1
|
Chen Y, Zhang K, Zhang R, Wang Z, Yang L, Zhao T, Zhang S, Lin Y, Zhao H, Liu Y, Wei Y, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Ye X, Zhao J, Li X, Que J, Shi S, Liu K. Targeting the SOX2/CDP protein complex with a peptide suppresses the malignant progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:399. [PMID: 37891174 PMCID: PMC10611744 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01693-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that SOX2 is an oncogene for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, direct targeting of SOX2 is not feasible given that this transcription factor plays important roles in the maintenance of tissues such as the brain. Here, we identified CDP (Homeobox protein cut-like 1 or CASP) as a unique SOX2 binding partner enriched in ESCC with Duolink proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFc) and immunoprecipitation. We then screened a peptide aptamer library using BiFc and immunoprecipitation and identified several peptide aptamers, including P58, that blocked the CDP/SOX2 interaction, leading to the inhibition of ESCC progress in vitro and in vivo. Upon administration, synthetic peptide P58, containing the YGRKKRRQRRR cell-penetrating peptide and the fluorophore TAMRA, also blocked the growth and metastasis of ESCC in both mice and zebrafish. Therefore, targeting the SOX2 binding partner CDP with peptide P58 offers an alternative avenue to treat ESCC with increased SOX2 levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Chen
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Fuzhou First General Hospital affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350009, P. R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Fuzhou, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350007, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Liang Yang
- Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yong Lin
- Science and Technology Service Center, Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, P. R. China
| | - Hongzhou Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Yongpan Liu
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Yuxuan Wei
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Yijian Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Xianzong Ye
- Department of Pathology, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team (Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University), Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Li
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Jianwen Que
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Songlin Shi
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.
- School of Life Science, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330032, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu K, Xie F, Zhao T, Zhang R, Gao A, Chen Y, Li H, Zhang S, Xiao Z, Li J, Hong X, Shang L, Huang W, Wang J, El-Rifai W, Zaika A, Chen X, Que J, Lan X. Targeting SOX2 Protein with Peptide Aptamers for Therapeutic Gains against Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mol Ther 2020; 28:901-913. [PMID: 31991109 PMCID: PMC7054732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a predominant cancer type in developing countries such as China, where ESCC accounts for approximately 90% of esophageal malignancies. Lacking effective and targeted therapy contributes to the poor 5-year survival rate. Recent studies showed that about 30% of ESCC cases have high levels of SOX2. Herein, we aim to target this transcription factor with aptamer. We established a peptide aptamer library and then performed an unbiased screening to identify several peptide aptamers including P42 that can bind and inhibit SOX2 downstream target genes. We further found that P42 overexpression or incubation with a synthetic peptide 42 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells. Moreover, peptide 42 treatment inhibited the growth and metastasis of ESCC xenografts in mouse and zebrafish. Further analysis revealed that P42 overexpression led to alternations in the levels of proteins that are important for the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells. Taken together, our study identified the peptide 42 as a key inhibitor of SOX2 function, reducing the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo, and thereby offering a potential therapy against ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuancan Liu
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China,Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China,Fuzhou General Hospital Clinical Medical School, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, China,Corresponding author: Kuancan Liu, School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China.
| | - Fuan Xie
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China,Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| | - Anding Gao
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| | - Yunyun Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China,Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| | - Haiyan Li
- Department of Pathology, Westechester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Shihui Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China
| | - Zhangwu Xiao
- Emergency Department, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Jieping Li
- Department of Clinic Medical Laboratory, General Hospital of Fujian Corps of CAPF, Fuzhou, Fujian 350003, China
| | - Xiaoqian Hong
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China,Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| | - Lei Shang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China,Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| | - Weifeng Huang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, China
| | - Junkai Wang
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Alexander Zaika
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team or Dongfang Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| | - Jianwen Que
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA,Corresponding author: Jianwen Que, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Xiaopeng Lan
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University or Institute for Laboratory Medicine, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Biyani M, Biyani M, Nishigaki K. Biomolecular display technology: a new tool for drug discovery. Anim Biotechnol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-811710-1.00019-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
4
|
Bala J, Chinnapaiyan S, Dutta RK, Unwalla H. Aptamers in HIV research diagnosis and therapy. RNA Biol 2018; 15:327-337. [PMID: 29431588 PMCID: PMC5927724 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2017.1414131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are high affinity single-stranded nucleic acid or protein ligands which exhibit specificity and avidity comparable to, or exceeding that of antibodies and can be generated against most targets. The functionality of aptamers is based on their unique tertiary structure, complexity and their ability to attain unique binding pockets by folding. Aptamers are selected in vitro by a process called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX). The Kd values for the selected aptamer are often in the picomolar to low nanomolar range. Stable and nontoxic aptamers could be selected for a wide range of ligands including small molecules to large proteins. Aptamers have shown tremendous potential and have found multipurpose application in the field of therapeutic, diagnostic, biosensor and bio-imaging. While their mechanism of action can be similar to that of monoclonal antibodies, aptamers provide additional advantages in terms of production cost, simpler regulatory approval and lower immunogenicity as they are synthesized chemically. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the primary cause of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which causes significant morbidity and mortality with a significant consequent decrease in the quality of patient's lives. While cART has led to good viral control, people living with HIV now suffer from non-HIV comorbidities due to viral protein expression that cannot be controlled by cART. Hence pathophysiological mechanisms that govern these comorbidities with a focus on therapies that neutralize these HIV effects gained increased attention. Recent advances in HIV/AIDS research have identified several molecular targets and for the development of therapeutic and diagnostic using aptamers against HIV/AIDS. This review presents recent advances in aptamers technology for potential application in HIV diagnostics and therapeutics towards improving the quality of life of people living with HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Bala
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Srinivasan Chinnapaiyan
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rajib Kumar Dutta
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hoshang Unwalla
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Arrigo AP, Gibert B. HspB1, HspB5 and HspB4 in Human Cancers: Potent Oncogenic Role of Some of Their Client Proteins. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:333-65. [PMID: 24514166 PMCID: PMC3980596 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6010333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human small heat shock proteins are molecular chaperones that regulate fundamental cellular processes in normal unstressed cells as well as in many cancer cells where they are over-expressed. These proteins are characterized by cell physiology dependent changes in their oligomerization and phosphorylation status. These structural changes allow them to interact with many different client proteins that subsequently display modified activity and/or half-life. Nowdays, the protein interactomes of small Hsps are under intense investigations and will represent, when completed, key parameters to elaborate therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the functions of these chaperones. Here, we have analyzed the potential pro-cancerous roles of several client proteins that have been described so far to interact with HspB1 (Hsp27) and its close members HspB5 (αB-crystallin) and HspB4 (αA-crystallin).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André-Patrick Arrigo
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory, Lyon Cancer Research Center, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon 69008, France.
| | - Benjamin Gibert
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory, Lyon Cancer Research Center, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon 69008, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Biomolecular Display Technology. Anim Biotechnol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416002-6.00020-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
|
7
|
Conidi A, van den Berghe V, Huylebroeck D. Aptamers and their potential to selectively target aspects of EGF, Wnt/β-catenin and TGFβ-smad family signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:6690-719. [PMID: 23531534 PMCID: PMC3645661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14046690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The smooth identification and low-cost production of highly specific agents that interfere with signaling cascades by targeting an active domain in surface receptors, cytoplasmic and nuclear effector proteins, remain important challenges in biomedical research. We propose that peptide aptamers can provide a very useful and new alternative for interfering with protein–protein interactions in intracellular signal transduction cascades, including those emanating from activated receptors for growth factors. By their targeting of short, linear motif type of interactions, peptide aptamers have joined nucleic acid aptamers for use in signaling studies because of their ease of production, their stability, their high specificity and affinity for individual target proteins, and their use in high-throughput screening protocols. Furthermore, they are entering clinical trials for treatment of several complex, pathological conditions. Here, we present a brief survey of the use of aptamers in signaling pathways, in particular of polypeptide growth factors, starting with the published as well as potential applications of aptamers targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor signaling. We then discuss the opportunities for using aptamers in other complex pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, and focus on Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad family signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Conidi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Celgen), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Building Ond & Nav4 p.o.box 812, room 05.313, Stem Cell Institute, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gibert B, Simon S, Dimitrova V, Diaz-Latoud C, Arrigo AP. Peptide aptamers: tools to negatively or positively modulate HSPB1(27) function. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 368:20120075. [PMID: 23530261 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human HSP27 (HSPB1) is a molecular chaperone sensor which, through dynamic changes in its phosphorylation and oligomerization, allows cells to adapt to changes in their physiology and/or mount a protective response to injuries. In pathological conditions, the high level of HSPB1 expression can either be beneficial, such as in diseases characterized by cellular degenerations, or be malignant in cancer cells where it promotes tumourigenesis, metastasis and anti-cancer drug resistance. Structural changes allow HSPB1 to interact with specific client protein partners in order to modulate their folding/activity and/or half-life. Therefore, the search is open for therapeutic compounds aimed at either down- or upregulating HSPB1 activity. In this respect, we have previously described two peptide aptamers (PA11 and PA50) that specifically interact with HSPB1 small oligomers and decrease its anti-apoptotic and tumourigenic activities. A novel analysis of the different HSPB1-interacting aptamers that were isolated earlier revealed that one aptamer (PA23) has the intriguing ability to stimulate the protective activity of HSPB1. We show here that this aptamer abolishes the dominant negative effect induced by the R120G mutant of αB-crystallin (HSPB5) by disrupting its interaction with HSPB1. Hence, developing structure-based interfering strategies could lead to the discovery of HSPB1-based therapeutic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gibert
- Apoptosis Cancer and Development Laboratory, Lyon Cancer Research Center, Centre Léon Bérard, INSERM U1052-CNRS 5238, University of Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Thibaut J, Mérieux Y, Rigal D, Gillet G. A novel assay for the detection of anti-human platelet antigen antibodies (HPA-1a) based on peptide aptamer technology. Haematologica 2011; 97:696-704. [PMID: 22133781 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2011.051276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is mostly due to the presence of maternal antibodies against the fetal platelet antigen HPA-1a on the platelet integrin GPIIb-IIIa. Accurate detection of anti-HPA-1a antibodies in the mother is, therefore, critical. Current diagnostic assays rely on the availability of pools of human platelets that vary according to donors and blood centers. There is still no satisfactory standardization of these assays. DESIGN AND METHODS Peptide aptamer was used to detect and identify HPA-1a-specific antibodies in human serum that do not require human platelets. A peptide aptamer library was screened using an anti-HPA-1a human monoclonal antibody as a bait to isolate an aptamer that mimics the human platelet antigen HPA-1a. RESULTS This is the first report in platelet immunology of the use of a peptide aptamer for diagnostic purposes. This assay gives better results than the MAIPA currently in use, detecting around 90% of the expected alloantibodies. CONCLUSIONS This assay could help define a standard for the quantitation of anti-HPA antibodies. This report also demonstrates that peptide aptamers can potentially detect a variety of biomarkers in body fluids; this is of particular interest for diagnostic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Thibaut
- Université de Lyon, IBCP, UMR 5086 CNRS-Université Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Brien G, Debaud AL, Bickle M, Trescol-Biémont MC, Moncorgé O, Colas P, Bonnefoy-Bérard N. Characterization of Peptide Aptamers Targeting Bfl-1 Anti-Apoptotic Protein. Biochemistry 2011; 50:5120-9. [DOI: 10.1021/bi101839p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Brien
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France, INSERM U851, 21 avenue Tony Garnier, Lyon F-69007, France, and Université Lyon1, IFR128, Lyon, France
| | - A.-L. Debaud
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France, INSERM U851, 21 avenue Tony Garnier, Lyon F-69007, France, and Université Lyon1, IFR128, Lyon, France
| | | | - M.-C. Trescol-Biémont
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France, INSERM U851, 21 avenue Tony Garnier, Lyon F-69007, France, and Université Lyon1, IFR128, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - N. Bonnefoy-Bérard
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France, INSERM U851, 21 avenue Tony Garnier, Lyon F-69007, France, and Université Lyon1, IFR128, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gibert B, Hadchity E, Czekalla A, Aloy MT, Colas P, Rodriguez-Lafrasse C, Arrigo AP, Diaz-Latoud C. Inhibition of heat shock protein 27 (HspB1) tumorigenic functions by peptide aptamers. Oncogene 2011; 30:3672-81. [PMID: 21423207 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Human heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27, HspB1) is an anti-apoptotic protein characterized for its tumorigenic and metastatic properties, and now referenced as a major therapeutic target in many types of cancer. Hsp27 biochemical properties rely on a structural oligomeric and dynamic organization. Downregulation by small interfering RNA or inhibition with dominant-negative mutant have proven their efficiency to counteract the anti-apoptotic and protective properties of Hsp27. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of Hsp27-targeted molecules interfering with its structural organization. Using the peptide aptamer (PA) strategy, we isolated PAs that specifically interact with Hsp27 and not with the other members of the small heat shock protein family. In mammalian cell cultures, PAs expression perturbed the dimerization and oligomerization of Hsp27, and acted as negative regulators of the anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective activities of this protein. Further studies analyzing SQ20B cell xenografts in immunocompromised mice showed that PAs strongly reduced tumor development through cell cycle arrest. Our data suggest that PAs could provide a potential tool to develop strategies for the discovery of Hsp27 chemical inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Gibert
- Centre de Génétique Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR5534, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wickramasinghe RD, Ko Ferrigno P, Roghi C. Peptide aptamers as new tools to modulate clathrin-mediated internalisation--inhibition of MT1-MMP internalisation. BMC Cell Biol 2010; 11:58. [PMID: 20653933 PMCID: PMC2919464 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-11-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peptide aptamers are combinatorial protein reagents that bind to targets with a high specificity and a strong affinity thus providing a molecular tool kit for modulating the function of their targets in vivo. Results Here we report the isolation of a peptide aptamer named swiggle that interacts with the very short (21 amino acid long) intracellular domain of membrane type 1-metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), a key cell surface protease involved in numerous and crucial physiological and pathological cellular events. Expression of swiggle in mammalian cells was found to increase the cell surface expression of MT1-MMP by impairing its internalisation. Swiggle interacts with the LLY573 internalisation motif of MT1-MMP intracellular domain, thus disrupting the interaction with the μ2 subunit of the AP-2 internalisation complex required for endocytosis of the protease. Interestingly, swiggle-mediated inhibition of MT1-MMP clathrin-mediated internalisation was also found to promote MT1-MMP-mediated cell migration. Conclusions Taken together, our results provide further evidence that peptide aptamers can be used to dissect molecular events mediated by individual protein domains, in contrast to the pleiotropic effects of RNA interference techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rochana D Wickramasinghe
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aptamer-derived peptides as potent inhibitors of the oncogenic RhoGEF Tgat. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 16:391-400. [PMID: 19389625 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2009.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2008] [Revised: 02/03/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate the Rho GTPases by accelerating their GDP/GTP exchange rate. Some RhoGEFs have been isolated based on their oncogenic potency, and strategies to inhibit their activity are therefore actively being sought. In this study we devise a peptide inhibitor screening strategy to target the GEF activity of Tgat, an oncogenic isoform of the RhoGEF Trio, based on random mutations of the Trio inhibitor TRIP alpha, which we previously isolated using a peptide aptamer screen. This identifies one peptide, TRIP(E32G), which specifically inhibits Tgat GEF activity in vitro and significantly reduces Tgat-induced RhoA activation and foci formation. Furthermore, subcutaneous injection of cells expressing Tgat and TRIP(E32G) into nude mice reduces the formation of Tgat-induced tumors. Our approach thus demonstrates that peptide aptamers are potent inhibitors that can be used to interfere with RhoGEF functions in vivo.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Peptide aptamers are combinatorial recognition proteins that were introduced more than ten years ago. They have since found many applications in fundamental and therapeutic research, including their recent use in microarrays to detect individual proteins from complex mixtures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Colas
- Station Biologique, CNRS, UPS 2682, Place Georges Teissier, 29280 Roscoff, France.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Aptamers, also termed as decoys or "chemical antibodies," represent an emerging class of therapeutics. They are short DNA or RNA oligonucleotides or peptides that assume a specific and stable three-dimensional shape in vivo, thereby providing specific tight binding to protein targets. In some cases and as opposed to antisense oligonucleotides, effects can be mediated against extracellular targets, thereby preventing a need for intracellular transportation. The first aptamer approved for use in man is a RNA-based molecule (Macugen, pegaptanib) that is administered locally (intravitreally) to treat age-related macular degeneration by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor. The most advanced aptamer in the cancer setting is AS1411, formerly known as AGRO100, which is being administered systemically in clinical trials. AS1411 is a 26-mer unmodified guanosine-rich oligonucleotide, which induces growth inhibition in vitro, and has shown activity against human tumor xenografts in vivo. The mechanism underlying its antiproliferative effects in cancer cells seems to involve initial binding to cell surface nucleolin and internalization, leading to an inhibition of DNA replication. In contrast to other unmodified oligonucleotides, AS1411 is relatively stable in serum-containing medium, probably as a result of the formation of dimers and a quartet structure. In a dose escalation phase I study in patients with advanced solid tumors, doses up to 10 mg/kg/d (using a four or seven continuous infusion regime) have been studied. Promising signs of activity have been reported (multiple cases of stable disease and one near complete response in a patient with renal cancer) in the absence of any significant adverse effects. Further trials are ongoing in renal and non-small cell lung cancers. In preclinical studies, additional aptamers have been described against several cancer targets, such as tenascin-C, the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and antiapoptotic and Ku proteins.
Collapse
|