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He T, Giacomini D, Tolomelli A, Baiula M, Gentilucci L. Conjecturing about Small-Molecule Agonists and Antagonists of α4β1 Integrin: From Mechanistic Insight to Potential Therapeutic Applications. Biomedicines 2024; 12:316. [PMID: 38397918 PMCID: PMC10887150 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface receptors that regulate cell-cell adhesion and cellular functions through bidirectional signaling. On the other hand, anomalous trafficking of integrins is also implicated in severe pathologies as cancer, thrombosis, inflammation, allergies, and multiple sclerosis. For this reason, they are attractive candidates as drug targets. However, despite promising preclinical data, several anti-integrin drugs failed in late-stage clinical trials for chronic indications, with paradoxical side effects. One possible reason is that, at low concentration, ligands proposed as antagonists may also act as partial agonists. Hence, the comprehension of the specific structural features for ligands' agonism or antagonism is currently of the utmost interest. For α4β1 integrin, the situation is particularly obscure because neither the crystallographic nor the cryo-EM structures are known. In addition, very few potent and selective agonists are available for investigating the mechanism at the basis of the receptor activation. In this account, we discuss the physiological role of α4β1 integrin and the related pathologies, and review the few agonists. Finally, we speculate on plausible models to explain agonism vs. antagonism by comparison with RGD-binding integrins and by analysis of computational simulations performed with homology or hybrid receptor structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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2
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Anselmi M, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Artali R, He T, Gentilucci L. Design and Pharmacological Characterization of α 4β 1 Integrin Cyclopeptide Agonists: Computational Investigation of Ligand Determinants for Agonism versus Antagonism. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5021-5040. [PMID: 36976921 PMCID: PMC10108353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
α4β1 integrin is a cell adhesion receptor deeply involved in the migration and accumulation of leukocytes. Therefore, integrin antagonists that inhibit leukocytes recruitment are currently regarded as a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorder, including leukocyte-related autoimmune diseases. Recently, it has been suggested that integrin agonists capable to prevent the release of adherent leukocytes might serve as therapeutic agents as well. However, very few α4β1 integrin agonists have been discovered so far, thus precluding the investigation of their potential therapeutic efficacy. In this perspective, we synthesized cyclopeptides containing the LDV recognition motif found in the native ligand fibronectin. This approach led to the discovery of potent agonists capable to increase the adhesion of α4 integrin-expressing cells. Conformational and quantum mechanics computations predicted distinct ligand-receptor interactions for antagonists or agonists, plausibly referable to receptor inhibition or activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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3
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Baldassarro VA, Giraldi V, Giuliani A, Moretti M, Pagnotta G, Flagelli A, Clavenzani P, Lorenzini L, Giardino L, Focarete ML, Giacomini D, Calzà L. Poly(l-lactic acid) Scaffold Releasing an α 4β 1 Integrin Agonist Promotes Nonfibrotic Skin Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 6:296-308. [PMID: 36542733 PMCID: PMC9937562 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Skin wound healing is a highly complex process that continues to represent a major medical problem, due to chronic nonhealing wounds in several classes of patients and to possible fibrotic complications, which compromise the function of the dermis. Integrins are transmembrane receptors that play key roles in this process and that offer a recognized druggable target. Our group recently synthesized GM18, a specific agonist for α4β1, an integrin that plays a role in skin immunity and in the migration of neutrophils, also regulating the differentiated state of fibroblasts. GM18 can be combined with poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofibers to provide a controlled release of this agonist, resulting in a medication particularly suitable for skin wounds. In this study, we first optimized a GM18-PLLA nanofiber combination with a 7-day sustained release for use as skin wound medication. When tested in an experimental pressure ulcer in diabetic mice, a model for chronic nonhealing wounds, both soluble and GM18-PLLA formulations accelerated wound healing, as well as regulated extracellular matrix synthesis toward a nonfibrotic molecular signature. In vitro experiments using the adhesion test showed fibroblasts to be a principal GM18 cellular target, which we then used as an in vitro model to explore possible mechanisms of GM18 action. Our results suggest that the observed antifibrotic behavior of GM18 may exert a dual action on fibroblasts at the α4β1 binding site and that GM18 may prevent profibrotic EDA-fibronectin-α4β1 binding and activate outside-in signaling of the ERK1/2 pathways, a critical component of the wound healing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department
of Veterinary Medical Science, University
of Bologna, 50 Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy,Interdepartmental
Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 41/E Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Giraldi
- Interdepartmental
Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 41/E Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Department
of Veterinary Medical Science, University
of Bologna, 50 Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marzia Moretti
- Department
of Veterinary Medical Science, University
of Bologna, 50 Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pagnotta
- Department
of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, 2 via Selmi, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Flagelli
- Interdepartmental
Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 41/E Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Clavenzani
- Department
of Veterinary Medical Science, University
of Bologna, 50 Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Lorenzini
- Department
of Veterinary Medical Science, University
of Bologna, 50 Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy,Interdepartmental
Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 41/E Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciana Giardino
- Department
of Veterinary Medical Science, University
of Bologna, 50 Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy,Interdepartmental
Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 41/E Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy,IRET
Foundation, 41/E Via
Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Focarete
- Interdepartmental
Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 41/E Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy,Department
of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, 2 via Selmi, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Interdepartmental
Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 41/E Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy,Department
of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, 2 via Selmi, 40126 Bologna, Italy,
| | - Laura Calzà
- Interdepartmental
Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 41/E Via Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy,IRET
Foundation, 41/E Via
Tolara di Sopra, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy,Department
of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University
of Bologna, 15 Via San
Donato, 40127 Bologna, Italy,
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4
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Hickman A, Koetsier J, Kurtanich T, Nielsen MC, Winn G, Wang Y, Bentebibel SE, Shi L, Punt S, Williams L, Haymaker C, Chesson CB, Fa'ak F, Dominguez A, Jones R, Kuiatse I, Caivano AR, Khounlo S, Warier ND, Marathi U, Market RV, Biediger RJ, Craft JW, Hwu P, Davies MA, Woodside DG, Vanderslice P, Diab A, Overwijk WW, Hailemichael Y. LFA-1 activation enriches tumor-specific T cells in a cold tumor model and synergizes with CTLA-4 blockade. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154152. [PMID: 35552271 PMCID: PMC9246385 DOI: 10.1172/jci154152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability of CD8+ effector T cells (Teffs) to reach tumor cells is an important aspect of tumor resistance to cancer immunotherapy. The recruitment of these cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME) is regulated by integrins, a family of adhesion molecules that are expressed on T cells. Here, we show that 7HP349, a small-molecule activator of lymphocyte function–associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) integrin cell-adhesion receptors, facilitated the preferential localization of tumor-specific T cells to the tumor and improved antitumor response. 7HP349 monotherapy had modest effects on anti–programmed death 1–resistant (anti–PD-1–resistant) tumors, whereas combinatorial treatment with anti–cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated protein 4 (anti–CTLA-4) increased CD8+ Teff intratumoral sequestration and synergized in cooperation with neutrophils in inducing cancer regression. 7HP349 intratumoral CD8+ Teff enrichment activity depended on CXCL12. We analyzed gene expression profiles using RNA from baseline and on treatment tumor samples of 14 melanoma patients. We identified baseline CXCL12 gene expression as possibly improving the likelihood or response to anti–CTLA-4 therapies. Our results provide a proof-of-principle demonstration that LFA-1 activation could convert a T cell–exclusionary TME to a T cell–enriched TME through mechanisms involving cooperation with innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Hickman
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Joost Koetsier
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Trevin Kurtanich
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Michael C Nielsen
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Glenn Winn
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Salah-Eddine Bentebibel
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Leilei Shi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Simone Punt
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Leila Williams
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Cara Haymaker
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Charles B Chesson
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Faisal Fa'ak
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Ana Dominguez
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Richard Jones
- Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Isere Kuiatse
- Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Amy R Caivano
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, United States of America
| | - Sayadeth Khounlo
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, United States of America
| | - Navin D Warier
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, United States of America
| | | | - Robert V Market
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, United States of America
| | - Ronald J Biediger
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, United States of America
| | - John W Craft
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, United States of America
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Darren G Woodside
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, United States of America
| | - Peter Vanderslice
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratories, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, United States of America
| | - Adi Diab
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Willem W Overwijk
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Yared Hailemichael
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
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Merlo B, Baldassarro VA, Flagelli A, Marcoccia R, Giraldi V, Focarete ML, Giacomini D, Iacono E. Peptide Mediated Adhesion to Beta-Lactam Ring of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060734. [PMID: 35327131 PMCID: PMC8944785 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising potential treatment for chronic wounds in both human and veterinary medicine. Particularly, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be an attractive therapeutic tool for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering because these cells play a critical role in wound repair and tissue regeneration due to their immunosuppressive properties and multipotency. The use of biomaterials with integrin agonists could promote cell adhesion increasing tissue repair processes. This pilot study focuses on the adhesion ability of equine adult (adipose tissue) and fetal adnexa (Wharton’s jelly) derived MSCs mediated by GM18, an α4β1 integrin agonist, alone and combined with a biodegradable polymeric scaffold. Results show that a 24 h exposition to soluble GM18 affects equine MSCs adhesion ability with a donor-related variability and might suggest that WJ-MSCs more easily adhere to poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibers combined with GM18. These preliminary results need to be confirmed by further studies on the interactions between the different types of equine MSCs and GM18 incorporated PLLA scaffolds before drawing definitive conclusions on which cells and scaffolds could be successfully used for the treatment of decubitus ulcers. Abstract Regenerative medicine applied to skin lesions is a field in constant improvement. The use of biomaterials with integrin agonists could promote cell adhesion increasing tissue repair processes. The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the effect of an α4β1 integrin agonist on cell adhesion of equine adipose tissue (AT) and Wharton’s jelly (WJ) derived MSCs and to investigate their adhesion ability to GM18 incorporated poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds. Adhesion assays were performed after culturing AT- and WJ-MSCs with GM18 coating or soluble GM18. Cell adhesion on GM18 containing PLLA scaffolds after 20 min co-incubation was assessed by HCS. Soluble GM18 affects the adhesion of equine AT- and WJ-MSCs, even if its effect is variable between donors. Adhesion to PLLA scaffolds containing GM18 is not significantly influenced by GM18 for AT-MSCs after 20 min or 24 h of culture and for WJ-MSCs after 20 min, but increased cell adhesion by 15% GM18 after 24 h. In conclusion, the α4β1 integrin agonist GM18 affects equine AT- and WJ-MSCs adhesion ability with a donor-related variability. These preliminary results represent a first step in the study of equine MSCs adhesion to PLLA scaffolds containing GM18, suggesting that WJ-MSCs might be more suitable than AT-MSCs. However, the results need to be confirmed by increasing the number of samples before drawing definite conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Merlo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (E.I.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (E.I.)
- IRET Foundation, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Alessandra Flagelli
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Romina Marcoccia
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Valentina Giraldi
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Focarete
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” and INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Eleonora Iacono
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (E.I.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (A.F.); (R.M.); (V.G.); (M.L.F.); (D.G.)
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6
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Sartori A, Bugatti K, Portioli E, Baiula M, Casamassima I, Bruno A, Bianchini F, Curti C, Zanardi F, Battistini L. New 4-Aminoproline-Based Small Molecule Cyclopeptidomimetics as Potential Modulators of α 4β 1 Integrin. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26196066. [PMID: 34641610 PMCID: PMC8512764 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26196066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin α4β1 belongs to the leukocyte integrin family and represents a therapeutic target of relevant interest given its primary role in mediating inflammation, autoimmune pathologies and cancer-related diseases. The focus of the present work is the design, synthesis and characterization of new peptidomimetic compounds that are potentially able to recognize α4β1 integrin and interfere with its function. To this aim, a collection of seven new cyclic peptidomimetics possessing both a 4-aminoproline (Amp) core scaffold grafted onto key α4β1-recognizing sequences and the (2-methylphenyl)ureido-phenylacetyl (MPUPA) appendage, was designed, with the support of molecular modeling studies. The new compounds were synthesized through SPPS procedures followed by in-solution cyclization maneuvers. The biological evaluation of the new cyclic ligands in cell adhesion assays on Jurkat cells revealed promising submicromolar agonist activity in one compound, namely, the c[Amp(MPUPA)Val-Asp-Leu] cyclopeptide. Further investigations will be necessary to complete the characterization of this class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sartori
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Kelly Bugatti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Elisabetta Portioli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Irene Casamassima
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Agostino Bruno
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Claudio Curti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Franca Zanardi
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Lucia Battistini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-906040
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7
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Use of a small molecule integrin activator as a systemically administered vaccine adjuvant in controlling Chagas disease. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:114. [PMID: 34497271 PMCID: PMC8426359 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00378-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of suitable safe adjuvants to enhance appropriate antigen-driven immune responses remains a challenge. Here we describe the adjuvant properties of a small molecule activator of the integrins αLβ2 and α4β1, named 7HP349, which can be safely delivered systemically independent of antigen. 7HP349 directly activates integrin cell adhesion receptors crucial for the generation of an immune response. When delivered systemically in a model of Chagas disease following immunization with a DNA subunit vaccine encoding candidate T. cruzi antigens, TcG2 and TcG4, 7HP349 enhanced the vaccine efficacy in both prophylactic and therapeutic settings. In a prophylactic setting, mice immunized with 7HP349 adjuvanted vaccine exhibited significantly improved control of acute parasite burden in cardiac and skeletal muscle as compared to vaccination alone. When administered with vaccine therapeutically, parasite burden was again decreased, with the greatest adjuvant effect of 7HP349 being noted in skeletal muscle. In both settings, adjuvantation with 7HP349 was effective in decreasing pathological inflammatory infiltrate, improving the integrity of tissue, and controlling tissue fibrosis in the heart and skeletal muscle of acutely and chronically infected Chagas mice. The positive effects correlated with increased splenic frequencies of CD8+T effector cells and an increase in the production of IFN-γ and cytolytic molecules (perforin and granzyme) by the CD4+ and CD8+ effector and central memory subsets in response to challenge infection. This demonstrates that 7HP349 can serve as a systemically administered adjuvant to enhance T cell-mediated immune responses to vaccines. This approach could be applied to numerous vaccines with no reformulation of existing stockpiles.
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8
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Zhao J, Santino F, Giacomini D, Gentilucci L. Integrin-Targeting Peptides for the Design of Functional Cell-Responsive Biomaterials. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E307. [PMID: 32854363 PMCID: PMC7555639 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are a family of cell surface receptors crucial to fundamental cellular functions such as adhesion, signaling, and viability, deeply involved in a variety of diseases, including the initiation and progression of cancer, of coronary, inflammatory, or autoimmune diseases. The natural ligands of integrins are glycoproteins expressed on the cell surface or proteins of the extracellular matrix. For this reason, short peptides or peptidomimetic sequences that reproduce the integrin-binding motives have attracted much attention as potential drugs. When challenged in clinical trials, these peptides/peptidomimetics let to contrasting and disappointing results. In the search for alternative utilizations, the integrin peptide ligands have been conjugated onto nanoparticles, materials, or drugs and drug carrier systems, for specific recognition or delivery of drugs to cells overexpressing the targeted integrins. Recent research in peptidic integrin ligands is exploring new opportunities, in particular for the design of nanostructured, micro-fabricated, cell-responsive, stimuli-responsive, smart materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (J.Z.); (F.S.); (D.G.)
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9
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Jiang C, Li R, Ma X, Hu H, Guo J, Zhao J. AMD3100 and SDF‑1 regulate cellular functions of endothelial progenitor cells and accelerate endothelial regeneration in a rat carotid artery injury model. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:3201-3212. [PMID: 32945467 PMCID: PMC7453604 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to assess the effects of AMD3100 and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) on cellular functions and endothelial regeneration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The cell proliferation and adhesion capacity of EPCs were evaluated in vitro following treatment with AMD3100 and SDF-1 using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Furthermore, the expression levels of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) were detected before and after treatment with AMD3100 and SDF-1 to elucidate their possible role in regulating the cellular function of EPCs. A rat carotid artery injury model was established to assess the influences of AMD3100 and SDF-1 on endothelial regeneration. AMD3100 reduced the proliferation and adhesion capacity of EPCs to fibronectin (FN), whereas it increased the adhesion capacity of EPCs to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, SDF-1 stimulated the proliferation and cell adhesion capacity of EPCs to HUVECs and FN. Additionally, the expression levels of CXCR7 but not CXCR4 were upregulated following AMD3100 treatment, whereas the expression levels of both CXCR4 and CXCR7 were upregulated after SDF-1 treatment. In vivo results demonstrated that AMD3100 increased the number of EPCs in the peripheral blood and facilitated endothelial repair at 7 days after treatment. However, local administration of SDF-1 alone did not enhance reendothelialization 7 and 14 days after treatment. Importantly, the combination of AMD3100 with SDF-1 exhibited superior therapeutic effects compared with AMD3100 treatment alone, accelerated reendothelialization 7 days after treatment, and attenuated neointimal hyperplasia at day 7 and 14 by recruiting more EPCs to the injury site. In conclusion, AMD3100 could positively regulate the adhesion capacity of EPCs to HUVECs via elevation of the expression levels of CXCR7 but not CXCR4, whereas SDF-1 could stimulate the proliferation and adhesion capacity of EPCs to FN and HUVECs by elevating the expression levels of CXCR4 and CXCR7. AMD3100 combined with SDF-1 outperformed AMD3100 alone, promoted early reendothelialization and inhibited neointimal hyperplasia, indicating that early reendothelialization attenuated neointimal hypoplasia following endothelial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The Sixth People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Ruiting Li
- Department of Radiology, The Sixth People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Xu Ma
- Department of Radiology, The Sixth People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Hui Hu
- Department of Radiology, The Sixth People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Juan Guo
- Department of Hematology, The Sixth People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Jungong Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The Sixth People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
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10
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Zhang X, Chen F, Turker MZ, Ma K, Zanzonico P, Gallazzi F, Shah MA, Prater AR, Wiesner U, Bradbury MS, McDevitt MR, Quinn TP. Targeted melanoma radiotherapy using ultrasmall 177Lu-labeled α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-functionalized core-shell silica nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2020; 241:119858. [PMID: 32120314 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lutetium-177 (177Lu) radiolabeled ultrasmall (~6 nm dia.) fluorescent core-shell silica nanoparticles (Cornell prime dots or C' dots) were developed for improving efficacy of targeted radiotherapy in melanoma models. PEGylated C' dots were surface engineered to display 10-15 alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) cyclic peptide analogs for targeting the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1-R) over-expressed on melanoma tumor cells. The 177Lu-DOTA-αMSH-PEG-C' dot product was radiochemically stable, biologically active, and exhibited high affinity cellular binding properties and internalization. Selective tumor uptake and favorable biodistribution properties were also demonstrated, in addition to bulk renal clearance, in syngeneic B16F10 and human M21 xenografted models. Prolonged survival was observed in the treated cohorts relative to controls. Dosimetric analysis showed no excessively high absorbed dose among normal organs. Correlative histopathology of ex vivo treated tumor specimens revealed expected necrotic changes; no acute pathologic findings were noted in the liver or kidneys. Collectively, these results demonstrated that 177Lu-DOTA-αMSH-PEG-C' dot targeted melanoma therapy overcame the unfavorable biological properties and dose-limiting toxicities associated with existing mono-molecular treatments. The unique and tunable surface chemistries of this targeted ultrasmall radiotherapeutic, coupled with its favorable pharmacokinetic properties, substantially improved treatment efficacy and demonstrated a clear survival benefit in melanoma models, which supports its further clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Zhang
- Harry S. Truman Veterans' Hospital, 800 Hospital Dr., Columbia, MO 65201, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Radiology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Melik Z Turker
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
| | - Kai Ma
- Elucida Oncology, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Pat Zanzonico
- Department of Medical Physics, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Fabio Gallazzi
- Department of Chemistry and Research Core Facilities, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Manankumar A Shah
- Harry S. Truman Veterans' Hospital, 800 Hospital Dr., Columbia, MO 65201, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Austin R Prater
- Harry S. Truman Veterans' Hospital, 800 Hospital Dr., Columbia, MO 65201, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Ulrich Wiesner
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
| | - Michelle S Bradbury
- Department of Radiology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, United States; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Michael R McDevitt
- Department of Radiology, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Thomas P Quinn
- Harry S. Truman Veterans' Hospital, 800 Hospital Dr., Columbia, MO 65201, United States; Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
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11
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Martelli G, Baiula M, Caligiana A, Galletti P, Gentilucci L, Artali R, Spampinato S, Giacomini D. Could Dissecting the Molecular Framework of β-Lactam Integrin Ligands Enhance Selectivity? J Med Chem 2019; 62:10156-10166. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Martelli
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Galletti
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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12
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Baiula M, Spampinato S, Gentilucci L, Tolomelli A. Novel Ligands Targeting α 4β 1 Integrin: Therapeutic Applications and Perspectives. Front Chem 2019; 7:489. [PMID: 31338363 PMCID: PMC6629825 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the other members of the adhesion molecules' family, α4β1 integrin, a heterodimeric receptor, plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases, cancer development, metastasis and stem cell mobilization or retention. In many cases, its function in pathogenesis is not yet completely understood and investigations on ligand binding and related stabilization of active/inactive conformations still represent an important goal. For this reason, starting from the highlight of α4β1 functions in human pathologies, we report an overview of synthetic α4β1 integrin ligands under development as potential therapeutic agents. The small molecule library that we have selected represents a collection of lead compounds. These molecules are the object of future refinement in academic and industrial research, in order to achieve a fine tuning of α4β1 integrin regulation for the development of novel agents against pathologies still eluding an effective solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician,” University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Oh J, Magnuson A, Benoist C, Pittet MJ, Weissleder R. Age-related tumor growth in mice is related to integrin α 4 in CD8+ T cells. JCI Insight 2018; 3:122961. [PMID: 30385729 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.122961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer incidence increases with age, but paradoxically, cancers have been found to grow more quickly in young mice compared with aged ones. The cause of differential tumor growth has been debated and, over time, attributed to faster tumor cell proliferation, decreased tumor cell apoptosis, and/or increased angiogenesis in young animals. Despite major advances in our understanding of tumor immunity over the past 2 decades, little attention has been paid to comparing immune cell populations in young and aged mice. Using mouse colon adenocarcinoma model MC38 implanted in young and mature mice, we show that age substantially influences the number of tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, which control cancer progression. The different tumor growth pace in young and mature mice was abrogated in RAG1null mice, which lack mature T and B lymphocytes, and upon selective depletion of endogenous CD8+ cells. Transcriptome analysis further indicated that young mice have decreased levels of the Itga4 gene (CD49d, VLA-4) in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes when compared with mature mice. Hypothesizing that VLA-4 can have a tumor-protective effect, we depleted the protein, which resulted in accelerated tumor growth in mature mice. These observations may explain the paradoxical growth rates observed in murine cancers, point to the central role of VLA-4 in controlling tumor growth, and open new venues to therapeutic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhyun Oh
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Angela Magnuson
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School and Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christophe Benoist
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School and Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mikael J Pittet
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Jablonska A, Shea DJ, Cao S, Bulte JW, Janowski M, Konstantopoulos K, Walczak P. Overexpression of VLA-4 in glial-restricted precursors enhances their endothelial docking and induces diapedesis in a mouse stroke model. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2018; 38:835-846. [PMID: 28436294 PMCID: PMC5987940 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17703888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The loss of oligodendrocytes after stroke is one of the major causes of secondary injury. Glial-restricted progenitors (GRPs) have remylenating potential after intraparenchymal cerebral transplantation. The intraarterial (IA) injection route is an attractive gateway for global brain delivery, but, after IA infusion, naive GRPs fail to bind to the cerebral vasculature. The aim of this study was to test whether overexpression of Very Late Antigen-4 (VLA-4) increases endothelial docking and cerebral homing of GRPs in a stroke model. Mouse GRPs were co-transfected with DNA plasmids encoding VLA-4 subunits (α4, β1). The adhesion capacity and migration were assessed using a microfluidic assay. In vivo imaging of the docking and homing of IA-infused cells was performed using two-photon microscopy in a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Compared to naïve GRPs, transfection of GRPs with VLA-4 resulted in >60% higher adhesion (p < 0.05) to both purified Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-11 (VCAM-11) and TNFα-induced endothelial VCAM-1. VLA-4+GRPs displayed a higher migration in response to a chemoattractant gradient. Following IA infusion, VLA-4+GRPs adhered to the vasculature at three-fold greater numbers than naïve GRPs. Multi-photon imaging confirmed that VLA-4 overexpression increases the efficiency of GRP docking and leads to diapedesis after IA transplantation. This strategy may be further exploited to increase the efficacy of cellular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jablonska
- 1 Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,2 Institute for Cell Engineering, Cellular Imaging Section, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Daniel J Shea
- 3 Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, USA
| | - Suyi Cao
- 1 Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,2 Institute for Cell Engineering, Cellular Imaging Section, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jeff Wm Bulte
- 1 Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,2 Institute for Cell Engineering, Cellular Imaging Section, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,3 Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, USA.,4 Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,5 Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Miroslaw Janowski
- 1 Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,2 Institute for Cell Engineering, Cellular Imaging Section, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,6 NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Konstantinos Konstantopoulos
- 3 Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, USA
| | - Piotr Walczak
- 1 Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,2 Institute for Cell Engineering, Cellular Imaging Section, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,7 Department of Radiology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
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15
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Tolomelli A, Galletti P, Baiula M, Giacomini D. Can Integrin Agonists Have Cards to Play against Cancer? A Literature Survey of Small Molecules Integrin Activators. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9070078. [PMID: 28678151 PMCID: PMC5532614 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9070078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of integrins to activate and integrate intracellular communication illustrates the potential of these receptors to serve as functional distribution hubs in a bi-directional signal transfer outside-in and inside-out of the cells. Tight regulation of the integrin signaling is paramount for normal physiological functions such as migration, proliferation, and differentiation, and misregulated integrin activity could be associated with several pathological conditions. Because of the important roles of integrins and their ligands in biological development, immune responses, leukocyte traffic, haemostasis, and cancer, their potential as therapeutic tools is now widely recognized. Nowadays extensive efforts have been made to discover and develop small molecule ligands as integrin antagonists, whereas less attention has been payed to agonists. In recent years, it has been recognized that integrin agonists could open up novel opportunities for therapeutics, which gain benefits to increase rather than decrease integrin-dependent adhesion and transductional events. For instance, a significant factor in chemo-resistance in melanoma is a loss of integrin-mediated adhesion; in this case, stimulation of integrin signaling by agonists significantly improved the response to chemotherapy. In this review, we overview results about small molecules which revealed an activating action on some integrins, especially those involved in cancer, and examine from a medicinal chemistry point of view, their structure and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paola Galletti
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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16
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Baiula M, Galletti P, Martelli G, Soldati R, Belvisi L, Civera M, Dattoli SD, Spampinato SM, Giacomini D. New β-Lactam Derivatives Modulate Cell Adhesion and Signaling Mediated by RGD-Binding and Leukocyte Integrins. J Med Chem 2016; 59:9721-9742. [PMID: 27726366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A novel series of β-lactam derivatives that was designed and synthesized to target RGD-binding and leukocyte integrins is reported. The compound library was evaluated by investigating the effects on integrin-mediated cell adhesion and cell signaling in cell lines expressing αvβ3, αvβ5, αvβ6, α5β1, αIIbβ3, α4β1, and αLβ2 integrins. SAR analysis of the new series of azetidinones enabled the recognition of structural elements associated with integrin selectivity. We obtained selective and potent agonists that could induce cell adhesion and promote cell signaling mediated by αvβ3, αvβ5, α5β1, or α4β1 integrin, and antagonists for the integrins αvβ3 and α5β1, as well as α4β1 and αLβ2, preventing the effects elicited by the respective endogenous agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna , Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Galletti
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna , Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Martelli
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna , Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Soldati
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna , Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Belvisi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan , Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Civera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan , Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Samantha Deianira Dattoli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna , Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Mario Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna , Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna , Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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17
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Galletti P, Soldati R, Pori M, Durso M, Tolomelli A, Gentilucci L, Dattoli SD, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Giacomini D. Targeting integrins αvβ3 and α5β1 with new β-lactam derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 83:284-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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18
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Wang J, Zhou J, Zhang N, Zhang X, Li Q. A heterocyclic molecule kartogenin induces collagen synthesis of human dermal fibroblasts by activating the smad4/smad5 pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 450:568-74. [PMID: 24928394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Declined production of collagen by fibroblasts is one of the major causes of aging appearance. However, only few of compounds found in cosmetic products are able to directly increase collagen synthesis. A novel small heterocyclic compound called kartogenin (KGN) was found to stimulate collagen synthesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). So, we hypothesized and tested that if KGN could be applied to stimulate the collagen synthesis of fibroblasts. Human dermal fibroblasts in vitro were treated with various concentrations of KGN, with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) serving as the negative control. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to examine the expression of collagen and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. The production of collagen was also tested in vivo by Masson's trichrome stain and immunohistochemistry in the dermis of mice administrated with KGN. Results showed that without obvious influence on fibroblasts' apoptosis and viability, KGN stimulated type-I collagen synthesis of fibroblasts at the mRNA and protein levels in a time-dependent manner, but KGN did not induce expression of α-skeletal muscle actin (α-sma) or matrix metallopeptidase1 (MMP1), MMP9 in vitro. Smad4/smad5 of the TGF-β signaling pathway was activated by KGN while MAPK signaling pathway remained unchanged. KGN also increased type-I collagen synthesis in the dermis of BALB/C mice. Our results indicated that KGN promoted the type-I collagen synthesis of dermal fibroblasts in vitro and in the dermis of mice through activation of the smad4/smad5 pathway. This molecule could be used in wound healing, tissue engineering of fibroblasts, or aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Depart of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Depart of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences (SIBS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) & Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences (SIBS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) & Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Depart of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Shishido S, Bönig H, Kim YM. Role of integrin alpha4 in drug resistance of leukemia. Front Oncol 2014; 4:99. [PMID: 24904821 PMCID: PMC4033044 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drug resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a significant problem, resulting in poor responsiveness to first-line treatment or relapse after transient remission. Classical anti-leukemic drugs are non-specific cell cycle poisons; some more modern drugs target oncogenic pathways in leukemia cells, although in ALL these do not play a very significant role. By contrast, the molecular interactions between microenvironment and leukemia cells are often neglected in the design of novel therapies against drug resistant leukemia. It was shown however, that chemotherapy resistance is promoted in part through cell–cell contact of leukemia cells with bone marrow (BM) stromal cells, also called cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR). Incomplete response to chemotherapy results in persistence of resistant clones with or without detectable minimal residual disease (MRD). Approaches for how to address CAM-DR and MRD remain elusive. Specifically, studies using anti-functional antibodies and genetic models have identified integrin alpha4 as a critical molecule regulating BM homing and active retention of normal and leukemic cells. Pre-clinical evidence has been provided that interference with alpha4-mediated adhesion of ALL cells can sensitize them to chemotherapy and thus facilitate eradication of ALL cells in an MRD setting. To this end, Andreeff and colleagues recently provided evidence of stroma-induced and alpha4-mediated nuclear factor-κB signaling in leukemia cells, disruption of which depletes leukemia cells of strong survival signals. We here review the available evidence supporting the targeting of alpha4 as a novel strategy for treatment of drug resistant leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Shishido
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine , Los Angeles, CA , USA
| | - Halvard Bönig
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Wuerttemberg-Hessen, Goethe University , Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Yong-Mi Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine , Los Angeles, CA , USA
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20
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Abstract
Integrins are heterodimeric, transmembrane receptors that are expressed in all cells, including those in the heart. They participate in multiple critical cellular processes including adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, signaling, survival, and proliferation. Particularly relevant for a contracting muscle cell, integrins are mechanotransducers, translating mechanical to biochemical information. Although it is likely that cardiovascular clinicians and scientists have the highest recognition of integrins in the cardiovascular system from drugs used to inhibit platelet aggregation, the focus of this article will be on the role of integrins specifically in the cardiac myocyte. After a general introduction to integrin biology, the article will discuss important work on integrin signaling, mechanotransduction, and lessons learned about integrin function from a range of model organisms. Then we will detail work on integrin-related proteins in the myocyte, how integrins may interact with ion channels and mediate viral uptake into cells, and also play a role in stem cell biology. Finally, we will discuss directions for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Israeli-Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA, and Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ana Maria Manso
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA, and Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hideshi Okada
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA, and Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Robert S Ross
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA, and Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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