targeting peptide,
which could affect its binding to FGFR1. The optimized protocol with
PEGylated auristatin yielded doubly substituted peptibodyC19, showing
specific cytotoxicity toward the FGFR1-expressing lung cancer cells,
with no effect on cells with low FGFR1 levels. Indeed, additional
cysteine poses a risk of unwanted modification, but changes in the
type of cytotoxic payload and reaction conditions allow the use of
standard thiol–maleimide-based conjugation to achieve standard
Fc hinge region cysteine modification, analogously to antibody–drug
conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Jendryczko
- Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Jakub Rzeszotko
- Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | | | - Anna Kocyła
- Department of Chemical Biology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Jakub Szymczyk
- Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Anna Szlachcic
- Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
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6
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Porębska N, Knapik A, Poźniak M, Krzyścik MA, Zakrzewska M, Otlewski J, Opaliński Ł. Intrinsically Fluorescent Oligomeric Cytotoxic Conjugates Toxic for FGFR1-Overproducing Cancers. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:5349-5362. [PMID: 34855396 PMCID: PMC8672352 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Fibroblast growth
factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is an integral membrane
protein that transmits prolife signals through the plasma membrane.
Overexpression of FGFR1 has been reported in various tumor types,
and therefore, this receptor constitutes an attractive molecular target
for selective anticancer therapies. Here, we present a novel system
for generation of intrinsically fluorescent, self-assembling, oligomeric
cytotoxic conjugates with high affinity and efficient internalization
targeting FGFR1. In our approach, we employed FGF1 as an FGFR1 recognizing
molecule and genetically fused it to green fluorescent protein polygons
(GFPp), a fluorescent oligomerization scaffold, resulting in a set
of GFPp_FGF1 oligomers with largely improved receptor binding. To
validate the applicability of using GFPp_FGF1 oligomers as cancer
probes and drug carriers in targeted therapy of cancers with aberrant
FGFR1, we selected a trimeric variant from generated GFPp_FGF1 oligomers
and further engineered it by introducing FGF1-stabilizing mutations
and by incorporating the cytotoxic drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE)
in a site-specific manner. The resulting intrinsically fluorescent,
trimeric cytotoxic conjugate 3xGFPp_FGF1E_LPET_MMAE exhibits nanomolar
affinity for the receptor and very high stability. Notably, the intrinsic
fluorescence of 3xGFPp_FGF1E_LPET_MMAE allows for tracking the cellular
transport of the conjugate, demonstrating that 3xGFPp_FGF1E_LPET_MMAE
is efficiently and selectively internalized into cells expressing
FGFR1. Importantly, we show that 3xGFPp_FGF1E_LPET_MMAE displays very
high cytotoxicity against a panel of different cancer cells overproducing
FGFR1 while remaining neutral toward cells devoid of FGFR1 expression.
Our data implicate that the engineered fluorescent conjugates can
be used for imaging and targeted therapy of FGFR1-overproducing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Porębska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Agata Knapik
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Marta Poźniak
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Mateusz Adam Krzyścik
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zakrzewska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Łukasz Opaliński
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
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7
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Jendryczko K, Rzeszotko J, Krzyscik MA, Szymczyk J, Otlewski J, Szlachcic A. Peptibody Based on FGFR1-Binding Peptides From the FGF4 Sequence as a Cancer-Targeting Agent. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:748936. [PMID: 34867353 PMCID: PMC8636100 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.748936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are a promising alternative to conventional chemotherapy, with an increasing number of therapeutics targeting specific molecular aberrancies in cancer cells. One of the emerging targets for directed cancer treatments is fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), which are known to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple cancer types, specially in lung, bladder, and breast cancers. Here, we are demonstrating the development of the FGFR1-targeting agent based on the interactome screening approach, based on the isolation of binding regions from ligands interacting with the receptor. The parallel analysis by FGFR1 pull-down of chymotryptic peptides coupled with MS analysis, and PepSpot analysis yielded equivalent peptide sequences from FGF4, one of the FGFR1 ligands. Three sequences served as a basis for peptibody (Fc-fusion) generation, to overcome clinical limitations of peptidic agents, and two of them showed favorable FGFR1-binding in vitro and FGFR1-dependent internalization into cells. To validate if developed FGFR1-targeting peptibodies can be used for drug delivery, similar to the well-established concept of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), peptibodyF4_1 was successfully conjugated with monomethylauristatin E (MMAE), and has shown significant and specific toxicity toward FGFR1-expressing lung cancer cell lines, with nanomolar EC50 values. Essentially, the development of new effective FGFR1 binders that comprise the naturally occurring FGFR-recognition peptides and Fc region ensuring high plasma stability, and long bloodstream circulation is an interesting strategy expanding targeted anticancer agents’ portfolio. Furthermore, identifying peptides effectively binding the receptor from sequences of its ligands is not limited to FGFRs and is an approach versatile enough to be a basis for a new peptide/peptibodies development strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Jendryczko
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Rzeszotko
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Adam Krzyscik
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Szymczyk
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Szlachcic
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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8
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Poźniak M, Porębska N, Jastrzębski K, Krzyścik MA, Kucińska M, Zarzycka W, Barbach A, Zakrzewska M, Otlewski J, Miączyńska M, Opaliński Ł. Modular self-assembly system for development of oligomeric, highly internalizing and potent cytotoxic conjugates targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:69. [PMID: 34635096 PMCID: PMC8504119 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00767-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpression of FGFR1 is observed in numerous tumors and therefore this receptor constitutes an attractive molecular target for selective cancer treatment with cytotoxic conjugates. The success of cancer therapy with cytotoxic conjugates largely relies on the precise recognition of a cancer-specific marker by a targeting molecule within the conjugate and its subsequent cellular internalization by receptor mediated endocytosis. We have recently demonstrated that efficiency and mechanism of FGFR1 internalization are governed by spatial distribution of the receptor in the plasma membrane, where clustering of FGFR1 into larger oligomers stimulated fast and highly efficient uptake of the receptor by simultaneous engagement of multiple endocytic routes. Based on these findings we aimed to develop a modular, self-assembly system for generation of oligomeric cytotoxic conjugates, capable of FGFR1 clustering, for targeting FGFR1-overproducing cancer cells. METHODS Engineered FGF1 was used as FGFR1-recognition molecule and tailored for enhanced stability and site-specific attachment of the cytotoxic drug. Modified streptavidin, allowing for controlled oligomerization of FGF1 variant was used for self-assembly of well-defined FGF1 oligomers of different valency and oligomeric cytotoxic conjugate. Protein biochemistry methods were applied to obtain highly pure FGF1 oligomers and the oligomeric cytotoxic conjugate. Diverse biophysical, biochemical and cell biology tests were used to evaluate FGFR1 binding, internalization and the cytotoxicity of obtained oligomers. RESULTS Developed multivalent FGF1 complexes are characterized by well-defined architecture, enhanced FGFR1 binding and improved cellular uptake. This successful strategy was applied to construct tetrameric cytotoxic conjugate targeting FGFR1-producing cancer cells. We have shown that enhanced affinity for the receptor and improved internalization result in a superior cytotoxicity of the tetrameric conjugate compared to the monomeric one. CONCLUSIONS Our data implicate that oligomerization of the targeting molecules constitutes an attractive strategy for improvement of the cytotoxicity of conjugates recognizing cancer-specific biomarkers. Importantly, the presented approach can be easily adapted for other tumor markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Poźniak
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Porębska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Jastrzębski
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Adam Krzyścik
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marika Kucińska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Weronika Zarzycka
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Barbach
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zakrzewska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marta Miączyńska
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Opaliński
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland.
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9
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Krzyscik MA, Zakrzewska M, Sørensen V, Øy GF, Brunheim S, Haugsten EM, Mælandsmo GM, Wiedlocha A, Otlewski J. Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Conjugated with Monomethyl Auristatin E Inhibits Tumor Growth in a Mouse Model. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:4169-4180. [PMID: 34542998 PMCID: PMC8512659 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
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Worldwide, cancer
is the second leading cause of death. Regardless
of the continuous progress in medicine, we still do not have a fully
effective anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, the search for new targeted
anti-cancer drugs is still an unmet need. Here, we present novel protein–drug
conjugates that inhibit tumor growth in a mouse model of human breast
cancer. We developed conjugates based on fibroblast growth factor
(FGF2) with improved biophysical and biological properties for the
efficient killing of cancer cells overproducing fibroblast growth
factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). We used hydrophilic and biocompatible PEG4
or PEG27 molecules as a spacer between FGF2 and the toxic agent monomethyl
auristatin E. All conjugates exhibited a cytotoxic effect on FGFR1-positive
cancer cell lines. The conjugate with the highest hydrodynamic size
(42 kDa) and cytotoxicity was found to efficiently inhibit tumor growth
in a mouse model of human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz A Krzyscik
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Zakrzewska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Vigdis Sørensen
- Advanced Light Microscopy Core Facility, Dept. Core Facilities, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo 0379, Norway.,Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, Oslo 0379, Norway
| | - Geir Frode Øy
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo 0379, Norway
| | - Skjalg Brunheim
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo 0379, Norway
| | - Ellen M Haugsten
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, Oslo 0379, Norway.,Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo 0379, Norway
| | - Gunhild M Mælandsmo
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo 0379, Norway.,University in Tromso - Arctic University of Norway, Tromso 9019, Norway
| | - Antoni Wiedlocha
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, Oslo 0379, Norway.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo 0379, Norway.,Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw 01-163, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
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10
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Poźniak M, Porębska N, Krzyścik MA, Sokołowska-Wędzina A, Jastrzębski K, Sochacka M, Szymczyk J, Zakrzewska M, Otlewski J, Opaliński Ł. The cytotoxic conjugate of highly internalizing tetravalent antibody for targeting FGFR1-overproducing cancer cells. Mol Med 2021; 27:46. [PMID: 33962559 PMCID: PMC8103757 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00306-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) represent one of the most promising approaches in the current immuno-oncology research. The precise delivery of cytotoxic drugs to the cancer cells using ADCs specific for tumor-associated antigens enables sparing the healthy cells and thereby reduces unwanted side effects. Overexpression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) has been demonstrated in numerous tumors and thereby constitutes a convenient molecular target for selective cancer treatment. We have recently engineered tetravalent anti-FGFR1 antibody, T-Fc, and have demonstrated that it displays extremely efficient internalization into FGFR1 producing cells, a feature highly desirable in the ADC approach. We have revealed that T-Fc mediates clustering of FGFR1, largely enhancing the uptake of FGFR1-T-Fc complexes by induction of clathrin-independent endocytic routes. The aim of this study was to obtain highly internalizing cytotoxic conjugate of the T-Fc for specific delivery of drugs into FGFR1-positive cancer cells. METHODS Conjugation of the T-Fc to a cytotoxic payload, vcMMAE, was carried out via maleimide chemistry, yielding the T-Fc-vcMMAE. The specific binding of the T-Fc-vcMMAE conjugate to FGFR1 was confirmed in vitro with BLI technique. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were applied to determine FGFR1-dependence of the T-Fc-vcMMAE internalization. Western blot analyses of FGFR1-dependent signaling were conducted to assess the impact of the T-Fc-vcMMAE on FGFR1 activation and initiation of downstream signaling cascades. Finally, using FGFR1-negative and FGFR1-possitive cell lines, the cytotoxic potential of the T-Fc-vcMMAE was evaluated. RESULTS We have performed the efficient conjugation of the tetravalent engineered antibody with a cytotoxic drug and generated FGFR1-specific ADC molecule, T-Fc-vcMMAE. We have demonstrated that T-Fc-vcMMAE conjugate exhibits high selectivity and affinity for FGFR1, similarly to T-Fc. Furthermore, we have shown that T-Fc constitutes an effective drug delivery vehicle as T-Fc-vcMMAE was efficiently and selectively internalized by FGFR1-producing cells leading to their death. Interestingly, we show that the efficiency of the uptake of T-Fc-vcMMAE corresponds well with the cytotoxicity of the conjugate, but doesn't correlate with the FGFR1expression level. CONCLUSION Our results show that T-Fc-vcMMAE fulfills the key criteria for the successful cytotoxic drug carrier in a targeted approach against FGFR1-positive cancer cells. Furthermore, our data implicate that not solely expression level of the receptor, but rather its cellular trafficking should be taken into account for selection of suitable molecular targets and cancer models for successful ADC approach.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Gene Expression
- Genetic Engineering
- Humans
- Immunoconjugates/chemistry
- Immunoconjugates/pharmacology
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Poźniak
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Porębska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Adam Krzyścik
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Sokołowska-Wędzina
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Jastrzębski
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Sochacka
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Szymczyk
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zakrzewska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Opaliński
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland.
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11
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Deonarain MP, Yahioglu G. Current strategies for the discovery and bioconjugation of smaller, targetable drug conjugates tailored for solid tumor therapy. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:613-624. [PMID: 33275475 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1858050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) have undergone a recent resurgence with 5 product approvals over the last 2 years but for those close to the field, it's been repeated cycles of setbacks and new innovations. A new wave of innovation is in the type of format used to deliver the cytotoxic payloads, with smaller bio-molecules being designed to have more optimal penetration and elimination properties tailored for solid tumors.Areas covered: In this review, the authors cover many of the recently described smaller-format drug conjugates (including formats such as diabodies, Fabs, scFvs, domain antibodies) with an emphasis on the types of conjugation technologies used to attach the chemical linker-payload.Expert opinion: Smaller formats are highly influenced by the structure of the linker-payload, arguably more-so than larger ADCs, so careful consideration is needed where solublising and pharmacokinetic modulation is required. High-quality conjugates are being developed with in vivo tumor efficacy and tolerability properties competitive with ADCs and with a few formats already in clinical development, we expect the pipeline to expand and to reach the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra P Deonarain
- Antikor Biopharma Ltd, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Hertfordshire, UK.,Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gokhan Yahioglu
- Antikor Biopharma Ltd, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Hertfordshire, UK.,Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
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12
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FGF2-Derived PeptibodyF2-MMAE Conjugate for Targeted Delivery of Cytotoxic Drugs into Cancer Cells Overexpressing FGFR1. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102992. [PMID: 33076489 PMCID: PMC7602595 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Current approaches to treat cancer include eg. targeted therapies, employing agents, such as antibodies, aimed directly at molecules expressed in cancerous cells. Here we present a targeting molecule alternative to antibodies-peptibodyF2-composed of a peptide responsible for its targeting properties, and an immunoglobulin fragment increasing its stability and improving pharmacokinetic properties. Peptibody F2 specifically binds to fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) upregulated in multiple types of cancers. Moreover, peptibodyF2 conjugated with the cytotoxic drug (MMAE) serves as an efficient and selective drug carrier delivering cytotoxic payload to cancerous cells expressing FGFR1, leading to their death. Abstract Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are emerging targets for directed cancer therapy. Presented here is a new FGFR1-targeting conjugate, the peptibodyF2, which employs peptibody, a fusion of peptide and the Fc fragment of human IgG as a selective targeting agent and drug carrier. Short peptide based on FGF2 sequence was used to construct a FGFR1-targeting peptibody. We have shown that this peptide ensures specific delivery of peptibodyF2 into FGFR1-expressing cells. In order to use peptibodyF2 as a delivery vehicle for cytotoxic drugs, we have conjugated it with MMAE, a drug widely used in antibody–drug conjugates for targeted therapy. Resulting conjugate shows high and specific cytotoxicity towards FGFR1-positive cells, i.e., squamous cell lung carcinoma NCI-H520, while remaining non-toxic for FGFR1-negative cells. Such peptibody–drug conjugate can serve as a basis for development of therapy for tumors with overexpressed or malfunctioning FGFRs.
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13
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Pozniak M, Sokolowska-Wedzina A, Jastrzebski K, Szymczyk J, Porebska N, Krzyscik MA, Zakrzewska M, Miaczynska M, Otlewski J, Opalinski L. FGFR1 clustering with engineered tetravalent antibody improves the efficiency and modifies the mechanism of receptor internalization. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1998-2021. [PMID: 32511887 PMCID: PMC7463352 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) transmits signals through the plasma membrane regulating essential cellular processes like division, motility, metabolism, and death. Overexpression of FGFR1 is observed in numerous tumors and thus constitutes an attractive molecular target for selective cancer treatment. Targeted anti‐cancer therapies aim for the precise delivery of drugs into cancer cells, sparing the healthy ones and thus limiting unwanted side effects. One of the key steps in targeted drug delivery is receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Here, we show that the efficiency and the mechanism of FGFR1 internalization are governed by the spatial distribution of the receptor in the plasma membrane. Using engineered antibodies of different valency, we demonstrate that dimerization of FGFR1 with bivalent antibody triggers clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME) of the receptor. Clustering of FGFR1 into larger oligomers with tetravalent antibody stimulates fast and highly efficient uptake of the receptor that occurs via two distinct mechanisms: CME and dynamin‐dependent clathrin‐independent endocytic routes. Furthermore, we show that all endocytic pathways engaged in FGFR1 internalization do not require receptor activation. Our data provide novel insights into the mechanisms of intracellular trafficking of FGFR1 and constitute guidelines for development of highly internalizing antibody‐based drug carriers for targeted therapy of FGFR1‐overproducing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pozniak
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Kamil Jastrzebski
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Poland
| | - Jakub Szymczyk
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Porebska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Adam Krzyscik
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Poland.,Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Zakrzewska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marta Miaczynska
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Opalinski
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Poland
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14
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Krzyscik MA, Zakrzewska M, Otlewski J. Site-Specific, Stoichiometric-Controlled, PEGylated Conjugates of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) with Hydrophilic Auristatin Y for Highly Selective Killing of Cancer Cells Overproducing Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1). Mol Pharm 2020; 17:2734-2748. [PMID: 32501706 PMCID: PMC7588128 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
![]()
In
spite of significant progress in the field of targeted anticancer
therapy, the FDA has approved only five ADC-based drugs. Hence the
search for new targeted anticancer agents is an unfulfilled necessity.
Here, we present novel types of protein–drug conjugates (PDCs)
that exhibit superior anticancer activities. Instead of a monoclonal
antibody, we used fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) as a targeting
molecule. FGF2 is a natural ligand of fibroblast growth factor receptor
1 (FGFR1), a transmembrane receptor overproduced in various types
of cancers. We synthesized site-specific and stoichiometric-controlled
conjugates of FGF2 with a highly potent, hydrophilic derivative of
auristatin called auristatin Y. To increase the hydrophilicity and
hydrodynamic radius of conjugates, we employed PEG4 and PEG27 molecules
as a spacer between the targeting molecule and the cytotoxic payload.
All conjugates were selective to FGFR1-positive cell lines, effectively
internalized via the FGFR1-dependent pathway, and exhibited a highly
cytotoxic effect only on FGFR1-positive cancer cell lines.
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15
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Nawrocka D, Krzyscik MA, Opaliński Ł, Zakrzewska M, Otlewski J. Stable Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Dimers with High Pro-Survival and Mitogenic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114108. [PMID: 32526859 PMCID: PMC7312490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a heparin-binding growth factor with broad mitogenic and cell survival activities. Its effector functions are induced upon the formation of 2:2 FGF2:FGFR1 tetrameric complex. To facilitate receptor activation, and therefore, to improve the FGF2 biological properties, we preorganized dimeric ligand by a covalent linkage of two FGF2 molecules. Mutations of the FGF2 WT protein were designed to obtain variants with a single surface-exposed reactive cysteine for the chemical conjugation via maleimide-thiol reaction with bis-functionalized linear PEG linkers. We developed eight FGF2 dimers of defined topology, differing in mutual orientation of individual FGF2 molecules. The engineered proteins remained functional in terms of FGFR downstream signaling activation and were characterized by the increased stability, mitogenic potential and anti-apoptotic activity, as well as induced greater migration responses in normal fibroblasts, as compared to FGF2 monomer. Importantly, biological activity of the dimers was much less dependent on the external heparin administration. Moreover, some dimeric FGF2 variants internalized more efficiently into FGFR overexpressing cancer cells. In summary, in the current work, we showed that preorganization of dimeric FGF2 ligand increased the stability of the growth factor, and therefore, enhanced its biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Nawrocka
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.N.); (M.A.K.); (Ł.O.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mateusz Adam Krzyscik
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.N.); (M.A.K.); (Ł.O.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Protein Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Opaliński
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.N.); (M.A.K.); (Ł.O.); (M.Z.)
| | - Malgorzata Zakrzewska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.N.); (M.A.K.); (Ł.O.); (M.Z.)
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.N.); (M.A.K.); (Ł.O.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71-375-28-24
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16
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Krzyscik MA, Opaliński Ł, Otlewski J. Novel Method for Preparation of Site-Specific, Stoichiometric-Controlled Dual Warhead Conjugate of FGF2 via Dimerization Employing Sortase A-Mediated Ligation. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:3588-3599. [PMID: 31244217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapies are rapidly evolving modalities of cancer treatment. The largest group of currently developed biopharmaceuticals is antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Here, we developed a new modular strategy for the generation of cytotoxic bioconjugates, containing a homodimer of targeting protein and two highly potent anticancer drugs with distinct mechanisms of action. Instead of antibody, we applied human fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) as a targeting protein. We produced a conjugate of FGF2 with either monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) or α-amanitin (αAMTN) as a cytotoxic agent and subsequently applied a sortase A-mediated ligation to obtain a dimeric conjugate containing both MMAE and αAMTN. The developed method ensures site-specific conjugation and a controlled drug-to-protein ratio. We validated our approach by demonstrating that dimeric dual warhead conjugate exhibits higher cytotoxic potency against fibroblast growth factor receptor-positive cell lines than single-warhead conjugates. Our modular technology can be applied to other targeting proteins or drugs and thus can be used for preparation of different bioconjugates.
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17
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Porębska N, Latko M, Kucińska M, Zakrzewska M, Otlewski J, Opaliński Ł. Targeting Cellular Trafficking of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors as a Strategy for Selective Cancer Treatment. J Clin Med 2018; 8:jcm8010007. [PMID: 30577533 PMCID: PMC6352210 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) in response to fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) transmit signals across the cell membrane, regulating important cellular processes, like differentiation, division, motility, and death. The aberrant activity of FGFRs is often observed in various diseases, especially in cancer. The uncontrolled FGFRs' function may result from their overproduction, activating mutations, or generation of FGFRs' fusion proteins. Besides their typical subcellular localization on the cell surface, FGFRs are often found inside the cells, in the nucleus and mitochondria. The intracellular pool of FGFRs utilizes different mechanisms to facilitate cancer cell survival and expansion. In this review, we summarize the current stage of knowledge about the role of FGFRs in oncogenic processes. We focused on the mechanisms of FGFRs' cellular trafficking-internalization, nuclear translocation, and mitochondrial targeting, as well as their role in carcinogenesis. The subcellular sorting of FGFRs constitutes an attractive target for anti-cancer therapies. The blocking of FGFRs' nuclear and mitochondrial translocation can lead to the inhibition of cancer invasion. Moreover, the endocytosis of FGFRs can serve as a tool for the efficient and highly selective delivery of drugs into cancer cells overproducing these receptors. Here, we provide up to date examples how the cellular sorting of FGFRs can be hijacked for selective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Porębska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marta Latko
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marika Kucińska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Zakrzewska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Opaliński
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
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Balek L, Buchtova M, Kunova Bosakova M, Varecha M, Foldynova-Trantirkova S, Gudernova I, Vesela I, Havlik J, Neburkova J, Turner S, Krzyscik MA, Zakrzewska M, Klimaschewski L, Claus P, Trantirek L, Cigler P, Krejci P. Nanodiamonds as “artificial proteins”: Regulation of a cell signalling system using low nanomolar solutions of inorganic nanocrystals. Biomaterials 2018; 176:106-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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19
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Vlachostergios PJ, Jakubowski CD, Niaz MJ, Lee A, Thomas C, Hackett AL, Patel P, Rashid N, Tagawa ST. Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Bladder Cancer. Bladder Cancer 2018; 4:247-259. [PMID: 30112436 PMCID: PMC6087439 DOI: 10.3233/blc-180169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is characterized by expression of a plethora of cell surface antigens, thus offering opportunities for specific therapeutic targeting with use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). ADCs are structured from two major constituents, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against a specific target and a cytotoxic drug connected via a linker molecule. Several ADCs are developed against different UC surface markers, but the ones at most advanced stages of development include sacituzumab govitecan (IMMU-132), enfortumab vedotin (ASG-22CE/ASG-22ME), ASG-15ME for advanced UC, and oportuzumab monatox (VB4-845) for early UC. Several new targets are identified and utilized for novel or existing ADC testing. The most promising ones include human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and members of the fibroblast growth factor receptor axis (FGF/FGFR). Positive preclinical and early clinical results are reported in many cases, thus the next step involves further improving efficacy and reducing toxicity as well as testing combination strategies with approved agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Muhammad J Niaz
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aileen Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlene Thomas
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy L Hackett
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Priyanka Patel
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Naureen Rashid
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott T Tagawa
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Świderska KW, Szlachcic A, Opaliński Ł, Zakrzewska M, Otlewski J. FGF2 Dual Warhead Conjugate with Monomethyl Auristatin E and α-Amanitin Displays a Cytotoxic Effect towards Cancer Cells Overproducing FGF Receptor 1. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072098. [PMID: 30029518 PMCID: PMC6073801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the rapidly developing field of targeted cancer therapy there is growing interest towards therapeutics combining two or more compounds to achieve synergistic action and minimize the chance of cancer resistance to treatment. We developed a fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-conjugate bearing two cytotoxic drugs with independent mode of action: α-amanitin and monomethyl auristatin E. Drugs are covalently attached to the targeting protein in a site-specific manner via maleimide-thiol conjugation and Cu(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition. The dual warhead conjugate binds to FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) and utilizes receptor-mediated endocytosis for selective internalization into cancer cells with FGFR1. The developed conjugate displays high cytotoxicity towards all tested FGFR1-positive cell lines. Most importantly, the improved cytotoxic effect of both drugs is observed for lung cancer cell line NCI-H446. The single drug-FGF2 conjugates have no impact on the viability of NCI-H446 cells, whereas the dual warhead-FGF2 conjugate selectively and efficiently kills these FGFR1 positive cancer cells. Due to the diversified mode of action the dual warhead-FGF2 conjugate may overcome the potential acquired resistance of FGFR1-overproducing cancer cells towards single cytotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Weronika Świderska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Szlachcic
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Opaliński
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Zakrzewska
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Department of Protein Engineering, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
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