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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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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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Podh MB, Ratha R, Purohit CS. Template Assisted One-Pot Synthesis of [2], Linear [3], and Radial [4]Catenane via Click Reaction. Chem Asian J 2024; 19:e202400031. [PMID: 38372572 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202400031] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Design and synthesis of higher order catenane are unexpectedly complex and involve precise cooperation among the precursors overcoming competing and opposing interactions. We achieved synthesis of [2], linear [3], radial [4] in a one-pot reaction by consecutive ring closing through click reactions. This synthesis gave three isolable products due to two, four, and six-click reactions between suitable coupling partners. Yields of the isolate templated-catenane decrease from lower to higher-ordered catenane (40 %, 12 %, and 4 %), probably due to the bite angle as well as the flexibility of the reacting partners. Removal of templating cobalt(III) ion leads to the formation of fully organic [2], linear [3], and radial [4]catenane. These synthesized catenanes were purified by column chromatography and characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS spectroscopy. The synthesized catenanes have free binding sites suitable for post-functionalization and may be used for the synthesis of higher-ordered catenane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Bhanjan Podh
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Jatni, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India -, 752050
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, India -, 400094
| | - Radhakrishna Ratha
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Jatni, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India -, 752050
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, India -, 400094
| | - Chandra Shekhar Purohit
- School of Chemical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Jatni, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India -, 752050
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, India -, 400094
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4
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Feng W, Qian Y. Water-soluble red fluorescent protein dimers for hypoxic two-photon photodynamic therapy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:2413-2424. [PMID: 38354026 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02621c] [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: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
In this study, two water-soluble red fluorescent protein (RFP) dimers, FP2R' and FP2R'', were synthesized by linking two phenothiazine-based RFP chromophore analogues through alkyl chains or alkoxy chains for hypoxic two-photon photodynamic therapy. RFP dimers are heavy-atom-free two-photon photosensitizers in which the intersystem crossing process is boosted by S and N heteroatoms. In terms of the aqueous solubility, the saturation concentration of FP2R'' was 3.5 mM, the emission wavelength was 677 nm, the singlet oxygen yield was 18%, and the two-photon absorption coefficient (β) was 2.1 × 10-11 cm W-1. Further, the RFP dimer FP2R'' showed excellent biocompatibility, negligible dark toxicity, and could produce 1O2 and O2˙- simultaneously. Under 460 nm illumination, the photosensitizer FP2R'' showed high phototoxicity with an IC50 value of 4.08 μM in an hypoxia environment, indicating that the photosensitizer FP2R'' has an excellent anti-hypoxia ability. In addition, the photosensitizer FP2R'' demonstrated a precise localization ability to lysosomes and its Pearson's colocalization coefficient was 0.94, which could guide the aggregation of photosensitizers in the lysosomes of tumor cells to effectively improve its photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. In particular, when exposed to 800 nm two-photon excitation, FP2R'' effectively produced 1O2 and O2˙- in zebrafish and exhibited a bright two-photon fluorescence imaging capability. At the same time, the efficacy of two-photon photodynamic therapy mediated by the photosensitizer FP2R'' was verified in the tumor zebrafish model, and the growth of tumor cells in zebrafish was significantly inhibited under a two-photon laser irradiation. The water-soluble two-photon photosensitizer FP2R'' that was reasonably constructed in this study can be used as a high-efficiency hypoxic two-photon photosensitizer to inhibit deep tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Feng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Ying Qian
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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Fang J, Li T, Lee J, Im D, Xu L, Liu Y, Seo J, Zhang WB. A single-domain protein catenane of dihydrofolate reductase. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad304. [PMID: 38188024 PMCID: PMC10769465 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad304] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
A single-domain protein catenane refers to two mechanically interlocked polypeptide rings that fold synergistically into a compact and integrated structure, which is extremely rare in nature. Here, we report a single-domain protein catenane of dihydrofolate reductase (cat-DHFR). This design was achieved by rewiring the connectivity between secondary motifs to introduce artificial entanglement and synthesis was readily accomplished through a series of programmed and streamlined post-translational processing events in cells without any additional in vitro reactions. The target molecule contained few exogenous motifs and was thoroughly characterized using a combination of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, protease cleavage experiments and ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry. Compared with the linear control, cat-DHFR retained its catalytic capability and exhibited enhanced stability against thermal or chemical denaturation due to conformational restriction. These results suggest that linear proteins may be converted into their concatenated single-domain counterparts with almost identical chemical compositions, well-preserved functions and elevated stabilities, representing an entirely new horizon in protein science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fang
- 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, China
| | - Tianzuo Li
- 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, China
| | - Jiyeon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahye Im
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Lianjie Xu
- 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, China
| | - 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, China
| | - Jongcheol Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - 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, China
- Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing 100084, China
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