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Pham DD, Pham TH, Bui TH, Britikova EV, Britikov VV, Bocharov EV, Usanov SA, Phan VC, Le TBT. In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effect of Trichobakin fused with urokinase-type plasminogen activator ATF-TBK. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:130. [PMID: 38236367 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09036-6] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichobakin (TBK), a member of type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), was first successfully cloned from Trichosanthes sp Bac Kan 8-98 in Vietnam. Previous study has shown that TBK acts as a potential protein synthesis inhibitor; however, the inhibition efficiency and specificity of TBK on cancer cells remain to be fully elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS In this work, we employed TBK and TBK conjugated with a part of the amino-terminal fragment (ATF) of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), which contains the Ω-loop that primarily interacts with urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, and can be a powerful carrier in the drug delivery to cancer cells. Four different human tumor cell lines and BALB/c mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LLC) were used to evaluate the role of TBK and ATF-TBK in the inhibition of tumor growth. Here we showed that the obtained ligand fused RIP (ATF-TBK) reduced the growth of four human cancer cell lines in vitro in the uPA receptor level-dependent manner, including the breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB 231 cells and MCF7 cells, the prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells and the hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the conjugate showed anti-tumor activity and prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. The ATF-TBK also did not cause the death of mice with doses up to 48 mg/kg, and they were not significantly distinct on parameters of hematology and serum biochemistry between the control and experiment groups. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, ATF-TBK reduced the growth of four different human tumor cell lines and inhibited lung tumor growth in a mouse model with little side effects. Hence, the ATF-TBK may be a target to consider as an anti-cancer agent for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Duc Pham
- Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18, Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Hue Pham
- Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18, Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Huyen Bui
- Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18, Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Elena V Britikova
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220141, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Vladimir V Britikov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220141, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Eduard V Bocharov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Sergey A Usanov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220141, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Van Chi Phan
- Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18, Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Bich Thao Le
- Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18, Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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2
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Zhai BT, Tian H, Sun J, Zou JB, Zhang XF, Cheng JX, Shi YJ, Fan Y, Guo DY. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a therapeutic target in cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:135. [PMID: 35303878 PMCID: PMC8932206 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is an attractive target for the treatment of cancer, because it is expressed at low levels in healthy tissues but at high levels in malignant tumours. uPAR is closely related to the invasion and metastasis of malignant tumours, plays important roles in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), tumour angiogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and is associated with the multidrug resistance (MDR) of tumour cells, which has important guiding significance for the judgement of tumor malignancy and prognosis. Several uPAR-targeted antitumour therapeutic agents have been developed to suppress tumour growth, metastatic processes and drug resistance. Here, we review the recent advances in the development of uPAR-targeted antitumor therapeutic strategies, including nanoplatforms carrying therapeutic agents, photodynamic therapy (PDT)/photothermal therapy (PTT) platforms, oncolytic virotherapy, gene therapy technologies, monoclonal antibody therapy and tumour immunotherapy, to promote the translation of these therapeutic agents to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Tao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Huan Tian
- Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Jun-Bo Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Jiang-Xue Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Ya-Jun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Yu Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Dong-Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
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3
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Mahmood N, Rabbani SA. Fibrinolytic System and Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094358. [PMID: 33921923 PMCID: PMC8122389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrinolysis is a crucial physiological process that helps to maintain a hemostatic balance by counteracting excessive thrombosis. The components of the fibrinolytic system are well established and are associated with a wide array of physiological and pathophysiological processes. The aberrant expression of several components, especially urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its cognate receptor uPAR, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), has shown a direct correlation with increased tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastasis. As a result, targeting the fibrinolytic system has been of great interest in the field of cancer biology. Even though there is a plethora of encouraging preclinical evidence on the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting the key oncogenic components of the fibrinolytic system, none of them made it from “bench to bedside” due to a limited number of clinical trials on them. This review summarizes our existing understanding of the various diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting the fibrinolytic system during cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A3J1, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Shafaat A. Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A3J1, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A3J1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Oh F, Modiano JF, Bachanova V, Vallera DA. Bispecific Targeting of EGFR and Urokinase Receptor (uPAR) Using Ligand-Targeted Toxins in Solid Tumors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060956. [PMID: 32630411 PMCID: PMC7356355 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligand-targeted toxins (LTTs) are bioengineered molecules which are composed of a targeting component linked to a toxin that induces cell death once the LTT binds its target. Bispecific targeting allows for the simultaneous targeting of two receptors. In this review, we mostly focus on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a target. We discuss the development and testing of a bispecific LTT targeting EGFR and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as two attractive targets implicated in tumor growth and in the regulation of the tumor microvasculature in solid tumors. In vitro and mouse xenograft studies have shown that EGFR-targeted bispecific angiotoxin (eBAT) is effective against human solid tumors. Canine studies have shown that eBAT is both safe and effective against canine hemangiosarcoma, which is physiologically similar to human angiosarcoma. Finding the appropriate dosing strategy and sequencing of eBAT administration, in combination with other therapeutics, are among important factors for future directions. Together, the data indicate that eBAT targets cancer stem cells, it may have a role in inhibiting human tumor vasculature, and its bispecific conformation may have a role in reducing toxicity in comparative oncologic trials in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Oh
- School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA;
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (J.F.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Jaime F. Modiano
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (J.F.M.); (V.B.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Veronika Bachanova
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (J.F.M.); (V.B.)
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel A. Vallera
- School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA;
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (J.F.M.); (V.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-26-266-664
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Lin H, Xu L, Yu S, Hong W, Huang M, Xu P. Therapeutics targeting the fibrinolytic system. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:367-379. [PMID: 32152451 PMCID: PMC7156416 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0397-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of the fibrinolytic system was first identified to dissolve fibrin to maintain vascular patency. Connections between the fibrinolytic system and many other physiological and pathological processes have been well established. Dysregulation of the fibrinolytic system is closely associated with multiple pathological conditions, including thrombosis, inflammation, cancer progression, and neuropathies. Thus, molecules in the fibrinolytic system are potent therapeutic and diagnostic targets. This review summarizes the currently used agents targeting this system and the development of novel therapeutic strategies in experimental studies. Future directions for the development of modulators of the fibrinolytic system are also discussed. The fibrinolytic system was originally identified to dissolve blood clots, and is shown to have important roles in other pathological processes, including cancer progression, inflammation, and thrombosis. Molecules or therapeutics targeting fibrinolytic system have been successfully used in the clinical treatments of cancer and thrombotic diseases. The clinical studies and experimental models targeting fibrinolytic system are reviewed by Haili Lin at Sanming First Hosipital, Mingdong Huang at Fuzhou University in China, and Peng Xu at A*STAR in Singapore to demonstrate fibrinolytic system as novel therapeutic targets. As an example, the inhibition of fibrinolytic system protein can be used to suppress cancer prolifieration and metastasis. This review also discusses the potential therapeutic effects of inhibitiors of fibrinolytic system on inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haili Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Sanming First Hospital, 365000, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Luning Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sanming First Hospital, 365000, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Yu
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, 350116, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanjin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Mingdong Huang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, 350116, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peng Xu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
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Mahmood N, Mihalcioiu C, Rabbani SA. Multifaceted Role of the Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator (uPA) and Its Receptor (uPAR): Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Applications. Front Oncol 2018; 8:24. [PMID: 29484286 PMCID: PMC5816037 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The plasminogen activator (PA) system is an extracellular proteolytic enzyme system associated with various physiological and pathophysiological processes. A large body of evidence support that among the various components of the PA system, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor (uPAR), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and -2 (PAI-1 and PAI-2) play a major role in tumor progression and metastasis. The binding of uPA with uPAR is instrumental for the activation of plasminogen to plasmin, which in turn initiates a series of proteolytic cascade to degrade the components of the extracellular matrix, and thereby, cause tumor cell migration from the primary site of origin to a distant secondary organ. The components of the PA system show altered expression patterns in several common malignancies, which have identified them as ideal diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets to reduce cancer-associated morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the various components of the PA system and focuses on the role of uPA-uPAR in different biological processes especially in the context of malignancy. We also discuss the current state of knowledge of uPA-uPAR-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for various malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Catalin Mihalcioiu
- Department of Oncology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat A. Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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7
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Nicolau CA, Prorock A, Bao Y, Neves-Ferreira AGDC, Valente RH, Fox JW. Revisiting the Therapeutic Potential of Bothrops jararaca Venom: Screening for Novel Activities Using Connectivity Mapping. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10020069. [PMID: 29415440 PMCID: PMC5848170 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10020069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms are sources of molecules with proven and potential therapeutic applications. However, most activities assayed in venoms (or their components) are of hemorrhagic, hypotensive, edematogenic, neurotoxic or myotoxic natures. Thus, other relevant activities might remain unknown. Using functional genomics coupled to the connectivity map (C-map) approach, we undertook a wide range indirect search for biological activities within the venom of the South American pit viper Bothrops jararaca. For that effect, venom was incubated with human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7) followed by RNA extraction and gene expression analysis. A list of 90 differentially expressed genes was submitted to biosimilar drug discovery based on pattern recognition. Among the 100 highest-ranked positively correlated drugs, only the antihypertensive, antimicrobial (both antibiotic and antiparasitic), and antitumor classes had been previously reported for B. jararaca venom. The majority of drug classes identified were related to (1) antimicrobial activity; (2) treatment of neuropsychiatric illnesses (Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy); (3) treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and (4) anti-inflammatory action. The C-map results also indicated that B. jararaca venom may have components that target G-protein-coupled receptors (muscarinic, serotonergic, histaminergic, dopaminergic, GABA, and adrenergic) and ion channels. Although validation experiments are still necessary, the C-map correlation to drugs with activities previously linked to snake venoms supports the efficacy of this strategy as a broad-spectrum approach for biological activity screening, and rekindles the snake venom-based search for new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Alves Nicolau
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Toxins (INCTTOX), CNPq, Brasília, DF 71605-170, Brazil.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Alyson Prorock
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Yongde Bao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Ana Gisele da Costa Neves-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Toxins (INCTTOX), CNPq, Brasília, DF 71605-170, Brazil.
| | - Richard Hemmi Valente
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Toxins (INCTTOX), CNPq, Brasília, DF 71605-170, Brazil.
| | - Jay William Fox
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Plant Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins: Progesses, Challenges and Biotechnological Applications (and a Few Digressions). Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9100314. [PMID: 29023422 PMCID: PMC5666361 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9100314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) toxins are EC3.2.2.22 N-glycosidases, found among most plant species encoded as small gene families, distributed in several tissues being endowed with defensive functions against fungal or viral infections. The two main plant RIP classes include type I (monomeric) and type II (dimeric) as the prototype ricin holotoxin from Ricinus communis that is composed of a catalytic active A chain linked via a disulphide bridge to a B-lectin domain that mediates efficient endocytosis in eukaryotic cells. Plant RIPs can recognize a universally conserved stem-loop, known as the α-sarcin/ ricin loop or SRL structure in 23S/25S/28S rRNA. By depurinating a single adenine (A4324 in 28S rat rRNA), they can irreversibly arrest protein translation and trigger cell death in the intoxicated mammalian cell. Besides their useful application as potential weapons against infected/tumor cells, ricin was also used in bio-terroristic attacks and, as such, constitutes a major concern. In this review, we aim to summarize past studies and more recent progresses made studying plant RIPs and discuss successful approaches that might help overcoming some of the bottlenecks encountered during the development of their biomedical applications.
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Su SC, Lin CW, Yang WE, Fan WL, Yang SF. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system as a biomarker and therapeutic target in human malignancies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 20:551-66. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2016.1113260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Xiang Y, Li Q, Huang D, Tang X, Wang L, Shi Y, Zhang W, Yang T, Xiao C, Wang J. Preparation and antitumor effect of a toxin-linked conjugate targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and urokinase plasminogen activator. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 240:160-8. [PMID: 25125500 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214547154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant signaling activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is a common characteristic of many tumors, including lung cancer. Accordingly, VEGFR and uPA have emerged as attractive targets for tumor. KDR (Flk-1/VEGFR-2), a member of the VEGFR family, has been recognized as an important target for antiangiogenesis in tumor. In this study, a recombinant immunotoxin was produced to specifically target KDR-expressing tumor vascular endothelial cells and uPA-expressing tumor cells and mediate antitumor angiogenesis and antitumor effect. Based on its potent inhibitory effect on protein synthesis, Luffin-beta (Lβ) ribosome-inactivating protein was selected as part of a recombinant fusion protein, a single-chain variable fragment against KDR (KDRscFv)-uPA cleavage site (uPAcs)-Lβ-KDEL (named as KPLK). The KDRscFv-uPAcs-Lβ-KDEL (KPLK) contained a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against KDR, uPAcs, Lβ, and the retention signal for endoplasmic reticulum proteins KDEL (Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu). The KPLK-expressing vector was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the KPLK protein was isolated with nickel affinity chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis test demonstrated KPLK was effectively expressed. Result of in vitro cell viability assay on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) H460 cell line (uPA-positive cell) revealed that KPLK significantly inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and accumulated cells in S and G2/M phases, but the normal cell line (human submandibular gland cell) was unaffected. These effects were enhanced when uPA was added to digest KPLK to release Lβ. For in vivo assay of KPLK, subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of nude mice were established with H460 cells. Growth of solid tumors was significantly inhibited in animals treated with KPLK up to 21 days, tumor weights were decreased, and the expression of angiogenesis marker CD31 was downregulated; meanwhile, the apoptosis-related protein casspase-3 was upregulated. These results suggested that the recombinant KPLK may have therapeutic applications on tumors, especially uPA-overexpressing ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xiang
- Department of Biotherapy and Hemo-oncology, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Qiying Li
- Department of Biotherapy and Hemo-oncology, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Dehong Huang
- Department of Biotherapy and Hemo-oncology, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xianjun Tang
- Department of Biotherapy and Hemo-oncology, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biotherapy and Hemo-oncology, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Biotherapy and Hemo-oncology, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy and Hemo-oncology, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Biotherapy and Hemo-oncology, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Chunyan Xiao
- Department of Biotherapy and Hemo-oncology, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jianghong Wang
- Center of Endoscopy Examination & Therapy, Chongqing Cancer Institute, Chongqing 400030, China
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O'Halloran TV, Ahn R, Hankins P, Swindell E, Mazar AP. The many spaces of uPAR: delivery of theranostic agents and nanobins to multiple tumor compartments through a single target. Am J Cancer Res 2013; 3:496-506. [PMID: 23843897 PMCID: PMC3706693 DOI: 10.7150/thno.4953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system is a proteolytic system comprised of uPA, a cell surface receptor for uPA (uPAR), and an inhibitor of uPA (PAI-1) and is implicated in many aspects of tumor growth and metastasis. The uPA system has been identified in nearly all solid tumors examined to date as well as several hematological malignancies. In adults, transient expression of the uPA system is observed during wound healing and inflammatory processes while only limited expression is identified in healthy, quiescent tissue. Members of the uPA system are expressed not only on cancer cells but also on tumor-associated stromal cells. These factors make the uPA system an ideal therapeutic target for cancer therapies. To date most therapeutics targeted at the uPA system have been inhibitors of either the uPA-uPAR interaction or uPA proteolysis but have not shown robust anti-tumor activity. There is now mounting evidence that uPAR participates in a complex signaling network central to its role in cancer progression, which provides a basis for the hypothesis that uPAR may be a marker for cancer stem cells. Several new uPAR-directed therapies have recently been developed based on this new information. A monoclonal antibody has been developed that disrupts the interactions of uPAR with signaling partners and is poised to enter the clinic. In addition, nanoscale drug delivery vehicles targeted to the uPA system using monoclonal antibodies, without disrupting the normal functioning of the system, are also in development. This review will highlight some of these new discoveries and the new uPA system-based therapeutic approaches that have arisen from them.
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Lee GY, Qian WP, Wang L, Wang YA, Staley CA, Satpathy M, Nie S, Mao H, Yang L. Theranostic nanoparticles with controlled release of gemcitabine for targeted therapy and MRI of pancreatic cancer. ACS NANO 2013; 7:2078-89. [PMID: 23402593 PMCID: PMC3609912 DOI: 10.1021/nn3043463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The tumor stroma in human cancers significantly limits the delivery of therapeutic agents into cancer cells. To develop an effective therapeutic approach overcoming the physical barrier of the stroma, we engineered urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)-targeted magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) carrying chemotherapy drug gemcitabine (Gem) for targeted delivery into uPAR-expressing tumor and stromal cells. The uPAR-targeted nanoparticle construct, ATF-IONP-Gem, was prepared by conjugating IONPs with the amino-terminal fragment (ATF) peptide of the receptor-binding domain of uPA, a natural ligand of uPAR, and Gem via a lysosomally cleavable tetrapeptide linker. These theranostic nanoparticles enable intracellular release of Gem following receptor-mediated endocytosis of ATF-IONP-Gem into tumor cells and also provide contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of tumors. Our results demonstrated the pH- and lysosomal enzyme-dependent release of gemcitabine, preventing the drug from enzymatic degradation. Systemic administrations of ATF-IONP-Gem significantly inhibited the growth of orthotopic human pancreatic cancer xenografts in nude mice. With MRI contrast enhancement by IONPs, we detected the presence of IONPs in the residual tumors following the treatment, suggesting the possibility of monitoring drug delivery and assessing drug-resistant tumors by MRI. The theranostic ATF-IONP-Gem nanoparticle has great potential for the development of targeted therapeutic and imaging approaches that are capable of overcoming the tumor stromal barrier, thus enhancing the therapeutic effect of nanoparticle drugs on pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gee Young Lee
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Wei Ping Qian
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Charles A. Staley
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Minati Satpathy
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Shuming Nie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Hui Mao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Address Correspondence to: Lily Yang, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365-C Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. Tel: + 1 404-778-4269, Fax: + 1 404-778-5530, , Or Hui Mao, Ph.D. Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. Tel: +1 404-712-0357, Fax: +1 404-712-5948,
| | - Lily Yang
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Address Correspondence to: Lily Yang, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365-C Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. Tel: + 1 404-778-4269, Fax: + 1 404-778-5530, , Or Hui Mao, Ph.D. Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. Tel: +1 404-712-0357, Fax: +1 404-712-5948,
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Jakobsche CE, McEnaney PJ, Zhang AX, Spiegel DA. Reprogramming urokinase into an antibody-recruiting anticancer agent. ACS Chem Biol 2012; 7:316-21. [PMID: 22098560 DOI: 10.1021/cb200374e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic compounds for controlling or creating human immunity have the potential to revolutionize disease treatment. Motivated by challenges in this arena, we report herein a strategy to target metastatic cancer cells for immune-mediated destruction by targeting the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and uPAR are overexpressed on the surfaces of a wide range of invasive cancer cells and are believed to contribute substantially to the migratory propensities of these cells. The key component of our approach is an antibody-recruiting molecule that targets the urokinase receptor (ARM-U). This bifunctional construct is formed by selectively, covalently attaching an antibody-binding small molecule to the active site of the urokinase enzyme. We demonstrate that ARM-U is capable of directing antibodies to the surfaces of target cancer cells and mediating both antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against multiple human cancer cell lines. We believe that the reported strategy has the potential to inform novel treatment options for a variety of deadly, invasive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. Jakobsche
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, P.O. Box 208107, New Haven, Connecticut 06520,
United States
| | - Patrick J. McEnaney
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, P.O. Box 208107, New Haven, Connecticut 06520,
United States
| | - Andrew X. Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, P.O. Box 208107, New Haven, Connecticut 06520,
United States
| | - David A. Spiegel
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, P.O. Box 208107, New Haven, Connecticut 06520,
United States
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14
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Mazar AP, Ahn RW, O'Halloran TV. Development of novel therapeutics targeting the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and their translation toward the clinic. Curr Pharm Des 2011; 17:1970-8. [PMID: 21711234 DOI: 10.2174/138161211796718152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) mediates cell motility and tissue remodeling. Although uPAR may be expressed transiently in many tissues during development and wound healing, its constitutive expression appears to be associated with several pathological conditions, including cancer. uPAR expression has been demonstrated in most solid tumors and several hematologic malignancies including multiple myeloma and acute leukemias.Unlike many tumor antigens, uPAR is present not only in tumor cells but also in a number of tumor-associated cells including angiogenic endothelial cells and macrophages. The expression of uPAR has been shown to be fairly high in tumor compared to normal, quiescent tissues, which has led to uPAR being proposed as a therapeutic target, as well as a targeting agent, for the treatment of cancer. The majority of therapeutic approaches that have been investigated to date have focused on inhibiting the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)-uPAR interaction but these have not led to the development of a viable uPAR targeted clinical candidate. Genetic knockdown approaches e.g. siRNA, shRNA focused on decreasing uPAR expression have demonstrated robust antitumor activity in pre-clinical studies but have been hampered by the obstacles of stability and drug delivery that have limited the field of RNA nucleic acid based therapeutics. More recently, novel approaches that target interactions of uPAR that are downstream of uPA binding e.g. with integrins or that exploit observations describing the biology of uPAR such as mediating uPA internalization and signaling have generated novel uPAR targeted candidates that are now advancing towards clinic evaluation. This review will discuss some of the pitfalls that have delayed progress on uPAR-targeted interventions and will summarize recent progress in the development of uPAR-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Mazar
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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de Virgilio M, Lombardi A, Caliandro R, Fabbrini MS. Ribosome-inactivating proteins: from plant defense to tumor attack. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:2699-737. [PMID: 22069572 PMCID: PMC3153179 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2112699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are EC3.2.32.22 N-glycosidases that recognize a universally conserved stem-loop structure in 23S/25S/28S rRNA, depurinating a single adenine (A4324 in rat) and irreversibly blocking protein translation, leading finally to cell death of intoxicated mammalian cells. Ricin, the plant RIP prototype that comprises a catalytic A subunit linked to a galactose-binding lectin B subunit to allow cell surface binding and toxin entry in most mammalian cells, shows a potency in the picomolar range. The most promising way to exploit plant RIPs as weapons against cancer cells is either by designing molecules in which the toxic domains are linked to selective tumor targeting domains or directly delivered as suicide genes for cancer gene therapy. Here, we will provide a comprehensive picture of plant RIPs and discuss successful designs and features of chimeric molecules having therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessio Lombardi
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy;
| | - Rocco Caliandro
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy;
| | - Maria Serena Fabbrini
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy;
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Lombardi A, Marshall RS, Savino C, Fabbrini MS, Ceriotti A. Type I Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins from Saponaria officinalis. TOXIC PLANT PROTEINS 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-12176-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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17
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Mekkawy AH, Morris DL, Pourgholami MH. Urokinase plasminogen activator system as a potential target for cancer therapy. Future Oncol 2009; 5:1487-99. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.09.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis of extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane is an essential mechanism used by cancer cells for their invasion and metastasis. The ECM proteinases are divided into three groups: metalloproteinases, cysteine proteinases and serine proteinases. The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system is one of the serine proteinase systems involved in ECM degradation. Members of this system, including uPA and its receptor (uPAR), are overexpressed in several malignant tumors. This system plays a major role in adhesion, migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, thus making it an important target for anticancer drug therapy. Several strategies, including the use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzyme, RNAi, uPA inhibitors, soluble uPAR, catalytically inactive uPA fragments, synthetic peptides and synthetic hybrids are under study, as they interfere with the expression and/or activity of uPA or uPAR in tumor cells. Herein, we discuss the various pharmaceutical strategies under investigation to combat the uPA activity in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad H Pourgholami
- Cancer Research Laboratories, University of New South Wales, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital (SESIAHS), Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
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Yang L, Peng XH, Wang YA, Wang X, Cao Z, Ni C, Karna P, Zhang X, Wood WC, Gao X, Nie S, Mao H. Receptor-targeted nanoparticles for in vivo imaging of breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:4722-32. [PMID: 19584158 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-3289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cell-surface receptor-targeted magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles provide molecular magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for improving specificity of the detection of human cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The present study reports the development of a novel targeted iron oxide nanoparticle using a recombinant peptide containing the amino-terminal fragment of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) conjugated to magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles amino-terminal fragment conjugated-iron oxide (ATF-IO). This nanoparticle targets uPA receptor, which is overexpressed in breast cancer tissues. RESULTS ATF-IO nanoparticles are able to specifically bind to and be internalized by uPA receptor-expressing tumor cells. Systemic delivery of ATF-IO nanoparticles into mice bearing s.c. and i.p. mammary tumors leads to the accumulation of the particles in tumors, generating a strong magnetic resonance imaging contrast detectable by a clinical magnetic resonance imaging scanner at a field strength of 3 tesla. Target specificity of ATF-IO nanoparticles showed by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging is further confirmed by near-IR fluorescence imaging of the mammary tumors using near-IR dye-labeled amino-terminal fragment peptides conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, mice administered ATF-IO nanoparticles exhibit lower uptake of the particles in the liver and spleen compared with those receiving nontargeted iron oxide nanoparticles. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that uPA receptor-targeted ATF-IO nanoparticles have potential as molecularly targeted, dual modality imaging agents for in vivo imaging of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Yang
- Department of Surgery and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, C-4088, 1365 C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Yang L, Mao H, Cao Z, Wang YA, Peng X, Wang X, Sajja HK, Wang L, Duan H, Ni C, Staley CA, Wood WC, Gao X, Nie S. Molecular imaging of pancreatic cancer in an animal model using targeted multifunctional nanoparticles. Gastroenterology 2009; 136:1514-25.e2. [PMID: 19208341 PMCID: PMC3651919 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2009.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Revised: 12/09/2008] [Accepted: 01/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Identification of a ligand/receptor system that enables functionalized nanoparticles to efficiently target pancreatic cancer holds great promise for the development of novel approaches for the detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a cellular receptor that is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and tumor stromal cells, is an excellent surface molecule for receptor-targeted imaging of pancreatic cancer using multifunctional nanoparticles. METHODS The uPAR-targeted dual-modality molecular imaging nanoparticle probe is designed and prepared by conjugating a near-infrared dye-labeled amino-terminal fragment of the receptor binding domain of urokinase plasminogen activator to the surface of functionalized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. RESULTS We have shown that the systemic delivery of uPAR-targeted nanoparticles leads to their selective accumulation within tumors of orthotopically xenografted human pancreatic cancer in nude mice. The uPAR-targeted nanoparticle probe binds to and is subsequently internalized by uPAR-expressing tumor cells and tumor-associated stromal cells, which facilitates the intratumoral distribution of the nanoparticles and increases the amount and retention of the nanoparticles in a tumor mass. Imaging properties of the nanoparticles enable in vivo optical and magnetic resonance imaging of uPAR-elevated pancreatic cancer lesions. CONCLUSIONS Targeting uPAR using biodegradable multifunctional nanoparticles allows for the selective delivery of the nanoparticles into primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer lesions. This novel receptor-targeted nanoparticle is a potential molecular imaging agent for the detection of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Yang
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
| | - Hui Mao
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zehong Cao
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Xianghong Peng
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hari K. Sajja
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hongwei Duan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chunchun Ni
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Charles A. Staley
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William C. Wood
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xiaohu Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shuming Nie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Rustamzadeh E, Hall WA, Todhunter DA, Vallera VD, Low WC, Liu H, Panoskaltsis-Mortari A, Vallera DA. Intracranial therapy of glioblastoma with the fusion protein DTAT in immunodeficient mice. Int J Cancer 2007; 120:411-9. [PMID: 17075792 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A gene splicing technique was used to create a hybrid fusion protein DTAT encoding the 390 amino acid portion of diphtheria toxin (DT(390)), a linker, and the downstream 135-amino terminal fragment portion of human urokinase plasminogen activator. DTAT was assembled to target human glioblastoma cell lines in a murine intracranial model. Previously published in vitro studies demonstrated that DTAT was highly selective and toxic to human glioblastoma cell lines in a flank tumor model. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity, specificity and possible therapeutic efficacy of DTAT in an intracranial model. Convection enhanced delivery of DTAT resulted in about a 16-fold increase in maximum tolerated dose. Intracranial administration of DTAT on an every-other-day basis in nude mice with established U87 MG brain tumors resulted in significant reductions in tumor volume and significantly prolonged survival (p < 0.0001). Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be a powerful tool in mice and rats for demonstrating tumor growth in a xenograft intracranial model, assessing the efficacy of DTAT in tumor volume reduction and detecting DTAT-associated intracranial toxicity and vascular damage. These results suggest that the DTAT recombinant fusion protein is highly effective in an intracranial model and DTAT might be an effective treatment for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Rustamzadeh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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21
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Abi-Habib RJ, Singh R, Liu S, Bugge TH, Leppla SH, Frankel AE. A urokinase-activated recombinant anthrax toxin is selectively cytotoxic to many human tumor cell types. Mol Cancer Ther 2007; 5:2556-62. [PMID: 17041100 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-06-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is a tumor-specific protease highly expressed in several types of solid tumors and rarely present on normal cells under physiologic conditions. Due to its high expression on metastatic tumors, several different strategies have been used to target the urokinase system. These have mostly led to tumor growth inhibition rather than tumor regression. A different approach was adopted by replacing the furin activation site on a recombinant anthrax toxin with a urokinase activation site. The resulting toxin, PrAgU2/FP59, was highly potent against tumors both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we show that PrAgU2/FP59 is toxic to a wide range of tumor cell lines, including non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and basal-like breast cancer cell lines. Of the few cell lines found to be resistant to PrAgU2/FP59, most became sensitive upon addition of exogenous pro-uPA. PrAgU2/FP59 was much less toxic to normal human cells. The potency of PrAgU2/FP59 was dependent on anthrax toxin receptor, uPA receptor, and uPA levels but not on total plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels. In this study, we show that PrAgU2/FP59 is a wide-range, highly potent, and highly selective toxin that is capable of specifically targeting uPA-expressing tumor cells, independently of the tissue of origin of these cells. Furthermore, we identify three molecular markers, anthrax toxin receptor, uPA, and uPA receptor, which can be used as predictors of tumor cell sensitivity to PrAgU2/FP59.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph J Abi-Habib
- Cancer Research Institute of Scott & White Memorial Hospital, Temple, Texas 76502, USA
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22
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Abstract
Immunotoxins are proteins that contain a toxin along with an antibody or growth factor that binds specifically to target cells. Nearly all protein toxins work by enzymatically inhibiting protein synthesis. For the immunotoxin to work, it must bind to and be internalized by the target cells, and the enzymatic fragment of the toxin must translocate to the cytosol. Once in the cytosol, 1 molecule is capable of killing a cell, making immunotoxins some of the most potent killing agents. Various plant and bacterial toxins have been genetically fused or chemically conjugated to ligands that bind to cancer cells. Among the most active clinically are those that bind to hematologic tumors. At present, only 1 agent, which contains human interleukin-2 and truncated diphtheria toxin, is approved for use in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Another, containing an anti-CD22 Fv and truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin, has induced complete remissions in a high proportion of cases of hairy-cell leukemia. Refinement of existing immunotoxins and development of new immunotoxins are underway to improve the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Kreitman
- Clinical Immunotherapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Centers for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 37, Room 5124B, Bethesda, MD 20892-4255, USA.
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23
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Vago R, Marsden CJ, Lord JM, Ippoliti R, Flavell DJ, Flavell SU, Ceriotti A, Fabbrini MS. Saporin and ricin A chain follow different intracellular routes to enter the cytosol of intoxicated cells. FEBS J 2005; 272:4983-95. [PMID: 16176271 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2005.04908.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Several protein toxins, such as the potent plant toxin ricin, enter mammalian cells by endocytosis and undergo retrograde transport via the Golgi complex to reach the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this compartment the catalytic moieties exploit the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway to reach their cytosolic targets. Bacterial toxins such as cholera toxin or Pseudomonas exotoxin A carry KDEL or KDEL-like C-terminal tetrapeptides for efficient delivery to the ER. Chimeric toxins containing monomeric plant ribosome-inactivating proteins linked to various targeting moieties are highly cytotoxic, but it remains unclear how these molecules travel within the target cell to reach cytosolic ribosomes. We investigated the intracellular pathways of saporin, a monomeric plant ribosome-inactivating protein that can enter cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Saporin toxicity was not affected by treatment with Brefeldin A or chloroquine, indicating that this toxin follows a Golgi-independent pathway to the cytosol and does not require a low pH for membrane translocation. In intoxicated Vero or HeLa cells, ricin but not saporin could be clearly visualized in the Golgi complex using immunofluorescence. The saporin signal was not evident in the Golgi, but was found to partially overlap with that of a late endosome/lysosome marker. Consistently, the toxicities of saporin or saporin-based targeted chimeric polypeptides were not enhanced by the addition of ER retrieval sequences. Thus, the intracellular movement of saporin differs from that followed by ricin and other protein toxins that rely on Golgi-mediated retrograde transport to reach their retrotranslocation site.
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Abstract
Recombinant immunotoxins are fusion proteins which contain a ligand derived from the immune system fused to a toxin. The protein toxin is truncated to delete its binding domain, allowing selective ligand-directed binding. Growth factor fusion toxins are often considered immunotoxins. One of these molecules, containing the truncated diphtheria toxin and human IL-2 (Ontak), Ligand Pharmaceuticals), has been approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Recombinant immunotoxins have also been produced containing the variable domains (Fv fragment) of monoclonal antibodies fused to toxins. These agents are relatively versatile with respect to the range of antigens possible. Several of these recombinant immunotoxins have showed clinical effectiveness in Phase I testing against haematological malignancies. One of these molecules, BL22, targets CD22 on hairy-cell leukaemia and has enabled patients to achieve complete remissions despite previous treatment and resistance to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Kreitman
- Clinical Immunotherapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Centers for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 37, Room 5124b, Bethesda, MD 20892-4255, USA.
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Shin YC, Folk WR. Formation of polyomavirus-like particles with different VP1 molecules that bind the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor. J Virol 2003; 77:11491-8. [PMID: 14557634 PMCID: PMC229370 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.77.21.11491-11498.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Icosahedral virus-like particles formed by the self-assembly of polyomavirus capsid proteins (Py-VLPs) can serve as useful nanostructures for delivering nucleic acids, proteins, and pharmaceuticals into animal cells and tissues. Four predominant surface-exposed loops in the VP1 structure offer potential sites to display sequences that might contribute new targeting specificities. Introduction into each of these loops of sequences derived from the amino-terminal fragment of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) or a related phage display peptide reduced the solubility of VP1 molecules when expressed in insect cells, and insertions into the EF loop reduced VP1 solubility least. Coexpression in insect cells of the uPA-VP1 molecules and VP1 containing a FLAG epitope in the HI loop permitted the formation of heterotypic Py-VLPs containing uPA-VP1 and FLAG-VP1. These heterotypic VLPs bound to uPAR on the surfaces of animal cells. Heterotypic Py-VLPs containing ligands for multiple cell surface receptors should be useful for targeting specific cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young C Shin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
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Magdolen V, Krüger A, Sato S, Nagel J, Sperl S, Reuning U, Rettenberger P, Magdolen U, Schmitt M. Inhibition of the tumor-associated urokinase-type plasminogen activation system: effects of high-level synthesis of soluble urokinase receptor in ovarian and breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Recent Results Cancer Res 2003; 162:43-63. [PMID: 12790320 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-59349-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cell invasion and metastasis depend on the coordinated and temporal expression of proteolytic enzymes to degrade the surrounding extracellular matrix and of adhesion molecules to remodel cell-cell and/or cell-matrix attachments. The tumor cell-associated urokinase-type plasminogen activator system, consisting of the serine protease uPA, its substrate plasminogen, its membrane-bound receptor uPAR, as well as its inhibitors PAI-1 and PAI-2, plays an important role in these pericellular processes. Especially, association of the proteolytic activity of uPA with the cell surface via interaction with uPAR significantly increases the invasive capacity of tumor cells. Consequently, various approaches have been pursued to interfere with the expression or activity of uPA and/or uPAR, including antisense strategies and the development of active-site inhibitors of uPA or inhibitors of uPA/uPAR interaction. In this review, we focus on the results obtained in vitro and in vivo with tumor cells producing high levels of a recombinant soluble form of uPAR, which efficiently inhibits uPA binding to cell surface-associated uPAR and, by this, acts as a scavenger for uPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Magdolen
- Klinische Forschergruppe der Frauenklinik der TU München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
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Zhang G, Kim H, Cai X, Lopez-Guisa JM, Carmeliet P, Eddy AA. Urokinase receptor modulates cellular and angiogenic responses in obstructive nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2003; 14:1234-53. [PMID: 12707393 DOI: 10.1097/01.asn.0000064701.70231.3f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. Given that the urokinase receptor (uPAR) is known to play a role in cell adhesion, migration, and angiogenesis, the present study was designed to evaluate the role of uPAR in the regulation of the phenotypic composition of interstitial cells (macrophages, myofibroblasts, capillaries) in response to chronic renal injury. Groups of uPAR wild-type (+/+) and knockout (-/-) mice were investigated between 3 and 14 d after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) or sham surgery (n = 8 mice per group). The density of F4/80+ interstitial macrophages (Mphi) was significantly lower in the -/- mice (3.3 +/- 0.4 versus 6.9 +/- 1.7% area at day 3 UUO; 10.8 +/- 1.6 versus 15.7 +/- 1.0% at day 14 UUO; -/- versus +/+). In contrast, in the -/- mice there were significantly more alpha smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA)-positive cells (12.9 +/- 3.2 versus 7.8 +/- 1.5% area at day 3 UUO; 21.0 +/- 4.7 versus 9.7 +/- 1.9% at day 14 UUO) and CD34-positive endothelial cells (8.4 +/- 1.9 versus 4.0 +/- 1.1% area at day 14 UUO). These differences were associated with significantly more interstitial fibrosis in the -/- mice based on Sirius red staining (4.6 +/- 0.9 versus 2.3 +/- 0.9% area at 14 d UUO). Absence of the uPAR scavenger receptor was associated with significantly greater accumulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 protein (PAI-1) (20.5 +/- 3.5 versus 9.1 +/- 2.9% area, day 14 UUO) and vitronectin protein (2.4 +/- 1.1 versus 0.9 +/- 0.4% area, day 14 UUO). By immunostaining alphaSMA+ cells, CD34+ cells, vitronectin and PAI-1 co-localized to the same tubulointerstitial area. The number of apoptotic cells increased in response to UUO but was significantly higher in the -/- mice (2.0 +/- 0.2 versus 1.2 +/- 0.2 per 100 tubulointerstitial cells, day 14 UUO) while the number of proliferating cells was significantly lower in the uPAR-/- mice. These data suggest that uPAR deficiency suppresses renal Mphi recruitment, but the absence of this scavenger receptor actually accentuates the fibrogenic response, likely due in part to the delayed clearance of angiogenic/profibrotic molecules such as PAI-1 and decreased receptor-associated uPA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Zhang
- Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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Ramage JG, Vallera DA, Black JH, Aplan PD, Kees UR, Frankel AE. The diphtheria toxin/urokinase fusion protein (DTAT) is selectively toxic to CD87 expressing leukemic cells. Leuk Res 2003; 27:79-84. [PMID: 12479856 DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2126(02)00077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diphtheria fusion proteins are a novel class of agents for the treatment of chemotherapy resistant acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). We prepared diphtheria toxin/urokinase fusion protein (DTAT) composed of the amino terminal fragment of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) fused to the catalytic and translocation domains of diphtheria toxin (DT) and assessed its activity on leukemic cell lines. The number of uPA receptors (uPAR or CD87) was measured using a phycoerythrin conjugated monoclonal antibody to CD87 and flow cytometry. Seven of 23 cell lines (30%) showed CD87 expression (> or =5000 receptors/cell). DTAT cytotoxicity (IC(50)< or =30pM) was observed in all seven of these samples and none of the 16 samples with low or absent CD87 expression. There was a significant correlation between DTAT sensitivity and CD87 density (P=0.0007). These results show that specific CD87 binding is one factor important in the sensitivity of patient's leukemic blasts to DTAT and demonstrate for the first time that the CD87/uPAR can be used as a target for fusion protein therapy of AML.
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MESH Headings
- Acute Disease
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Blast Crisis/pathology
- Burkitt Lymphoma/pathology
- Flow Cytometry
- HL-60 Cells/drug effects
- Humans
- Jurkat Cells/drug effects
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid/pathology
- Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/pathology
- Multiple Myeloma/pathology
- Neoplasm Proteins/drug effects
- Neoplasm Proteins/physiology
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/pharmacology
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptors, Cell Surface/drug effects
- Receptors, Cell Surface/physiology
- Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- U937 Cells/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason G Ramage
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, 27157, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Mazar AP. The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a target for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. Anticancer Drugs 2001; 12:387-400. [PMID: 11395568 DOI: 10.1097/00001813-200106000-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The identification and characterization of validated molecular targets for cancer drug and diagnostic development is rapidly changing the way that promising new anti-cancer compounds are developed and evaluated. A significant body of in vitro and in vivo data has established the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system as a promising target for cancer drug development. The uPA system has been demonstrated to have pleiotropic activities in the development of tumors, and in tumor progression and angiogenesis. There are multiple ways to target this system, the most straightforward being the development of small molecule active site inhibitors of the serine protease, uPA. However, compounds of this type have not entered into clinical trials, and issues related to selectivity and specificity of this class of inhibitors have yet to be satisfactorily resolved. Recent evidence suggests that in addition to uPA, its specific cell surface receptor (uPAR) may also be a suitable target for the design and development of cancer therapeutic and diagnostic agents. uPAR is central to several pathways implicated in tumor progression and angiogenesis. The binding of the uPA zymogen (scuPA) to uPAR appears to be a pre-requisite for efficient cell-surface activation of scuPA to the active two-chain form (tcuPA) by plasmin, and simple ligand occupancy of uPAR by scuPA initiates various signaling pathways leading to alterations in cell motility and adhesion. One therapeutic rationale that is currently being investigated is the simple displacement of scuPA or tcuPA from suPAR, which may effectively inhibit both the proteolytic and signal-transducing cascades. In addition, other approaches to the modulation of the activity of this system that may also be useful include blocking the interaction of uPAR with integrins and extracellular matrix proteins as well as strategies to down-regulate the expression of uPA and uPAR in target cells. This review will summarize these approaches, and also describe the targeting of uPAR for diagnosis and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Mazar
- Attenuon, L.L.C., 10130 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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Liu S, Bugge TH, Leppla SH. Targeting of tumor cells by cell surface urokinase plasminogen activator-dependent anthrax toxin. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:17976-84. [PMID: 11278833 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m011085200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) binds pro-urokinase plasminogen activator (pro-uPA) and thereby localizes it near plasminogen, causing the generation of active uPA and plasmin on the cell surface. uPAR and uPA are overexpressed in a variety of human tumors and tumor cell lines, and expression of uPAR and uPA is highly correlated to tumor invasion and metastasis. To exploit these characteristics in the design of tumor cell-selective cytotoxins, we constructed mutated anthrax toxin-protective antigen (PrAg) proteins in which the furin cleavage site is replaced by sequences cleaved specifically by uPA. These uPA-targeted PrAg proteins were activated selectively on the surface of uPAR-expressing tumor cells in the presence of pro-uPA and plasminogen. The activated PrAg proteins caused internalization of a recombinant cytotoxin, FP59, consisting of anthrax toxin lethal factor residues 1-254 fused to the ADP-ribosylation domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin A, thereby killing the uPAR-expressing tumor cells. The activation and cytotoxicity of these uPA-targeted PrAg proteins were strictly dependent on the integrity of the tumor cell surface-associated plasminogen activation system. We also constructed a mutated PrAg protein that selectively killed tissue plasminogen activator-expressing cells. These mutated PrAg proteins may be useful as new therapeutic agents for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Liu
- Oral Infection and Immunity Branch and Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Branch, NIDCR, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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