1
|
Kazemzadeh H, Bagheri M, Sepehri M, Ebrahimi E, Wang H, Haider S, Kheirabadi M, Tohidkia MR. Isolation and Characterization of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Targeting ScFv Antibody Fragments Derived from Phage Display Technology. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:21964-21973. [PMID: 38799304 PMCID: PMC11112697 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, as a tumor hallmark, plays an important role in the growth and development of the tumor vasculature system. There is a huge amount of evidence suggesting that the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR-2)/VEGF-A axis is one of the main contributors to tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Thus, inhibition of the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway by anti-VEGFR-2 mAb can retard tumor growth. In this study, we employ phage display technology and solution-phase biopanning (SPB) to isolate specific single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) against VEGFR-2 and report on the receptor binding characteristics of the candidate scFvs A semisynthetic phage antibody library to isolate anti-VEGFR-2 scFvs through an SPB performed with decreasing concentrations of the VEGFR-2-His tag and VEGFR-2-biotin. After successful expression and purification, the specificity of the selected scFv clones was further analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, and immunoblotting. The competition assay was undertaken to identify the VEGFR-2 receptor-blocking properties of the scFvs. Furthermore, the molecular binding characteristics of candidate scFvs were extensively studied by peptide-protein docking. Polyclonal ELISA analysis subsequent to four rounds of biopanning showed a significant enrichment of VEGFR-2-specific phage clones by increasing positive signals from the first round toward the fourth round of selection. The individual VEGFR-2-reactive scFv phage clones were identified by monoclonal phage ELISA. The sequence analysis and complementarity-determining region alignment identified the four unique anti-VEGFR-2-scFv clones. The soluble and purified scFvs displayed binding activity against soluble and cell-associated forms of VEGFR-2 protein in the ELISA and flow cytometry assays. Based on the inference from the molecular docking results, scFvs D3, E1, H1, and E9 recognized domains 2 and 3 on the VEGFR-2 protein and displayed competition with VEGF-A for binding to VEGFR-2. The competition assay confirmed that scFvs H1 and D3 can block the VEGFR-2/VEGF-A interaction. In conclusion, we identified novel VEGFR-2-blocking scFvs that perhaps exhibit the potential for angiogenesis inhibition in VEGFR-2-overexpressed tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Kazemzadeh
- Research
Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51368, Iran
| | - Mahsima Bagheri
- Research
Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51368, Iran
| | - Maryam Sepehri
- Research
Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51368, Iran
| | - Elham Ebrahimi
- Basic
Science Department, Faculty of Biology, Hakim Sabzevari University, P.O. Box 96179-76487, Sabzevar 571, Iran
| | - Huan Wang
- School
of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, U.K.
| | - Shozeb Haider
- School
of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, U.K.
| | - Mitra Kheirabadi
- Basic
Science Department, Faculty of Biology, Hakim Sabzevari University, P.O. Box 96179-76487, Sabzevar 571, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Tohidkia
- Research
Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51368, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Peptide Inhibitors of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A: Current Situation and Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091337. [PMID: 34575413 PMCID: PMC8467741 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are the family of extracellular signaling proteins involved in the processes of angiogenesis. VEGFA overexpression and altered regulation of VEGFA signaling pathways lead to pathological angiogenesis, which contributes to the progression of various diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and cancer. Monoclonal antibodies and decoy receptors have been extensively used in the anti-angiogenic therapies for the neutralization of VEGFA. However, multiple side effects, solubility and aggregation issues, and the involvement of compensatory VEGFA-independent pro-angiogenic mechanisms limit the use of the existing VEGFA inhibitors. Short chemically synthesized VEGFA binding peptides are a promising alternative to these full-length proteins. In this review, we summarize anti-VEGFA peptides identified so far and discuss the molecular basis of their inhibitory activity to highlight their pharmacological potential as anti-angiogenic drugs.
Collapse
|
3
|
Charoenkwan P, Chiangjong W, Hasan MM, Nantasenamat C, Shoombuatong W. Review and comparative analysis of machine learning-based predictors for predicting and analyzing of anti-angiogenic peptides. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:849-864. [PMID: 34375178 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210810145806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and underlying this is angiogenesis that represents one of the hallmarks of cancer. Ongoing effort is already under way in the discovery of anti-angiogenic peptides (AAPs) as a promising therapeutic route by tackling the formation of new blood vessels. As such, the identification of AAPs constitutes a viable path for understanding their mechanistic properties pertinent for the discovery of new anti-cancer drugs. In spite of the abundance of peptide sequences in public databases, experimental efforts in the identification of anti-angiogenic peptides have progressed very slowly owing to its high expenditures and laborious nature. Owing to its inherent ability to make sense of large volumes of data, machine learning (ML) represents a lucrative technique that can be harnessed for peptide-based drug discovery. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive and comparative analysis of ML-based AAP predictors in terms of their employed feature descriptors, ML algorithms, cross-validation methods and prediction performance. Moreover, the common framework of these AAP predictors and their inherent weaknesses are also discussed. Particularly, we explore future perspectives for improving the prediction accuracy and model interpretability, which represents an interesting avenue for overcoming some of the inherent weaknesses of existing AAP predictors. We anticipate that this review would assist researchers in the rapid screening and identification of promising AAPs for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phasit Charoenkwan
- Modern Management and Information Technology, College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Wararat Chiangjong
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Md Mehedi Hasan
- Tulane Center for Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Division of Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, John W. Deming Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Chanin Nantasenamat
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watshara Shoombuatong
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
González-Castro R, Gómez-Lim MA, Plisson F. Cysteine-Rich Peptides: Hyperstable Scaffolds for Protein Engineering. Chembiochem 2020; 22:961-973. [PMID: 33095969 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) are small proteins of less than 100 amino acids in length characterized by the presence of disulfide bridges and common end-to-end macrocyclization. These properties confer hyperstability against high temperatures, salt concentration, serum presence, and protease degradation to CRPs. Moreover, their intercysteine domains (loops) are susceptible to residue hypervariability. CRPs have been successfully applied as stable scaffolds for molecular grafting, a protein engineering process in which cysteine-rich structures provide higher thermodynamic and metabolic stability to an epitope and acquire new biological function(s). This review describes the successes and limitations of seven cysteine-rich scaffolds, their bioactive epitopes, and the resulting grafted peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael González-Castro
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV) Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, México.,Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Irapuato, Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, México
| | - Miguel A Gómez-Lim
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Irapuato, Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, México
| | - Fabien Plisson
- CONACYT, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV) Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, México
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Riccardi C, Napolitano E, Platella C, Musumeci D, Melone MAB, Montesarchio D. Anti-VEGF DNA-based aptamers in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:464-506. [PMID: 33038031 DOI: 10.1002/med.21737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and its receptors play fundamental roles not only in physiological but also in pathological angiogenesis, characteristic of cancer progression. Aiming at finding putative treatments for several malignancies, various small molecules, antibodies, or protein-based drugs have been evaluated in vitro and in vivo as VEGF inhibitors, providing efficient agents approved for clinical use. Due to the high clinical importance of VEGF, also a great number of anti-VEGF nucleic acid-based aptamers-that is, oligonucleotides able to bind with high affinity and specificity a selected biological target-have been developed as promising agents in anticancer strategies. Notable research efforts have been made in optimization processes of the identified aptamers, searching for increased target affinity and/or bioactivity by exploring structural analogues of the lead compounds. This review is focused on recent studies devoted to the development of DNA-based aptamers designed to target VEGF. Their therapeutic potential as well as their significance in the construction of highly selective biosensors is here discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter-University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa A B Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter-University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang SL, Han CB, Sun L, Huang LT, Ma JT. Efficacy and safety of recombinant human endostatin combined with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a pooled analysis. Radiat Oncol 2020; 15:205. [PMID: 32831120 PMCID: PMC7446219 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-020-01646-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the efficacy and safety of recombinant human endostatin in combination with radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). METHODS We searched eligible literature in available databases using combinations of the following search terms: lung cancer, endostatin or endostar, radiotherapy or radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy. The inclusion criteria were: prospective or retrospective (including single-arm) studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of endostatin plus radiotherapy (ERT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (ECRT) in patients with LA-NSCLC. Primary outcomes included the following: objective response rate (ORR), local control rates (LCR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs). Tests of heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias were performed. RESULTS A total of 271 patients with LA-NSCLC from 7 studies were enrolled, including six prospective trials and one retrospective study. The pooled median PFS was 11.3 months overall, 11.2 months in the ECRT group, and 11.8 months in the ERT group. Pooled median OS and ORR were 18.9 months and 77.2% overall, 18.4 months and 77.5% in the ECRT group, and 19.6 months and 76.1% in the ERT group, respectively. The incidences of major grade ≥ 3 AEs for all patients, subgroups of ECRT and ERT were 10.9% vs 11.9% vs 9.4% for radiation pneumonitis, 11.6% vs 12.2% vs 9.4% for radiation esophagitis, 35.5% vs 43.4% vs 0 for leukopenia, 27.8% vs 40.7% vs 2.1% for neutropenia, and 10.5% vs 12.3% vs 2.1% for anemia. CONCLUSIONS Combined endostatin with RT or CCRT is effective and well tolerated in treating LA-NSCLC, and less toxicities occur. Further validation through prospective randomized control trials is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Cheng-Bo Han
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Le-Tian Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jie-Tao Ma
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chittasupho C, Kengtrong K, Chalermnithiwong S, Sarisuta N. Anti-angiogenesis by dual action of R5K peptide conjugated itraconazole nanoparticles. AAPS PharmSciTech 2020; 21:74. [PMID: 31965399 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-019-1568-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of central vision loss and irreversible blindness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in neovascularization under the retina and macula by promoting endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Although anti-VEGF drugs have shown their efficacy in visual improvement, long-term use of these drugs leads to ocular and systemic complications due to the non-selectivity of the drug. In this study, the dual-mode anti-angiogenic drug delivery system, which potentially inhibited VEGF in two different ways, was developed. The itraconazole encapsulated nanoparticles, conjugated with R5K peptide, were fabricated to allow multivalent binding interactions with VEGF. The R5K peptide blocked VEGF binding to its receptor, while itraconazole altered the signaling pathway of VEGF stimulation. The dual action of this novel drug delivery system aimed to enhance the anti-angiogenic effects of individual drugs. R5K-ITZ-NPs demonstrated potent, cell-type specific, and dose-dependent inhibition of vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in response to VEGF stimulation. The physical stability study showed that R5K-ITZ-NPs were stable when stored at 4 °C. However, the drug remaining in R5K-ITZ-NPs when stored at 4 °C for 28 days were only 17.2%. The chemical stability test revealed that the degradation of R5K-ITZ-NPs followed second-order kinetics. The release profile showed the burst release of ITZ followed by sustained release of the drug This novel drug delivery system may be an option for neovascular AMD patients who are resistant to ITZ and may represent a novel therapy for AMD.
Collapse
|
8
|
Laengsri V, Nantasenamat C, Schaduangrat N, Nuchnoi P, Prachayasittikul V, Shoombuatong W. TargetAntiAngio: A Sequence-Based Tool for the Prediction and Analysis of Anti-Angiogenic Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2950. [PMID: 31212918 PMCID: PMC6628072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the major causes of death worldwide. Angiogenesis is crucial for the pathogenesis of various human diseases, especially solid tumors. The discovery of anti-angiogenic peptides is a promising therapeutic route for cancer treatment. Thus, reliably identifying anti-angiogenic peptides is extremely important for understanding their biophysical and biochemical properties that serve as the basis for the discovery of new anti-cancer drugs. This study aims to develop an efficient and interpretable computational model called TargetAntiAngio for predicting and characterizing anti-angiogenic peptides. TargetAntiAngio was developed using the random forest classifier in conjunction with various classes of peptide features. It was observed via an independent validation test that TargetAntiAngio can identify anti-angiogenic peptides with an average accuracy of 77.50% on an objective benchmark dataset. Comparisons demonstrated that TargetAntiAngio is superior to other existing methods. In addition, results revealed the following important characteristics of anti-angiogenic peptides: (i) disulfide bond forming Cys residues play an important role for inhibiting blood vessel proliferation; (ii) Cys located at the C-terminal domain can decrease endothelial formatting activity and suppress tumor growth; and (iii) Cyclic disulfide-rich peptides contribute to the inhibition of angiogenesis and cell migration, selectivity and stability. Finally, for the convenience of experimental scientists, the TargetAntiAngio web server was established and made freely available online.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vishuda Laengsri
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
- Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Chanin Nantasenamat
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Nalini Schaduangrat
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Pornlada Nuchnoi
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
- Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Virapong Prachayasittikul
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Watshara Shoombuatong
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang B, Li PK, Ma JX, Chen D. Therapeutic Effects of a Novel Phenylphthalimide Analog for Corneal Neovascularization and Retinal Vascular Leakage. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3630-3642. [PMID: 30029250 PMCID: PMC6054429 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Neovascularization (NV) and retinal vascular leakage are major causes of impaired vision in ocular diseases. The purpose of this study was to identify novel phenylphthalimide analogs with therapeutic effects on NV and vascular leakage and to explore the mechanism of action. Methods Antiangiogenic activities of novel phenylphthalimide analogs were assessed in vitro by using VEGF ELISA and endothelial cell proliferation assay. Their efficacies on retinal vascular leakage were evaluated using rat models of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. The in vivo antiangiogenic activity was evaluated using topical administration in the alkali burn-induced corneal NV model. The expression of VEGF and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were measured using ELISA. Results Thalidomide and three novel analogs all showed inhibitory effects on endothelial cell proliferation and VEGF expression in vitro. Through intravitreal injection, all of the compounds reduced retinal vascular leakage in the OIR and STZ-induced diabetic models. Among these compounds, (2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-5-amino-1H-isoindole-1,3-dione (DAID) displayed the most potent efficacy and reduced retinal vascular leakage in a dose-dependent manner in both the OIR and STZ-diabetes models. Topical administration of DAID also inhibited alkali burn-induced corneal NV. Furthermore, DAID attenuated the overexpression of VEGF and ICAM-1 in the retina of the OIR model. Intravitreal injection of DAID did not result in any detectable side effects, as shown by electroretinogram and retinal histological analysis. Conclusions DAID is a novel phenylphthalimide analog with potent effects on NV and retinal vascular leakage through downregulation of VEGF and inflammatory factors and has therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Province, China
| | - Pui-Kai Li
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Danyang Chen
- Charlesson, LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li BN, He PP, Yang PP, Zhang JP, Wang L, Wang H. In situ construction of nanonetworks from transformable nanoparticles for anti-angiogenic therapy. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:5282-5289. [PMID: 32254765 DOI: 10.1039/c8tb00974k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis as the most common reason of death from cancer has always been a great challenge in both clinical and scientific research, where angiogenesis plays a necessary role. Herein, we report an extracellularly transformable nanomaterial for in situ construction of defensive networks on interaction with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for anti-angiogenic therapy of tumor. The fibrous networks exhibit transformation-enhanced accumulation and retention (TEAR) effects (over 72 h), and bind and intercept cell-secreted VEGF over particulate and molecular anti-angiogenic agents with high efficiency, leading to anti-angiogenesis. This study demonstrates that angiogenesis is positively related to tumor growth as well as tumor metastasis; the anti-angiogenic therapy inhibits tumor metastasis with an inhibition rate of 65.9%. In addition, this extracellular strategy of transformation may be utilized to bind huge amounts of cell-secreted biomolecules/factors or receptors on cell surfaces and inhibit their functionalities for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Nan Li
- Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Molesini B, Treggiari D, Dalbeni A, Minuz P, Pandolfini T. Plant cystine-knot peptides: pharmacological perspectives. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:63-70. [PMID: 26987851 PMCID: PMC5338163 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystine-knot miniproteins are a class of 30-50 amino acid long peptides widespread in eukaryotic organisms. Due to their very peculiar three-dimensional structure, they exhibit high resistance to heat and peptidase attack. The cystine-knot peptides are well represented in several plant species including medicinal herbs and crops. The pharmacological interest in plant cystine-knot peptides derives from their broad biological activities, mainly cytotoxic, antimicrobial and peptidase inhibitory and in the possibility to engineer them to incorporate pharmacophoric information for oral delivery or disease biomonitoring. The mechanisms of action of plant cystine-knot peptides are still largely unknown, although the capacity to interfere with plasma membranes seems a feature common to several cystine-knot peptides. In some cases, such as potato carboxypetidase inhibitor (PCI) and tomato cystine-knot miniproteins (TCMPs), the cystine-knot peptides target human growth factor receptors either by acting as growth factor antagonist or by altering their signal transduction pathway. The possibility to identify specific molecular targets of plant cystine-knot peptides in human cells opens novel possibilities for the pharmacological use of these peptides besides their use as scaffold to develop stable disease molecular markers and therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Davide Treggiari
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal MedicineUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Andrea Dalbeni
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal MedicineUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Pietro Minuz
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal MedicineUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chan LY, Craik DJ, Daly NL. Dual-targeting anti-angiogenic cyclic peptides as potential drug leads for cancer therapy. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35347. [PMID: 27734947 PMCID: PMC5062114 DOI: 10.1038/srep35347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide analogues derived from bioactive hormones such as somatostatin or certain growth factors have great potential as angiogenesis inhibitors for cancer applications. In an attempt to combat emerging drug resistance many FDA-approved anti-angiogenesis therapies are co-administered with cytotoxic drugs as a combination therapy to target multiple signaling pathways of cancers. However, cancer therapies often encounter limiting factors such as high toxicities and side effects. Here, we combined two anti-angiogenic epitopes that act on different pathways of angiogenesis into a single non-toxic cyclic peptide framework, namely MCoTI-II (Momordica cochinchinensis trypsin inhibitor-II), and subsequently assessed the anti-angiogenic activity of the novel compound. We hypothesized that the combination of these two epitopes would elicit a synergistic effect by targeting different angiogenesis pathways and result in improved potency, compared to that of a single epitope. This novel approach has resulted in the development of a potent, non-toxic, stable and cyclic analogue with nanomolar potency inhibition in in vitro endothelial cell migration and in vivo chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis assays. This is the first report to use the MCoTI-II framework to develop a 2-in-1 anti-angiogenic peptide, which has the potential to be used as a form of combination therapy for targeting a wide range of cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lai Yue Chan
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, 4870 Cairns, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sawosz E, Jaworski S, Kutwin M, Vadalasetty KP, Grodzik M, Wierzbicki M, Kurantowicz N, Strojny B, Hotowy A, Lipińska L, Jagiełło J, Chwalibog A. Graphene Functionalized with Arginine Decreases the Development of Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumor in a Gene-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:25214-33. [PMID: 26512645 PMCID: PMC4632799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161025214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies revealed that graphene had anticancer properties in experiments in vitro with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells and in tumors cultured in vivo. We hypothesized that the addition of arginine or proline to graphene solutions might counteract graphene agglomeration and increase the activity of graphene. Experiments were performed in vitro with GBM U87 cells and in vivo with GBM tumors cultured on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membranes. The measurements included cell morphology, mortality, viability, tumor morphology, histology, and gene expression. The cells and tumors were treated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and rGO functionalized with arginine (rGO + Arg) or proline (rGO + Pro). The results confirmed the anticancer effect of graphene on GBM cells and tumor tissue. After functionalization with amino acids, nanoparticles were distributed more specifically, and the flakes of graphene were less agglomerated. The molecule of rGO + Arg did not increase the expression of TP53 in comparison to rGO, but did not increase the expression of MDM2 or the MDM2/TP53 ratio in the tumor, suggesting that arginine may block MDM2 expression. The expression of NQO1, known to be a strong protector of p53 protein in tumor tissue, was greatly increased. The results indicate that the complex of rGO + Arg has potential in GBM therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Sawosz
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - Sławomir Jaworski
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - Marta Kutwin
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - Krishna Prasad Vadalasetty
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark.
| | - Marta Grodzik
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - Mateusz Wierzbicki
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - Natalia Kurantowicz
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - Barbara Strojny
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - Anna Hotowy
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - Ludwika Lipińska
- Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - Joanna Jagiełło
- Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, Warsaw 02-787, Poland.
| | - André Chwalibog
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Qu HM, Liu SJ, Zhang CY. Antitumor and antiangiogenic activity of Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide in a renal cell carcinoma model. Int J Biol Macromol 2014; 66:52-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
15
|
Jeong KW, Jeong MC, Jin B, Kim Y. Relationship between Structural Flexibility and Function in the C-Terminal Region of the Heparin-Binding Domain of VEGF165. Biochemistry 2013; 52:8823-32. [DOI: 10.1021/bi4011682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Woong Jeong
- Department of Bioscience
and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics
Center, Institute of KU Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Min-Cheol Jeong
- Department of Bioscience
and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics
Center, Institute of KU Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Bonghwan Jin
- Department of Bioscience
and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics
Center, Institute of KU Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Yangmee Kim
- Department of Bioscience
and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics
Center, Institute of KU Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kim AR, Lim JY, Jeong DC, Park G, Lee BC, Min CK. Blockade of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Aggravates the Severity of Acute Graft-versus-host Disease (GVHD) after Experimental Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT). Immune Netw 2011; 11:368-75. [PMID: 22346777 PMCID: PMC3275706 DOI: 10.4110/in.2011.11.6.368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent clinical observation reported that there was a significant correlation between change in circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and the occurrence of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), but the action mechanisms of VEGF in GVHD have not been demonstrated. METHODS This study investigated whether or not blockade of VEGF has an effect on acute GVHD in a lethally irradiated murine allo-HSCT model of B6 (H-2(b))→B6D2F1 (H-2(b/d)). Syngeneic or allogeneic recipient mice were injected subcutaneously with anti-VEGF peptides, dRK6 (50 µg/dose) or control diluent every other day for 2 weeks (total 7 doses). RESULTS Administration of the dRK6 peptide after allo-HSCT significantly reduced survival with greaterclinical GVHD scores and body weight loss. Allogeneic recipients injected with the dRK6 peptide exhibited significantly increased circulating levels of VEGF and expansion of donor CD3(+) T cells on day +7 compared to control treated animals. The donor CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell subsets have differential expansion caused by the dRK6 injection. The circulating VEGF levels were reduced on day +14 regardless of blockade of VEGF. CONCLUSION Together these findings demonstrate that the allo-reactive responses after allo-HSCT are exaggerated by the blockade of VEGF. VEGF seems to be consumed during the progression of acute GVHD in this murine allo-HSCT model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ran Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Song KS, Li G, Kim JS, Jing K, Kim TD, Kim JP, Seo SB, Yoo JK, Park HD, Hwang BD, Lim K, Yoon WH. Protein-bound polysaccharide from Phellinus linteus inhibits tumor growth, invasion, and angiogenesis and alters Wnt/β-catenin in SW480 human colon cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2011; 11:307. [PMID: 21781302 PMCID: PMC3154178 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polysaccharides extracted from the Phellinus linteus (PL) mushroom are known to possess anti-tumor effects. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-tumor properties of PL remain to be explored. Experiments were carried out to unravel the anticancer effects of PL. METHODS The anti-cancer effects of PL were examined in SW480 colon cancer cells by evaluating cell proliferation, invasion and matrix metallo-proteinase (MMP) activity. The anti-angiogenic effects of PL were examined by assessing human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and capillary tube formation. The in vivo effect of PL was evaluated in an athymic nude mouse SW480 tumor engraft model. RESULTS PL (125-1000 μg/mL) significantly inhibited cell proliferation and decreased β-catenin expression in SW480 cells. Expression of cyclin D1, one of the downstream-regulated genes of β-catenin, and T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer binding factor (TCF/LEF) transcription activity were also significantly reduced by PL treatment. PL inhibited in vitro invasion and motility as well as the activity of MMP-9. In addition, PL treatment inhibited HUVEC proliferation and capillary tube formation. Tumor growth of SW480 cells implanted into nude mice was significantly decreased as a consequence of PL treatment, and tumor tissues from treated animals showed an increase in the apoptotic index and a decrease in β-catenin expression. Moreover, the proliferation index and microvessel density were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that PL suppresses tumor growth, invasion, and angiogenesis through the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in certain colon cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Sub Song
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Joong-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
| | - Ge Li
- Department of General Surgery, Yanbian University Hospital, Jilin 133000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jong-Seok Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Joong-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
| | - Kaipeng Jing
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Joong-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
| | - Tae-Dong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Joong-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
| | - Jin-Pyo Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
| | - Seung-Bo Seo
- Ja Kwang Research Institute, Hankook Sin Yak Pharmaceutical Company, Nonsan 320-854, Korea
| | - Jae-Kuk Yoo
- Ja Kwang Research Institute, Hankook Sin Yak Pharmaceutical Company, Nonsan 320-854, Korea
| | | | - Byung-Doo Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Joong-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
| | - Kyu Lim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Joong-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Chungnam National University, Joong-Ku, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
- Infection Signaling Network Research Center, Chungnam National University, Joong-Ku, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
| | - Wan-Hee Yoon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Joong-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kong JS, Yoo SA, Kang JH, Ko W, Jeon S, Chae CB, Cho CS, Kim WU. Suppression of neovascularization and experimental arthritis by D-form of anti-flt-1 peptide conjugated with mini-PEG™. Angiogenesis 2011; 14:431-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s10456-011-9226-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
19
|
Jeong KW, Lee JY, Lee SA, Yang SP, Ko H, Kang DI, Chae CB, Kim Y. Dynamics of a Heparin-Binding Domain of VEGF165 Complexed with Its Inhibitor Triamterene. Biochemistry 2011; 50:4843-54. [DOI: 10.1021/bi2000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Woong Jeong
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Jee-Young Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Sung-Ah Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Seung-Pil Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Hyunsook Ko
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Dong-Il Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Chi-Bom Chae
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Yangmee Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tseng FJ, Liu YK, Chung YS, Lin YL, Chen CH, Wang WY, Chen YC, Tsai NM, Cheng TL, Pan RY, Hu TM, Lee RP, Liao KW. A fusion protein composed of receptor binding domain of vascular endothelial growth factor-A and constant region fragment of antibody: angiogenesis antagonistic activity. Cytotechnology 2011; 63:285-93. [PMID: 21461946 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-011-9340-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the growth of solid tumor mainly via VEGF receptor-1 and receptor-2, which are expressed preferentially in proliferating endothelial cells. Therefore, a strategy for simultaneous blockage of both VEGF receptors may have a useful therapeutic effect in tumor growth. In this study, we utilized a fusion protein which is composed of receptor binding domain of VEGF-A (RBDV) and the constant region fragment (Fc) of a human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), to interfere with the growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via VEGF receptors. The results showed that RBDV-IgG1 Fc was able to bind with both VEGF receptor-1 and receptor-2. In addition, RBDV-IgG1 Fc could decrease VEGF-induced proliferation and tube formation among HUVECs. Moreover, the cytotoxic test showed RBDV-IgG1 Fc could also enhance the cytotoxic activity of human natural killing cells. The data are suggesting that the fusion protein, RBDV-IgG1 Fc, may have potential as an angiogenesis antagonist for future tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Jen Tseng
- Department of Orthopedics, Hualien Armed Forces Hospital, Hualien, 97144, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Oh EJ, Choi JS, Kim H, Joo CK, Hahn SK. Anti-Flt1 peptide - hyaluronate conjugate for the treatment of retinal neovascularization and diabetic retinopathy. Biomaterials 2011; 32:3115-23. [PMID: 21277020 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapeutics has been investigated extensively for the treatment of retinal and choroidal vascular diseases, and diabetic retinopathy. Anti-Flt1 peptide of GNQWFI is an antagonistic peptide for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1 or Flt1) inhibiting VEGFR1-mediated endothelial cell migration and tube formation. In this work, anti-Flt1 peptide (GGNQWFI) was chemically conjugated to tetra-n-butyl ammonium modified hyaluronate (HA-TBA) via amide bond formation in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) using benzotriazol-1-yloxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP). The resulting HA - GGNQWFI conjugate self-assembled to form micelle-like nanoparticles in aqueous solution, as confirmed and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to in vitro biological activity tests, HA - GGNQWFI conjugate exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition effect on the binding of Flt1-Fc to VEGF(165) coated on the well. Furthermore, anti-Flt1 peptide - HA conjugate effectively inhibited retinal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in laser induced CNV model rats. The retinal vascular permeability and the deformation of retinal vascular structure were also significantly reduced in diabetic retinopathy model rats after treatment with anti-Flt1 peptide - HA conjugate. Pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed the increased mean residence time of anti-Flt1 peptide after conjugation to HA longer than 2 weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ju Oh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyungbuk 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kim JW, Kim TD, Hong BS, Kim OY, Yoon WH, Chae CB, Gho YS. A serum-stable branched dimeric anti-VEGF peptide blocks tumor growth via anti-angiogenic activity. Exp Mol Med 2010; 42:514-23. [PMID: 20543548 DOI: 10.3858/emm.2010.42.7.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is critical and indispensable for tumor progression. Since VEGF is known to play a central role in angiogenesis, the disruption of VEGF-VEGF receptor system is a promising target for anti-cancer therapy. Previously, we reported that a hexapeptide (RRKRRR, RK6) blocked the growth and metastasis of tumor by inhibiting VEGF binding to its receptors. In addition, dRK6, the D-form derivative of RK6, retained its biological activity with improved serum stability. In the present study, we developed a serum-stable branched dimeric peptide (MAP2-dRK6) with enhanced anti-VEGF and anti-tumor activity. MAP2-dRK6 is more effective than dRK6 in many respects: inhibition of VEGF binding to its receptors, VEGF- and tumor conditioned medium-induced proliferation and ERK signaling of endothelial cells, and VEGF-induced migration and tube formation of endothelial cells. Moreover, MAP2-dRK6 blocks in vivo growth of VEGF-secreting colorectal cancer cells by the suppression of angiogenesis and the subsequent induction of tumor cell apoptosis. Our observations suggest that MAP2-dRK6 can be a prospective therapeutic molecule or lead compound for the development of drugs for various VEGF-related angiogenic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Wook Kim
- Department of Life Science, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kim HW, Lim JH, Kim MY, Chung S, Shin SJ, Chung HW, Choi BS, Kim YS, Chang YS, Park CW. Long-term blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 aggravates the diabetic renal dysfunction associated with inactivation of the Akt/eNOS-NO axis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2010; 26:1173-88. [PMID: 20935017 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfq610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by abnormal angiogenesis, and this is driven by several factors, including hyperglycaemia and ischaemia. We investigated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) blockade and its effects on diabetic nephropathy. METHODS Male db/db and db/m mice received long-term treatment with dRK6, an arginine-rich anti-VEGF hexapeptide, for 12 weeks or short-term treatment for only the first 4 weeks, starting from 8 weeks of age. RESULTS The urinary albuminuria and VEGF excretion varied according to the duration of diabetes, and the urinary VEGF levels were strongly correlated with the levels of albuminuria. Diabetes increased the VEGFR-2 expression in the kidneys. At the end of the 12-week study, compared with the db/db control mice, the db/db mice with long-term dRK6 treatment, which selectively inhibited VEGFR-2, had more albuminuria, related to weak nephrin signalling and advanced renal phenotypes, which were associated with hypoxia-oxidative stress, and an increased number of apoptotic endothelial cells. Interestingly, these changes were related to a decrease in phospho-Akt/eNOS-NO bioavailability. On the in vitro study, dRK6 increased the number of apoptotic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in the high glucose media by blocking phospho-Akt/eNOS-NO signalling, and this was related to the increased oxidative stress. The short-term inhibition of VEGFR-2 neither improved the albuminuria nor the renal phenotype induced by diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Long-term selective blockade of VEGFR-2 by dRK6 had deleterious renal effects, and this was associated with downregulation of the Akt/eNOS-NO axis in db/db mice. Short-term VEGFR-2 blockade did not improve the renal phenotypes and the albuminuria. These findings suggest that VEGF-A-VEGFR-2 inhibition, regardless of how long it may be, does not ameliorate diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Wook Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul and Division of Nephrology, St. Vincent Hospital, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Whee Park C, Wook Kim H, Hee Lim J, Dong Yoo K, Chung S, Joon Shin S, Wha Chung H, Ju Lee S, Chae CB, Kim YS, Sik Chang Y. Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition by dRK6 causes endothelial apoptosis, fibrosis, and inflammation in the heart via the Akt/eNOS axis in db/db mice. Diabetes 2009; 58:2666-76. [PMID: 19675133 PMCID: PMC2768173 DOI: 10.2337/db09-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is associated with the stimulation of angiogenesis and collateral vessel synthase, is one of the crucial factors involved in cardiac remodeling in type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We investigated VEGF inhibition by dRK6 on the heart in an animal model of type 2 diabetes. Male db/db and db/m mice either were treated with dRK6 starting at 7 weeks of age for 12 weeks (db/db-dRK6 and db/m-dRK6) or were untreated. RESULTS Cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy were noted by echocardiogram and molecular markers in the db/db-dRK6 mice. The presence of diabetes significantly suppressed the expression of VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1 and VEGFR-2, phospho-Akt, and phospho-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the heart. In db/db-dRK6 mice, dRK6 completely inhibited VEGFR-2, phospho-Akt, and phospho-eNOS expression, whereas no effect on VEGFR-1 was observed. Cardiac fibrosis, microvascular scarcity associated with an increase in apoptotic endothelial cells, and inflammation were prominent, as well as increase in antiangiogenic growth factors. Cardiac 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanine and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha expression were significantly increased. No such changes were found in the other groups, including the db/m-dRK6 mice. The number of apoptotic human umbilical vein endothelial cells was increased by dRK6 in a dose-dependent manner only at high glucose concentrations, and this was associated with a decrease in phospho-Akt and phospho-eNOS related to oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that systemic blockade of VEGF by dRK6 had deleterious effects on the heart in an animal model of type 2 diabetes; dRK6 induced downregulation of the VEGFR-2 and Akt-eNOS axis and enhancement of oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheol Whee Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung Wook Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hee Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Dong Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungjin Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Joon Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Wha Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Ju Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chi-Bom Chae
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Sik Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Corresponding author: Yoon Sik Chang,
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Oh EJ, Park K, Choi JS, Joo CK, Hahn SK. Synthesis, characterization, and preliminary assessment of anti-Flt1 peptide–hyaluronate conjugate for the treatment of corneal neovascularization. Biomaterials 2009; 30:6026-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
26
|
Kim HA, Mahato RI, Lee M. Hypoxia-specific gene expression for ischemic disease gene therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2009; 61:614-22. [PMID: 19394379 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2008] [Accepted: 04/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy for ischemic diseases has been developed with various growth factors and anti-apoptotic genes. However, non-specific expression of therapeutic genes may induce deleterious side effects such as tumor formation. Hypoxia-specific regulatory systems can be used to regulate transgene expression in hypoxic tissues, in which gene expression is induced in ischemic tissues, but reduced in normal tissues by transcriptional, translational or post-translational regulation. Since hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) activates transcription of genes in hypoxic tissues, it can play an important role in the prevention of myocardial and cerebral ischemia. Hypoxia-specific promoters including HIF-1 binding sites have been used for transcriptional regulation of therapeutic genes. Also, hypoxia-specific untranslated regions (UTRs) and oxygen dependent degradation (ODD) domains have been investigated for translational and post-translational regulations, respectively. Hypoxia-specific gene expression systems have been applied to various ischemic disease models, including ischemic myocardium, stroke, and injured spinal cord. This review examines the current status and future challenges of hypoxia-specific systems for safe and effective gene therapy of ischemic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ah Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gunasekera S, Foley FM, Clark RJ, Sando L, Fabri LJ, Craik DJ, Daly NL. Engineering stabilized vascular endothelial growth factor-A antagonists: synthesis, structural characterization, and bioactivity of grafted analogues of cyclotides. J Med Chem 2009; 51:7697-704. [PMID: 19053834 DOI: 10.1021/jm800704e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant derived mini-proteins with compact folded structures and exceptional stability. Their stability derives from a head-to-tail cyclized backbone coupled with a cystine knot arrangement of three-conserved disulfide bonds. Taking advantage of this stable framework we developed novel VEGF-A antagonists by grafting a peptide epitope involved in VEGF-A antagonism onto the stable cyclotide framework. Antagonists of this kind have potential therapeutic applications in diseases where angiogenesis is an important component of disease progression, including cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. A grafted analogue showed biological activity in an in vitro VEGF-A antagonism assay at low micromolar concentration and the in vitro stability of the target epitope was markedly increased using this approach. In general, the stabilization of bioactive peptide epitopes is a significant problem in medicinal chemistry and in the current study we have provided insight into one approach to stabilize these peptides in a biological environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunithi Gunasekera
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Katritzky AR, Meher G, Narindoshvili T. Efficient Synthesis of Peptides by Extension at the N- and C-Terminii of Arginine. J Org Chem 2008; 73:7153-8. [DOI: 10.1021/jo800805w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan R. Katritzky
- Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200
| | - Geeta Meher
- Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200
| | - Tamari Narindoshvili
- Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kim JS, Lee YC, Nam HT, Li G, Yun EJ, Song KS, Seo KS, Park JH, Ahn JW, Zee O, Park JI, Yoon WH, Lim K, Hwang BD. Apicularen A induces cell death through Fas ligand up-regulation and microtubule disruption by tubulin down-regulation in HM7 human colon cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 13:6509-17. [PMID: 17975164 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Apicularen A has been shown to cause growth inhibition and apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. However, the mechanisms of apicularen A-induced cell death and in vivo effects remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of apicularen A-induced cell death in HM7 human colon cancer cells in vitro and anticancer activity in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We tested cytotoxicity with a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, apoptosis with DNA fragmentation assay, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell cycle with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Caspase activation was done by fluorometry. Alterations of microtubule structure, tubulin protein, and mRNA level were assessed by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and reverse transcription-PCR. In vivo studies were assessed using nude mice tumor cell growth in xenograft model and liver colonization assay. RESULTS Apicularen A treatment of HM7 cells inhibited cell growth and this inhibition was partially rescued by z-VAD-fmk. Apicularen A caused accumulation of sub-G(1)-G(0), DNA fragmentation, Fas ligand induction, and activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3, but mitochondrial membrane potential was not changed. Furthermore, beta-tubulin protein and mRNA were decreased by apicularen A, but in vitro polymerization of tubulin was not affected. Concurrently, apicularen A-treated cell showed disruption of microtubule architecture. In in vivo studies, apicularen A reduced tumor volume by approximately 72% at the end of a 15-day treatment. Moreover, apicularen A reduced liver colonization as much as 95.6% (50 microg/kg/d). CONCLUSION Apicularen A induces cell death of HM7 cells through up-regulating Fas ligand and disruption of microtubule architecture with down-regulation of tubulin level. These findings indicate that apicularen A is a promising new microtubule-targeting compound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Seok Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abdelrahim M, Baker CH, Abbruzzese JL, Sheikh-Hamad D, Liu S, Cho SD, Yoon K, Safe S. Regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 expression by specificity proteins 1, 3, and 4 in pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Res 2007; 67:3286-94. [PMID: 17409437 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-3831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR1) is expressed in cancer cell lines and tumors and, in pancreatic and colon cancer cells, activation of VEGFR1 is linked to increased tumor migration and invasiveness. Tolfenamic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, decreases Sp protein expression in Panc-1 and L3.6pl pancreatic cancer cells, and this was accompanied by decreased VEGFR1 protein and mRNA and decreased luciferase activity on cells transfected with constructs (pVEGFR1) containing VEGFR1 promoter inserts. Comparable results were obtained in pancreatic cancer cells transfected with small inhibitory RNAs for Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 and all three proteins bound to GC-rich elements in the VEGFR1 promoter. These results show that VEGFR1 is regulated by Sp proteins and that treatment with tolfenamic acid decreases expression of this critical angiogenic factor. Moreover, in vitro studies in Panc-1 cells show that activation of VEGFR1 by VEGFB to increase mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 phosphorylation and cell migration on collagen-coated plates is also inhibited by tolfenamic acid. Thus, targeted degradation of Sp proteins is highly effective for inhibiting VEGFR1 and associated angiogenic responses in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maen Abdelrahim
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lee JM, Moon KW, Yoo KD, Her SH, Yoon HJ, Jin SW, Jeon DS, Youn HJ, Chung WS, Seung KB, Kim CM, Kim JH, Choi KB, Hong SJ. Inhibition of Neointima Formation by Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Receptor-1 Peptides in a Balloon-Injured Rat Carotid Artery. Korean Circ J 2007. [DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2007.37.10.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Min Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keon-Woong Moon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki-Dong Yoo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Her
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee-Jeoung Yoon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Won Jin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Doo-Soo Jeon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho-Joong Youn
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wook-Sung Chung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki-Bae Seung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Min Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu-Bo Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon-Jo Hong
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Min CK, Kim SY, Lee MJ, Eom KS, Kim YJ, Kim HJ, Lee S, Cho SG, Kim DW, Lee JW, Min WS, Kim CC, Cho CS. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with reduced severity of acute graft-versus-host disease and nonrelapse mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2006; 38:149-56. [PMID: 16751784 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated whether or not there is a correlation between the changes in the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Eighty-five patients undergoing allo-SCT were prospectively studied. The serum VEGF levels were measured on days 0, +7 and +14 after transplantation. The VEGF levels decreased significantly on day +7 and recovered on day +14. The highest levels from day +7 through day +14 were categorized by cluster analysis, which were then correlated with the nonrelapse mortality (NRM). There was a significant correlation between a low VEGF level and the occurrence of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) including grade III-IV (P=0.029). The 1-year probability of NRM in patients with a low VEGF level was 22.5% compared with 3.5% for those with a high VEGF level (P=0.024). Multivariate analysis revealed clinically defined infections (P=0.011), advanced disease (P=0.014) and a low VEGF cluster (P=0.05) to be significantly associated with the occurrence of NRM in the cohort. In conclusion, low VEGF levels after allo-SCT are associated with NRM with an exacerbated severity of acute GVHD. VEGF monitoring after a transplant might identify those patients at risk of severe transplant-related mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C-K Min
- Catholic Hemopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lee SJ, Lee HK. Sanguiin H-6 blocks endothelial cell growth through inhibition of VEGF binding to VEGF receptor. Arch Pharm Res 2006; 28:1270-4. [PMID: 16350854 DOI: 10.1007/bf02978211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in angiogenesis, which is a process where new blood vessels develop from the endothelium of a pre-existing vasculature. VEGF exerts its activity by binding to its receptor tyrosine kinase, KDR/Flk-1, which is expressed on the surface of endothelial cells. A methanol extract and organic solvent (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, aqueous) fractions from Rubus coreanus were examined for their inhibitory effects on VEGF binding to the VEGF receptor. The methanol extract from the crude drug were found to significantly inhibit VEGF binding to the VEGF receptor (IC50 approximately = 27 microg/mL). Among the fractions examined, the aqueous fraction from the medicinal plant showed potent inhibitory effects against the binding of KDR/Flk-1-Fc to immobilized VEGF165 in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 approximately = 11 microg/mL). Sanguiin H-6 was isolated as an active principle from the aqueous fraction, and inhibited the binding of KDR/Flk-1-Fc to immobilized VEGF165 in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 approximately = 0.3 microg/mL). In addition, sanguiin H-6 efficiently blocked the VEGF-induced HUVEC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 approximately = 7.4 microg/mL) but had no effect on the growth of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. This suggests that sanguiin H-6 might be a potential anti-angiogenic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Jin Lee
- Gyeonggi Regional Research Center, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Gyeonggi 456-749, Korea.
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Angiogenesis refers to the process of remodeling the vascular tissue characterized by the branching out of a new blood vessel from a pre-existing vessel. Angiogenesis is particularly active during embryogenesis, while during adult life it is quiescent and limited to particular physiologic phenomena. Recently, the study of molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis has stirred renewed interest due to the recognition of the role played by angiogenesis in several pathologies of significant medical impact, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, and due to the pharmacologic interest rising from the possibility of modulating these phenomena. Antibodies, peptides and small molecules targeting active endothelial cells represent an innovative tool in therapeutic and diagnostic fields. In this study, we reviewed the literature of peptide and peptidomimetics in angiogenesis and their potential applications. Two specific protein systems, namely the vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor and integrins, will be discussed in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Domenico D'Andrea
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR and Department of Biological Sciences, CIRPEB, University of Napoli Federico II, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yoo SA, Bae DG, Ryoo JW, Kim HR, Park GS, Cho CS, Chae CB, Kim WU. Arginine-rich anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) hexapeptide inhibits collagen-induced arthritis and VEGF-stimulated productions of TNF-alpha and IL-6 by human monocytes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:5846-55. [PMID: 15843589 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.9.5846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We previously identified a novel RRKRRR hexapeptide that blocked the interaction between VEGF and its receptor through the screening of peptide libraries. In this study, we investigated whether anti-VEGF peptide RRKRRR (dRK6) could suppress collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and regulate the activation of mononuclear cells of RA patients. A s.c. injection of dRK6 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the severity and incidence of CIA and suppressed synovial infiltration of inflammatory cells in DBA/1 mice. In these mice, the T cell responses to type II collagen (CII) in lymph node cells and circulating IgG Abs to CII were also dose-dependently inhibited by the peptides. In addition, VEGF directly increased the production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 from human PBMC. Synovial fluid mononuclear cells of RA patients showed a greater response to VEGF stimulation than the PBMC of healthy controls. The major cell types responding to VEGF were monocytes. Moreover, anti-VEGF dRK6 inhibited the VEGF-induced production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 from synovial fluid mononuclear cells of RA patients and decreased serum IL-6 levels in CIA mice. In summary, we observed first that dRK6 suppressed the ongoing paw inflammation in mice and blocked the VEGF-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines. These data suggest that dRK6 may be an effective strategy in the treatment of RA, and could be applied to modulate various chronic VEGF-dependent inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Ah Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yang SP, Kwon BO, Gho YS, Chae CB. Specific interaction of VEGF165 with beta-amyloid, and its protective effect on beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity. J Neurochem 2005; 93:118-27. [PMID: 15773911 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2004.02993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
beta-amyloid (Abeta) is a major component of senile plaques that is commonly found in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient. In the previous report, we showed that an important angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) interacts with Abeta and is accumulated in the senile plaques of AD patients' brains. Here we show that Abeta interacts with VEGF(165) isoform, but not with VEGF(121). Abeta binds to the heparin-binding domain (HBD) of VEGF(165) with similar affinity as that of intact VEGF(165). Abeta binds mostly to the C-terminal subdomain of HBD, but with greatly reduced affinity than HBD. Therefore, the full length of HBD appears to be required for maximal binding of Abeta. Although Abeta binds to heparin-binding sequence of VEGF, it does not bind to other heparin-binding growth factors except midkine. Thus it seems that Abeta recognizes unique structural features of VEGF HBD. VEGF(165) prevents aggregation of Abeta through its HBD. We localized the core VEGF binding site of Abeta at around 26-35 region of the peptide. VEGF(165) and HBD protect PC12 cells from the Abeta-induced cytotoxicity. The mechanism of protection appears to be inhibition of both Abeta-induced formation of reactive oxygen species and Abeta aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Pil Yang
- Department of Life Science, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, and Postech Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yoon WH, Jung YJ, Kim TD, Li G, Park BJ, Kim JY, Lee YC, Kim JM, Park JI, Park HD, No ZS, Lim K, Hwang BD, Kim YS. Gabexate mesilate inhibits colon cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis by reducing matrix metalloproteinases and angiogenesis. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 10:4517-26. [PMID: 15240544 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-04-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Gabexate mesilate (GM), a synthetic protease inhibitor, has an antiproteinase activity on various types of plasma serine proteases. However, its role on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has not been identified. In this study, we investigated the effect of GM on MMPs and on the invasion and metastasis of human colon cancer cell lines and neoangiogenesis. The activities of MMPs secreted from these cells were significantly reduced by GM but unaffected by the serine protease inhibitor aprotinin. GM directly inhibited purified progelatinase A derived from T98G human glioblastoma cells. In vitro, GM significantly reduced the invasive ability of colon cancer cells but not cellular motility, whereas aprotinin affected neither. Liver metastatic ability and tumorigenic potential in nude mice were remarkably reduced on treatment with GM. Immunohistochemical analysis of GM-treated tumors in mice showed a marked increase in apoptosis and a significant reduction in tumor angiogenesis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation, tube formation, and neoangiogenesis in the rabbit cornea and Matrigel implanted in mice were significantly inhibited by GM. These results suggest that GM is a novel inhibitor of MMPs and that it may inhibit the invasion and metastasis of human colon cancer cells by blocking MMPs and neoangiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Hee Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejon, Korea.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Doñate F, Juarez JC, Guan X, Shipulina NV, Plunkett ML, Tel-Tsur Z, Shaw DE, Morgan WT, Mazar AP. Peptides derived from the histidine-proline domain of the histidine-proline-rich glycoprotein bind to tropomyosin and have antiangiogenic and antitumor activities. Cancer Res 2004; 64:5812-7. [PMID: 15313924 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-04-0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The antiangiogenic activity of the multidomain plasma protein histidine-proline-rich glycoprotein (HPRG) is localized to its histidine-proline-rich (H/P) domain and has recently been shown to be mediated, at least partially, through binding to cell-surface tropomyosin in fibroblast growth factor-2-activated endothelial cells (X. Guan et al., Thromb Haemost, in press). HPRG and its H/P domain, but not the other domains of HPRG, bind specifically and with high affinity to tropomyosin. In this study, we characterize the interaction of the H/P domain with tropomyosin and delineate the region within the H/P domain responsible for that interaction. The H/P domain of HPRG consists mostly of repetitions of the consensus sequence [H/P][H/P]PHG. Applying an in vitro tropomyosin binding assay, we demonstrate that the synthetic peptide HHPHG binds to tropomyosin in vitro and inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo. The affinity for tropomyosin increases exponentially upon multimerization of the HHPHG sequence, with a concurrent increase in antiangiogenic activity. Specifically, the tetramer (HHPHG)4 has significant antiangiogenic activity in the Matrigel plug model (IC50 approximately 600 nm) and antitumor effects in two syngeneic mouse tumor models. Thus, we show that a 16-mer peptide analogue mimics the antiangiogenic activity of intact HPRG and is also able to inhibit tumor growth, suggesting that cell surface tropomyosin may represent a novel antiangiogenic target for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
|
39
|
Yang SP, Bae DG, Kang HJ, Gwag BJ, Gho YS, Chae CB. Co-accumulation of vascular endothelial growth factor with beta-amyloid in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2004; 25:283-90. [PMID: 15123332 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-4580(03)00111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2003] [Accepted: 05/07/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is accompanied by the progressive deposition of beta-amyloid (Abeta) in both senile plaques and cerebral blood vessels, loss of central neurons, and vessel damage. Cerebral hypoperfusion is one of the major clinical features in AD and likely plays a critical role in its pathogenesis. In addition to its major roles in angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. VEGF is an ischemia-inducible factor and increased expression of VEGF often occurs in AD. Although the presence of VEGF immunoreactivity in the AD brain has been described previously, the direct interaction of VEGF with Abeta has not been established. Here, we show that VEGF is co-localized with Abeta plaques in the brains of patients with AD. In vitro experiments show that VEGF binds to Abeta with high affinity (K(D) approximate to 50 pM). VEGF is co-aggregated with Abeta without any apparent effect on the rate of aggregation, strongly binds to pre-aggregated Abeta, and is very slowly released from the co-aggregated complex. Continuous deposition of VEGF in the amyloid plaques most likely results in deficiency of available VEGF under hypoperfusion and, thus, may contribute to neurodegeneration and vascular dysfunction in the progression of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Pil Yang
- Department of Life Science, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, and Postech Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 790-784, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
To establish efficient and reliable therapeutic delivery into cancer cells, a number of delivery agents and concepts have been investigated in the recent years. Among many improvements in targeted and controlled delivery of therapeutics, cell-targeting peptides have emerged as the most valuable non-immunogenic approach to target cancer cells. Peptides can be incorporated into multicomponent gene-delivery complexes for cell-specific targeting. In contrast to larger molecules such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides have an excellent tumor penetration, which make them ideal carriers of therapeutics to the site of primary tumor and the distant metastatic sites. Here we give an update on the progress made during the last two years on the identification and potential of specific synthetic tumor targeting peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Shadidi
- Department of Immunology, Molecular Medicine Group, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Institute for Cancer Research, Montebello, N0310 Oslo, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ueda Y, Yamagishi T, Samata K, Ikeya H, Hirayama N, Okazaki T, Nishihara S, Arai K, Yamaguchi S, Shibuya M, Nakaike S, Tanaka M. A novel low molecular weight VEGF receptor-binding antagonist, VGA1102, inhibits the function of VEGF and in vivo tumor growth. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2004; 54:16-24. [PMID: 15064856 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-004-0763-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2003] [Accepted: 12/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the processes of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis appears to be essential for the growth of solid tumors and their metastasis. VEGF plays a principal role in tumor angiogenesis. To identify a compound that inhibits the binding of VEGF to its receptor, we used a high-throughput screening method and found that oxydibenzoic acid derivatives inhibited VEGF binding to its receptors. Among the active compounds, 5-[3-[4-(octadecyloxy)phenyl]propionylamino]-2,4'-oxydibenzoic acid (VGA1102) was selected based on its potent binding inhibitory activity. VGA1102 inhibited [(125)I]VEGF binding to both of two VEGF receptor-transfected cell lines, NIH-Flt-1 and NIH-KDR/Flk-1, in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC(50) values of 0.66+/-0.07 and 0.61+/-0.16 micro M, respectively. VGA1102 (10 micro M) exhibited inhibitory activity against VEGF-induced receptor autophosphorylation. VGA1102 also inhibited VEGF-induced growth of rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (IC(50)=0.89+/-0.16 micro M) as well as VEGF-induced tube formation of HUVEC in vitro. VGA1102 reduced intradermal VEGF-induced vascular permeability in guinea pigs. Treatment with VGA1102 (50 mg/kg, i.p., days 0-20) significantly increased the lifespan of MM2-bearing mice with an increase in lifespan of >195.8%, and all such mice were long-term survivors on day 71. Furthermore, VGA1102 (50 mg/kg, i.p.) administered daily suppressed the growth of nude mice transplanted with LC-6 human non-small-cell lung cancer. These results suggest that VGA1102 inhibits VEGF function resulting in inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, which led to suppression of growth of human tumors transplanted into nude mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuji Ueda
- Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, 331-9530 Saitama, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Stoner M, Wormke M, Saville B, Samudio I, Qin C, Abdelrahim M, Safe S. Estrogen regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression in ZR-75 breast cancer cells through interaction of estrogen receptor alpha and SP proteins. Oncogene 2004; 23:1052-63. [PMID: 14647449 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1207201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is expressed in multiple hormone-dependent cancer cells/tumors. Treatment of ZR-75 breast cancer cells with 17beta-estradiol (E2) induced a greater than fourfold increase of VEGF mRNA levels. ZR-75 breast cancer cells were transfected with pVEGF1, a construct containing a -2018 to +50 VEGF promoter insert, and E2 induced reporter gene (luciferase) activity. Deletion and mutation analysis of the VEGF gene promoter identified a GC-rich region (-66 to -47) which was required for E2-induced transactivation of pVEGF5, a construct containing the minimal promoter (-66 to +54) that exhibited E2-responsiveness. Interactions of nuclear proteins from ZR-75 cells with the proximal GC-rich region of the VEGF gene promoter were investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The results demonstrate that both Sp1 and Sp3 proteins bound the GC-rich motif (-66 to -47), and estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) interactions were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Moreover, E2-dependent activation of constructs containing proximal and distal GC/GT-rich regions of the VEGF promoter was inhibited in ZR-75 cells transfected with small inhibitory RNAs for Sp1 and Sp3. These results were consistent with a mechanism of hormone activation of VEGF through ERalpha/Sp1 and ERalpha/Sp3 interactions with GC-rich motifs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Stoner
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chen Y, Mohanraj VJ, Parkin JE. Chitosan-dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles for Delivery of an Anti-angiogenesis Peptide. Int J Pept Res Ther 2003. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-004-2433-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
44
|
|
45
|
Zilberberg L, Shinkaruk S, Lequin O, Rousseau B, Hagedorn M, Costa F, Caronzolo D, Balke M, Canron X, Convert O, Laïn G, Gionnet K, Goncalvès M, Bayle M, Bello L, Chassaing G, Deleris G, Bikfalvi A. Structure and inhibitory effects on angiogenesis and tumor development of a new vascular endothelial growth inhibitor. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:35564-73. [PMID: 12837752 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m304435200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Blocking angiogenesis is an attractive strategy to inhibit tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. We describe here the structure and the biological action of a new cyclic peptide derived from vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This 17-amino acid molecule designated cyclopeptidic vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (cyclo-VEGI, CBO-P11) encompasses residues 79-93 of VEGF which are involved in the interaction with VEGF receptor-2. In aqueous solution, cyclo-VEGI presents a propensity to adopt a helix conformation that was largely unexpected because only beta-sheet structures or random coil conformations have been observed for macrocyclic peptides. Cyclo-VEGI inhibits binding of iodinated VEGF165 to endothelial cells, endothelial cells proliferation, migration, and signaling induced by VEGF165. This peptide also exhibits anti-angiogenic activity in vivo on the differentiated chicken chorioallantoic membrane. Furthermore, cyclo-VEGI significantly blocks the growth of established intracranial glioma in nude and syngeneic mice and improves survival without side effects. Taken together, these results suggest that cyclo-VEGI is an attractive candidate for the development of novel angiogenesis inhibitor molecules useful for the treatment of cancer and other angiogenesis-related diseases.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Allantois/drug effects
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/chemistry
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Capillaries
- Cattle
- Cell Division/drug effects
- Chick Embryo
- Chorion/drug effects
- Endothelial Growth Factors/chemistry
- Endothelial Growth Factors/pharmacology
- Endothelial Growth Factors/therapeutic use
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiology
- Glioma/blood supply
- Glioma/drug therapy
- Humans
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/chemistry
- Lymphokines/chemistry
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1/metabolism
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neovascularization, Physiologic/drug effects
- Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry
- Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology
- Peptides, Cyclic/therapeutic use
- Phosphorylation
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/drug effects
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/physiology
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/drug effects
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/physiology
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lior Zilberberg
- Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory, INSERM E 0113, Université de Bordeaux 1, 33405 Talence, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chitosan-dextran sulfate nanoparticles for delivery of an anti-angiogenesis peptide. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02442596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
47
|
Abstract
This review is an attempt to illustrate the diversity of peptides reported for a potential or an established use in cancer therapy. With 612 references, this work aims at covering the patents and publications up to year 2000 with many inroads in years 2001-2002. The peptides are classed according to four categories of effective (or plausible) biological mechanisms of action: receptor-interacting compounds; inhibitors of protein-protein interaction; enzymes inhibitors; nucleic acid-interacting compounds. The fifth group is made of the peptides for which no mechanism of action has been found yet. Incidentally this work provides an overview of many of the modern targets of anticancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y L Janin
- UMR 176 CNRS-Intitut Curie, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Antitumor monoclonal antibodies have shown clinical promise as cancer cell surface targeting agents. More tumor targeting antibodies are likely to be approved by the FDA in the next few years. However, there are two major limitations in antibody-targeted therapy: large size and nonspecific uptake of the antibody molecules by the liver and the reticuloendothelial system. These result in poor tumor penetration of antibody pharmaceuticals and dose-limiting toxicity to the liver and bone marrow. Peptides are excellent alternative targeting agents for human cancers, and they may alleviate some of the problems with antibody targeting. In the last decade, several investigators have successfully used combinatorial library methods to discover cell surface binding peptides that may be useful for cancer targeting. The phage-display library technique and the "one-bead one-compound" combinatorial library method are the two approaches that have been used. Cancer cell surface receptors or endothelial cell surface receptors of the neovasculature are the two popular therapeutic targets for cancer. Results from preclinical studies with some peptides are encouraging in their targeting potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olulanu H Aina
- Univeristy of California Davis Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, and Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, 4501 X Street, Sacramento 95817, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Baritaki S, Zafiropoulos A, Sioumpara M, Politis M, Spandidos DA, Krambovitis E. Ionic interaction of the HIV-1 V3 domain with CCR5 and deregulation of T lymphocyte function. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 298:574-80. [PMID: 12408990 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)02511-1] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have reported that the principal neutralizing domain of V3 of the HIV-1 gp120 induces an antigen-specific activation apoptosis of responding effector CD4+ T lymphocytes, a phenomenon inhibited by RANTES, an agonist of CCR5. Here, addressing the question of how a hypervariable region could induce such a selective reaction, we demonstrated that the magnitude of the activation phase was dependent on the number of basic amino acids present in the V3 peptide, an observation confirmed by using V3 peptides with appropriate basic amino acid substitutions. The relative position of the amino acids in the V3 peptide did not affect the biological phenomenon. Using surface plasmon resonance biosensor analysis, we also provided direct evidence of the influence of basic amino acids in the interaction between V3 and the amino terminal domain of CCR5. Sulphation of tyrosines in the CCR5 peptide was essential. Our results confirm gp120 modelling predictions and demonstrate simple molecular ionic interactions as capable of affecting key cell events, the wider biological implications of which need to be further explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula Baritaki
- Department of Applied Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Vassilika Vouton, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Stoner M, Saville B, Wormke M, Dean D, Burghardt R, Safe S. Hypoxia induces proteasome-dependent degradation of estrogen receptor alpha in ZR-75 breast cancer cells. Mol Endocrinol 2002; 16:2231-42. [PMID: 12351689 DOI: 10.1210/me.2001-0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) plays an important role in hormone responsiveness and growth of ER-positive breast cancer cells and tumors. ZR-75 breast cancer cells were grown under conditions of normoxia (21% O(2)) or hypoxia (1% O(2) or cobaltous chloride), and hypoxia significantly increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha protein within 3 h after treatment, whereas ERalpha protein levels were dramatically decreased within 6-12 h, and this response was blocked by the proteasome inhibitor MG-132. In contrast, hypoxia induced only minimal decreases in cellular Sp1 protein and did not affect ERalpha mRNA; however, hypoxic conditions decreased basal and 17beta-estradiol-induced pS2 gene expression (mRNA levels) and estrogen response element-dependent reporter gene activity in ZR-75 cells. Although 17beta-estradiol and hypoxia induce proteasome-dependent degradation of ERalpha, their effects on transactivation are different, and this may have implications for clinical treatment of mammary tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Stoner
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4466, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|