1
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Kwan A, Mcdermott-Brown I, Muthana M. Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen in the Era of Oncolytic Virotherapy. Viruses 2024; 16:1264. [PMID: 39205238 PMCID: PMC11359830 DOI: 10.3390/v16081264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a well-documented accessory protein of DNA repair and replication. It belongs to the sliding clamp family of proteins that encircle DNA and acts as a mobile docking platform for interacting proteins to mount and perform their metabolic tasks. PCNA presence is ubiquitous to all cells, and when located in the nucleus it plays a role in DNA replication and repair, cell cycle control and apoptosis in proliferating cells. It also plays a crucial role in the infectivity of some viruses, such as herpes simplex viruses (HSVs). However, more recently it has been found in the cytoplasm of immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages where it has been shown to be involved in the development of a pro-inflammatory state. PCNA is also expressed on the surface of certain cancer cells and can play a role in preventing immune cells from killing tumours, as well as being associated with cancer virulence. Given the growing interest in oncolytic viruses (OVs) as a novel cancer therapeutic, this review considers the role of PCNA in healthy, cancerous, and immune cells to gain an understanding of how PCNA targeted therapy and oncolytic virotherapy may interact in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Munitta Muthana
- Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK; (A.K.)
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2
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Deng X, Yang Z, Chan KW, Abu Bakar MZ. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of 5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles Combined with Natural Compound Thymoquinone for Colon Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1011. [PMID: 39204357 PMCID: PMC11360259 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16081011] [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: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the need for novel and effective therapies for colon cancer, this study aimed to investigate the effects of 5-fluorouracil-loaded calcium carbonate nanoparticles (5FU-CaCO3np) combined with thymoquinone (TQ) against colon cancer. A shaking incubator and a high-speed homogenizer were used to prepare the optimal 5FU-CaCO3np, with characterizations of physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release profile, and biocompatibility. In vitro experiments and molecular docking were employed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the combination for colon cancer treatment. Study results revealed that 5FU-CaCO3np with a size of approximately 130 nm was synthesized using the high-speed homogenizer. Its favorable biocompatibility, pH sensitivity, and sustained release properties facilitated reduced toxic side effects of 5-FU on NIH3T3 normal cells and enhanced inhibitory effects on CT26 colon cancer cells. The combination of 5FU-CaCO3np (1.875 μM) and TQ (30 μM) showed significantly superior anti-colon cancer effects to 5FU-CaCO3np alone in terms of cell proliferation and migration inhibition, cell apoptosis induction, and spheroid growth suppression in CT26 cells (p < 0.05), with strong interactions between the drugs and targets (E-cadherin, Bcl-2, PCNA, and MMP-2). These results provide evidence for 5FU-CaCO3np as a novel regimen against colon cancer. Combining 5FU-CaCO3np and TQ may offer a new perspective for colon cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Deng
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (X.D.); (Z.Y.); (K.W.C.)
| | - Zhongming Yang
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (X.D.); (Z.Y.); (K.W.C.)
| | - Kim Wei Chan
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (X.D.); (Z.Y.); (K.W.C.)
| | - Md Zuki Abu Bakar
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (X.D.); (Z.Y.); (K.W.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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3
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Adapa SR, Sami A, Meshram P, Ferreira GC, Jiang RHY. Uncovering Porphyrin Accumulation in the Tumor Microenvironment. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:961. [PMID: 39062740 PMCID: PMC11275590 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070961] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Heme, an iron-containing tetrapyrrole, is essential in almost all organisms. Heme biosynthesis needs to be precisely regulated particularly given the potential cytotoxicity of protoporphyrin IX, the intermediate preceding heme formation. Here, we report on the porphyrin intermediate accumulation within the tumor microenvironment (TME), which we propose to result from dysregulation of heme biosynthesis concomitant with an enhanced cancer survival dependence on mid-step genes, a process we recently termed "Porphyrin Overdrive". Specifically, porphyrins build up in both lung cancer cells and stromal cells in the TME. Within the TME's stromal cells, evidence supports cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) actively producing porphyrins through an imbalanced pathway. Conversely, normal tissues exhibit no porphyrin accumulation, and CAFs deprived of tumor cease porphyrin overproduction, indicating that both cancer and tumor-stromal porphyrin overproduction is confined to the cancer-specific tissue niche. The clinical relevance of our findings is implied by establishing a correlation between imbalanced porphyrin production and overall poorer survival in more aggressive cancers. These findings illuminate the anomalous porphyrin dynamics specifically within the tumor microenvironment, suggesting a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swamy R. Adapa
- USF Genomics Program, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Abdus Sami
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.S.); (G.C.F.)
| | - Pravin Meshram
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Gloria C. Ferreira
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (A.S.); (G.C.F.)
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Rays H. Y. Jiang
- USF Genomics Program, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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4
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Alderman C, Anderson R, Zhang L, Hughes CJ, Li X, Ebmeier C, Wagley ME, Ahn NG, Ford HL, Zhao R. Biochemical characterization of the Eya and PP2A-B55α interaction. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107408. [PMID: 38796066 PMCID: PMC11328874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107408] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The eyes absent (Eya) proteins were first identified as co-activators of the six homeobox family of transcription factors and are critical in embryonic development. These proteins are also re-expressed in cancers after development is complete, where they drive tumor progression. We have previously shown that the Eya3 N-terminal domain (NTD) contains Ser/Thr phosphatase activity through an interaction with the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-B55α holoenzyme and that this interaction increases the half-life of Myc through pT58 dephosphorylation. Here, we showed that Eya3 directly interacted with the NTD of Myc, recruiting PP2A-B55α to Myc. We also showed that Eya3 increased the Ser/Thr phosphatase activity of PP2A-B55α but not PP2A-B56α. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the NTD (∼250 amino acids) of Eya3 was completely disordered, and it used a 38-residue segment to interact with B55α. In addition, knockdown and phosphoproteomic analyses demonstrated that Eya3 and B55α affected highly similar phosphosite motifs with a preference for Ser/Thr followed by Pro, consistent with Eya3's apparent Ser/Thr phosphatase activity being mediated through its interaction with PP2A-B55α. Intriguingly, mutating this Pro to other amino acids in a Myc peptide dramatically increased dephosphorylation by PP2A. Not surprisingly, MycP59A, a naturally occurring mutation hotspot in several cancers, enhanced Eya3-PP2A-B55α-mediated dephosphorylation of pT58 on Myc, leading to increased Myc stability and cell proliferation, underscoring the critical role of this phosphosite in regulating Myc stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Alderman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Molecular Biology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ryan Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lingdi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Connor J Hughes
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Xueni Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Chris Ebmeier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Marisa E Wagley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Natalie G Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Heide L Ford
- Molecular Biology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Molecular Biology Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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5
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Neves A, Albuquerque T, Faria R, Santos CRA, Vivès E, Boisguérin P, Carneiro D, Bruno DF, Pavlaki MD, Loureiro S, Sousa Â, Costa D. Evidence That a Peptide-Drug/p53 Gene Complex Promotes Cognate Gene Expression and Inhibits the Viability of Glioblastoma Cells. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:781. [PMID: 38931902 PMCID: PMC11207567 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060781] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is considered the deadliest brain cancer. Conventional therapies are followed by poor patient survival outcomes, so novel and more efficacious therapeutic strategies are imperative to tackle this scourge. Gene therapy has emerged as an exciting and innovative tool in cancer therapy. Its combination with chemotherapy has significantly improved therapeutic outcomes. In line with this, our team has developed temozolomide-transferrin (Tf) peptide (WRAP5)/p53 gene nanometric complexes that were revealed to be biocompatible with non-cancerous cells and in a zebrafish model and were able to efficiently target and internalize into SNB19 and U373 glioma cell lines. The transfection of these cells, mediated by the formulated peptide-drug/gene complexes, resulted in p53 expression. The combined action of the anticancer drug with p53 supplementation in cancer cells enhances cytotoxicity, which was correlated to apoptosis activation through quantification of caspase-3 activity. In addition, increased caspase-9 levels revealed that the intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis was implicated. This assumption was further evidenced by the presence, in glioma cells, of Bax protein overexpression-a core regulator of this apoptotic pathway. Our findings demonstrated the great potential of peptide TMZ/p53 co-delivery complexes for cellular transfection, p53 expression, and apoptosis induction, holding promising therapeutic value toward glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Neves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.N.); (T.A.); (R.F.); (C.R.A.S.); (Â.S.)
| | - Tânia Albuquerque
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.N.); (T.A.); (R.F.); (C.R.A.S.); (Â.S.)
| | - Rúben Faria
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.N.); (T.A.); (R.F.); (C.R.A.S.); (Â.S.)
| | - Cecília R. A. Santos
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.N.); (T.A.); (R.F.); (C.R.A.S.); (Â.S.)
| | - Eric Vivès
- PhyMedExp, INSERM, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (E.V.); (P.B.)
| | - Prisca Boisguérin
- PhyMedExp, INSERM, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France; (E.V.); (P.B.)
| | - Diana Carneiro
- CESAM—Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (D.C.); (D.F.B.); (M.D.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Daniel F. Bruno
- CESAM—Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (D.C.); (D.F.B.); (M.D.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Maria D. Pavlaki
- CESAM—Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (D.C.); (D.F.B.); (M.D.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Susana Loureiro
- CESAM—Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (D.C.); (D.F.B.); (M.D.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Ângela Sousa
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.N.); (T.A.); (R.F.); (C.R.A.S.); (Â.S.)
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.N.); (T.A.); (R.F.); (C.R.A.S.); (Â.S.)
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6
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Simonsen S, Søgaard CK, Olsen JG, Otterlei M, Kragelund BB. The bacterial DNA sliding clamp, β-clamp: structure, interactions, dynamics and drug discovery. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:245. [PMID: 38814467 PMCID: PMC11139829 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05252-w] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
DNA replication is a tightly coordinated event carried out by a multiprotein replication complex. An essential factor in the bacterial replication complex is the ring-shaped DNA sliding clamp, β-clamp, ensuring processive DNA replication and DNA repair through tethering of polymerases and DNA repair proteins to DNA. β -clamp is a hub protein with multiple interaction partners all binding through a conserved clamp binding sequence motif. Due to its central role as a DNA scaffold protein, β-clamp is an interesting target for antimicrobial drugs, yet little effort has been put into understanding the functional interactions of β-clamp. In this review, we scrutinize the β-clamp structure and dynamics, examine how its interactions with a plethora of binding partners are regulated through short linear binding motifs and discuss how contexts play into selection. We describe the dynamic process of clamp loading onto DNA and cover the recent advances in drug development targeting β-clamp. Despite decades of research in β-clamps and recent landmark structural insight, much remains undisclosed fostering an increased focus on this very central protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Simonsen
- Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Caroline K Søgaard
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Johan G Olsen
- Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biology, REPIN, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Marit Otterlei
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Birthe B Kragelund
- Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
- Department of Biology, REPIN, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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7
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Søgaard CK, Otterlei M. Targeting proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for cancer therapy. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 100:209-246. [PMID: 39034053 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2024.04.002] [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: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an essential scaffold protein in many cellular processes. It is best known for its role as a DNA sliding clamp and processivity factor during DNA replication, which has been extensively reviewed by others. However, the importance of PCNA extends beyond its DNA-associated functions in DNA replication, chromatin remodelling, DNA repair and DNA damage tolerance (DDT), as new non-canonical roles of PCNA in the cytosol have recently been identified. These include roles in the regulation of immune evasion, apoptosis, metabolism, and cellular signalling. The diverse roles of PCNA are largely mediated by its myriad protein interactions, and its centrality to cellular processes makes PCNA a valid therapeutic anticancer target. PCNA is expressed in all cells and plays an essential role in normal cellular homeostasis; therefore, the main challenge in targeting PCNA is to selectively kill cancer cells while avoiding unacceptable toxicity to healthy cells. This chapter focuses on the stress-related roles of PCNA, and how targeting these PCNA roles can be exploited in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K Søgaard
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit Otterlei
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; APIM Therapeutics A/S, Trondheim, Norway.
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8
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Hardebeck S, Jácobo Goebbels N, Michalski C, Schreiber S, Jose J. Identification of a potent PCNA-p15-interaction inhibitor by autodisplay-based peptide library screening. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14471. [PMID: 38646975 PMCID: PMC11033925 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an essential factor for DNA metabolism. The influence of PCNA on DNA replication and repair, combined with the high expression rate of PCNA in various tumours renders PCNA a promising target for cancer therapy. In this context, an autodisplay-based screening method was developed to identify peptidic PCNA interaction inhibitors. A 12-mer randomized peptide library consisting of 2.54 × 106 colony-forming units was constructed and displayed at the surface of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells by autodisplay. Cells exhibiting an enhanced binding to fluorescent mScarlet-I-PCNA were enriched in four sorting rounds by flow cytometry. This led to the discovery of five peptide variants with affinity to mScarlet-I-PCNA. Among these, P3 (TCPLRWITHDHP) exhibited the highest binding signal. Subsequent flow cytometric analysis revealed a dissociation constant of 0.62 μM for PCNA-P3 interaction. Furthermore, the inhibition of PCNA interactions was investigated using p15, a PIP-box containing protein involved in DNA replication and repair. P3 inhibited the PCNA-p1551-70 interaction with a half maximal inhibitory activity of 16.2 μM, characterizing P3 as a potent inhibitor of the PCNA-p15 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hardebeck
- University of MünsterInstitute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal ChemistryMünsterGermany
| | | | - Caroline Michalski
- University of MünsterInstitute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal ChemistryMünsterGermany
| | - Sebastian Schreiber
- University of MünsterInstitute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal ChemistryMünsterGermany
| | - Joachim Jose
- University of MünsterInstitute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal ChemistryMünsterGermany
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9
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Tang B, Lau KM, Zhu Y, Shao C, Wong WT, Chow LMC, Wong CTT. Chemical Modification of Cytochrome C for Acid-Responsive Intracellular Apoptotic Protein Delivery for Cancer Eradication. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:71. [PMID: 38258082 PMCID: PMC10819283 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010071] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Delivering bioactive proteins into cells without carriers presents significant challenges in biomedical applications due to limited cell membrane permeability and the need for targeted delivery. Here, we introduce a novel carrier-free method that addresses these challenges by chemically modifying proteins with an acid-responsive cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) for selective intracellular delivery within tumours. Cytochrome C, a protein known for inducing apoptosis, served as a model for intracellular delivery of therapeutic proteins for cancer treatment. The CPP was protected with 2,3-dimethyl maleic anhydride (DMA) and chemically conjugated onto the protein surface, creating an acid-responsive protein delivery system. In the acidic tumour microenvironment, DMA deprotects and exposes the positively charged CPP, enabling membrane penetration. Both in vitro and in vivo assays validated the pH-dependent shielding mechanism, demonstrating the modified cytochrome C could induce apoptosis in cancer cells in a pH-selective manner. These findings provide a promising new approach for carrier-free and tumour-targeted intracellular delivery of therapeutic proteins for a wide range of potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Larry M. C. Chow
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (B.T.); (K.M.L.); (Y.Z.); (C.S.); (W.-T.W.)
| | - Clarence T. T. Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; (B.T.); (K.M.L.); (Y.Z.); (C.S.); (W.-T.W.)
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10
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Hardebeck S, Schreiber S, Adick A, Langer K, Jose J. A FRET-Based Assay for the Identification of PCNA Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11858. [PMID: 37511614 PMCID: PMC10380293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411858] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is the key regulator of human DNA metabolism. One important interaction partner is p15, involved in DNA replication and repair. Targeting the PCNA-p15 interaction is a promising therapeutic strategy against cancer. Here, a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay for the analysis of the PCNA-p15 interaction was developed. Next to the application as screening tool for the identification and characterization of PCNA-p15 interaction inhibitors, the assay is also suitable for the investigation of mutation-induced changes in their affinity. This is particularly useful for analyzing disease associated PCNA or p15 variants at the molecular level. Recently, the PCNA variant C148S has been associated with Ataxia-telangiectasia-like disorder type 2 (ATLD2). ATLD2 is a neurodegenerative disease based on defects in DNA repair due to an impaired PCNA. Incubation time dependent FRET measurements indicated no effect on PCNAC148S-p15 affinity, but on PCNA stability. The impaired stability and increased aggregation behavior of PCNAC148S was confirmed by intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) and asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) measurements. The analysis of the disease associated PCNA variant demonstrated the versatility of the interaction assay as developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hardebeck
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacampus, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schreiber
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacampus, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Annika Adick
- University of Münster, Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Pharmacampus, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Langer
- University of Münster, Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Pharmacampus, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Jose
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacampus, 48149 Münster, Germany
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11
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Sun Z, Huang J, Fishelson Z, Wang C, Zhang S. Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Based Delivery of Macromolecular Drugs: Development, Strategies, and Progress. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1971. [PMID: 37509610 PMCID: PMC10377493 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), developed for more than 30 years, are still being extensively studied due to their excellent delivery performance. Compared with other delivery vehicles, CPPs hold promise for delivering different types of drugs. Here, we review the development process of CPPs and summarize the composition and classification of the CPP-based delivery systems, cellular uptake mechanisms, influencing factors, and biological barriers. We also summarize the optimization routes of CPP-based macromolecular drug delivery from stability and targeting perspectives. Strategies for enhanced endosomal escape, which prolong its half-life in blood, improved targeting efficiency and stimuli-responsive design are comprehensively summarized for CPP-based macromolecule delivery. Finally, after concluding the clinical trials of CPP-based drug delivery systems, we extracted the necessary conditions for a successful CPP-based delivery system. This review provides the latest framework for the CPP-based delivery of macromolecular drugs and summarizes the optimized strategies to improve delivery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jinhai Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zvi Fishelson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Chenhui Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Sihe Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Stillger K, Neundorf I. Cell-permeable peptide-based delivery vehicles useful for subcellular targeting and beyond. Cell Signal 2023:110796. [PMID: 37423344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Personal medicine aims to provide tailor-made diagnostics and treatments and has been emerged as a promising but challenging strategy during the last years. This includes the active delivery and localization of a therapeutic compound to a targeted site of action within a cell. An example being targeting the interference of a distinct protein-protein interaction (PPI) within the cell nucleus, mitochondria or other subcellular location. Therefore, not only the cell membrane has to be overcome but also the final intracellular destination has to be reached. One approach which fulfills both requirements is to use short peptide sequences that are able to translocate into cells as targeting and delivery vehicles. In fact, recent progress in this field demonstrates how these tools can modulate the pharmacological parameters of a drug without compromising its biological activity. Beside classical targets that are addressed by various small molecule drugs such as receptors, enzymes, or ion channels, PPIs have received increasing attention as potential therapeutic targets. Within this review, we will provide a recent update on cell-permeable peptides targeting subcellular destinations. We include chimeric peptide probes that combine cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and a targeting sequence, as well peptides having intrinsic cell-permeability and which are often used to target PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Stillger
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
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Zhou MY, Bui NQ, Charville GW, Ganjoo KN, Pan M. Treatment of De-Differentiated Liposarcoma in the Era of Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119571. [PMID: 37298520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-differentiated/de-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS/DDLPS) is one of the most common histologic subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma (STS); however, treatment options remain limited. WDLPS and DDLPS both exhibit the characteristic amplification of chromosome region 12q13-15, which contains the genes CDK4 and MDM2. DDLPS exhibits higher amplification ratios of these two and carries additional genomic lesions, including the amplification of chromosome region 1p32 and chromosome region 6q23, which may explain the more aggressive biology of DDLPS. WDLPS does not respond to systemic chemotherapy and is primarily managed with local therapy, including multiple resections and debulking procedures whenever clinically feasible. In contrast, DDLPS can respond to chemotherapy drugs and drug combinations, including doxorubicin (or doxorubicin in combination with ifosfamide), gemcitabine (or gemcitabine in combination with docetaxel), trabectedin, eribulin, and pazopanib. However, the response rate is generally low, and the response duration is usually short. This review highlights the clinical trials with developmental therapeutics that have been completed or are ongoing, including CDK4/6 inhibitors, MDM2 inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review will also discuss the current landscape in assessing biomarkers for identifying tumors sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Y Zhou
- Sarcoma Program, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Nam Q Bui
- Sarcoma Program, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Gregory W Charville
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Kristen N Ganjoo
- Sarcoma Program, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Minggui Pan
- Sarcoma Program, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
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PCNA regulates primary metabolism by scaffolding metabolic enzymes. Oncogene 2023; 42:613-624. [PMID: 36564470 PMCID: PMC9937922 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The essential roles of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a scaffold protein in DNA replication and repair are well established, while its cytosolic roles are less explored. Two metabolic enzymes, alpha-enolase (ENO1) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), both contain PCNA interacting motifs. Mutation of the PCNA interacting motif APIM in ENO1 (F423A) impaired its binding to PCNA and resulted in reduced cellular levels of ENO1 protein, reduced growth rate, reduced glucose consumption, and reduced activation of AKT. Metabolome and signalome analysis reveal large consequences of impairing the direct interaction between PCNA and ENO1. Metabolites above ENO1 in glycolysis accumulated while lower glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolite pools decreased in the APIM-mutated cells; however, their overall energetic status were similar to parental cells. Treating haematological cancer cells or activated primary monocytes with a PCNA targeting peptide drug containing APIM (ATX-101) also lead to a metabolic shift characterized by reduced glycolytic rate. In addition, we show that ATX-101 treatments reduced the ENO1 - PCNA interaction, the ENO1, GAPDH and 6PGD protein levels, as well as the 6PGD activity. Here we report for the first time that PCNA acts as a scaffold for metabolic enzymes, and thereby act as a direct regulator of primary metabolism.
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