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Cosottini L, Geri A, Ghini V, Mannelli M, Zineddu S, Di Paco G, Giachetti A, Massai L, Severi M, Gamberi T, Rosato A, Turano P, Messori L. Unlocking the Power of Human Ferritin: Enhanced Drug Delivery of Aurothiomalate in A2780 Ovarian Cancer Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202410791. [PMID: 38949226 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202410791] [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: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Aurothiomalate (AuTM) is an FDA-approved antiarthritic gold drug with unique anticancer properties. To enhance its anticancer activity, we prepared a bioconjugate with human apoferritin (HuHf) by attaching some AuTM moieties to surface protein residues. The reaction of apoferritin with excess AuTM yielded a single adduct, that was characterized by ESI MS and ICP-OES analysis, using three mutant ferritins and trypsinization experiments. The adduct contains ~3 gold atoms per ferritin subunit, arranged in a small cluster bound to Cys90 and Cys102. MD simulations provided a plausible structural model for the cluster. The adduct was evaluated for its pharmacological properties and was found to be significantly more cytotoxic than free AuTM against A2780 cancer cells mainly due to higher gold uptake. NMR-metabolomics showed that AuTM bound to HuHf and free AuTM induced qualitatively similar changes in treated cancer cells, indicating that the effects on cell metabolism are approximately the same, in agreement with independent biochemical experiments. In conclusion, we have demonstrated here that a molecularly precise bioconjugate formed between AuTM and HuHf exhibits anticancer properties far superior to the free drug, while retaining its key mechanistic features. Evidence is provided that human ferritin can serve as an excellent carrier for this metallodrug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Cosottini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Andrea Geri
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Michele Mannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Zineddu
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Paco
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Andrea Giachetti
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Mirko Severi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Tania Gamberi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Paola Turano
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - Luigi Messori
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
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2
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Lucignano R, Sanità G, Esposito E, Russo Krauss I, D'Ursi AM, Buonocore M, Picone D. Human ferritin nanocarriers for drug-delivery: A molecular view of the disassembly process. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134373. [PMID: 39094874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134373] [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: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Ferritins are natural proteins which spontaneously self-assemble forming hollow nanocages physiologically deputed to iron storage and homeostasis. Thanks to their high stability and easy production in vitro, ferritins represent an intriguing system for nanobiotechnology. Here we investigated the mechanism of disassembly and reassembly of a human recombinant ferritin constituted by the heavy chain (hHFt) exploiting a new procedure which involves the use of minimal amounts of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and assessed its effectiveness in comparison with two commonly used protocols based on pH shift at highly acidic and alkaline values. The interest in this ferritin as drug nanocarrier is related to the strong affinity of the human H-chain for the transferrin receptor TfR-1, overexpressed in several tumoral cell lines. Using different techniques, like NMR, TEM and DLS, we demonstrated that the small concentrations of SDS can eliminate the nanocage architecture without detaching the monomers from each other, which instead remain strongly associated. Following this procedure, we encapsulated into the nanocage a small ruthenium complex with a remarkable improvement with respect to previous protocols in terms of yield, structural integrity of the recovered protein and encapsulation efficiency. In our opinion, the extensive network of interchain interactions preserved during the SDS-based disassembly procedure represents the key for a complete and correct hHFt reassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Lucignano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", University of Napoli Federico II Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Sanità
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems (ISASI), Naples Cryo Electron Microscopy Laboratory - EYE LAB, National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems (ISASI), Naples Cryo Electron Microscopy Laboratory - EYE LAB, National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Irene Russo Krauss
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", University of Napoli Federico II Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy; CSGI (Consorzio per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase), I-50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Maria D'Ursi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Michela Buonocore
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", University of Napoli Federico II Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Delia Picone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", University of Napoli Federico II Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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3
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Shi Y, Mao J, Wang S, Ma S, Luo L, You J. Pharmaceutical strategies for optimized mRNA expression. Biomaterials 2024; 314:122853. [PMID: 39342919 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122853] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based immunotherapies and protein in situ production therapies hold great promise for addressing theoretically all the diseases characterized by aberrant protein levels. The safe, stable, and precise delivery of mRNA to target cells via appropriate pharmaceutical strategies is a prerequisite for its optimal efficacy. In this review, we summarize the structural characteristics, mode of action, development prospects, and limitations of existing mRNA delivery systems from a pharmaceutical perspective, with an emphasis on the impacts from formulation adjustments and preparation techniques of non-viral vectors on mRNA stability, target site accumulation and transfection efficiency. In addition, we introduce strategies for synergistical combination of mRNA and small molecules to augment the potency or mitigate the adverse effects of mRNA therapeutics. Lastly, we delve into the challenges impeding the development of mRNA drugs while exploring promising avenues for future advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Jiapeng Mao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Sijie Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Siyao Ma
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 166 Qiutaobei Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310017, PR China
| | - Lihua Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China.
| | - Jian You
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China; State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, PR China; The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 QingChun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, PR China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, 498 Yiwu Street, Jinhua, Zhejiang, 321299, PR China.
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4
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Kwon S, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Pore Engineering as a General Strategy to Improve Protein-Based Enzyme Nanoreactor Performance. ACS NANO 2024; 18:25740-25753. [PMID: 39226211 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c08186] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Enzyme nanoreactors are nanoscale compartments consisting of encapsulated enzymes and a selectively permeable barrier. Sequestration and colocalization of enzymes can increase catalytic activity, stability, and longevity, highly desirable features for many biotechnological and biomedical applications of enzyme catalysts. One promising strategy to construct enzyme nanoreactors is to repurpose protein nanocages found in nature. However, protein-based enzyme nanoreactors often exhibit decreased catalytic activity, partially caused by a mismatch of protein shell selectivity and the substrate requirements of encapsulated enzymes. No broadly applicable and modular protein-based nanoreactor platform is currently available. Here, we introduce a pore-engineered universal enzyme nanoreactor platform based on encapsulins-microbial self-assembling protein nanocompartments with programmable and selective enzyme packaging capabilities. We structurally characterize our protein shell designs via cryo-electron microscopy and highlight their polymorphic nature. Through fluorescence polarization assays, we show their improved molecular flux behavior and highlight their expanded substrate range via a number of proof-of-concept enzyme nanoreactor designs. This work lays the foundation for utilizing our encapsulin-based nanoreactor platform for diverse future biotechnological and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokmu Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Michael P Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tobias W Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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5
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Lucignano R, Ferraro G. Bioactive Molecules Delivery through Ferritin Nanoparticles: Sum Up of Current Loading Methods. Molecules 2024; 29:4045. [PMID: 39274893 PMCID: PMC11396501 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29174045] [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: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferritin (Ft) is a protein with a peculiar three-dimensional architecture. It is characterized by a hollow cage structure and is responsible for iron storage and detoxification in almost all living organisms. It has attracted the interest of the scientific community thanks to its appealing features, such as its nano size, thermal and pH stability, ease of functionalization, and low cost for large-scale production. Together with high storage capacity, these properties qualify Ft as a promising nanocarrier for the development of delivery systems for numerous types of biologically active molecules. In this paper, we introduce the basic structural and functional aspects of the protein, and summarize the methods employed to load bioactive molecules within the ferritin nanocage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Lucignano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cinthia, 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Giarita Ferraro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cinthia, 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
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6
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Hong J, Li K, He J, Liang M. A New Age of Drug Delivery: A Comparative Perspective of Ferritin-Drug Conjugates (FDCs) and Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:1142-1147. [PMID: 39129506 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00254] [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: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Ferritin-drug conjugates (FDCs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) respectively represent the innovative and traditional mainstream approaches in drug delivery systems, each offering unique advantages and challenges. This viewpoint delves into the evolving landscape of drug delivery technologies, specifically focusing on FDCs and ADCs. Each method exhibits unique advantages and inherent challenges, shaping their roles in therapeutic applications. The article provides a comparative analysis of two delivery systems, FDCs and ADCs, in terms of targeting accuracy, drug loading capacity, and the nature of the payload itself. This comparison offers valuable insights into the distinct advantages and disadvantages associated with each system, enabling a clearer understanding of their potential applications and limitations in therapeutic contexts. This analysis is crucial for optimizing the use of these delivery systems across varying medical contexts, offering a comprehensive overview of their impact on the field of drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanji Hong
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Kang Li
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jiuyang He
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Minmin Liang
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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7
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Sheng Y, Chen Z, Cherrier MV, Martin L, Bui TTT, Li W, Lynham S, Nicolet Y, Ebrahimi KH. A Versatile Virus-Mimetic Engineering Approach for Concurrent Protein Nanocage Surface-Functionalization and Cargo Encapsulation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310913. [PMID: 38726952 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310913] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Naturally occurring protein nanocages like ferritin are self-assembled from multiple subunits. Because of their unique cage-like structure and biocompatibility, there is a growing interest in their biomedical use. A multipurpose and straightforward engineering approach does not exist for using nanocages to make drug-delivery systems by encapsulating hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs and developing vaccines by surface functionalization with a protein like an antigen. Here, a versatile engineering approach is described by mimicking the HIV-1 Gap polyprotein precursor. Various PREcursors of nanoCages (PREC) are designed and created by linking two ferritin subunits via a flexible linker peptide containing a protease cleavage site. These precursors can have additional proteins at their N-terminus, and their protease cleavage generates ferritin-like nanocages named protease-induced nanocages (PINCs). It is demonstrated that PINC formation allows concurrent surface decoration with a protein and hydrophilic or hydrophobic drug encapsulation up to fourfold more than the amount achieved using other methods. The PINCs/Drug complex is stable and efficiently kills cancer cells. This work provides insight into the precursors' design rules and the mechanism of PINCs formation. The engineering approach and mechanistic insight described here will facilitate nanocages' applications in drug delivery or as a platform for making multifunctional therapeutics like mosaic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Sheng
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Zilong Chen
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Mickael V Cherrier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, Metalloproteins Unit, Grenoble, CS 10090, France
| | - Lydie Martin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, Metalloproteins Unit, Grenoble, CS 10090, France
| | - Tam T T Bui
- Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, SE11UL, UK
| | - Wei Li
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Steven Lynham
- Proteomics Core Facility, James Black Centre, King's College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Yvain Nicolet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, Metalloproteins Unit, Grenoble, CS 10090, France
| | - Kourosh H Ebrahimi
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
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8
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Bhatt S, Dasgupta S, Tupe C, Prashar C, Adhikari U, Pandey KC, Kundu S, Chakraborti S. Antimalarial Delivery with a Ferritin-Based Protein Cage: A Step toward Developing Smart Therapeutics against Malaria. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1738-1751. [PMID: 38975628 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00692] [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: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the utilization of protein cages has witnessed exponential growth driven by their extensive applications in biotechnology and therapeutics. In the context of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, protein-cage-based scaffolds played a pivotal role in vaccine development. Beyond vaccines, these protein cages have proven valuable in diverse drug delivery applications thanks to their distinctive architecture and structural stability. Among the various types of protein cages, ferritin-based cages have taken the lead in drug delivery applications. This is primarily attributed to their ease of production, exceptional thermal stability, and nontoxic nature. While ferritin-based cages are commonly employed in anticancer drug delivery and contrast agent delivery, their efficacy in malarial drug delivery had not been explored until this study. In this investigation, several antimalarial drugs were encapsulated within horse spleen ferritin, and the binding and loading processes were validated through both experimental and computational techniques. The data unequivocally demonstrate the facile incorporation of antimalarial drugs into ferritin without disrupting its three-dimensional structure. Computational docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to pinpoint the precise location of the drug binding site within ferritin. Subsequent efficacy testing on Plasmodium revealed that the developed nanoconjugate, comprising the drug-ferritin conjugate, exhibited significant effectiveness in eradicating the parasite. In conclusion, the findings strongly indicate that ferritin-based carrier systems hold tremendous promise for the future of antimalarial drug delivery, offering high selectivity and limited side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Bhatt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Subrata Dasgupta
- Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Chiging Tupe
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP 201002, India
| | - Cherish Prashar
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP 201002, India
| | - Utpal Adhikari
- National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal 713209, India
| | - Kailash C Pandey
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, UP 201002, India
| | - Suman Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi 110021, India
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Goa 403726, India
| | - Soumyananda Chakraborti
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, India
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9
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Kheshti J, Ahmadyousefi M, Soleimani M. Novel engineered HER2 specific recombinant protein nanocages for targeted drug delivery. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:773. [PMID: 38904710 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09636-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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Protein nanocages resemble natural biomimetic carriers and can be engineered to act as targeted delivery systems, making them an attractive option for various drug delivery and biomedical applications. Our research investigated the genetic link of a specific anti-HER2 peptide (LTVSPWY) to the exposed N-terminal region of the maize (Zea mays) ferritin 1 (ZmFer1) protein nanocage, employing either a 7-amino acid (for LTVS-ZmFer1) or 16-amino acid (for LTVS-L-ZmFer1) linker. We utilized a heat treatment method to load the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin into the protein nanocage. The construct with the longer linker (LTVS-L) produced a greater amount of soluble protein nanocage and was selected for further experiments. The average size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the engineered protein nanocage were 19.01 nm, 0.168, and - 2.13 mV, respectively. The LTVS-L-ZmFer1 protein nanocage exhibited excellent thermal stability, withstanding temperatures up to 100 °C with only partial denaturation. Furthermore, we observed that cellular uptake of the LTVS-L-ZmFer1 protein nanocages in HER2-positive breast cancer cells was significantly higher compared to ZmFer1 after labeling with FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) (P-value = 0.0001). In addition, we observed a significant decrease in the viability of SKBR3 cells when treated with DOX-loaded LTVS-L-ZmFer1 protein nanocages compared to cells treated with DOX-loaded ZmFer1 protein nanocages. Therefore, this new treatment strategy may prove to be an effective way to reduce both the side effects and toxicity associated with conventional cancer treatments in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Kheshti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ahmadyousefi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Meysam Soleimani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Lai G, Wu H, Yang K, Hu K, Zhou Y, Chen X, Fu F, Li J, Xie G, Wang HF, Lv Z, Wu X. Progress of nanoparticle drug delivery system for the treatment of glioma. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1403511. [PMID: 38919382 PMCID: PMC11196769 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1403511] [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] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are typical malignant brain tumours affecting a wide population worldwide. Operation, as the common treatment for gliomas, is always accompanied by postoperative drug chemotherapy, but cannot cure patients. The main challenges are chemotherapeutic drugs have low blood-brain barrier passage rate and a lot of serious adverse effects, meanwhile, they have difficulty targeting glioma issues. Nowadays, the emergence of nanoparticles (NPs) drug delivery systems (NDDS) has provided a new promising approach for the treatment of gliomas owing to their excellent biodegradability, high stability, good biocompatibility, low toxicity, and minimal adverse effects. Herein, we reviewed the types and delivery mechanisms of NPs currently used in gliomas, including passive and active brain targeting drug delivery. In particular, we primarily focused on various hopeful types of NPs (such as liposome, chitosan, ferritin, graphene oxide, silica nanoparticle, nanogel, neutrophil, and adeno-associated virus), and discussed their advantages, disadvantages, and progress in preclinical trials. Moreover, we outlined the clinical trials of NPs applied in gliomas. According to this review, we provide an outlook of the prospects of NDDS for treating gliomas and summarise some methods that can enhance the targeting specificity and safety of NPs, like surface modification and conjugating ligands and peptides. Although there are still some limitations of these NPs, NDDS will offer the potential for curing glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guogang Lai
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Ningbo Institute of Innovation for Combined Medicine and Engineering, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaixia Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaikai Hu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fan Fu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guomin Xie
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hai-Feng Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongyue Lv
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiping Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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11
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Wang Y, Hao Y, Yuan L, Tian H, Sun X, Zhang Y. Ferroptosis: a new mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine for treating ulcerative colitis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1379058. [PMID: 38895617 PMCID: PMC11184165 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1379058] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease, manifests with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucopurulent, bloody stools. The pathogenesis of UC is not fully understood. At present, the incidence of UC has increased significantly around the world. Conventional therapeutic arsenals are relatively limited, with often poor efficacy and many adverse effects. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds promise due to their notable effectiveness, reduced recurrence rates, and minimal side effects. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the basic research on TCM for UC treatment. It has been found that the inhibition of ferroptosis through the intervention of TCM can significantly promote intestinal mucosal healing and reverse UC. The mechanism of action involves multiple targets and pathways. Aim of the review This review summarizes the experimental studies on the targeted regulation of ferroptosis by TCM and its impact on UC in recent years, aiming to provide theoretical basis for the prevention, treatment, and further drug development for UC. Results Ferroptosis disrupts antioxidant mechanisms in intestinal epithelial cells, damages the intestinal mucosa, and participates in the pathological process of UC. TCM acts on various pathways such as Nrf2/HO-1 and GSH/GPX4, blocking the pathological progression of ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, inhibiting pathological damage to the intestinal mucosa, and thereby alleviating UC. Conclusion The diverse array of TCM single herbs, extracts and herbal formulas facilitates selective and innovative research and development of new TCM methods for targeting UC treatment. Although progress has been made in studying TCM compound formulas, single herbs, and extracts, there are still many issues in clinical and basic experimental designs, necessitating further in-depth scientific exploration and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanwei Hao
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingling Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Huaie Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuhui Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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12
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Wu H, Li B, Shao J, Kong Q. Tumor-oriented and chemo-photothermal nanoplatform capable of sensitizing chemotherapy and ferroptosis against osteosarcoma metastasis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:132019. [PMID: 38729498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132019] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The clinical use of chemotherapy for refractory osteosarcoma (OS) is limited due to its multiorgan toxicity. To overcome this challenge, new dosage forms and combination treatments, such as phototherapy, are being explored to improve targeted delivery and cytocompatibility of chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, inducing ferroptosis in iron-rich tumors could be a promising strategy to enhance OS therapy. In this study, a novel formulation was developed using natural biological H-ferritin (HFn) encapsulating the photosensitizer IR-780 and the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine (Gem) for OS-specific targeted therapy (HFn@Gem/IR-780 NPs). HFn@Gem/IR-780 NPs were designed to specifically bind and internalize into OS cells by interacting with transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) which is overexpressed on the surface of OS cell membranes. The Gem and IR-780 were then released responsively under mildly acidic conditions in tumors. HFn@Gem/IR-780 NPs achieved cascaded antitumor therapeutic efficacy through the combination of chemotherapy and phototherapy under near-infrared irradiation in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, HFn@Gem/IR-780 NPs demonstrated excellent safety profile with significantly decreased drug exposure to normal organs, indicating its potential for reducing systemic toxicity. Thus, utilizing HFn as a vehicle to encapsulate highly effective antitumor drugs provides a promising approach for the treatment of OS metastasis and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzi Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Orthopedics, Karamay Central Hospital of Xinjiang, Karamay 834000, China.
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jichun Shao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu 610051, China.
| | - Qingquan Kong
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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13
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Li F, Wang H, Ye T, Guo P, Lin X, Hu Y, Wei W, Wang S, Ma G. Recent Advances in Material Technology for Leukemia Treatments. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313955. [PMID: 38547845 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313955] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Leukemia is a widespread hematological malignancy characterized by an elevated white blood cell count in both the blood and the bone marrow. Despite notable advancements in leukemia intervention in the clinic, a large proportion of patients, especially acute leukemia patients, fail to achieve long-term remission or complete remission following treatment. Therefore, leukemia therapy necessitates optimization to meet the treatment requirements. In recent years, a multitude of materials have undergone rigorous study to serve as delivery vectors or direct intervention agents to bolster the effectiveness of leukemia therapy. These materials include liposomes, protein-based materials, polymeric materials, cell-derived materials, and inorganic materials. They possess unique characteristics and are applied in a broad array of therapeutic modalities, including chemotherapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and other evolving treatments. Here, an overview of these materials is presented, describing their physicochemical properties, their role in leukemia treatment, and the challenges they face in the context of clinical translation. This review inspires researchers to further develop various materials that can be used to augment the efficacy of multiple therapeutic modalities for novel applications in leukemia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Huaiji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Peilin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lin
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yuxing Hu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guanghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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14
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Jones AA, Snow CD. Porous protein crystals: synthesis and applications. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:5790-5803. [PMID: 38756076 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc00183d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Large-pore protein crystals (LPCs) are an emerging class of biomaterials. The inherent diversity of proteins translates to a diversity of crystal lattice structures, many of which display large pores and solvent channels. These pores can, in turn, be functionalized via directed evolution and rational redesign based on the known crystal structures. LPCs possess extremely high solvent content, as well as extremely high surface area to volume ratios. Because of these characteristics, LPCs continue to be explored in diverse applications including catalysis, targeted therapeutic delivery, templating of nanostructures, structural biology. This Feature review article will describe several of the existing platforms in detail, with particular focus on LPC synthesis approaches and reported applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Arthur Jones
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1301, USA.
| | - Christopher D Snow
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1301, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1301, USA
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15
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Kwon S, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Pore engineering as a general strategy to improve protein-based enzyme nanoreactor performance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592161. [PMID: 38746127 PMCID: PMC11092584 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Enzyme nanoreactors are nanoscale compartments consisting of encapsulated enzymes and a selectively permeable barrier. Sequestration and co-localization of enzymes can increase catalytic activity, stability, and longevity, highly desirable features for many biotechnological and biomedical applications of enzyme catalysts. One promising strategy to construct enzyme nanoreactors is to repurpose protein nanocages found in nature. However, protein-based enzyme nanoreactors often exhibit decreased catalytic activity, partially caused by a mismatch of protein shell selectivity and the substrate requirements of encapsulated enzymes. No broadly applicable and modular protein-based nanoreactor platform is currently available. Here, we introduce a pore-engineered universal enzyme nanoreactor platform based on encapsulins - microbial self-assembling protein nanocompartments with programmable and selective enzyme packaging capabilities. We structurally characterize our protein shell designs via cryo-electron microscopy and highlight their polymorphic nature. Through fluorescence polarization assays, we show their improved molecular flux behavior and highlight their expanded substrate range via a number of proof-of-concept enzyme nanoreactor designs. This work lays the foundation for utilizing our encapsulin-based nanoreactor platform for future biotechnological and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokmu Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael P. Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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16
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Wang W, Xi H, Fu D, Ma D, Gong W, Zhao Y, Li X, Wu L, Guo Y, Zhao G, Wang H. Growth Process of Fe-O Nanoclusters with Different Sizes Biosynthesized by Protein Nanocages. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:11657-11668. [PMID: 38641862 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13830] [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: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
All protein-directed syntheses of metal nanoclusters (NCs) and nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention because protein scaffolds provide a unique metal coordination environment and can adjust the shape and morphology of NCs and NPs. However, the detailed formation mechanisms of NCs or NPs directed by protein templates remain unclear. In this study, by taking advantage of the ferritin nanocage as a biotemplate to monitor the growth of Fe-O NCs as a function of time, we synthesized a series of iron NCs with different sizes and shapes and subsequently solved their corresponding three-dimensional atomic-scale structures by X-ray protein crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The time-dependent structure analyses revealed the growth process of these Fe-O NCs with the 4-fold channel of ferritin as nucleation sites. To our knowledge, the newly biosynthesized Fe35O23Glu12 represents the largest Fe-O NCs with a definite atomic structure. This study contributes to our understanding of the formation mechanism of iron NCs and provides an effective method for metal NC synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of the Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Hongfang Xi
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of the Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Dan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Danyang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of the Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Wenjun Gong
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of the Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Yaqin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of the Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xiaomei Li
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Structure Determination, Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan 030012, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- IHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hongfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of the Education Ministry, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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17
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Yan M, Wu S, Wang Y, Liang M, Wang M, Hu W, Yu G, Mao Z, Huang F, Zhou J. Recent Progress of Supramolecular Chemotherapy Based on Host-Guest Interactions. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2304249. [PMID: 37478832 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is widely recognized as an effective approach for treating cancer due to its ability to eliminate cancer cells using chemotherapeutic drugs. However, traditional chemotherapy suffers from various drawbacks, including limited solubility and stability of drugs, severe side effects, low bioavailability, drug resistance, and challenges in tracking treatment efficacy. These limitations greatly hinder its widespread clinical application. In contrast, supramolecular chemotherapy, which relies on host-guest interactions, presents a promising alternative by offering highly efficient and minimally toxic anticancer drug delivery. In this review, an overview of recent advancements in supramolecular chemotherapy based on host-guest interactions is provided. The significant role it plays in guiding cancer therapy is emphasized. Drawing on a wealth of cutting-edge research, herein, a timely and valuable resource for individuals interested in the field of supramolecular chemotherapy or cancer therapy, is presented. Furthermore, this review contributes to the progression of the field of supramolecular chemotherapy toward clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
| | - Sha Wu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
| | - Minghao Liang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
| | - Mengbin Wang
- Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Guocan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zhengwei Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Feihe Huang
- Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311215, P. R. China
| | - Jiong Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
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18
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Padariya M, Kalathiya U. Single Ferritin Nanocages Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Variants to Receptor and Antibodies. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:446. [PMID: 38793697 PMCID: PMC11125617 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050446] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus variants of concern (VOCs) have rapidly changed their transmissibility and pathogenicity primarily through mutations in the structural proteins. Herein, we present molecular details with dynamics of the ferritin nanocages stitched with synthetic chimeras displaying the Spike receptor binding domains (RBDs). Our findings demonstrated the potential usage of ferritin-based vaccines that may effectively inhibit viral entry by blocking the Spike-ACE2 network and may induce cross-protective antibody responses. Taking the nanocage constructs into consideration, we evaluated the effects of variants on the docked interface of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD with the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) host cell receptor and neutralizing antibodies (Abs). Investigating the VOCs revealed that most of the mutations reported a possibly reduced structural stability within the Spike RBD domain. Point mutations have moderate or no effect for VVH-72, CR3022, and S309 Abs when bound with the Spike RBD, whereas a significant effect was observed for B38, CB6, and m396 over the surface of the H-ferritin nanocage. In addition to providing useful therapeutic approaches against COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), these structural details can also be used to fight future coronavirus outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monikaben Padariya
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Umesh Kalathiya
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland
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19
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Shen Y, Zhou R, Bi L, Huang G, Yang M, Li Z, Yao J, Xian J, Qiu Y, Ye P, Liu Y, Hou Y, Jin H, Wang Y. Synthesis and Evaluation of [ 64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn for PET Imaging of Transferrin Receptor 1 Expression in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:17423-17431. [PMID: 38645324 PMCID: PMC11024937 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00187] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
As recurrent and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cause of death among patients with NPC, there is an urgent clinical need for the development of precision diagnosis to guide personalized treatment. Recent emerging evidence substantiates the increased expression of transferrin receptor 1 (also known as cluster of differentiation 71, CD71) within tumor tissues and the inherent targeting capability of natural heavy-chain ferritin (HFn) toward CD71. This study aimed to synthesize and assess a radiotracer ([64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn) designed to target CD71 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in an NPC tumor-bearing mouse model. The entire radiolabeling process of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn was completed within 15 min with high yield (>98.5%) and high molar activity (72.96 ± 21.33 GBq/μmol). The in vitro solubility and stability experiments indicated that [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn had a high water solubility (log P = -2.42 ± 0.52, n = 6) and good stability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for up to 48 h. The cell saturation binding assay indicated that [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn had a nanomolar affinity (Kd = 10.9 ± 6.1 nM) for CD71-overexpressing C666-1 cells. To test the target engagement in vivo, prolonged-time PET imaging was performed at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 36 h postinjection (p.i.) of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn to C666-1 NPC tumor-bearing mice. The C666-1 tumors could be visualized by [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn and blocked by nonradiolabeled HFn. PET imaging quantitative analysis demonstrated that the uptake of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn in C666-1 tumors peaked at 6 h p.i. and the best radioactive tumor-to-muscle ratio was 10.53 ± 3.11 (n = 3). Ex vivo biodistribution assay at 6 h p.i. showed that the tumor uptakes were 1.43 ± 0.23%ID/g in the nonblock group and 0.92 ± 0.2%ID/g in the block group (n = 3, p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining confirmed positive expression of CD71 and the uptake of HFn in C666-1 tumor tissues. In conclusion, our experiments demonstrated that [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn possesses a very high target engagement for CD71-positive NPC tumors and provided a fundamental basis for further clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Shen
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Renwei Zhou
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Lei Bi
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Guolong Huang
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Jijin Yao
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Jianzhong Xian
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yifan Qiu
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Peizhen Ye
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yongshan Liu
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yuyi Hou
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Hongjun Jin
- Guangdong
Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth
Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Guangdong-Hong
Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine,
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen
University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
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20
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Wang F, Deng G, Liang N, Hu P, Liu K, Liu T, Li Y, Yuan M, Liu L, Xie J, Qiao L, Liu F, Zhang J. Serum ferritin level is an effective prognostic factor for lung cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2285367. [PMID: 38031846 PMCID: PMC10783829 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2285367] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of lung cancer has achieved promising clinical results. However, it is urgent to develop predictive biomarkers for effective immunotherapy. While ferroptosis plays a critical role in immunotherapy efficacy, ferritin is an important regulatory factor. We, therefore, hypothesize that basal serum ferritin levels before immunotherapy and their corresponding changes during immunotherapy can be useful predictors of immunotherapy response in patients with lung cancer. We measured serum ferritin levels in 107 patients with lung cancer before and during immune checkpoint blockade treatments and studied the correlation between ferritin levels, response rate, and survival. Moreover, the correlation between basal ferritin and PD-L1 expression, tumor stages and pathological types was also analyzed. Patients with lower basal serum ferritin levels before immunotherapy had longer progression-free survival (PFS) (median 7 vs 4 months, P = .023) and higher disease control rate (DCR) (X2 = 4.837, P = .028), those with downregulated serum ferritin levels during immunotherapy correlated with longer PFS (median 9.5 vs 4 months, P < .001) and higher DCR (X2 = 6.475, P = .011). However, the "integrated factor", which was calculated as the combination of lower basal serum ferritin levels before immunotherapy and downregulated serum ferritin levels during immunotherapy, correlated with prolonged PFS (P < .001). Multivariate analyses revealed that the basal serum ferritin levels before immunotherapy and the corresponding changes during immunotherapy were both strong independent prognostic factors (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.60, P = .041; HR = 2.65, P = .001). These findings suggest that serum ferritin levels can be used as a prognostic biomarker for lung cancer in predicting immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Zaozhuang Shizhong District People’s Hospital, Zaozhuang, China
| | - Guodong Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Pingping Hu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Kuo Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Lili Qiao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Fengjun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jiandong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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21
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Hu J, Sha X, Li Y, Wu J, Ma J, Zhang Y, Yang R. Multifaceted Applications of Ferritin Nanocages in Delivering Metal Ions, Bioactive Compounds, and Enzymes: A Comprehensive Review. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:19903-19919. [PMID: 37955969 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05510] [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: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Ferritin, a distinctive iron-storage protein, possesses a unique cage-like nanoscale structure that enables it to encapsulate and deliver a wide range of biomolecules. Recent advances prove that ferritin can serve as an efficient 8 nm diameter carrier for various bioinorganic nutrients, such as minerals, bioactive polyphenols, and enzymes. This review offers a comprehensive summary of ferritin's structural features from different sources and emphasizes its functions in iron supplementation, calcium delivery, single- and coencapsulation of polyphenols, and enzyme package. Additionally, the influence of innovative food processing technologies, including manothermosonication, pulsed electric field, and atmospheric cold plasma, on the structure and function of ferritin are examined. Furthermore, the limitations and prospects of ferritin in food and nutritional applications are discussed. The exploration of ferritin as a multifunctional protein with the capacity to load various biomolecules is crucial to fully harnessing its potential in food applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangnan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xinmei Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Jincan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Junrui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yuyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Rui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
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22
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Kaltbeitzel J, Wich PR. Protein-based Nanoparticles: From Drug Delivery to Imaging, Nanocatalysis and Protein Therapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216097. [PMID: 36917017 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Proteins and enzymes are versatile biomaterials for a wide range of medical applications due to their high specificity for receptors and substrates, high degradability, low toxicity, and overall good biocompatibility. Protein nanoparticles are formed by the arrangement of several native or modified proteins into nanometer-sized assemblies. In this review, we will focus on artificial nanoparticle systems, where proteins are the main structural element and not just an encapsulated payload. While under natural conditions, only certain proteins form defined aggregates and nanoparticles, chemical modifications or a change in the physical environment can further extend the pool of available building blocks. This allows the assembly of many globular proteins and even enzymes. These advances in preparation methods led to the emergence of new generations of nanosystems that extend beyond transport vehicles to diverse applications, from multifunctional drug delivery to imaging, nanocatalysis and protein therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Kaltbeitzel
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Peter R Wich
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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23
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Zhao X, Dong Y, Zhang J, Chen C, Gao L, Shi C, Fu Z, Han M, Tang C, Sun P, Yang Z, Zhang C, Zhao K, Jiang X. Reversing immune evasion using a DNA nano-orchestrator for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. Acta Biomater 2023; 166:512-523. [PMID: 37150276 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Immune evasion caused by the paucity of MHCI is a prominent characteristic of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), which is thought to underlie dysfunctional even absent adaptive T cell immunity and is responsible for ineffective immunotherapy. Here, we report a ROS-responsive DNA nano-orchestrator to cascade reverse MHC I-associated immune evasion and boost anti-tumor T cell stimulation, stimulating the activation of tumoricidal immunity against PAAD. Chloroquine phosphate (CQP) as an autophagy inhibitor was first encapsulated with ferritin, and via DNA modular self-assembly technology, the generated ferritin nanocores (FNC) were then caged into ROS-responsive CpG-DNA nanoframe. After systemic injection, the FNC-laden DNA nanoframe (FNC@NF) was passively enriched in tumor tissues in which the DNA nanoframe was cleaved upon the ROS stimulation. Oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) with CpG motifs was detached and functioned as a TLR9 agonist. The liberated FNC was then endocytosed in an actively targeted manner by binding to transferrin receptor 1. In the lysosome, CQP was burst released from FNC due to acid-triggering. Through CQP-mediated autophagy abrogation, MHC-I molecules were preserved. We demonstrated that cascade inhibiting autophagy and boosting TLR9 stimulation via our proposed DNA-based hybrid nanosystem restored MHC I on the tumor cell surface and reshaped the antigen presentation of DCs, and ultimately reversed immune evasion and synergistically reinforced the activation of cytotoxic T cells against PAAD cells. In sum, our work provides an alternative strategy for cascade reversing immune evasion and boosting anti-tumor T cell stimulation and holds great potential for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A DNA nano-orchestrator was created by sequentially assembling chloroquine phosphate-laden ferritin nanocores with ROS-responsive CpG-DNA nanoframe. Through cascade inhibiting autophagy and boosting TLR9 stimulation, the nano-orchestrator efficiently reversed MHC I-associated immune evasion and augmented anti-tumor T cell stimulation, which ultimately activated tumoricidal immunity against pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Zhao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yuanmin Dong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chen Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lin Gao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chongdeng Shi
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhipeng Fu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Maosen Han
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chunwei Tang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Peng Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 University Road, Jinan, Shandong 250355, China
| | - Zhenmei Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Kun Zhao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Drug Products and Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Cultural West Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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24
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Yuan W, Zhang J, Huo R, Hou C, Yang J, Wang T. Intraperitoneal Injection of Human Ferritin Heavy Chain Attenuates the Atherosclerotic Process in APOE-Knockout Mice. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:309. [PMID: 37504565 PMCID: PMC10380433 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10070309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Iron overload can accelerate the accumulation of lipid oxides and contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Ferritin heavy chain (FT-H) exhibits oxidase activity, which inhibits the toxicity of ferrous ions and reduces oxidative damage. We investigated the effect of the intraperitoneal injection of FT-H on the progression of atherosclerosis in APOE-knockout mice (Apo-E(-/-) mice). Methods: All mice were fed on a high-fat diet. After 10 weeks, the mice were divided into an injection group (n = 4) and a control group (n = 4). The injection group was injected intraperitoneally with FT-H (50 mg/kg, once a week), and the control group was treated with PBS buffer (at an equal volume to the injection group, once a week). After 10 weeks of intervention, MRI of the aortas was performed. Then, the animals were sacrificed, and tissues were taken. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used for histomorphometry, Masson staining was used to quantify the collagen content in the arteries, Prussian blue staining was used to visualize iron deposition in the arteries, and MRI was used to analyze the structure of the aorta in vivo. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of MCP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, FT-H, FT-L, TfR1, NRF-2 and GPX-4. Results: The serological results showed that the injection group had lower levels of glucose (Glu), triacylglycerol (TG), cholesterol (CHO), low-density lipoprotein-C (LDL-C) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.0058, p = 0.0098, p = 0.0019, p = 0.0368 and p = 0.0025, respectively), and their serum ferritin (SF) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were higher (p = 0.0004 and p < 0.0001). The Masson staining and MRI results showed that the injection group had less collagen deposition (p = 0.0226), a larger arterial lumen area and arterial volume (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0005), thinner arterial wall thickness (p = 0.0013) and a more stable arterial plaque structure (p < 0.0001). The immunohistochemical results showed reduced expression of FT-H, FT-L, TfR1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MCP-1 and NRF-2 in the injection group (p = 0.0054, p = 0.0242, p = 0.0221, p = 0.0477, p = 0.0131, p = 0.0435 and p = 0.0179). Prussian blue staining showed that the area of iron-positive areas in the aortic plaques of the control group was larger than that of injected group. The expression of GPX-4 was lower in the control group than in the injection group (p = 0.016). Conclusions: The intraperitoneal administration of FT-H to Apo-E(-/-) mice resulted in lower blood glucose and lipid levels; reduced iron and iron metabolism protein deposition in the aorta; reduced indices of their ferroptosis, oxidation and inflammatory aggregation; and reduced collagen deposition in the aorta, which delayed the process of aortic atherosclerosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanzhong Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jianlin Zhang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chaofan Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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25
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van der Ven AM, Gyamfi H, Suttisansanee U, Ahmad MS, Su Z, Taylor RM, Poole A, Chiorean S, Daub E, Urquhart T, Honek JF. Molecular Engineering of E. coli Bacterioferritin: A Versatile Nanodimensional Protein Cage. Molecules 2023; 28:4663. [PMID: 37375226 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124663] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, intense interest is focused on the discovery and application of new multisubunit cage proteins and spherical virus capsids to the fields of bionanotechnology, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging as their internal cavities can serve as hosts for fluorophores or bioactive molecular cargo. Bacterioferritin is unusual in the ferritin protein superfamily of iron-storage cage proteins in that it contains twelve heme cofactors and is homomeric. The goal of the present study is to expand the capabilities of ferritins by developing new approaches to molecular cargo encapsulation employing bacterioferritin. Two strategies were explored to control the encapsulation of a diverse range of molecular guests compared to random entrapment, a predominant strategy employed in this area. The first was the inclusion of histidine-tag peptide fusion sequences within the internal cavity of bacterioferritin. This approach allowed for the successful and controlled encapsulation of a fluorescent dye, a protein (fluorescently labeled streptavidin), or a 5 nm gold nanoparticle. The second strategy, termed the heme-dependent cassette strategy, involved the substitution of the native heme with heme analogs attached to (i) fluorescent dyes or (ii) nickel-nitrilotriacetate (NTA) groups (which allowed for controllable encapsulation of a histidine-tagged green fluorescent protein). An in silico docking approach identified several small molecules able to replace the heme and capable of controlling the quaternary structure of the protein. A transglutaminase-based chemoenzymatic approach to surface modification of this cage protein was also accomplished, allowing for future nanoparticle targeting. This research presents novel strategies to control a diverse set of molecular encapsulations and adds a further level of sophistication to internal protein cavity engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton M van der Ven
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Hawa Gyamfi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | | - Muhammad S Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Zhengding Su
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Robert M Taylor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Amanda Poole
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Sorina Chiorean
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Daub
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Taylor Urquhart
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - John F Honek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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26
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Wang C, Liu Q, Huang X, Zhuang J. Ferritin nanocages: a versatile platform for nanozyme design. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:4153-4170. [PMID: 37158014 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00192j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Nanozymes are a class of nanomaterials with enzyme-like activities and have attracted increasing attention due to their potential applications in biomedicine. However, nanozyme design incorporating the desired properties remains challenging. Natural or genetically engineered protein scaffolds, such as ferritin nanocages, have emerged as a promising platform for nanozyme design due to their unique protein structure, natural biomineralization capacity, self-assembly properties, and high biocompatibility. In this review, we highlight the intrinsic properties of ferritin nanocages, especially for nanozyme design. We also discuss the advantages of genetically engineered ferritin in the versatile design of nanozymes over natural ferritin. Additionally, we summarize the bioapplications of ferritin-based nanozymes based on their enzyme-mimicking activities. In this perspective, we mainly provide potential insights into the utilization of ferritin nanocages for nanozyme design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Qiqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Xinglu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Jie Zhuang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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27
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Budiarta M, Roy S, Katenkamp T, Feliu N, Beck T. Overcoming Non-Specific Interactions for Efficient Encapsulation of Doxorubicin in Ferritin Nanocages for Targeted Drug Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205606. [PMID: 36748864 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Due to its beneficial pharmacological properties, ferritin (Ftn) is considered as an interesting drug delivery vehicle to alleviate the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) in chemotherapy. However, the encapsulation of DOX in Ftn suffers from heavy precipitation and low protein recovery yield which limits its full potential. Here, a new DOX encapsulation strategy by cysteine-maleimide conjugation is proposed. In order to demonstrate that this strategy is more efficient compared to the other approaches, DOX is encapsulated in Ftn variants carrying different surface charges. Furthermore, in contrast to the common belief, this data show that DOX molecules are also found to bind non-specifically to the surface of Ftn. This can be circumvented by the use of Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) during encapsulation or by washing with acidic buffer. The biocompatibility studies of the resulting DOX Ftn variants in MCF-7 and MHS cancer cells shows a complex relationship between the cytotoxicity, the DOX loading and the different surface charges of Ftn. Further investigation on the cell uptake mechanism provides reasonable explanations for the cytotoxicity results and reveals that surface charging of Ftn hinders its transferrin receptor 1 (TfR-1) mediated cellular uptake in MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Made Budiarta
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sathi Roy
- Fraunhofer Center for Applied Nanotechnology (CAN), Fraunhofer IAP, Grindelallee 117, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Katenkamp
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Universität Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Neus Feliu
- Fraunhofer Center for Applied Nanotechnology (CAN), Fraunhofer IAP, Grindelallee 117, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Beck
- Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761, Hamburg, Germany
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28
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Cosottini L, Zineddu S, Massai L, Ghini V, Turano P. 19F: A small probe for a giant protein. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 244:112236. [PMID: 37146532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112236] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Herein we describe a method for the efficient production (∼90% fluorination) of 5-F-Trp human H ferritin via the selective incorporation of 19F into the side chain of W93 using 5-fluoroindole as the fluorinated precursor of the amino acid. Human H ferritin is a nanocage composed of 24 identical subunits, each containing a single Trp belonging to a loop exposed on the external surface of the protein nanocage. This makes 5-F-Trp a potential probe for the study of intermolecular interactions in solution by exploiting its intrinsic fluorescence. More interestingly, albeit the large size of the cage (12 nm external diameter, ∼500 kDa molecular mass) we observe a broad but well defined NMR 19F resonance that can be used for the dual purpose of detecting solution intermolecular interactions via chemical shift perturbation mapping and monitoring the uptake of ferritin by cells treated with ferritin-based drug carriers, the latter being an application area of increasing importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Cosottini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Stefano Zineddu
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Lara Massai
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Paola Turano
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy.
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Jin X, Jiang C, Zou Z, Huang H, Li X, Xu S, Tan R. Ferritinophagy in the etiopathogenic mechanism of related diseases. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 117:109339. [PMID: 37061010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Iron is an essential trace element that is involved in a variety of physiological processes. Ferritinophagy is selective autophagy mediated by nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), which regulates iron homeostasis in the body. Upon iron depletion or starvation, ferritinophagy is activated, releasing large amounts of Fe2+ and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to ferroptosis. This plays a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of many diseases, such as metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases, tumors, cardiomyopathy, and ischemia-reperfusion ischemia-reperfusion injury. Here, we first review the regulation and functions of ferritinophagy and then describe its involvement in different diseases, with hopes of providing new understanding and insights into iron metabolism and iron disorder-related diseases and the therapeutic opportunity for targeting ferritinophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Jin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China; Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunjie Jiang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhizhou Zou
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China; Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China; Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojian Li
- Department of Burn, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songji Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Rongshao Tan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Institute of Disease-Oriented Nutritional Research, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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30
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Wu X, Jiao Z, Zhang J, Li F, Li Y. Expression of TFRC helps to improve the antineoplastic effect of Ara-C on AML cells through a targeted delivery carrier. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:126. [PMID: 37041636 PMCID: PMC10088114 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01881-8] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, high doses of cytarabine arabinoside (Ara-C)-based combined chemotherapy are commonly used in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy, but severe adverse effects and poor suppression effects in leukemia cells limit the clinical therapeutic efficiency of Ara-C-based chemotherapy due to a lack of targeting selectivity. To improve the therapeutic effect of Ara-C in AML, here, since we confirmed that transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC) expression in AML cells was constant, we generated Ara-C@HFn by encapsulating free Ara-C into self-assembled heavy ferritin chain (HFn, the ligand of TFRC) nanocages. RESULTS The analysis of clinically relevant data suggested that the high expression levels of TFRC from AML cells would not decrease significantly after treatment with Ara-C. Ara-C@HFn can be efficiently internalized by leukemia cells, showing stronger cytotoxic effects in vitro and reducing the burden of leukemia in AML mice more effectively in vivo than free Ara-C. Ara-C@HFn treatment showed no acute toxicity in visceral organs of mice. Moreover, the analysis of clinically relevant data also suggested that there are several drugs (such as tamibarotene and ABT199) that would not cause significant expression down-regulation of TFRC in AML cells (after treatment). CONCLUSION The above results suggested that TFRC can be used as a constant and effective target for drug targeting delivery of AML cells. Thus Ara-C@HFn treatment can become a safe and efficient strategy for AML therapy by specifically delivering Ara-C to AML cells. Besides, the HFn nanocages are promising for improving antineoplastic effect of other AML-related therapy drugs that do not cause downregulated expression of TFRC in AML cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhou Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhouguang Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Duan S, Sun F, Qiao P, Zhu Z, Geng M, Gong X, Li Y, Yao H. Detachable Dual-Targeting Nanoparticles for Improving the Antitumor Effect by Extracellular Matrix Depletion. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:1437-1449. [PMID: 36795746 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment (TME), the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) forms a dense barrier that prevents nanodrugs from penetrating into deep tumor sites, leading to unsatisfactory therapeutic effects. Recently, it has been found that ECM depletion and using small-sized nanoparticles are effective strategies. Herein, we reported a detachable dual-targeting nanoparticle (HA-DOX@GNPs-Met@HFn) based on reducing ECM for enhancing penetration. When these nanoparticles reached the tumor site, the nanoparticles were divided into two parts in response to matrix metalloproteinase-2 overexpressed in TME, causing a decrease in the nanoparticle size from about 124 to 36 nm. One part was Met@HFn, which was detached from the surface of gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs), which effectively targeted tumor cells and released metformin (Met) under acidic conditions. Then, Met downregulated the expression of the transforming growth factor β by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway to inhibit the activity of CAFs, thereby suppressing the production of ECM including α-smooth muscle actin and collagen I. The other was the small-sized hyaluronic acid-modified doxorubicin prodrug with autonomous targeting ability, which was gradually released from GNPs and internalized into deeper tumor cells. Intracellular hyaluronidases triggered the release of doxorubicin (DOX), which killed tumor cells by inhibiting DNA synthesis. The combination of size transformation and ECM depletion enhanced the penetration and accumulation of DOX in solid tumors. Therefore, the tumor chemotherapy effect was greatly improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songchao Duan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fangfang Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Pan Qiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhihui Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Meilin Geng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaobao Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450007, China
| | - Hanchun Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Henan Province, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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32
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Chen T, Peng Y, Qiu M, Yi C, Xu Z. Protein-supported transition metal catalysts: Preparation, catalytic applications, and prospects. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123206. [PMID: 36638614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123206] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The immobilization of transition metal catalysts onto supports enables their easier recycling and improves catalytic performance. Protein supports not only support and stabilize transition metal catalysts but also enable the incorporation of biocompatibility and enzymatic catalysis into these catalysts. Consequently, the engineering of protein-supported transition metal catalysts (PTMCs) has emerged as an effective approach to improving their catalytic performance and widening their catalytic applications. Here, we review the recent development of the preparation and applications of PTMCs. The preparation of PTMCs will be summarized and discussed in terms of the types of protein supports, including proteins, protein assemblies, protein-polymer conjugates, and cross-linked proteins. Then, their catalytic applications including organic synthesis, photocatalysis, polymerization, and biomedicine, will be surveyed and compared. Meanwhile, the established catalytic structures-function relationships will be summarized. Lastly, the remaining issues and prospects will be discussed. By surveying a wide range of PTMCs, we believe that this review will attract a broad readership and stimulate the development of PTMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyou Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Yan Peng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Meishuang Qiu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Changfeng Yi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Zushun Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
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Kim HS, Bae JH, Kim G, Song JJ, Kim HS. Construction and Functionalization of a Clathrin Assembly for a Targeted Protein Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204620. [PMID: 36456203 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204620] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Protein assemblies have drawn much attention as platforms for biomedical applications, including gene/drug delivery and vaccine, due to biocompatibility and functional diversity. Here, the construction and functionalization of a protein assembly composed of human clathrin heavy chain and light chain for a targeted protein delivery, is presented. The clathrin heavy and light chains are redesigned and associated with each other, and the resulting triskelion unit further self-assembled into a clathrin assembly with the size of about 28 nm in diameter. The clathrin assembly is dual-functionalized with a protein cargo and a targeting moiety using two different orthogonal protein-ligand pairs through one-pot reaction. The functionalized clathrin assembly exhibits about a 900-fold decreased KD value for a cell-surface target due to avidity compared to a native targeting moiety. The utility of the clathrin assembly is demonstrated by an efficient delivery of a protein cargo into tumor cells in a target-specific manner, resulting in a strong cytotoxic effect. The present approach can be used in the creation of protein assemblies with multimodality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Sik Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Gijeong Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Joon Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak-Sung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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34
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Lucignano R, Stanzione I, Ferraro G, Di Girolamo R, Cané C, Di Somma A, Duilio A, Merlino A, Picone D. A new and efficient procedure to load bioactive molecules within the human heavy-chain ferritin nanocage. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1008985. [PMID: 36714262 PMCID: PMC9880187 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1008985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
For their easy and high-yield recombinant production, their high stability in a wide range of physico-chemical conditions and their characteristic hollow structure, ferritins (Fts) are considered useful scaffolds to encapsulate bioactive molecules. Notably, for the absence of immunogenicity and the selective interaction with tumor cells, the nanocages constituted by the heavy chain of the human variant of ferritin (hHFt) are optimal candidates for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs. hHFt nanocages can be disassembled and reassembled in vitro to allow the loading of cargo molecules, however the currently available protocols present some relevant drawbacks. Indeed, protein disassembly is achieved by exposure to extreme pH (either acidic or alkaline), followed by incubation at neutral pH to allow reassembly, but the final protein recovery and homogeneity are not satisfactory. Moreover, the exposure to extreme pH may affect the structure of the molecule to be loaded. In this paper, we report an alternative, efficient and reproducible procedure to reversibly disassemble hHFt under mild pH conditions. We demonstrate that a small amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is sufficient to disassemble the nanocage, which quantitatively reassembles upon SDS removal. Electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography show that the reassembled protein is identical to the untreated one. The newly developed procedure was used to encapsulate two small molecules. When compared to the existing disassembly/reassembly procedures, our approach can be applied in a wide range of pH values and temperatures, is compatible with a larger number of cargos and allows a higher protein recovery.
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35
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Tailored Functionalized Protein Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy: Recent Developments and Prospects. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010168. [PMID: 36678796 PMCID: PMC9861211 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the potential use of nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents has garnered increased interest. Several nanoparticle drug delivery systems have been developed for cancer treatment. Typically, protein-based nanocarriers offer several advantages, including biodegradability and biocompatibility. Using genetic engineering or chemical conjugation approaches, well-known naturally occurring protein nanoparticles can be further prepared, engineered, and functionalized in their self-assembly to meet the demands of clinical production efficiency. Accordingly, promising protein nanoparticles have been developed with outstanding tumor-targeting capabilities, ultimately overcoming multidrug resistance issues, in vivo delivery barriers, and mimicking the tumor microenvironment. Bioinspired by natural nanoparticles, advanced computational techniques have been harnessed for the programmable design of highly homogenous protein nanoparticles, which could open new routes for the rational design of vaccines and drug formulations. The current review aims to present several significant advancements made in protein nanoparticle technology, and their use in cancer therapy. Additionally, tailored construction methods and therapeutic applications of engineered protein-based nanoparticles are discussed.
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36
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Spadaccini R. Editorial: In celebration of women in science: Structural biology. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1174561. [PMID: 37143825 PMCID: PMC10151783 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1174561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
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Protein encapsulation of nanocatalysts: A feasible approach to facilitate catalytic theranostics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 192:114648. [PMID: 36513163 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Enzyme-mimicking nanocatalysts, also termed nanozymes, have attracted much attention in recent years. They are considered potential alternatives to natural enzymes due to their multiple catalytic activities and high stability. However, concerns regarding the colloidal stability, catalytic specificity, efficiency and biosafety of nanomaterials in biomedical applications still need to be addressed. Proteins are biodegradable macromolecules that exhibit superior biocompatibility and inherent bioactivities; hence, the protein modification of nanocatalysts is expected to improve their bioavailability to match clinical needs. The diversity of amino acid residues in proteins provides abundant functional groups for the conjugation or encapsulation of nanocatalysts. Moreover, protein encapsulation can not only improve the overall performance of nanocatalysts in biological systems, but also bestow materials with new features, such as targeting and retention in pathological sites. This review aims to report the recent developments and perspectives of protein-encapsulated catalysts in their functional improvements, modification methods and applications in biomedicine.
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38
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Assembly of Protein Cages for Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122609. [PMID: 36559102 PMCID: PMC9785872 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used as target delivery vehicles for therapeutic goods; however, compared with inorganic and organic nanomaterials, protein nanomaterials have better biocompatibility and can self-assemble into highly ordered cage-like structures, which are more favorable for applications in targeted drug delivery. In this review, we concentrate on the typical protein cage nanoparticles drugs encapsulation processes, such as drug fusion expression, diffusion, electrostatic contact, covalent binding, and protein cage disassembly/recombination. The usage of protein cage nanoparticles in biomedicine is also briefly discussed. These materials can be utilized to transport small molecules, peptides, siRNA, and other medications for anti-tumor, contrast, etc.
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39
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Bacterioferritin nanocage: Structure, biological function, catalytic mechanism, self-assembly and potential applications. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 61:108057. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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40
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Kwon S, Giessen TW. Engineered Protein Nanocages for Concurrent RNA and Protein Packaging In Vivo. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3504-3515. [PMID: 36170610 PMCID: PMC9944510 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Protein nanocages have emerged as an important engineering platform for biotechnological and biomedical applications. Among naturally occurring protein cages, encapsulin nanocompartments have recently gained prominence due to their favorable physico-chemical properties, ease of shell modification, and highly efficient and selective intrinsic protein packaging capabilities. Here, we expand encapsulin function by designing and characterizing encapsulins for concurrent RNA and protein encapsulation in vivo. Our strategy is based on modifying encapsulin shells with nucleic acid-binding peptides without disrupting the native protein packaging mechanism. We show that our engineered encapsulins reliably self-assemble in vivo, are capable of efficient size-selective in vivo RNA packaging, can simultaneously load multiple functional RNAs, and can be used for concurrent in vivo packaging of RNA and protein. Our engineered encapsulation platform has potential for codelivery of therapeutic RNAs and proteins to elicit synergistic effects and as a modular tool for other biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokmu Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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41
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Ferritin nanocage based delivery vehicles: From single-, co- to compartmentalized- encapsulation of bioactive or nutraceutical compounds. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 61:108037. [PMID: 36152892 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive or nutraceutical ingredients have been widely used in pursuit of health and well-being. However, the environmental instability, poor solubility and bioavailability, and unspecific delivery highly limited their practical values. By virtue of the unique shell-like structure, definite disassembly/reassembly behavior, and excellent safety profile of ferritin protein, it stands out among of various nano-materials and is emerging as one of the most promising vehicles for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactive ingredients or drugs. In this review, we present a systematic overview of recent advances of ferritin-based delivery systems from single-encapsulation, co-encapsulation, to compartmentalized-encapsulation of bioactive ingredients or drugs. Different encapsulation strategies for cargo loading as well as their advantages and drawbacks have been critically reviewed. This study emphasized the importance of the construction of compartmentalized delivery systems through the usage of ferritin nanocages, which exhibit great potential for facilitating the synergistic functionality of different types of cargos. Lastly, the applications of ferritin nanocages for physicochemical improvements and functionality achievements of loaded cargos are summarized. In conclusion, ferritin protein nanocages not only are excellent nanocarriers, but also can act as"multi-seated" vehicles for co-encapsulation and compartmentalized encapsulation of different cargos simultaneously.
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42
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Zhong L, Li J, Zu B, Zhu X, Lei D, Wang G, Hu X, Zhang T, Dou X. Highly Retentive, Anti-Interference, and Covert Individual Marking Taggant with Exceptional Skin Penetration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201497. [PMID: 35748174 PMCID: PMC9443463 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The development of high-performance individual marking taggants is of great significance. However, the interaction between taggant and skin is not fully understood, and a standard for marking taggants has yet to be realized. To achieve a highly retentive, anti-interference, and covert individual marking fluorescent taggant, Mn2+ -doped NaYF4 :Yb/Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), are surface-functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI) to remarkably enhance the interaction between the amino groups and skin, and thus to facilitate the surface adhesion and chemical penetration of the taggant. Electrostatic interaction between PEI600 -UCNPs and skin as well as remarkable penetration inside the epidermis is responsible for excellent taggant retention capability, even while faced with robust washing, vigorous wiping, and rubbing for more than 100 cycles. Good anti-interference capability and reliable marking performance in real cases are ensured by an intrinsic upconversion characteristic with a distinct red luminescent emission under 980 nm excitation. The present methodology is expected to shed light on the design of high-performance individual marking taggants from the perspective of the underlying interaction between taggant and skin, and to help advance the use of fluorescent taggants for practical application, such as special character tracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianggen Zhong
- Xinjiang Key laboratory of Explosives Safety ScienceXinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesUrumqi830011China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Jiguang Li
- Xinjiang Key laboratory of Explosives Safety ScienceXinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesUrumqi830011China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Baiyi Zu
- Xinjiang Key laboratory of Explosives Safety ScienceXinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesUrumqi830011China
| | - Xiaodan Zhu
- Xinjiang Key laboratory of Explosives Safety ScienceXinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesUrumqi830011China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Da Lei
- Xinjiang Key laboratory of Explosives Safety ScienceXinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesUrumqi830011China
| | - Guangfa Wang
- Xinjiang Key laboratory of Explosives Safety ScienceXinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesUrumqi830011China
| | - Xiaoyun Hu
- Xinjiang Key laboratory of Explosives Safety ScienceXinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesUrumqi830011China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Tianshi Zhang
- Xinjiang Key laboratory of Explosives Safety ScienceXinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesUrumqi830011China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Xincun Dou
- Xinjiang Key laboratory of Explosives Safety ScienceXinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesUrumqi830011China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics EngineeringUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
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43
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Hou S, Hasnat M, Chen Z, Liu Y, Faran Ashraf Baig MM, Liu F, Chen Z. Application Perspectives of Nanomedicine in Cancer Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:909526. [PMID: 35860027 PMCID: PMC9291274 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.909526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that seriously threatens human health. Based on the improvement of traditional treatment methods and the development of new treatment modes, the pattern of cancer treatment is constantly being optimized. Nanomedicine plays an important role in these evolving tumor treatment modalities. In this article, we outline the applications of nanomedicine in three important tumor-related fields: chemotherapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy. According to the current common problems, such as poor targeting of first-line chemotherapy drugs, easy destruction of nucleic acid drugs, and common immune-related adverse events in immunotherapy, we discuss how nanomedicine can be combined with these treatment modalities, provide typical examples, and summarize the advantages brought by the application of nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, China
| | - Muhammad Hasnat
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ziwei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, China
| | - Yinong Liu
- Hospital Laboratory of Nangjing Lishui People’s Hospital, Nangjing, China
| | - Mirza Muhammad Faran Ashraf Baig
- Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering for Novel Bio-functional, and Pharmaceutical Nanomaterials, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fuhe Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Zelong Chen, ; Fuhe Liu,
| | - Zelong Chen
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things Wise Medical, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zelong Chen, ; Fuhe Liu,
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Elzenaty O, Luciani P, Aleandri S. A lipidic mesophase with tunable release properties for the local delivery of macromolecules: the apoferritin nanocage, a case study. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3876-3885. [PMID: 35470843 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00403h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lipid mesophases are able to incorporate and release a plethora of molecules, spanning from hydrophobic drugs to small hydrophilic proteins and therefore they have been widely used as drug delivery systems. However, their 3-5 nm water channels do not allow the release of large hydrophilic molecules such as monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins. To overcome this major geometrical constraint, we designed a gel by mixing monoacylglycerol lipids, generally recognized as safe for human and/or animal use by FDA, and phospholipids, to obtain a material with swollen water channels suitable to host and further release macromolecules. Apoferritin, a 12 nm nanocage protein with intrinsic tumor-targeting properties able to incorporate several molecules, was selected here as the hydrophilic model protein to be embedded in the biocompatible gel. When immersed completely in the release media, mesophases with a swollen water channel of 22 nm, composed of monoolein and doped with 5 mole% of DOPS and 10 mole% of Chol allowed us to achieve a protein release of 60%, which is 120 times higher with respect to that obtained by employing non swollen-LMPs composed only of monoolein. Thus, the formulation can be administered locally to the rectal or vaginal mucosa, reducing the drawbacks often associated with the parenteral administration of bio-therapeutics. This approach would pave the way for the local application of other biomacromolecules (including human ferritin, monoclonal antibodies and antibody drug-conjugates) in those diseases easily reachable by a local application such as rectal or vaginal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oumar Elzenaty
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Paola Luciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Simone Aleandri
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Xu X, Tian K, Lou X, Du Y. Potential of Ferritin-Based Platforms for Tumor Immunotherapy. Molecules 2022; 27:2716. [PMID: 35566065 PMCID: PMC9104857 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferritin is an iron storage protein that plays a key role in iron homeostasis and cellular antioxidant activity. Ferritin has many advantages as a tumor immunotherapy platform, including a small particle size that allows for penetration into tumor-draining lymph nodes or tumor tissue, a unique structure consisting of 24 self-assembled subunits, cavities that can encapsulate drugs, natural targeting functions, and a modifiable outer surface. In this review, we summarize related research applying ferritin as a tumor immune vaccine or a nanocarrier for immunomodulator drugs based on different targeting mechanisms (including dendritic cells, tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated fibroblasts, and tumor cells). In addition, a ferritin-based tumor vaccine expected to protect against a wide range of coronaviruses by targeting multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 has entered phase I clinical trials, and its efficacy is described in this review. Although ferritin is already on the road to transformation, there are still many difficulties to overcome. Therefore, three barriers (drug loading, modification sites, and animal models) are also discussed in this paper. Notwithstanding, the ferritin-based nanoplatform has great potential for tumor immunotherapy, with greater possibility of clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China; (X.X.); (K.T.)
| | - Kewei Tian
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China; (X.X.); (K.T.)
| | - Xuefang Lou
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Yongzhong Du
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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46
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Pan Y, Tang W, Fan W, Zhang J, Chen X. Development of nanotechnology-mediated precision radiotherapy for anti-metastasis and radioprotection. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:9759-9830. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cs01145f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT), including external beam RT and internal radiation therapy, uses high-energy ionizing radiation to kill tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Wei Tang
- Departments of Pharmacy and Diagnostic Radiology, Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Faculty of Science and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Wenpei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
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Conti L, Ciambellotti S, Giacomazzo GE, Ghini V, Cosottini L, Puliti E, Severi M, Fratini E, Cencetti F, Bruni P, Valtancoli B, Giorgi C, Turano P. Ferritin nanocomposites for the selective delivery of photosensitizing ruthenium-polypyridyl compounds to cancer cells. Inorg Chem Front 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1qi01268a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Human ferritin platforms containing Ru(ii)-polypyridyl-based photosensitizers effectively target cancer cells and provide cytotoxic effects upon light-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Conti
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Silvia Ciambellotti
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (C.I.R.M.M.P.), Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Gina Elena Giacomazzo
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Veronica Ghini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Cosottini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Elisa Puliti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Mirko Severi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Emiliano Fratini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- CSGI, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Barbara Valtancoli
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Claudia Giorgi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Paola Turano
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (C.I.R.M.M.P.), Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
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Mainini F, Bonizzi A, Sevieri M, Sitia L, Truffi M, Corsi F, Mazzucchelli S. Protein-Based Nanoparticles for the Imaging and Treatment of Solid Tumors: The Case of Ferritin Nanocages, a Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122000. [PMID: 34959283 PMCID: PMC8708614 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein nanocages have been studied extensively, due to their unique architecture, exceptional biocompatibility and highly customization capabilities. In particular, ferritin nanocages (FNs) have been employed for the delivery of a vast array of molecules, ranging from chemotherapeutics to imaging agents, among others. One of the main favorable characteristics of FNs is their intrinsic targeting efficiency toward the Transferrin Receptor 1, which is overexpressed in many tumors. Furthermore, genetic manipulation can be employed to introduce novel variants that are able to improve the loading capacity, targeting capabilities and bio-availability of this versatile drug delivery system. In this review, we discuss the main characteristics of FN and the most recent applications of this promising nanotechnology in the field of oncology with a particular emphasis on the imaging and treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mainini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche “L. Sacco”, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (A.B.); (M.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Arianna Bonizzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche “L. Sacco”, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (A.B.); (M.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Marta Sevieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche “L. Sacco”, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (A.B.); (M.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Leopoldo Sitia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche “L. Sacco”, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (A.B.); (M.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Marta Truffi
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Fabio Corsi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche “L. Sacco”, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (A.B.); (M.S.); (L.S.)
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Serena Mazzucchelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche “L. Sacco”, Università di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (F.M.); (A.B.); (M.S.); (L.S.)
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (S.M.)
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Song N, Zhang J, Zhai J, Hong J, Yuan C, Liang M. Ferritin: A Multifunctional Nanoplatform for Biological Detection, Imaging Diagnosis, and Drug Delivery. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:3313-3325. [PMID: 34415728 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ferritins are spherical iron storage proteins within cells that are composed of a combination of 24 subunits of two types, heavy-chain ferritin (HFn) and light-chain ferritin (LFn). They autoassemble naturally into a spherical hollow nanocage with an outer diameter of 12 nm and an interior cavity that is 8 nm in diameter. In recent years, with the constantly emerging safety issues and the concerns about unfavorable uniformity and indefinite in vivo behavior of traditional nanomedicines, the characteristics of native ferritin nanocages, such as the unique nanocage structure, excellent safety profile, and definite in vivo behavior, make ferritin-based formulations uniquely attractive for nanomedicine development. To date, a variety of cargo molecules, including therapeutic drugs (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, curcumin, atropine, quercetin, gefitinib, daunomycin, epirubicin, doxorubicin, etc.), imaging agents (e.g., fluorescence dyes, radioisotopes, and MRI contrast agents), nucleic acids (e.g., siRNA and miRNA), and metal nanoparticles (e.g., Fe3O4, CeO2, AuPd, CuS, CoPt, FeCo, Ag, etc.) have been loaded into the interior cavity of ferritin nanocages for a broad range of biomedical applications from in vitro biosensing to targeted delivery of cargo molecules in living systems with the aid of modified targeting ligands either genetically or chemically. We reported that human HFn could selectively deliver a large amount of cargo into tumors in vivo via transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1)-mediated tumor-cell-specific targeting followed by rapid internalization. By the use of the intrinsic tumor-targeting property and unique nanocage structure of human HFn, a broad variety of cargo-loaded HFn formulations have been developed for biological analysis, imaging diagnosis, and medicine development. In view of the intrinsic tumor-targeting property, unique nanocage structure, lack of immunogenicity, and definite in vivo behavior, human HFn holds promise to promote therapeutic drugs, diagnostic imaging agents, and targeting moieties into multifunctional nanomedicines.Since the report of the intrinsic tumor-targeting property of human HFn, we have extensively explored human HFn as an ideal nanocarrier for tumor-targeted delivery of anticancer drugs, MRI contrast agents, inorganic nanoparticles, and radioisotopes. In particular, by the use of genetic tools, we also have genetically engineered human HFn nanocages to recognize a broader range of disease biomarkers. In this Account, we systematically review human ferritins from characterizing their tumor-binding property and understanding their mechanism and kinetics for cargo loading to exploring their biomedical applications. We finally discuss the prospect of ferritin-based formulations to become next-generation nanomedicines. We expect that ferritin formulations with unique physicochemical characteristics and intrinsic tumor-targeting property will attract broad interest in fundamental drug research and offer new opportunities for nanomedicine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Song
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jianlin Zhang
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jiao Zhai
- Tung Foundation Biomedical Sciences Centre/Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Juanji Hong
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chang Yuan
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Minmin Liang
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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