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Rocío Hernández A, Bogdanova E, Campos Pacheco JE, Kocherbitov V, Ekström M, Pilkington G, Valetti S. Disordered mesoporous silica particles: an emerging platform to deliver proteins to the lungs. Drug Deliv 2024; 31:2381340. [PMID: 39041383 PMCID: PMC11268259 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2024.2381340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary delivery and formulation of biologics are among the more complex and growing scientific topics in drug delivery. We herein developed a dry powder formulation using disordered mesoporous silica particles (MSP) as the sole excipient and lysozyme, the most abundant antimicrobial proteins in the airways, as model protein. The MSP had the optimal size for lung deposition (2.43 ± 0.13 µm). A maximum lysozyme loading capacity (0.35 mg/mg) was achieved in 150 mM PBS, which was seven times greater than that in water. After washing and freeze-drying, we obtained a dry powder consisting of spherical, non-aggregated particles, free from residual buffer, or unabsorbed lysozyme. The presence of lysozyme was confirmed by TGA and FT-IR, while N2 adsorption/desorption and SAXS analysis indicate that the protein is confined within the internal mesoporous structure. The dry powder exhibited excellent aerodynamic performance (fine particle fraction <5 µm of 70.32%). Lysozyme was released in simulated lung fluid in a sustained kinetics and maintaining high enzymatic activity (71-91%), whereas LYS-MSP were shown to degrade into aggregated nanoparticulate microstructures, reaching almost complete dissolution (93%) within 24 h. MSPs were nontoxic to in vitro lung epithelium. The study demonstrates disordered MSP as viable carriers to successfully deliver protein to the lungs, with high deposition and retained activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura Rocío Hernández
- Biofilms – Research Center for Biointerfaces (BRCB), Malmö, Sweden
- Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ekaterina Bogdanova
- Biofilms – Research Center for Biointerfaces (BRCB), Malmö, Sweden
- Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jesus E. Campos Pacheco
- Biofilms – Research Center for Biointerfaces (BRCB), Malmö, Sweden
- Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Vitaly Kocherbitov
- Biofilms – Research Center for Biointerfaces (BRCB), Malmö, Sweden
- Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | | | - Sabrina Valetti
- Biofilms – Research Center for Biointerfaces (BRCB), Malmö, Sweden
- Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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2
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Martin J, Michaelis M, Petrović S, Lehnen AC, Müllers Y, Wendler P, Möller HM, Hartlieb M, Glebe U. Application of Sortase-Mediated Ligation for the Synthesis of Block Copolymers and Protein-Polymer Conjugates. Macromol Biosci 2024:e2400316. [PMID: 39360589 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400316] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Sortase-mediated ligation (SML) has become a powerful tool for site-specific protein modification. However, sortase A (SrtA) suffers from low catalytic efficiency and mediates an equilibrium reaction. Therefore, ligations with large macromolecules may be challenging. Here, the synthesis of polymeric building blocks for sortase-mediated ligation constituting peptide-polymers with either the recognition sequence for sortase A (LPX1TGX2) or its nucleophilic counterpart (Gx) is demonstrated. The peptide-polymers are synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis followed by photo-iniferter (PI) reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization of various monomers. The building blocks are subsequently utilized to investigate possibilities and limitations when using macromolecules in SML. In particular, diblock copolymers are obtained even when using the orthogonal building blocks in equimolar ratio by exploiting a technique to shift the reaction equilibrium. However, ligations of two polymers can not be achieved when the degree of polymerization exceeds 100. Subsequently, C-terminal protein-polymer conjugates are synthesized. Several polymers are utilized that can replace the omnipresent polyethylene glycol (PEG) in future therapeutics. The conjugation is exemplified with a nanobody that is known for efficient neutralization of SARS-CoV-2. The study demonstrates a universal approach to polymer-LPX1TGX2 and Gx-polymer building blocks and gives insight into their application in SML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Martin
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Marcus Michaelis
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Saša Petrović
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Anne-Catherine Lehnen
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Yannic Müllers
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Petra Wendler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Heiko M Möller
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Matthias Hartlieb
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Ulrich Glebe
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
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3
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Fazekas Z, Nagy-Fazekas D, Shilling-Tóth BM, Ecsédi P, Stráner P, Nyitray L, Perczel A. Evaluation of an Affinity-Enhanced Anti-SARS-CoV2 Nanobody Design Workflow Using Machine Learning and Molecular Dynamics. J Chem Inf Model 2024. [PMID: 39356775 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
In silico optimization of protein binding has received a great deal of attention in the recent years. Since in silico prefiltering of strong binders is fast and cheap compared to in vitro library screening methods, the advent of powerful hardware and advanced machine learning algorithms has made this strategy more accessible and preferred. These advances have already impacted the global response to pandemic threats. In this study, we proposed and tested a workflow for designing nanobodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (S-RBD) using machine learning techniques complemented by molecular dynamics simulations. We evaluated the feasibility of this workflow using a test set of 3 different nanobodies and 2 different S-RBD variants, from in silico design and bacterial expression to binding assays of the designed nanobody mutants. We successfully designed nanobodies that were subsequently tested against both the wild-type (Wuhan type) and the delta variant S-RBD and found 2 of them to be stronger binders compared to the wild-type nanobody. We use this case study to describe both the strengths and weaknesses of this in silico assisted nanobody design strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Fazekas
- Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány. 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Dóra Nagy-Fazekas
- Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány. 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | | | - Péter Ecsédi
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Pál Stráner
- HUN-REN-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group, Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN), Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - László Nyitray
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - András Perczel
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Protein Modeling Research Group, Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN), Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
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4
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He X, Peng L, Zhou L, Liu H, Hao Y, Li Y, Lv Z, Zeng B, Guo X, Guo R. A biphasic drug-releasing microneedle with ROS scavenging and angiogenesis for the treatment of diabetic ulcers. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00572-5. [PMID: 39362454 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic ulcers are one of the common complications in diabetic patients. Delayed wound healing is associated with persistent pro-inflammatory M1 polarization, reduced angiogenesis and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microenvironment. Wound healing consists of multiple phases and therefore requires treatment tailored to each phase. In this study, a biphasic drug-releasing microneedle (MN) was fabricated to achieve early ROS scavenging and late accelerated angiogenesis to promote wound healing. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was first encapsulated in methacryloylated sulfonated chitosan (SCSMA) microspheres (V@MP), and then V@MP was loaded into hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedles along with cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CONPs). Rapid dissolution of HA rapidly releases the CONPs to clear ROS, whereas the V@MP stays in the wound. SCSMA slow degradation prolongs the release of VEGF, thereby promoting angiogenesis. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that this biphasic drug-releasing smart microneedle improves cell proliferation and migration, effectively scavenges ROS, promotes angiogenesis and tissue regeneration, and synergistically promotes M2 macrophage polarization. It provides a new delivery mode for nano-enzymes and growth factors that could be multifunctional and synergistic in the treatment of diabetic ulcers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In our study, we present a microneedle (V@MP/C@MN) that can release drugs biphasically, which showed good repair ability in diabetic ulcer model. Large amounts of CONPs were rapidly released to alleviate oxidative stress during the inflammation of the wound, and V@MP stayed in the wound for a long period of time to release VEGF and promote angiogenesis in the late stage of wound healing. The results indicated that V@MP/C@MN could promote cell proliferation and migration, effectively scavenge ROS, promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration, and synergistically promote M2 macrophage polarization, which could play a multifunctional and synergistic role in the treatment of diabetic ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue He
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Centre for Drug Carrier Development, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lianghong Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, PLA, Guangzhou 510010, China
| | - Liming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Centre for Drug Carrier Development, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Huiling Liu
- Head Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, The Netherlands
| | - Yifan Hao
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Centre for Drug Carrier Development, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuhan Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Centre for Drug Carrier Development, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zijin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Centre for Drug Carrier Development, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Baohui Zeng
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220, China
| | - Xinmin Guo
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220, China.
| | - Rui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Centre for Drug Carrier Development, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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5
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Bettin I, Brattini M, Kachoie EA, Capaldi S, Thalappil MA, Bernardi P, Ferrarini I, Fuhrmann G, Mariotto S, Butturini E. Extracellular Vesicles based STAT3 delivery as innovative therapeutic approach to restore STAT3 signaling deficiency. N Biotechnol 2024; 82:43-53. [PMID: 38734368 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2024.05.001] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) have been proposed as a promising tool for drug delivery because of their natural ability to cross biological barriers, protect their cargo, and target specific cells. Moreover, EVs are not recognized by the immune system as foreign, reducing the risk of an immune response and enhancing biocompatibility. Herein, we proposed an alternative therapeutic strategy to restore STAT3 signaling exploiting STAT3 loaded EVs. This approach could be useful in the treatment of Autosomal Dominant Hyper-IgE Syndrome (AD-HIES), a rare primary immunodeficiency and multisystem disorder due to the presence of mutations in STAT3 gene. These mutations alter the signal transduction of STAT3, thereby impeding Th17 CD4+ cell differentiation that leads to the failure of immune response. We set up a simple and versatile method in which EVs were loaded with fully functional STAT3 protein. Moreover, our method allows to follow the uptake of STAT3 loaded vesicles inside cells due to the presence of EGFP in the EGFP-STAT3 fusion protein construct. Taken together, the data presented in this study could provide the scientific background for the development of new therapeutic strategy aimed to restore STAT3 signaling in STAT3 misfunction associated diseases like AD-HIES. In the future, the administration of fully functional wild type STAT3 to CD4+ T cells of AD-HIES patients might compensate its loss of function and would be beneficial for these patients, lowering the risk of infections, the use of medications, and hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bettin
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Martina Brattini
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Elham Ataie Kachoie
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 15, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Stefano Capaldi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 15, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Muhammed Ashiq Thalappil
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Paolo Bernardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Isacco Ferrarini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, Section of Hematology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Gregor Fuhrmann
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Biology, Pharmaceutical Biology, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Sofia Mariotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Elena Butturini
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
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6
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Huang B, Abedi M, Ahn G, Coventry B, Sappington I, Tang C, Wang R, Schlichthaerle T, Zhang JZ, Wang Y, Goreshnik I, Chiu CW, Chazin-Gray A, Chan S, Gerben S, Murray A, Wang S, O'Neill J, Yi L, Yeh R, Misquith A, Wolf A, Tomasovic LM, Piraner DI, Duran Gonzalez MJ, Bennett NR, Venkatesh P, Ahlrichs M, Dobbins C, Yang W, Wang X, Sahtoe DD, Vafeados D, Mout R, Shivaei S, Cao L, Carter L, Stewart L, Spangler JB, Roybal KT, Greisen PJ, Li X, Bernardes GJL, Bertozzi CR, Baker D. Designed endocytosis-inducing proteins degrade targets and amplify signals. Nature 2024:10.1038/s41586-024-07948-2. [PMID: 39322662 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07948-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Endocytosis and lysosomal trafficking of cell surface receptors can be triggered by endogenous ligands. Therapeutic approaches such as lysosome-targeting chimaeras1,2 (LYTACs) and cytokine receptor-targeting chimeras3 (KineTACs) have used this to target specific proteins for degradation by fusing modified native ligands to target binding proteins. Although powerful, these approaches can be limited by competition with native ligands and requirements for chemical modification that limit genetic encodability and can complicate manufacturing, and, more generally, there may be no native ligands that stimulate endocytosis through a given receptor. Here we describe computational design approaches for endocytosis-triggering binding proteins (EndoTags) that overcome these challenges. We present EndoTags for insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) and asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), sortilin and transferrin receptors, and show that fusing these tags to soluble or transmembrane target protein binders leads to lysosomal trafficking and target degradation. As these receptors have different tissue distributions, the different EndoTags could enable targeting of degradation to different tissues. EndoTag fusion to a PD-L1 antibody considerably increases efficacy in a mouse tumour model compared to antibody alone. The modularity and genetic encodability of EndoTags enables AND gate control for higher-specificity targeted degradation, and the localized secretion of degraders from engineered cells. By promoting endocytosis, EndoTag fusion increases signalling through an engineered ligand-receptor system by nearly 100-fold. EndoTags have considerable therapeutic potential as targeted degradation inducers, signalling activators for endocytosis-dependent pathways, and cellular uptake inducers for targeted antibody-drug and antibody-RNA conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buwei Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mohamad Abedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Green Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brian Coventry
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Isaac Sappington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cong Tang
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Schlichthaerle
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jason Z Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yujia Wang
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Inna Goreshnik
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ching Wen Chiu
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam Chazin-Gray
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sidney Chan
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stacey Gerben
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Analisa Murray
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shunzhi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Li Yi
- Novo Nordisk, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Luke M Tomasovic
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dan I Piraner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria J Duran Gonzalez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nathaniel R Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Preetham Venkatesh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Maggie Ahlrichs
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Craig Dobbins
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xinru Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Dionne Vafeados
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rubul Mout
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shirin Shivaei
- Division of Biology and Bioengineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Longxing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lauren Carter
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lance Stewart
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Kole T Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Xiaochun Li
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gonçalo J L Bernardes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carolyn R Bertozzi
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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7
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Hutton AE, Foster J, Sanders JEJ, Taylor CJ, Hoffmann SA, Cai Y, Lovelock SL, Green AP. An efficient pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase for economical production of MeHis-containing enzymes. Faraday Discuss 2024; 252:295-305. [PMID: 38847587 PMCID: PMC11389853 DOI: 10.1039/d4fd00019f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Genetic code expansion has emerged as a powerful tool in enzyme design and engineering, providing new insights into sophisticated catalytic mechanisms and enabling the development of enzymes with new catalytic functions. In this regard, the non-canonical histidine analogue Nδ-methylhistidine (MeHis) has proven especially versatile due to its ability to serve as a metal coordinating ligand or a catalytic nucleophile with a similar mode of reactivity to small molecule catalysts such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP). Here we report the development of a highly efficient aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (G1PylRSMIFAF) for encoding MeHis into proteins, by transplanting five known active site mutations from Methanomethylophilus alvus (MaPylRS) into the single domain PylRS from Methanogenic archaeon ISO4-G1. In contrast to the high concentrations of MeHis (5-10 mM) needed with the Ma system, G1PylRSMIFAF can operate efficiently using MeHis concentrations of ∼0.1 mM, allowing more economical production of a range of MeHis-containing enzymes in high titres. Interestingly G1PylRSMIFAF is also a 'polyspecific' aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (aaRS), enabling incorporation of five different non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) including 3-pyridylalanine and 2-fluorophenylalanine. This study provides an important step towards scalable production of engineered enzymes that contain non-canonical amino acids such as MeHis as key catalytic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Hutton
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jake Foster
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - James E J Sanders
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Christopher J Taylor
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Stefan A Hoffmann
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Yizhi Cai
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Sarah L Lovelock
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Anthony P Green
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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8
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Lalaurie CJ, Zhang C, Liu SM, Bunting KA, Dalby PA. An open source in silico workflow to assist in the design of fusion proteins. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 113:108209. [PMID: 39260229 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108209] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Fusion proteins have the potential to become the new norm for targeted therapeutic treatments. Highly specific payload delivery can be achieved by combining custom targeting moieties, such as VHH domains, with active parts of proteins that have a particular activity not naturally targeted to the intended cells. Conversely, novel drug products may make use of the highly specific targeting properties of naturally occurring proteins and combine them with custom payloads. When designing such a product, there is rarely a known structure for the final construct which makes it difficult to assess molecular behaviour that may ultimately impact therapeutic outcome. Considering the time and cost of expressing a construct, optimising the purification procedure, obtaining sufficient quantities for biophysical characterisation, and performing structural studies in vitro, there is an enormous benefit to conduct in silico studies ahead of wet lab work. By following a repeatable, streamlined, and fast workflow of molecular dynamics assessment, it is possible to eliminate low-performing candidates from costly experimental work. There are, however, many aspects to consider when designing a novel fusion protein and it is crucial not to overlook some elements. In this work, we suggest a set of user-friendly, open-source methods which can be used to screen fusion protein candidates from the sequence alone. We used the light chain and translocation domain of botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) fused with a selected VHH domain, termed here LC-HN-VHH, as a case study for a general approach to designing, modelling, and simulating fusion proteins. Its behaviour in silico correlated well with initial in vitro work, with SEC HPLC showing multiple protein states in solution and a dynamic protein shifting between these states over time without loss of material.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Lalaurie
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - C Zhang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - S M Liu
- IPSEN Bioinnovation, 5th Floor, The Point, 37 North Wharf Road, London W2 1AF, United Kingdom
| | - K A Bunting
- IPSEN Bioinnovation, 5th Floor, The Point, 37 North Wharf Road, London W2 1AF, United Kingdom
| | - P A Dalby
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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9
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Hou M, Liu S. Recent Progress of pH-Responsive Peptides, Polypeptides, and Their Supramolecular Assemblies for Biomedical Applications. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5402-5416. [PMID: 39105715 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00688] [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: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Peptides and polypeptides feature a variety of active functional groups on their side chains (including carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amino, and thiol groups), enabling diverse chemical modifications. This versatility makes them highly valuable in stimuli-responsive systems. Notably, pH-responsive peptides and polypeptides, due to their ability to respond to pH changes, hold significant promise for applications in cellular pathology and tumor targeting. Extensive researches have highlighted the potentials of low pH insertion peptides (pHLIPs), peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in biomedicine. Peptide self-assemblies, with their structural stability, ease of regulation, excellent biocompatibility, and biodegradability, offer immense potentials in the development of novel materials and biomedical applications. We also explore specific examples of their applications in drug delivery, tumor targeting, and tissue engineering, while discussing future challenges and potential advancements in the field of pH-responsive self-assembling peptide-based biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxuan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jin-zhai Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, China
| | - Shiyong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jin-zhai Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230026, China
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10
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Zhang C, van de Weert M, Bjerregaard S, Rantanen J, Yang M. Leucine as a Moisture-Protective Excipient in Spray-Dried Protein/Trehalose Formulation. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:2764-2774. [PMID: 38944343 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.06.018] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
The incorporation of leucine (Leu), a hydrophobic amino acid, into pharmaceutically relevant particles via spray-drying can improve the physicochemical and particulate properties, stability, and ultimately bioavailability of the final product. More specifically, Leu has been proposed to form a shell on the surface of spray-dried (SD) particles. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of Leu in the SD protein/trehalose (Tre) formulation to control the water uptake and moisture-induced recrystallization of amorphous Tre, using lysozyme (LZM) as a model protein. LZM/Tre (1:1, w/w) was dissolved in water with varied amounts of Leu (0 - 40%, w/w) and processed by spray-drying. The solid form, residual moisture content (RMC), hygroscopicity, and morphology of SD LZM/Tre/Leu powders were evaluated, before and after storage under 22°C/55% RH conditions for 90 and 180 days. The X-ray powder diffraction results showed that Leu was in crystalline form when the amount of Leu in the formulation was at least 20% (w/w). Thermo-gravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy results showed that 0%, 5%, and 10% (w/w) Leu formulations led to comparable RMC and raisin-like round particles. In contrast, higher Leu contents resulted in a lower RMC and increased surface corrugation of the SD particles. Dynamic vapor sorption analysis showed that partial recrystallization of amorphous Tre to crystalline Tre·dihydrate occurred in the 0% Leu formulation. However, adding as little as 5% (w/w) Leu inhibited this recrystallization during the water sorption/desorption cycle. In addition, after storage, the formulations with higher Leu contents showed reduced water uptake. Instead of observing recrystallization of amorphous Tre in 0%, 5%, and 10% (w/w) Leu formulations, recrystallization of amorphous Leu was noted in the 5% and 10% (w/w) Leu formulations after storage. In summary, our study demonstrated that the addition of Leu has the potential to reduce water uptake and inhibit moisture-induced recrystallization of amorphous Tre in the SD protein/Tre powder system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengqian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Jukka Rantanen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mingshi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
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11
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Su H, Rong G, Li L, Cheng Y. Subcellular targeting strategies for protein and peptide delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 212:115387. [PMID: 38964543 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115387] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Cytosolic delivery of proteins and peptides provides opportunities for effective disease treatment, as they can specifically modulate intracellular processes. However, most of protein-based therapeutics only have extracellular targets and are cell-membrane impermeable due to relatively large size and hydrophilicity. The use of organelle-targeting strategy offers great potential to overcome extracellular and cell membrane barriers, and enables localization of protein and peptide therapeutics in the organelles. Although progresses have been made in the recent years, organelle-targeted protein and peptide delivery is still challenging and under exploration. We reviewed recent advances in subcellular targeted delivery of proteins/peptides with a focus on targeting mechanisms and strategies, and highlight recent examples of active and passive organelle-specific protein and peptide delivery systems. This emerging platform could open a new avenue to develop more effective protein and peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Su
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Guangyu Rong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Longjie Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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12
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Niazi SK, Omarsdottir S. Lectin-Based Fluorescent Comparison of Glycan Profile-FDA Validation to Expedite Approval of Biosimilars. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9240. [PMID: 39273189 PMCID: PMC11395676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycan profile comparisons are one of the most tedious analytical exercises for establishing compliance with recombinant therapeutic protein batches. Based on its intensive research, the FDA has confirmed that lectin array binding with fluorescent monitoring is the fastest and most reliable method for profile comparisons. Using a database of over 150 biological products expressed in nine diverse mammalian cell systems, the FDA immobilized 74 lectins to study their binding using fluorescently labeled glycoproteins. The FDA identified nine distinct lectins from a custom-designed lectin microarray: rPhoSL, rOTH3, RCA120, rMan2, MAL_I, rPSL1a, PHAE, rMOA, and PHALs, which detect core fucose, terminal GlcNAc, terminal β-galactose, high mannose, α-2,3-linked sialic acids, α-2,6-linked sialic acids, bisecting GlcNAc, terminal α-galactose, and triantennary structures, respectively. This method can be used for screening and routine testing and to monitor batch-to-batch variability of therapeutic proteins, including establishing analytical similarity as a crucial part of biosimilar development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sesselja Omarsdottir
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, IS-107 Reykjavik, Iceland;
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13
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Wang Y, Zou R, Zhou Y, Zheng Y, Peng C, Liu Y, Tan H, Fu Q, Ding M. Unraveling mechanisms of protein encapsulation and release in coacervates via molecular dynamics and machine learning. Chem Sci 2024; 15:13442-13451. [PMID: 39183928 PMCID: PMC11339950 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc03061c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Coacervates play a pivotal role in protein-based drug delivery research, yet their drug encapsulation and release mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we utilized the Martini model to investigate bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein encapsulation and release within polylysine/polyglutamate (PLys/PGlu) coacervates. Our findings emphasize the importance of ingredient addition sequence in coacervate formation and encapsulation rates, attributed to preference contact between oppositely charged proteins and poly(amino acid)s. Notably, coacervates composed of β-sheet poly(amino acid)s demonstrate greater BSA encapsulation efficiency due to their reduced entropy and flexibility. Furthermore, we examined the pH responsiveness of coacervates, shedding light on the dissolution process driven by Coulomb forces. By leveraging machine learning algorithms to analyze simulation results, our research advances the understanding of coacervate-based drug delivery systems, with the ultimate goal of optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Rongrong Zou
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Yeqiang Zhou
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Yi Zheng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Chuan Peng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Hong Tan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Mingming Ding
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
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14
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Ganesan S, Mittal N, Bhat A, Adiga RS, Ganesan A, Nagarajan D, Varadarajan R. Improved Prediction of Stabilizing Mutations in Proteins by Incorporation of Mutational Effects on Ligand Binding. Proteins 2024. [PMID: 39166462 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
While many computational methods accurately predict destabilizing mutations, identifying stabilizing mutations has remained a challenge, because of their relative rarity. We tested ΔΔG0 predictions from computational predictors such as Rosetta, ThermoMPNN, RaSP, and DeepDDG, using 82 mutants of the bacterial toxin CcdB as a test case. On this dataset, the best computational predictor is ThermoMPNN, which identifies stabilizing mutations with a precision of 68%. However, the average increase in Tm for these predicted mutations was only 1°C for CcdB, and predictions were poorer for a more challenging target, influenza neuraminidase. Using data from multiple previously described yeast surface display libraries and in vitro thermal stability measurements, we trained logistic regression models to identify stabilizing mutations with a precision of 90% and an average increase in Tm of 3°C for CcdB. When such libraries contain a population of mutants with significantly enhanced binding relative to the corresponding wild type, there is no benefit in using computational predictors. It is then possible to predict stabilizing mutations without any training, simply by examining the distribution of mutational binding scores. This avoids laborious steps of in vitro expression, purification, and stability characterization. When this is not the case, combining data from computational predictors with high-throughput experimental binding data enhances the prediction of stabilizing mutations. However, this requires training on stability data measured in vitro with known stabilized mutants. It is thus feasible to predict stabilizing mutations rapidly and accurately for any system of interest that can be subjected to a binding selection or screen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srivarshini Ganesan
- Molecular Biophysics Unit (MBU), Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Nidhi Mittal
- Molecular Biophysics Unit (MBU), Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Akash Bhat
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Rachana S Adiga
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ananthakrishnan Ganesan
- Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Deepesh Nagarajan
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
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15
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Ramos Ferrer P, Sakiyama-Elbert S. Affinity-based drug delivery systems for the central nervous system: exploiting molecular interactions for local, precise targeting. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:041004. [PMID: 39059438 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad680a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Objective: The effective treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders remains a significant challenge, primarily due to its molecular and structural complexity. Clinical translation of promising therapeutic agents is limited by the lack of optimal drug delivery systems capable of targeted, localized release of drugs to the brain and spinal cord.Approach: This review provides an overview of the potential of affinity-based drug delivery systems, which leverage molecular interactions to enhance the delivery and efficacy of therapeutic agents within the CNS.Main results: Various approaches, including hydrogels, micro- and nanoparticles, and functionalized biomaterials, are examined for their ability to provide local, sustained release of proteins, growth factors and other drugs.Significance: Furthermore, we present a detailed analysis of design considerations for developing effective affinity-based systems, incorporating insights from both existing literature and our group's research. These considerations include the biochemical modification of delivery vehicles and the optimization of physical and chemical properties to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ramos Ferrer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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16
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Liu J, Zheng Q, Yao R, Wang M. Lung-specific supramolecular nanoparticles for efficient delivery of therapeutic proteins and genome editing nucleases. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406654121. [PMID: 39116129 PMCID: PMC11331071 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406654121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein therapeutics play a critical role in treating a large variety of diseases, ranging from infections to genetic disorders. However, their delivery to target tissues beyond the liver, such as the lungs, remains a great challenge. Here, we report a universally applicable strategy for lung-targeted protein delivery by engineering Lung-Specific Supramolecular Nanoparticles (LSNPs). These nanoparticles are designed through the hierarchical self-assembly of metal-organic polyhedra (MOP), featuring a customized surface chemistry that enables protein encapsulation and specific lung affinity after intravenous administration. Our design of LSNPs not only addresses the hurdles of cell membrane impermeability of protein and nonspecific tissue distribution of protein delivery, but also shows exceptional versatility in delivering various proteins, including those vital for anti-inflammatory and CRISPR-based genome editing to the lung, and across multiple animal species, including mice, rabbits, and dogs. Notably, the delivery of antimicrobial proteins using LSNPs effectively alleviates acute bacterial pneumonia, demonstrating a significant therapeutic potential. Our strategy not only surmounts the obstacles of tissue-specific protein delivery but also paves the way for targeted treatments in genetic disorders and combating antibiotic resistance, offering a versatile solution for precision protein therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Qizhen Zheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Rui Yao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
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17
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Ding Y, Pedersen SS, Wang Y, Xiao H, Ball ZT. Ex Situ Gaseous Reagent for Multicomponent Amine Bioconjugation. Org Lett 2024; 26:6608-6613. [PMID: 39072587 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c02246] [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: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
We report a minimalist gaseous sulfonyl-chloride-derived reagent for multicomponent bioconjugation with amine, phenol, or aniline reagents to afford urea or carbamate products. With the utilization of a gas-phase reagent for a reaction mediated by metal ions, a variety of biologically relevant molecules, such as saccharide, poly(ethylene glycol), fluorophore, and affinity tag, can be efficiently cross-linked to the N terminus or lysine side-chain amines on natural polypeptides or proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Ding
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Simon S Pedersen
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Carbon Dioxide Activation Center (CADIAC), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Yixian Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Zachary T Ball
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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18
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Li Z, Song K, Chen Y, Huang Q, You L, Yu L, Chen B, Yuan Z, Xu Y, Su Y, Da L, Zhu X, Dong R. Sequence-encoded bioactive protein-multiblock polymer conjugates via quantitative one-pot iterative living polymerization. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6729. [PMID: 39112493 PMCID: PMC11306232 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein therapeutics are essential in treating various diseases, but their inherent biological instability and short circulatory half-lives in vivo pose challenges. Herein, a quantitative one-pot iterative living polymerization technique is reported towards precision control over the molecular structure and monomer sequence of protein-polymer conjugates, aiming to maximize physicochemical properties and biological functions of proteins. Using this quantitative one-pot iterative living polymerization technique, we successfully develop a series of sequence-controlled protein-multiblock polymer conjugates, enhancing their biostability, pharmacokinetics, cellular uptake, and in vivo biodistribution. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations are performed to disclose the definite sequence-function relationship of the bioconjugates, further demonstrating their sequence-encoded cellular uptake behavior and in vivo biodistribution in mice. Overall, this work provides a robust approach for creating precision protein-polymer conjugates with defined sequences and advanced functions as a promising candidate in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Li
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiyuan Song
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qijing Huang
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lujia You
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Yu
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baiyang Chen
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zihang Yuan
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Centre for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqin Xu
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Su
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Centre for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lintai Da
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinyuan Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Centre for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruijiao Dong
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Torres-Herrero B, Armenia I, Ortiz C, de la Fuente JM, Betancor L, Grazú V. Opportunities for nanomaterials in enzyme therapy. J Control Release 2024; 372:619-647. [PMID: 38909702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.035] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, enzyme therapy strategies have rapidly evolved to catalyze essential biochemical reactions with therapeutic potential. These approaches hold particular promise in addressing rare genetic disorders, cancer treatment, neurodegenerative conditions, wound healing, inflammation management, and infectious disease control, among others. There are several primary reasons for the utilization of enzymes as therapeutics: their substrate specificity, their biological compatibility, and their ability to generate a high number of product molecules per enzyme unit. These features have encouraged their application in enzyme replacement therapy where the enzyme serves as the therapeutic agent to rectify abnormal metabolic and physiological processes, enzyme prodrug therapy where the enzyme initiates a clinical effect by activating prodrugs, and enzyme dynamic or starving therapy where the enzyme acts upon host substrate molecules. Currently, there are >20 commercialized products based on therapeutic enzymes, but approval rates are considerably lower than other biologicals. This has stimulated nanobiotechnology in the last years to develop nanoparticle-based solutions that integrate therapeutic enzymes. This approach aims to enhance stability, prevent rapid clearance, reduce immunogenicity, and even enable spatio-temporal activation of the therapeutic catalyst. This comprehensive review delves into emerging trends in the application of therapeutic enzymes, with a particular emphasis on the synergistic opportunities presented by incorporating enzymes into nanomaterials. Such integration holds the promise of enhancing existing therapies or even paving the way for innovative nanotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Torres-Herrero
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC/Universidad de Zaragoza, c/ Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor Gómez, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ilaria Armenia
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC/Universidad de Zaragoza, c/ Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor Gómez, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cecilia Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad ORT Uruguay, Mercedes 1237, 11100 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jesús Martinez de la Fuente
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC/Universidad de Zaragoza, c/ Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor Gómez, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Betancor
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad ORT Uruguay, Mercedes 1237, 11100 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Valeria Grazú
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC/Universidad de Zaragoza, c/ Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor Gómez, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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20
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Bracha S, Johnson HJ, Pranckevicius NA, Catto F, Economides AE, Litvinov S, Hassi K, Rigoli MT, Cheroni C, Bonfanti M, Valenti A, Stucchi S, Attreya S, Ross PD, Walsh D, Malachi N, Livne H, Eshel R, Krupalnik V, Levin D, Cobb S, Koumoutsakos P, Caporale N, Testa G, Aguzzi A, Koshy AA, Sheiner L, Rechavi O. Engineering Toxoplasma gondii secretion systems for intracellular delivery of multiple large therapeutic proteins to neurons. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:2051-2072. [PMID: 39075233 PMCID: PMC11306108 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Delivering macromolecules across biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier limits their application in vivo. Previous work has demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that naturally travels from the human gut to the central nervous system (CNS), can deliver proteins to host cells. Here we engineered T. gondii's endogenous secretion systems, the rhoptries and dense granules, to deliver multiple large (>100 kDa) therapeutic proteins into neurons via translational fusions to toxofilin and GRA16. We demonstrate delivery in cultured cells, brain organoids and in vivo, and probe protein activity using imaging, pull-down assays, scRNA-seq and fluorescent reporters. We demonstrate robust delivery after intraperitoneal administration in mice and characterize 3D distribution throughout the brain. As proof of concept, we demonstrate GRA16-mediated brain delivery of the MeCP2 protein, a putative therapeutic target for Rett syndrome. By characterizing the potential and current limitations of the system, we aim to guide future improvements that will be required for broader application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Bracha
- Department of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences and Sagol School for Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Hannah J Johnson
- Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Immunobiology, College of Medicine, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Nicole A Pranckevicius
- Centre for Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Francesca Catto
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Athena E Economides
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sergey Litvinov
- Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Karoliina Hassi
- Centre for Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marco Tullio Rigoli
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cheroni
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Valenti
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah Stucchi
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Shruti Attreya
- Undergraduate Biology Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Paul D Ross
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Walsh
- Centre for Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stuart Cobb
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Petros Koumoutsakos
- Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicolò Caporale
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anita A Koshy
- Departments of Neurology and Immunobiology, College of Medicine, and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Lilach Sheiner
- Centre for Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Oded Rechavi
- Department of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences and Sagol School for Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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21
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Liu Y, Tian X, Zhang F, Zhang WB. Probing the Topological Effects on Stability Enhancement and Therapeutic Performance of Protein Bioconjugates: Tadpole, Macrocycle versus Figure-of-Eight. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400466. [PMID: 39091049 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Chemical topology provides a unique dimension for making therapeutic protein bioconjugates with native structure and intact function, yet the effects of topology remain elusive. Herein, the design, synthesis, and characterization of therapeutic protein bioconjugates in three topologies (i.e., tadpole, macrocycle, and figure-of-eight), are reported. The interferon α2b (IFN) and albumin binding domain (ABD) are selected as the model proteins for bioconjugation and proof-of-concept. The biosynthesis of these topological isoforms is accomplished via direct expression in cells using SpyTag-SpyCatcher chemistry and/or split-intein-mediated ligation for topology diversification. The corresponding topologies are proven with combined techniques of LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, and controlled proteolytic digestion. While the properties of these topological isoforms are similar in most cases, the figure-of-eight-shaped bioconjugate, f8-IFN-ABD, exhibits the best thermal stability and anti-aggregation properties along with prolonged half-life and enhanced tumor retention relative to the tadpole-shaped control, tadp-IFN-ABD, and the macrocyclic control, c-IFN-ABD, showcasing considerable topological effects. The work expands the topological diversity of proteins and demonstrates the potential advantages of leveraging chemical topology for functional benefits beyond multi-function integration in protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Xibao Tian
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
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22
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Krapp LF, Meireles FA, Abriata LA, Devillard J, Vacle S, Marcaida MJ, Dal Peraro M. Context-aware geometric deep learning for protein sequence design. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6273. [PMID: 39054322 PMCID: PMC11272779 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50571-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein design and engineering are evolving at an unprecedented pace leveraging the advances in deep learning. Current models nonetheless cannot natively consider non-protein entities within the design process. Here, we introduce a deep learning approach based solely on a geometric transformer of atomic coordinates and element names that predicts protein sequences from backbone scaffolds aware of the restraints imposed by diverse molecular environments. To validate the method, we show that it can produce highly thermostable, catalytically active enzymes with high success rates. This concept is anticipated to improve the versatility of protein design pipelines for crafting desired functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucien F Krapp
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fernando A Meireles
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luciano A Abriata
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean Devillard
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Vacle
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria J Marcaida
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Dal Peraro
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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23
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Abal-Sanisidro M, De Luca M, Roma S, Ceraolo MG, de la Fuente M, De Monte L, Protti MP. Anakinra-Loaded Sphingomyelin Nanosystems Modulate In Vitro IL-1-Dependent Pro-Tumor Inflammation in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8085. [PMID: 39125655 PMCID: PMC11312284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive disease with a dismal prognosis. The tumor microenvironment exerts immunosuppressive activities through the secretion of several cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1. The IL-1/IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) axis is a key regulator in tumor-promoting T helper (Th)2- and Th17-type inflammation. Th2 cells are differentiated by dendritic cells endowed with Th2-polarizing capability by the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) that is secreted by IL-1-activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Th17 cells are differentiated in the presence of IL-1 and other IL-1-regulated cytokines. In pancreatic cancer, the use of a recombinant IL-1R antagonist (IL1RA, anakinra, ANK) in in vitro and in vivo models has shown efficacy in targeting the IL-1/IL-1R pathway. In this study, we have developed sphingomyelin nanosystems (SNs) loaded with ANK (ANK-SNs) to compare their ability to inhibit Th2- and Th17-type inflammation with that of the free drug in vitro. We found that ANK-SNs inhibited TSLP and other pro-tumor cytokines released by CAFs at levels similar to ANK. Importantly, inhibition of IL-17 secretion by Th17 cells, but not of interferon-γ, was significantly higher, and at lower concentrations, with ANK-SNs compared to ANK. Collectively, the use of ANK-SNs might be beneficial in reducing the effective dose of the drug and its toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelina Abal-Sanisidro
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Michele De Luca
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Roma
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ceraolo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., Edificio Emprendia, Campus Sur, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lucia De Monte
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Protti
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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24
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Sharma A, Vaswani P, Bhatia D. Revolutionizing cancer therapy using tetrahedral DNA nanostructures as intelligent drug delivery systems. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:3714-3732. [PMID: 39050960 PMCID: PMC11265600 DOI: 10.1039/d4na00145a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
DNA nanostructures have surfaced as intriguing entities with vast potential in biomedicine, notably in the drug delivery area. Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) have received worldwide attention from among an array of different DNA nanostructures due to their extraordinary stability, great biocompatibility, and ease of functionalization. TDNs could be readily synthesized, making them attractive carriers for chemotherapeutic medicines, nucleic acid therapeutics, and imaging probes. Their varied uses encompass medication delivery, molecular diagnostics, biological imaging, and theranostics. This review extensively highlights the mechanisms of functional modification of TDNs and their applications in cancer therapy. Additionally, it discusses critical concerns and unanswered problems that require attention to increase the future application of TDNs in developing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences and Humanities, GLA University Mathura Uttar Pradesh-281406 India
| | - Payal Vaswani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar Palaj 382355 Gandhinagar India
| | - Dhiraj Bhatia
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar Palaj 382355 Gandhinagar India
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25
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Cao L, Wang L. Biospecific Chemistry for Covalent Linking of Biomacromolecules. Chem Rev 2024; 124:8516-8549. [PMID: 38913432 PMCID: PMC11240265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Interactions among biomacromolecules, predominantly noncovalent, underpin biological processes. However, recent advancements in biospecific chemistry have enabled the creation of specific covalent bonds between biomolecules, both in vitro and in vivo. This Review traces the evolution of biospecific chemistry in proteins, emphasizing the role of genetically encoded latent bioreactive amino acids. These amino acids react selectively with adjacent natural groups through proximity-enabled bioreactivity, enabling targeted covalent linkages. We explore various latent bioreactive amino acids designed to target different protein residues, ribonucleic acids, and carbohydrates. We then discuss how these novel covalent linkages can drive challenging protein properties and capture transient protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions in vivo. Additionally, we examine the application of covalent peptides as potential therapeutic agents and site-specific conjugates for native antibodies, highlighting their capacity to form stable linkages with target molecules. A significant focus is placed on proximity-enabled reactive therapeutics (PERx), a pioneering technology in covalent protein therapeutics. We detail its wide-ranging applications in immunotherapy, viral neutralization, and targeted radionuclide therapy. Finally, we present a perspective on the existing challenges within biospecific chemistry and discuss the potential avenues for future exploration and advancement in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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26
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Kuo CY, Zheng YF, Wang WC, Toh JT, Hsu YM, Chien HJ, Chang CJ, Lai CC. Direct Identification of Intact Proteins Using a Low-Resolution Mass Spectrometer with CID n/ETnoD. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2024; 35:1507-1515. [PMID: 38905484 PMCID: PMC11228978 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.4c00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decades, proteomics has become increasingly important and a heavily discussed topic. The identification of intact proteins remains a major focus in this field. While most intact proteins are analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry, identifying them through low-resolution mass spectrometry continues to pose challenges. In our study, we investigated the capability of identifying various intact proteins using collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron transfer without dissociation (ETnoD). Using myoglobin as our test protein, stable product ions were generated with CID, and the identities of the product ions were identified with ETnoD. ETnoD uses a short activation time (AcT, 5 ms) to create sequential charge-reduced precursor ion (CRI). The charges of the fragments and their sequences were determined with corresponding CRI. The product ions can be selected for subsequent CID (termed CIDn) combined with ETnoD for further sequence identification and validation. We refer to this method as CIDn/ETnoD. The use of a multistage CID activation (CIDn) and ETnoD protocol has been applied to several intact proteins to obtain multiple sequence identifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yu Kuo
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing
University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Feng Zheng
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing
University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Wang
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing
University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Jie-Teng Toh
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing
University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ming Hsu
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing
University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ju Chien
- Department
of Biochemical Science and Technology, National
Chiayi University, Chiayi 600, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Jui Chang
- Department
of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien City 970, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chen Lai
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing
University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Advanced
Plant and Food Crop Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Graduate
Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China
Medical University, Taichung 406, Taiwan
- Doctoral
Program in Translational Medicine, National
Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Rong
Hsing Translational Medicine Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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27
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Huang L, Chen G, Zhang G, Fang Y, Zhu W, Xin Y. Construction of a highly efficient adsorbent for one-step purification of recombinant proteins: Functionalized cellulose-based monolith fabricated via phase separation method. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 335:122046. [PMID: 38616085 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Currently, purification step in the recombinant protein manufacture is still a great challenge and its cost far outweighs those of the upstream process. In this study, a functionalized cellulose-based monolith was constructed as an efficient affinity adsorbent for one-step purification of recombinant proteins. Firstly, the fundamental cellulose monolith (CE monolith) was fabricated based on thermally induced phase separation, followed by being modified with nitrilotriacetic acid anhydride through esterification to give NCE monolith. After chelating with Ni2+, the affinity adsorbent NCE-Ni2+ monolith was obtained, which was demonstrated to possess a hierarchically porous morphology with a relatively high surface area, porosity and compressive strength. The adsorption behavior of NCE-Ni2+ monolith towards β2-microglobulin with 6 N-terminus His-tag (His-β2M) was evaluated through batch and fixed-bed column experiments. The results revealed that NCE-Ni2+ monolith exhibited a relatively fast His-β2M adsorption rate with a maximum adsorption capacity of 329.2 mg/g. The fixed-bed column adsorption implied that NCE-Ni2+ monolith showed high efficiency for His-β2M adsorption. Finally, NCE-Ni2+ monolith was demonstrated to have an excellent His-β2M purification ability from E. coli lysate with exceptional reusability. Therefore, the resultant NCE-Ni2+ monolith had large potential to be used as an efficient adsorbent for recombinant protein purification in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Guronghua Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Guozhi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yue Fang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu University Affiliated People's Hospital, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wenjie Zhu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanrong Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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28
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So̷rensen H, Krcic N, George I, Kocherbitov V. A Structural Study on Absorption of Lysozyme in Amorphous Starch Microspheres. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3416-3424. [PMID: 38739906 PMCID: PMC11220755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The potential of using proteins as drugs is held back by their low stability in the human body and challenge of delivering them to the site of function. Extensive research is focused on drug delivery systems that can protect, carry, and release proteins in a controlled manner. Of high potential are cross-linked degradable starch microspheres (DSMs), as production of these is low-cost and environmentally friendly, and the products are degradable by the human body. Here, we demonstrate that DSMs can absorb the model protein lysozyme from an aqueous solution. At low amounts of lysozyme, its concentration in starch microspheres strongly exceeds the bulk concentration in water. However, at higher protein contents, the difference between concentrations in the two phases becomes small. This indicates that, at lower lysozyme contents, the absorption is driven by protein-starch interactions, which are counteracted by protein-protein electrostatic repulsion at high concentrations. By applying small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to the DSM-lysozyme system, we show that lysozyme molecules are largely unaltered by the absorption in DSM. In the same process, the starch network is slightly perturbed, as demonstrated by a decrease in the characteristic chain to chain distance. The SAXS data modeling suggests an uneven distribution of the protein within the DSM particles, which can be dependent on the internal DSM structure and on the physical interactions between the components. The results presented here show that lysozyme can be incorporated into degradable starch microspheres without any dependence on electrostatic or specific interactions, suggesting that similar absorption would be possible for pharmaceutical proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik
Vinther So̷rensen
- Department
of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö 20506, Sweden
- Biofilms
Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö
University, Malmö 20506, Sweden
| | - Nedim Krcic
- Magle
Chemoswed AB, Agneslundsvägen
27, Malmö 21215, Sweden
| | - Ian George
- Magle
Chemoswed AB, Agneslundsvägen
27, Malmö 21215, Sweden
| | - Vitaly Kocherbitov
- Department
of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö 20506, Sweden
- Biofilms
Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö
University, Malmö 20506, Sweden
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29
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Liu Y, Zhu Y, Xu W, Li P. A phase separation-fortified bi-specific adaptor for conditional tumor killing. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1385-1397. [PMID: 38561483 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2490-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
A common approach in therapeutic protein development involves employing synthetic ligands with multivalency, enabling sophisticated control of signal transduction. Leveraging the emerging concept of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and its ability to organize cell surface receptors into functional compartments, we herein have designed modular ligands with phase-separation modalities to engineer programmable interreceptor communications and precise control of signal pathways, thus inducing the rapid, potent, and specific apoptosis of tumor cells. Despite their simplicity, these "triggers", named phase-separated Tumor Killers (hereafter referred to as psTK), are sufficient to yield interreceptor clustering of death receptors (represented by DR5) and tumor-associated receptors, with notable features: LLPS-mediated robust high-order organization, well-choreographed conditional activation, and broad-spectrum capacity to potently induce apoptosis in tumor cells. The development of novel therapeutic proteins with phase-separation modalities showcases the power of spatially reorganizing signal transduction. This approach facilitates the diversification of cell fate and holds promising potential for targeted therapies against challenging tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuting Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Weifan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Pilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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30
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Wang C, Yuan F. A comprehensive comparison of DNA and RNA vaccines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 210:115340. [PMID: 38810703 PMCID: PMC11181159 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid technology has revolutionized vaccine development, enabling rapid design and production of RNA and DNA vaccines for prevention and treatment of diseases. The successful deployment of mRNA and plasmid DNA vaccines against COVID-19 has further validated the technology. At present, mRNA platform is prevailing due to its higher efficacy, while DNA platform is undergoing rapid evolution because it possesses unique advantages that can potentially overcome the problems associated with the mRNA platform. To help understand the recent performances of the two vaccine platforms and recognize their clinical potentials in the future, this review compares the advantages and drawbacks of mRNA and DNA vaccines that are currently known in the literature, in terms of development timeline, financial cost, ease of distribution, efficacy, safety, and regulatory approval of products. Additionally, the review discusses the ongoing clinical trials, strategies for improvement, and alternative designs of RNA and DNA platforms for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, United States
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, United States.
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31
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Sharma V, Joo JU, Mottafegh A, Kim DP. Continuous and autonomous-flow separation of laccase enzyme utilizing functionalized aqueous two-phase system with computer vision control. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 403:130888. [PMID: 38788804 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Downstream processing of biomolecules, particularly therapeutic proteins and enzymes, presents a formidable challenge due to intricate unit operations and high costs. This study introduces a novel cysteine (cys) functionalized aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and potassium phosphate, referred as PEG-K3PO4/cys, for selective extraction of laccase from complex protein mixtures. A 3D-baffle micro-mixer and phase separator was meticulously designed and equipped with computer vision controller, to enable precise mixing and continuous phase separation under automated-flow. Microfluidic-assisted ATPS exhibits substantial increase in partition coefficient (Kflow = 16.3) and extraction efficiency (EEflow = 88 %) for laccase compared to conventional batch process. Integrated and continuous-flow process efficiently partitioned laccase, even in low concentrations and complex crude extracts. Circular dichroism spectra of laccase confirm structural stability of enzyme throughout the purification process. Eventually, continuous-flow microfluidic bioseparation is highly useful for seamless downstream processing of target biopharmaceuticals in integrated and autonomous manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Sharma
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Un Joo
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Amirreza Mottafegh
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Pyo Kim
- Center for Intelligent Microprocess of Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea.
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Song J, Tas RP, Martens MCM, Ritten MVM, Wu H, Jones ER, Lebouille JGJL, Vis M, Voets IK, Tuinier R. Freezing-mediated formation of supraproteins using depletion forces. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 665:622-633. [PMID: 38552579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.03.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Hypothesis Long-acting formulations such as microparticles, injectable depots and implantable devices can realize spatiotemporally controlled delivery of protein drugs to extend their therapeutic in vivo half-lives. To efficiently encapsulate the protein drugs into such drug delivery systems, (sub)micron-sized protein particles are needed. The formation of micronized supraproteins can be induced through the synergistic combination of attractive depletion forces and freezing. The size of the supraproteins can be fine-tuned from submicron to several microns by adjusting the ice crystallization rate through the freeze-quench depth, which is set by the target temperature. Methods Supraprotein micron structures were prepared from protein solutions under various conditions in the presence and absence of nonadsorbing polyethylene glycol. Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering were employed to determine the sizes of the supraproteins and real-time total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy was used to follow the supraprotein formation during freezing. The protein secondary structure was measured before and after micronization by circular dichroism. A phase diagram of a protein-polyethylene glycol mixture was theoretically predicted to investigate whether the depletion interaction can elucidate the phase behavior. Findings Micronized protein supraparticles could be prepared in a controlled manner by rapid freeze-drying of aqueous mixtures of bovine serum albumin, horseradish peroxidase and lysozyme mixed with polyethylene glycol. Upon freezing, the temperature quench initiates a phase separation process which is reminiscent of spinodal decomposition. This demixing is subsequently arrested during droplet phase separation to form protein-rich microstructures. The final size of the generated protein microparticles is determined by a competition between phase separation and cooling rate, which can be controlled by target temperature. The experimental phase diagram of the aqueous protein-polyethylene glycol dispersion aligns with predictions from depletion theory for charged colloids and nonadsorbing polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankang Song
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Roderick P Tas
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Self-organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Max C M Martens
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Manon V M Ritten
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hanglong Wu
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Bio-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Mark Vis
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ilja K Voets
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Self-organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Remco Tuinier
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
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Jazani AM, Murata H, Cvek M, Lewandowska-Andralojc A, Bernat R, Kapil K, Hu X, De Luca Bossa F, Szczepaniak G, Matyjaszewski K. Aqueous photo-RAFT polymerization under ambient conditions: synthesis of protein-polymer hybrids in open air. Chem Sci 2024; 15:9742-9755. [PMID: 38939137 PMCID: PMC11206215 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01409j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
A photoinduced reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (photo-RAFT) polymerization technique in the presence of sodium pyruvate (SP) and pyruvic acid derivatives was developed. Depending on the wavelength of light used, SP acted as a biocompatible photoinitiator or promoter for polymerization, allowing rapid open-to-air polymerization in aqueous media. Under UV irradiation (370 nm), SP decomposes to generate CO2 and radicals, initiating polymerization. Under blue (450 nm) or green (525 nm) irradiation, SP enhances the polymerization rate via interaction with the excited state RAFT agent. This method enabled the polymerization of a range of hydrophilic monomers in reaction volumes up to 250 mL, eliminating the need to remove radical inhibitors from the monomers. In addition, photo-RAFT polymerization using SP allowed for the facile synthesis of protein-polymer hybrids in short reaction times (<1 h), low organic content (≤16%), and without rigorous deoxygenation and the use of transition metal photocatalysts. Enzymatic studies of a model protein (chymotrypsin) showed that despite a significant loss of protein activity after conjugation with RAFT chain transfer agents, the grafting polymers from proteins resulted in a 3-4-fold recovery of protein activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Moini Jazani
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
| | - Hironobu Murata
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
| | - Martin Cvek
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlin Trida T. Bati 5678 76001 Zlin Czech Republic
| | - Anna Lewandowska-Andralojc
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 8 61-614 Poznan Poland
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 10 61-614 Poznan Poland
| | - Roksana Bernat
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
- Institute of Materials Engineering, University of Silesia 75 Pulku Piechoty 1A 41-500 Chorzow Poland
| | - Kriti Kapil
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
| | - Xiaolei Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
| | | | - Grzegorz Szczepaniak
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw Pasteura 1 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University 4400 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
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Alamgir A, Ghosal S, DeLisa MP, Alabi CA. Bioreversible Anionic Cloaking Enables Intracellular Protein Delivery with Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:1179-1190. [PMID: 38947210 PMCID: PMC11212127 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.4c00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics comprise a rapidly growing subset of pharmaceuticals, but enabling their delivery into cells for intracellular applications has been a longstanding challenge. To overcome the delivery barrier, we explored a reversible, bioconjugation-based approach to modify the surface charge of protein cargos with an anionic "cloak" to facilitate electrostatic complexation and delivery with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. We demonstrate that the conjugation of lysine-reactive sulfonated compounds can allow for the delivery of various protein cargos using FDA-approved LNP formulations of the ionizable cationic lipid DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3). We apply this strategy to functionally deliver RNase A for cancer cell killing as well as a full-length antibody to inhibit oncogenic β-catenin signaling. Further, we show that LNPs encapsulating cloaked fluorescent proteins distribute to major organs in mice following systemic administration. Overall, our results point toward a generalizable platform that can be employed for intracellular delivery of a wide range of protein cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azmain Alamgir
- Robert
F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Souvik Ghosal
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Matthew P. DeLisa
- Robert
F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Cornell
Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Christopher A. Alabi
- Robert
F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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35
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Zhang C, Jørgensen FS, van de Weert M, Bjerregaard S, Rantanen J, Yang M. Amino acids as stabilizers for lysozyme during the spray-drying process and storage. Int J Pharm 2024; 659:124217. [PMID: 38734275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Amino acids (AAs) have been used as excipients in protein formulations both in solid and liquid state products due to their stabilizing effect. However, the mechanisms by which they can stabilize a protein have not been fully elucidated yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AAs with distinct physicochemical properties on the stability of a model protein (lysozyme, LZM) during the spray-drying process and subsequent storage. Molecular descriptor based multivariate data analysis was used to select distinct AAs from the group of 20 natural AAs. Then, LZM and the five selected AAs (1:1 wt ratio) were spray-dried (SD). The solid form, residual moisture content (RMC), hygroscopicity, morphology, secondary/tertiary structure and enzymatic activity of LZM were evaluated before and after storage under 40 °C/75 % RH for 30 days. Arginine (Arg), leucine (Leu), glycine (Gly), tryptophan (Trp), aspartic acid (Asp) were selected because of their distinct properties by using principal component analysis (PCA). The SD LZM powders containing Arg, Trp, or Asp were amorphous, while SD LZM powders containing Leu or Gly were crystalline. Recrystallization of Arg, Trp, Asp and polymorph transition of Gly were observed after the storage under accelerated conditions. The morphologies of the SD particles vary upon the different AAs formulated with LZM, implying different drying kinetics of the five model systems. A tertiary structural change of LZM was observed in the SD powder containing Arg, while a decrease in the enzymatic activity of LZM was observed in the powders containing Arg or Asp after the storage. This can be attributed to the extremely basic and acidic conditions that Arg and Asp create, respectively. This study suggests that when AAs are used as stabilizers instead of traditional disaccharides, not only do classic vitrification theory and water replacement theory play a role, but the microenvironmental pH conditions created by basic or acidic AAs in the starting solution or during the storage of solid matter are also crucial for the stability of SD protein products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengqian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Jukka Rantanen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mingshi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
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Park HW, Lee CE, Kim S, Jeong WJ, Kim K. Ex Vivo Peptide Decoration Strategies on Stem Cell Surfaces for Augmenting Endothelium Interaction. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2024; 30:327-339. [PMID: 37830185 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2023.0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic vascular diseases remain leading causes of disability and death. Although various clinical therapies have been tried, reperfusion injury is a major issue, occurring when blood recirculates at the damaged lesion. As an alternative approach, cell-based therapy has emerged. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive cellular candidates due to their therapeutic capacities, including differentiation, safety, angiogenesis, and tissue repair. However, low levels of receptors/ligands limit targeted migration of stem cells. Thus, it is important to improve homing efficacy of transplanted MSCs toward damaged endothelium. Among various MSC modulations, ex vivo cell surface engineering could effectively augment homing efficiency by decorating MSC surfaces with alternative receptors/ligands, thereby facilitating intercellular interactions with the endothelium. Especially, exogenous decoration of peptides onto stem cell surfaces could provide appropriate functional signaling moieties to achieve sufficient MSC homing. Based on their protein-like functionalities, high modularity in molecular design, and high specific affinities and multivalency to target receptors, peptides could be representative surface-presentable moieties. Moreover, peptides feature a mild synthetic process, enabling precise control of amino acid composition and sequence. Such ex vivo stem cell surface engineering could be achieved primarily by hydrophobic interactions of the cellular bilayer with peptide-conjugated anchor modules and by covalent conjugation between peptides and available compartments in membranes. To this end, this review provides an overview of currently available peptide-mediated, ex vivo stem cell surface engineering strategies for enhancing MSC homing efficiency by facilitating interactions with endothelial cells. Stem cell surface engineering techniques using peptide-based bioconjugates have the potential to revolutionize current vascular disease treatments while addressing their technical limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Won Park
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Eun Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Jeong
- Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyobum Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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El-Fakharany EM, El-Gendi H, Saleh AK, El-Sayed MH, Alalawy AI, Jame R, Abdelaziz MA, Alshareef SA, El-Maradny YA. The use of proteins and peptides-based therapy in managing and preventing pathogenic viruses. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132254. [PMID: 38729501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132254] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins have been employed for centuries and reached approximately 50 % of all drugs investigated. By 2023, they represented one of the top 10 largest-selling pharma products ($387.03 billion) and are anticipated to reach around $653.35 billion by 2030. Growth hormones, insulin, and interferon (IFN α, γ, and β) are among the leading applied therapeutic proteins with a higher market share. Protein-based therapies have opened new opportunities to control various diseases, including metabolic disorders, tumors, and viral outbreaks. Advanced recombinant DNA biotechnology has offered the production of therapeutic proteins and peptides for vaccination, drugs, and diagnostic tools. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression host systems, including bacterial, fungal, animal, mammalian, and plant cells usually applied for recombinant therapeutic proteins large-scale production. However, several limitations face therapeutic protein production and applications at the commercial level, including immunogenicity, integrity concerns, protein stability, and protein degradation under different circumstances. In this regard, protein-engineering strategies such as PEGylation, glycol-engineering, Fc-fusion, albumin conjugation, and fusion, assist in increasing targeting, product purity, production yield, functionality, and the half-life of therapeutic protein circulation. Therefore, a comprehensive insight into therapeutic protein research and findings pave the way for their successful implementation, which will be discussed in the current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmail M El-Fakharany
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute GEBRI, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA city), New Borg El-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt; Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Centre (PFIDC), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg Al-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Hamada El-Gendi
- Bioprocess Development Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA city), New Borg El-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Ahmed K Saleh
- Cellulose and Paper Department, National Research Centre, El-Tahrir St., Dokki 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H El-Sayed
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Arts-Rafha, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel I Alalawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rasha Jame
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud A Abdelaziz
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Yousra A El-Maradny
- Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Centre (PFIDC), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg Al-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt; Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Alamein 51718, Egypt
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Cao Z, Liu C, Wen J, Lu Y. Innovative Formulation Platform: Paving the Way for Superior Protein Therapeutics with Enhanced Efficacy and Broadened Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2403116. [PMID: 38819929 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics offer high therapeutic potency and specificity; the broader adoptions and development of protein therapeutics, however, have been constricted by their intrinsic limitations such as inadequate stability, immunogenicity, suboptimal pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, and off-target effects. This review describes a platform technology that formulates individual protein molecules with a thin formulation layer of crosslinked polymers, which confers the protein therapeutics with high activity, enhanced stability, controlled release capability, reduced immunogenicity, improved pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, and ability to cross the blood brain barriers. Based on currently approved protein therapeutics, this formulating platform affords the development of a vast family of superior protein therapeutics with improved efficacy and broadened indications at significantly reduced cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Chaoyong Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA AIDS Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90066, USA
| | - Yunfeng Lu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
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Li X, Zuo Y, Lin X, Guo B, Jiang H, Guan N, Zheng H, Huang Y, Gu X, Yu B, Wang X. Develop Targeted Protein Drug Carriers through a High-Throughput Screening Platform and Rational Design. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401793. [PMID: 38804201 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401793] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Protein-based drugs offer advantages, such as high specificity, low toxicity, and minimal side effects compared to small molecule drugs. However, delivery of proteins to target tissues or cells remains challenging due to the instability, diverse structures, charges, and molecular weights of proteins. Polymers have emerged as a leading choice for designing effective protein delivery systems, but identifying a suitable polymer for a given protein is complicated by the complexity of both proteins and polymers. To address this challenge, a fluorescence-based high-throughput screening platform called ProMatch to efficiently collect data on protein-polymer interactions, followed by in vivo and in vitro experiments with rational design is developed. Using this approach to streamline polymer selection for targeted protein delivery, candidate polymers from commercially available options are identified and a polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)-based system for delivering proteins to white adipose tissue as a treatment for obesity is developed. A branched polyethylenimine (bPEI)-based system for neuron-specific protein delivery to stimulate optic nerve regeneration is also developed. The high-throughput screening methodology expedites identification of promising polymer candidates for tissue-specific protein delivery systems, thereby providing a platform to develop innovative protein-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yanming Zuo
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xurong Lin
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Binjie Guo
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Haohan Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Naiyu Guan
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hanyu Zheng
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, P. R. China
| | - Xuhua Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, P. R. China
- Nanhu Brain-Computer Interface Institute, Hangzhou, 311100, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, P. R. China
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40
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Yaqubi S, Karimian M. Stem cell therapy as a promising approach for ischemic stroke treatment. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2024; 6:100183. [PMID: 38831867 PMCID: PMC11144755 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2024.100183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemia as the most common type of stroke is the main cause of death and disability in the world. However, there are few therapeutic approaches to treat ischemic stroke. The common approach to the treatment of ischemia includes surgery-cum-chemical drugs. Surgery and chemical drugs are used to remove blood clots to prevent the deterioration of the nervous system. Given the surgical hazards and the challenges associated with chemical drugs, these cannot be considered safe approaches to the treatment of brain ischemia. Besides surgery-cum-chemical drugs, different types of stem cells including mesenchymal stem cells and neurological stem cells have been considered to treat ischemic stroke. Therapeutic approaches utilizing stem cells to treat strokes are promising because of their neuroprotective and regenerative benefits. However, the mechanisms by which the transplanted stem cells perform their precisely actions are unknown. The purpose of this study is to critically review stem cell-based therapeutic approaches for ischemia along with related challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Yaqubi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
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41
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Rahangdale R, Ghormode P, Tender T, Balireddy S, Birangal S, Kishore R, Mohammad FS, Pasupuleti M, Chandrashekar H R. Anti-HSV activity of nectin-1-derived peptides targeting HSV gD: an in-silico and in-vitro approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38720617 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2349525] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections affect a wide range of the global population. The emergence of resistance to the existing anti-HSV therapy highlights the necessity for an innovative strategy. The interaction of HSV gD with its main host receptor nectin-1 is a potential target for new antiviral drugs. The aim of this study was to develop a peptide derived from nectin-1 targeting HSV gD using the in-silico method and evaluate them for anti-HSV activity. Residues 59-133 of the Nectin-1 V-domain constitute the interaction interface with HSV gD. Bioinformatic tools viz., PEP-FOLD3, ClusPro 2.0, HawkDock and Desmond were used to model the peptide and confirm its binding specificity with HSV gD protein. The peptides with potential interactions were custom synthesized and anti-HSV activity was evaluated in vitro against HSV-1 and HSV-2 by CPE inhibition assay. Five peptide sequences were identified as exhibiting good interaction with HSV-gD proteins. Among them, peptide N1 (residues 76-90) offered maximum protection against HSV-1 (66.57%) and HSV-2 (71.12%) infections. Modification of the identified peptide through peptidomimetic approaches may further enhance the activity and stability of the identified peptide.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Rahangdale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Parnavi Ghormode
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Tenzin Tender
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sridevi Balireddy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Sumit Birangal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Raj Kishore
- Division of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Fayaz Shaik Mohammad
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Mukesh Pasupuleti
- Microbiology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Raghu Chandrashekar H
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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42
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Rong G, Zhou X, Hong J, Cheng Y. Reversible Assembly of Proteins and Phenolic Polymers for Intracellular Protein Delivery with Serum Stability. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:5593-5602. [PMID: 38619365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The design of intracellular delivery systems for protein drugs remains a challenge due to limited delivery efficacy and serum stability. Herein, we propose a reversible assembly strategy to assemble cargo proteins and phenolic polymers into stable nanoparticles for this purpose using a heterobifunctional adaptor (2-formylbenzeneboronic acid). The adaptor is easily decorated on cargo proteins via iminoboronate chemistry and further conjugates with catechol-bearing polymers to form nanoparticles via boronate diester linkages. The nanoparticles exhibit excellent serum stability in culture media but rapidly release the cargo proteins triggered by lysosomal acidity and GSH after endocytosis. In a proof-of-concept animal model, the strategy successfully transports superoxide dismutase to retina via intravitreal injection and efficiently ameliorates the oxidative stress and cellular damage in the retina induced by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) with minimal adverse effects. The reversible assembly strategy represents a robust and efficient method to develop serum-stable systems for the intracellular delivery of biomacromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Rong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xujiao Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jiaxu Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
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43
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He Z, Dong C, Song T, Zhou J, Xu T, He R, Li S. FTH1 overexpression using a dCasRx translation enhancement system protects the kidney from calcium oxalate crystal-induced injury. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:65. [PMID: 38714951 PMCID: PMC11075271 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00582-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The engineered clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system is currently widely applied in genetic editing and transcriptional regulation. The catalytically inactivated CasRx (dCasRx) has the ability to selectively focus on the mRNA coding region without disrupting transcription and translation, opening up new avenues for research on RNA modification and protein translation control. This research utilized dCasRx to create a translation-enhancement system for mammals called dCasRx-eIF4GI, which combined eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (eIF4GI) to boost translation levels of the target gene by recruiting ribosomes, without affecting mRNA levels, ultimately increasing translation levels of different endogenous proteins. Due to the small size of dCasRx, the dCasRx-eIF4GI translation enhancement system was integrated into a single viral vector, thus optimizing the delivery and transfection efficiency in subsequent applications. Previous studies reported that ferroptosis, mediated by calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals, significantly promotes stone formation. In order to further validate its developmental potential, it was applied to a kidney stone model in vitro and in vivo. The manipulation of the ferroptosis regulatory gene FTH1 through single-guide RNA (sgRNA) resulted in a notable increase in FTH1 protein levels without affecting its mRNA levels. This ultimately prevented intracellular ferroptosis and protected against cell damage and renal impairment caused by CaOx crystals. Taken together, this study preliminarily validated the effectiveness and application prospects of the dCasRx-eIF4GI translation enhancement system in mammalian cell-based disease models, providing novel insights and a universal tool platform for protein translation research and future therapeutic approaches for nephrolithiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi He
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Caitao Dong
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianbao Song
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Urology, Huanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze University, Huanggang, 438000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruyuan He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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44
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Fagan A, Bateman LM, O’Shea JP, Crean AM. Elucidating the Degradation Pathways of Human Insulin in the Solid State. JOURNAL OF ANALYSIS AND TESTING 2024; 8:288-299. [PMID: 39184306 PMCID: PMC11338979 DOI: 10.1007/s41664-024-00302-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
While there have been significant advances in the development of peptide oral dosage forms in recent years, highlighted by the clinical and commercial success of approved peptides such as Rybelsus®, there remain several barriers in the way of broad range applicability of this approach to peptide delivery. One such barrier includes the poor physical and chemical stability inherent to their structures, which persists in the solid state although degradation typically occurs at different rates and via different pathways in comparison to the solution state. Using insulin as a model peptide, this work sought to contribute to the development of analytical techniques for investigating common insulin degradation pathways. Chemically denatured, deamidated and aggregated samples were prepared and used to benchmark circular dichroism spectroscopy, reverse phase HPLC and size exclusion chromatography methods for the investigation of unfolding, chemical modifications and covalent aggregation of the insulin molecule respectively. Solid state degraded samples were prepared by heating insulin powder at 60 °C and 75% relative humidity for 1, 3, 5 and 7 d, and the degradation profiles of the samples were evaluated and compared with those observed in solution. While no unfolding was observed to occur, significant deamidation and covalent aggregation were detected. Reductive disulfide bond cleavage using dithiothreitol allowed for separation of the insulin A- and B-chains, offering a facile yet novel means of assessing the mechanisms of deamidation and covalent aggregation occurring in the solid state. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41664-024-00302-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Fagan
- SSPC, the SFI Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YT20 Ireland
| | - Lorraine M. Bateman
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YT20 Ireland
- Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, Cork, T12 YN60 Ireland
- School of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YN60 Ireland
| | - Joseph P. O’Shea
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YT20 Ireland
| | - Abina M. Crean
- SSPC, the SFI Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YT20 Ireland
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45
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He Z, Song C, Li S, Dong C, Liao W, Xiong Y, Yang S, Liu Y. Development and Application of the CRISPR-dcas13d-eIF4G Translational Regulatory System to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Calcium Oxalate Crystal-Induced Kidney Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309234. [PMID: 38380498 PMCID: PMC11077677 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system, initially for DNA-level gene editing and transcription regulation, has expanded to RNA targeting with the Cas13d family, notably the RfxCas13d. This advancement allows for mRNA targeting with high specificity, particularly after catalytic inactivation, broadening the exploration of translation regulation. This study introduces a CRISPR-dCas13d-eIF4G fusion module, combining dCas13d with the eIF4G translation regulatory element, enhancing target mRNA translation levels. This module, using specially designed sgRNAs, selectively boosts protein translation in targeted tissue cells without altering transcription, leading to notable protein expression upregulation. This system is applied to a kidney stone disease model, focusing on ferroptosis-linked GPX4 gene regulation. By targeting GPX4 with sgRNAs, its protein expression is upregulated in human renal cells and mouse kidney tissue, countering ferroptosis and resisting calcium oxalate-induced cell damage, hence mitigating stone formation. This study evidences the CRISPR-dCas13d-eIF4G system's efficacy in eukaryotic cells, presenting a novel protein translation research approach and potential kidney stone disease treatment advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi He
- Department of UrologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei Province430060P. R. China
- Shenzhen Institute of Translational MedicineShenzhen Second People's HospitalThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityHealth Science CenterShenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdong Province518035P. R. China
| | - Chao Song
- Department of UrologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei Province430060P. R. China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of UrologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei Province430071P. R. China
- Department of Biological RepositoriesTumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational MedicineHubei Engineering Research CenterZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhan430071P. R. China
| | - Caitao Dong
- Department of UrologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei Province430060P. R. China
| | - Wenbiao Liao
- Department of UrologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei Province430060P. R. China
| | - Yunhe Xiong
- Department of UrologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei Province430060P. R. China
| | - Sixing Yang
- Department of UrologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei Province430060P. R. China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Department of UrologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei Province430060P. R. China
- Shenzhen Institute of Translational MedicineShenzhen Second People's HospitalThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityHealth Science CenterShenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdong Province518035P. R. China
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46
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Du Y, Song J, Lu L, Yeung E, Givand J, Procopio A, Su Y, Hu G. Design of a Reciprocal Injection Device for Stability Studies of Parenteral Biological Drug Products. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1330-1338. [PMID: 38113997 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Formulation screening, essential for assessing the impact of physical, chemical, and mechanical stresses on protein stability, plays a critical role in biologics drug product development. This research introduces a Reciprocal Injection Device (RID) designed to accelerate formulation screening by probing protein stability under intensified stress conditions within prefilled syringes. This versatile device is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of injection parameters and diverse syringe dimensions. A commercial drug product was employed as a model monoclonal antibody formulation. Our findings effectively highlight the efficacy of the RID in assessing concentration-dependent protein stability. This device exhibits significant potential to amplify the influences of interfacial interactions, such as those with buffer salts, excipients, air, metals, and silicone oils, commonly found in combination drug products, and to evaluate the protein stability under varied stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Du
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Jing Song
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Lynn Lu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Edward Yeung
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Jeffrey Givand
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Adam Procopio
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States
| | - Yongchao Su
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States.
| | - Guangli Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, United States.
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47
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Hwang ET, Yoon Y, Kim KR, Lee CH, Jeon KC, Min JH, Lee JW, Kim J. Hybrid protein microspheres and their responsive release behaviors and inhibitory effects on melanin synthesis. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:2434-2443. [PMID: 38517309 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00106k] [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: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the formation of protein microspheres through lysosomal enzyme-assisted biomineralized crystallization was demonstrated. Spherical micro-sized hybrid CaCO3 constructs were synthesized and characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and particle size analysis. Additionally, parameters such as the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area and single-point total pore volume, and adsorption/desorption analysis were used to investigate the mesoporous properties, which are advantageous for lysosomal enzyme (LE) loading. A LE can be used as an organic template, not only as a morphological controller but also for entrapping LE during the crystallization pathway. The hybrid protein microspheres accommodated 2.3 mg of LE with a 57% encapsulation efficiency and 5.1 wt% loading. The peroxidase activity of the microspheres was calculated and found to be approximately 0.0238 mM-1 min-1. pH-responsive release of the LE from CaCO3 was observed, suggesting potential biomedical and cosmetic applications in acidic environments. The hybrid LE microsphere treatment significantly alleviated melanin production in a dose-dependent manner and further downregulated the mRNA expression of MITF, tyrosinase, TYRP-1, and TYRP-2. These results indicate skin-whitening effects by inhibiting melanin without inducing cytotoxicity. The data provide the first evidence of the potential use of a LE for obtaining hybrid minerals and the effectiveness of biomineralization-based sustainable delivery of enzyme-based vehicles based on organelle-extract-assisted biomineralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Taek Hwang
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeahwa Yoon
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ka Ram Kim
- GeneCellPharm Corporation, Seoul, 05836, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hee Lee
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung Chan Jeon
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Ho Min
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Won Lee
- Korea Conformity Laboratories, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Jangyong Kim
- Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems (IMNS), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
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48
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Ghosh P. Boronic Acid-Linked Cell-Penetrating Peptide for Protein Delivery. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:19051-19056. [PMID: 38708278 PMCID: PMC11064025 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Studying functional protein delivery into live cells is important, ranging from fundamental research to therapeutics. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are known to deliver proteins with applauded efficacy and have gained importance for applications in protein therapeutics and exploration of versatile cellular mechanisms. The primary aim of the work is to design a CPP as a tool and delivery vehicle for macromolecules, including proteins. In this work, boronic acid-linked cyclic deca arginine (cR10) is reported as an efficient CPP that exhibited 3-fold higher delivery of chemically synthesized ubiquitin (Ub) than pristine cR10-linked Ub, examined with live U2OS cells. As a futuristic plan, an artificial intelligence machine learning-based rationale has been designed and proposed.
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49
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Zoltek M, Vázquez Maldonado AL, Zhang X, Dadina N, Lesiak L, Schepartz A. HOPS-Dependent Endosomal Escape Demands Protein Unfolding. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:860-870. [PMID: 38680556 PMCID: PMC11046473 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.4c00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The inefficient translocation of proteins across biological membranes limits their application as potential therapeutics and research tools. In many cases, the translocation of a protein involves two discrete steps: uptake into the endocytic pathway and endosomal escape. Certain charged or amphiphilic molecules can achieve high protein uptake, but few are capable of efficient endosomal escape. One exception to this rule is ZF5.3, a mini-protein that exploits elements of the natural endosomal maturation machinery to translocate across endosomal membranes. Although some ZF5.3-protein conjugates are delivered efficiently to the cytosol or nucleus, overall delivery efficiency varies widely for different cargoes with no obvious design rules. Here we show that delivery efficiency depends on the ability of the cargo to unfold. Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, a single-molecule technique that precisely measures intracytosolic protein concentration, we show that regardless of size and pI, low-Tm cargoes of ZF5.3 (including intrinsically disordered domains) bias endosomal escape toward a high-efficiency pathway that requires the homotypic fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex. Small protein domains are delivered with moderate efficiency through the same HOPS portal, even if the Tm is high. These findings imply a novel pathway out of endosomes that is exploited by ZF5.3 and provide clear guidance for the selection or design of optimally deliverable therapeutic cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Zoltek
- Department
of Molecular and Cell Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | | | - Xizi Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Neville Dadina
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Lauren Lesiak
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Alanna Schepartz
- Department
of Molecular and Cell Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- California
Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Chan
Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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50
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He X, Wang J, Liu X, Niu Q, Li Z, Chen B, Xiong Q. Hypoxia-Responsive Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework-Mediated Protein Delivery for Cancer Therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400747. [PMID: 38652737 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The efficient delivery of therapeutic proteins to tumor sites is a promising cancer treatment modality. Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are successfully used for the protective encapsulation of proteins; however, easy precipitation and lack of controlled release of existing HOFs limit their further application for protein delivery in vivo. Here, a hypoxia-responsive HOF, self-assembled from azobenzenedicarboxylate/polyethylene glycol-conjugated azobenzenedicarboxylate and tetrakis(4-amidiniumphenyl)methane through charge-assisted hydrogen-bonding, is developed for systemic protein delivery to tumor cells. The newly generated HOF platform efficiently encapsulates representative cytochrome C, demonstrating good dispersibility under physiological conditions. Moreover, it can respond to overexpressed reductases in the cytoplasm under hypoxic conditions, inducing fast intracellular protein release to exert therapeutic effects. The strategy presented herein can be applied to other therapeutic proteins and can be expanded to encompass more intrinsic tumor microenvironment stimuli. This offers a novel avenue for utilizing HOFs in protein-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu He
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, GuangRong Dao 8, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300130, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, GuangRong Dao 8, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300130, China
| | - Qingyu Niu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, GuangRong Dao 8, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300130, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, GuangRong Dao 8, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300130, China
| | - Banglin Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Qingqing Xiong
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
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