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Fedorczyk B, Redkiewicz P, Matalińska J, Piast R, Kosson P, Wieczorek R. Chirality and Rigidity in Triazole-Modified Peptidomimetics Interacting with Neuropilin-1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:190. [PMID: 38399405 PMCID: PMC10891769 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020190] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction of Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to promote angiogenesis under physiological and pathological conditions. Angiogenesis around tumors is a major factor allowing for their growth and spread. Disrupting NRP-1/VEGF complex formation is thus a promising pathway for the development of new anticancer pharmaceuticals. A large body of work has been produced in the last two decades detailing the development of inhibitors of NRP-1/VEGF complex formation. Among those were peptide A7R and its smaller derivatives KXXR and K(Har)XXR. It has been previously reported that replacement of the XX backbone with triazole residues has a positive effect on the proteolytic stability of inhibitors. It has also been reported that a higher dihedral angle range restriction of the XX backbone has a positive effect on the activity of inhibitors. In this work, we have designed new triazole derivatives of K(Har)XXR inhibitors with substitution allowing for higher range restriction of the XX backbone. The obtained peptidomimetics have greater activity than their less restricted counterparts. One of the newly obtained structures has greater affinity than the reference peptide A7R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Fedorczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (B.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Patrycja Redkiewicz
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Science, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (P.R.); (J.M.); (P.K.)
| | - Joanna Matalińska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Science, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (P.R.); (J.M.); (P.K.)
| | - Radosław Piast
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (B.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Piotr Kosson
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Science, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (P.R.); (J.M.); (P.K.)
| | - Rafał Wieczorek
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (B.F.); (R.P.)
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2
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Wu A, Shi K, Wang J, Zhang R, Wang Y. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 entry processes: The promising potential and future of host-targeted small-molecule inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115923. [PMID: 37981443 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a huge impact on global health. To respond to rapidly mutating viruses and to prepare for the next pandemic, there is an urgent need to develop small molecule therapies that target critical stages of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Inhibiting the entry process of the virus can effectively control viral infection and play a role in prevention and treatment. Host factors involved in this process, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, ADAM17, furin, PIKfyve, TPC2, CTSL, AAK1, V-ATPase, HSPG, and NRP1, have been found to be potentially good targets with stability. Through further exploration of the cell entry process of SARS-CoV-2, small-molecule drugs targeting these host factors have been developed. This review focuses on the structural functions of potential host cell targets during the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. The research progress, chemical structure, structure-activity relationship, and clinical value of small-molecule inhibitors against COVID-19 are reviewed to provide a reference for the development of small-molecule drugs against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijia Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kunyu Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ruofei Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China.
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3
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Puszko AK, Sosnowski P, Hermine O, Hopfgartner G, Lepelletier Y, Misicka A. Structure-activity relationship studies and biological properties evaluation of peptidic NRP-1 ligands: Investigation of N-terminal cysteine importance. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 94:117482. [PMID: 37774449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a major co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). It may also stimulate tumour growth and metastasis independently of VEGF-A165. These functions make VEGF-A165/NRP-1 complex formation and its inhibition of great interest, where NRP-1 is the target for which effective ligands are sought. Design of peptide-like inhibitors represent a strategy with great potential in the treatment of NRP-1-related disorders. Here, we present the synthesis, molecular modelling, structure-activity relationship studies as well as biological evaluation of peptides with the branched sequences H2N-X-Lys(hArg)-Dab-Oic-Arg-OH and H2N-Lys(X-hArg)-Dab-Oic-Arg-OH. Two of the designed peptides, in which Cys was inserted in X position, expressed high affinity (∼40 nM value) for NRP-1 and were resistant to enzymatic digestion in human serum. Moreover, peptide/NRP-1 complex promoted fast intracytoplasmic protein trafficking towards the plasma membrane in breast cancer cells. Our results suggest that these compounds might be good candidates for further development of VEGF-A165/NRP-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Piotr Sosnowski
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Olivier Hermine
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gérard Hopfgartner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Yves Lepelletier
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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4
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Nguyen H, Nguyen HL, Lan PD, Thai NQ, Sikora M, Li MS. Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with host cells and antibodies: experiment and simulation. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:6497-6553. [PMID: 37650302 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs01170g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the devastating global COVID-19 pandemic announced by WHO in March 2020. Through unprecedented scientific effort, several vaccines, drugs and antibodies have been developed, saving millions of lives, but the fight against COVID-19 continues as immune escape variants of concern such as Delta and Omicron emerge. To develop more effective treatments and to elucidate the side effects caused by vaccines and therapeutic agents, a deeper understanding of the molecular interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with them and human cells is required. With special interest in computational approaches, we will focus on the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and the interaction of its spike protein with human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) as a prime entry point of the virus into host cells. In addition, other possible viral receptors will be considered. The fusion of viral and human membranes and the interaction of the spike protein with antibodies and nanobodies will be discussed, as well as the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on protein synthesis in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Nguyen
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Hoang Linh Nguyen
- Institute of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Duy Tan University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Pham Dang Lan
- Life Science Lab, Institute for Computational Science and Technology, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, 729110 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227, Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, 749000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Quoc Thai
- Dong Thap University, 783 Pham Huu Lau Street, Ward 6, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap, Vietnam
| | - Mateusz Sikora
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland.
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5
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Sabki A, Khelifi L, Kameli A, Baali S. Identification of Four New Chemical Series of Small Drug-Like Natural Products as Potential Neuropilin-1 Inhibitors by Structure-Based Virtual Screening: Pharmacophore-Based Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200933. [PMID: 36799050 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200933] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), a surface transmembrane glycoprotein, is one of the most important co-receptors of VEGF-A165 (vascular endothelial growth factor) responsible for pathological angiogenesis. In general, NRP-1 overexpression in cancer correlates with poor prognosis and more tumor aggressiveness. NRP-1 role in cancer has been mainly explained by mediating VEGF-A165-induced effects on tumor angiogenesis. NRP-1 was recently identified as a co-receptor and an independent gateway for SARS-CoV-2 through binding subunit S2 of Spike protein in the same way as VEGF-A165. Thus, NRP-1 is of particular value as a target for cancer therapy and other angiogenesis-dependent diseases as well as for SARS-CoV-2 antiviral intervention. Herein, The Super Natural II, the largest available database of natural products (∼0.33 M), pre-filtered with drug-likeness criteria (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion/toxicity), was screened against NRP-1. NRP-1/VEGF-A165 interaction is one of protein-protein interfaces (PPIs) known to be challenging when approached in-silico. Thus, a PPI-suited multi-step virtual screening protocol, incorporating a derived pharmacophore with molecular docking and followed by MD (molecular dynamics) simulation, was designed. Two stages of pharmacophorically constrained molecular docking (standard and extra precisions), a mixed Torsional/Low-mode conformational search and MM-GBSA ΔG binding affinities calculation, resulted in the selection of 100 hits. These 100 hits were subjected to 20 ns MD simulation, that was extended to 100 ns for top hits (20) and followed by post-dynamics analysis (atomic ligand-protein contacts, RMSD, RMSF, MM-GBSA ΔG, Rg, SASA and H-bonds). Post-MD analysis showed that 19 small drug-like nonpeptide natural molecules, grouped in four chemical scaffolds (purine, thiazole, tetrahydropyrimidine and dihydroxyphenyl), well verified the derived pharmacophore and formed stable and compact complexes with NRP-1. The discovered molecules are promising and can serve as a base for further development of new NRP-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Sabki
- Laboratory of Genetic Resources & Biotechnology, National School of Agricultural Sciences (ENSA), 16004, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Lakhdar Khelifi
- Laboratory of Genetic Resources & Biotechnology, National School of Agricultural Sciences (ENSA), 16004, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Abdelkrim Kameli
- Laboratory of Ethnobotany and Natural Substances, Department of Natural Sciences, ENS Kouba, 16050, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Salim Baali
- Laboratory of Ethnobotany and Natural Substances, Department of Natural Sciences, ENS Kouba, 16050, Algiers, Algeria
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Yin S, Mei S, Li Z, Xu Z, Wu Y, Chen X, Liu D, Niu MM, Li J. Non-covalent cyclic peptides simultaneously targeting Mpro and NRP1 are highly effective against Omicron BA.2.75. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1037993. [PMID: 36408220 PMCID: PMC9666779 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1037993] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Available vaccine-based immunity may at high risk of being evaded due to substantial mutations in the variant Omicron. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 and human neuropilin-1 (NRP1), two less mutable proteins, have been reported to be crucial for SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry into host cells, respectively. Their dual blockade may avoid vaccine failure caused by continuous mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and exert synergistic antiviral efficacy. Herein, four cyclic peptides non-covalently targeting both Mpro and NRP1 were identified using virtual screening. Among them, MN-2 showed highly potent affinity to Mpro (Kd = 18.2 ± 1.9 nM) and NRP1 (Kd = 12.3 ± 1.2 nM), which was about 3,478-fold and 74-fold stronger than that of the positive inhibitors Peptide-21 and EG3287. Furthermore, MN-2 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Mpro and remarkable anti-infective activity against the pseudotyped variant Omicron BA.2.75 without obvious cytotoxicity. These data demonstrated that MN-2, a novel non-covalent cyclic peptide, is a promising agent against Omicron BA.2.75.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, China
| | - Shuang Mei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiqin Li
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Zhen Xu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Xiujuan Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujuan Chen, ; Jindong Li, ; Dongmei Liu, ; Miao-Miao Niu,
| | - Dongmei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujuan Chen, ; Jindong Li, ; Dongmei Liu, ; Miao-Miao Niu,
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujuan Chen, ; Jindong Li, ; Dongmei Liu, ; Miao-Miao Niu,
| | - Jindong Li
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujuan Chen, ; Jindong Li, ; Dongmei Liu, ; Miao-Miao Niu,
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7
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Lee J, Chong K, Lee J, Kim C, Kim JH, Choi K, Choi C. Differential dependency of human glioblastoma cells on vascular endothelial growth factor‑A signaling via neuropilin‑1. Int J Oncol 2022; 61:122. [PMID: 36043525 PMCID: PMC9477108 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high expression of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in human glioblastoma (GB), the understanding of its function as a co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) in angiogenesis is currently limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the non-classical function of NRP-1 expression in human GB. Expression patterns of NRP-1 and VEGF-A were determined by sandwich ELISA, western blot analysis, or immunohistochemistry. Differential dependency of GB cells following ablation of VEGF-A signaling was validated in vitro and in vivo. Cellular mechanism responsible for distinct response to VEGF-A signaling was evaluated by western blotting and immune-precipitation analysis. Prognostic implications were assessed using IHC analysis. GB cells exhibited differing sensitivity to silencing of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A signaling, which resulted in a distinct expression pattern of wild-type or chondroitin-sulfated NRP-1. VEGF-A-sensitive GB exhibited the physical interaction between wild-type NRP-1 and FMS related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (Flt-1) whereas VEGF-A-resistant GB exhibited chondroitin-sulfated NRP-1 without interaction with Flt-1. Eliminating the chondroitin sulfate modification in NRP-1 led to re-sensitization to VEGF-A signaling, and chondroitin sulfate modification was found to be associated with an adverse prognosis in patients with GB. The present study identified the distinct functions of NRP-1 in VEGF-A signaling in accordance with its unique expression type and interaction with Flt-1. The present research is expected to provide a strong basis for targeting VEGF-A signaling in patients with GB, with variable responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungwhoi Lee
- Department of Applied Life Science, Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (SARI), Jeju National University, Jeju‑do 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuha Chong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Guro‑gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungsul Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Yuseong‑gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Chungyeul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Guro‑gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Applied Life Science, Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (SARI), Jeju National University, Jeju‑do 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsun Choi
- ILIAS Biologics Inc., Yuseong‑gu, Daejeon 34014 34014, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulhee Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Yuseong‑gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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Wang L, Wang L, Xu P, Liu C, Wang S, Luo X, Li M, Liu J, Zhao Z, Lai W, Luo F, Yan J. pH-Responsive Liposomes Loaded with Targeting Procoagulant Proteins as Potential Embolic Agents for Solid Tumor-Targeted Therapy. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1356-1367. [PMID: 35420039 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Selectively inducing tumor thrombosis and subsequent necrosis is a novel and promising antitumor strategy. We have previously designed a targeting procoagulant protein, called tTF-EG3287, which is a fusion of a truncated tissue factor (tTF) with EG3287, a short peptide against the neuropilin-1 (NRP1) binding site of vascular endothelial growth factor-A 165 (VEGF-A 165). However, off-target effects and high-dose requirements limit the further use of tTF-EG3287 in antitumor therapy. Therefore, we encapsulated tTF-EG3287 into poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-distearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PEOz-DSPE)-modified liposomes to construct pH-responsive liposomes as a novel vascular embolization agent, called tTF-EG3287@Liposomes. The liposomes had an average particle size of about 100 nm and showed considerable drug-loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, and biocompatibility. Under the stimulation of acidic microenvironments (pH 6.5), the lipid membrane of tTF-EG3287@Liposomes collapsed, and the cumulative drug release rate within 72 h was 83 ± 1.26%. When administered to a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), tTF-EG3287@Liposomes showed prolonged retention and enhanced accumulation in the tumor as well as a superior antitumor effec, compared with tTF-EG3287. This study demonstrates the potential of tTF-EG3287@Liposomes as a novel embolic agent for solid tumors and provides a new strategy for tumor-targeted infarction therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lanlan Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Peilan Xu
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shengyu Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xian Luo
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jiajing Liu
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhao
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Weisong Lai
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Fanghong Luo
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianghua Yan
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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9
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Al Kawas H, Saaid I, Jank P, Westhoff CC, Denkert C, Pross T, Weiler KBS, Karsten MM. How VEGF-A and its splice variants affect breast cancer development - clinical implications. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:227-239. [PMID: 35303290 PMCID: PMC9050780 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00665-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered expression levels and structural variations in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been found to play important roles in cancer development and to be associated with the overall survival and therapy response of cancer patients. Particularly VEGF-A and its splice variants have been found to affect physiological and pathological angiogenic processes, including tumor angiogenesis, correlating with tumor progression, mostly caused by overexpression. This review focuses on the expression and impact of VEGF-A splice variants under physiologic conditions and in tumors and, in particular, the distribution and role of isoform VEGF165b in breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES Many publications already highlighted the importance of VEGF-A and its splice variants in tumor therapy, especially in breast cancer, which are summarized in this review. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate that cytoplasmatic VEGFA/165b expression is higher in invasive breast cancer tumor cells than in normal tissues or stroma. These examples show that the detection of VEGF splice variants can be performed also on the protein level in formalin fixed tissues. Although no quantitative conclusions can be drawn, these results may be the starting point for further studies at a quantitative level, which can be a major step towards the design of targeted antibody-based (breast) cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hivin Al Kawas
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inas Saaid
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Jank
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Denkert
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Therese Pross
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Maria Margarete Karsten
- Department of Gynecology with Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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10
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Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding to Neuropilin 1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020165. [PMID: 35215277 PMCID: PMC8879887 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Furin cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein results in a polybasic terminal sequence termed the C-end rule (CendR), which is responsible for the binding to neuropilin 1 (NRP1), enhancing viral infectivity and entry into the cell. Here we report the identification of 20 small-molecule inhibitors that emerged from a virtual screening of nearly 950,000 drug-like compounds that bind with high probability to the CendR-binding pocket of NRP1. In a spike NRP1 binding assay, two of these compounds displayed a stronger inhibition of spike protein binding to NRP1 than the known NRP1 antagonist EG00229, for which the inhibition of the CendR peptide binding to NRP1 was also experimentally confirmed. These compounds present a good starting point for the design of small-molecule antagonists against the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry.
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11
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Molecular dynamics simulations, docking and MMGBSA studies of newly designed peptide-conjugated glucosyloxy stilbene derivatives with tumor cell receptors. Mol Divers 2022; 26:2717-2743. [PMID: 35037187 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-021-10354-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In this work, for the first time, we designed derivatives of beta-D-glucosyloxy-3-hydroxy-trans-stiblene-2-carboxylic acid (GHS), by conjugating GHS with tumor targeting peptides RPARPAR and GGKRPAR to target over-expressed receptors in tumor cells. The sequences RPARPAR and GGKRPAR are known to target the neuropilin1 (NRP1) receptor due to the C-terminal Arg domain; however, their effectiveness has never been examined with other commonly over-expressed receptors in tumor cells, particularly of chronic lymphocytic leukemia that include integrin α1β1 and CD22. By conjugating these peptides with GHS, which is known for its inherent anti-cancer properties, the goal is to further enhance tumor cell targeting by developing compounds that can target multiple receptors. The physicochemical properties of the conjugates and individual peptides were analyzed using Turbomole and COSMOthermX20 in order to determine their hydrogen bond accepting and donating capabilities. The web server POCASA was used in order to determine the surface cavities and binding pockets of the three receptors. To explore the binding affinities, we conducted molecular docking studies with the peptides and the conjugates with each of the receptors. After molecular docking, the complexes were analyzed using Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler to determine the types of interactions involved. Molecular dynamics simulation studies were conducted to explore the stability of the receptor-ligand complexes. Our results indicated that in most cases the conjugates showed higher binding and stability with the receptors. Additionally, highly stable complexes of conjugates were obtained with CD22, NRP1 and in most cases with the integrin α1β1 receptor as well. The binding energies were calculated for each of the receptor ligand complexes through trajectory analysis using MMGBSA studies. SwissADME studies revealed that the compounds showed low GI absorption and were not found to be CYP inhibitors and had bioavailability score that would allow them to be considered as potential drug candidates. Overall, our results for the first time show that the designed conjugates can target multiple over-expressed receptors in tumor cells and may be potentially developed as future therapeutics for targeting tumor cells.
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Mota F, Yelland T, Hutton JA, Parker J, Patsiarika A, Chan AWE, O'Leary A, Fotinou C, Martin JF, Zachary IC, Djordjevic S, Frankel P, Selwood DL. Peptides Derived from Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B Show Potent Binding to Neuropilin-1. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100463. [PMID: 34647407 PMCID: PMC8776337 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) regulate significant pathways in angiogenesis, myocardial and neuronal protection, metabolism, and cancer progression. The VEGF-B growth factor is involved in cell survival, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant mechanisms, through binding to VEGF receptor 1 and neuropilin-1 (NRP1). We employed surface plasmon resonance technology and X-ray crystallography to analyse the molecular basis of the interaction between VEGF-B and the b1 domain of NRP1, and developed VEGF-B C-terminus derived peptides to be used as chemical tools for studying VEGF-B - NRP1 related pathways. Peptide lipidation was used as a means to stabilise the peptides. VEGF-B-derived peptides containing a C-terminal arginine show potent binding to NRP1-b1. Peptide lipidation increased binding residence time and improved plasma stability. A crystal structure of a peptide with NRP1 demonstrated that VEGF-B peptides bind at the canonical C-terminal arginine binding site. VEGF-B C-terminus imparts higher affinity for NRP1 than the corresponding VEGF-A165 region. This tight binding may impact on the activity and selectivity of the full-length protein. The VEGF-B167 derived peptides were more effective than VEGF-A165 peptides in blocking functional phosphorylation events. Blockers of VEGF-B function have potential applications in diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Mota
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Tamas Yelland
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyUniversity College LondonUK
| | - Jennie A. Hutton
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Jennifer Parker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & MedicineBHF Laboratories at University College LondonUK
| | - Anastasia Patsiarika
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - A. W. Edith Chan
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Andrew O'Leary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & MedicineBHF Laboratories at University College LondonUK
| | - Constantina Fotinou
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyUniversity College LondonUK
| | - John F. Martin
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & MedicineBHF Laboratories at University College LondonUK
| | - Ian C. Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & MedicineBHF Laboratories at University College LondonUK
| | - Snezana Djordjevic
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyUniversity College LondonUK
| | - Paul Frankel
- Institute of Cardiovascular ScienceUniversity College LondonUK
| | - David L. Selwood
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonGower StreetLondonWC1E 6BTUK
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Luo X, Xie J, Zhou Z, Ma S, Wang L, Li M, Liu J, Wang P, Li Y, Luo F, Yan J. Virus-Inspired Gold Nanorod-Mesoporous Silica Core-Shell Nanoparticles Integrated with tTF-EG3287 for Synergetic Tumor Photothermal Therapy and Selective Therapy for Vascular Thrombosis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:44013-44027. [PMID: 34494427 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c11947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Synergetic therapy includes the combination of two or more conventional therapeutic approaches and can be used for tumor treatment by combining the advantages and avoiding the drawbacks of each type of treatment. In the present study, truncated tissue factor (tTF)-EG3287 fusion protein-encapsulated gold nanorod (GNR)-virus-inspired mesoporous silica core-shell nanoparticles (vinyl hybrid silica nanoparticles; VSNP) (GNR@VSNP-tTF-EG3287) were synthesized to achieve synergetic therapy by utilizing selective vascular thrombosis therapy (SVTT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). By integrating the targeted coagulation activity of tTF-EG3287 and the high tumor ablation effect of GNR@VSNP, local hyperthermia could induce a high percentage of apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells by using near-infrared light. This provided additional phospholipid sites for tTF-EG3287 and enhanced its procoagulant activity in vitro. In addition, the nanoparticles, which had unique topological viral structures, exhibited superior cellular uptake properties leading to significant antitumor efficacy. The in vivo antitumor results further demonstrated an interaction between SVTT and PTT, whereas the synergetic therapy (SVTT and PTT) achieved an enhanced effect, which was superior to the respective treatment efficacy of each modality or the additive effect of their individual efficacies. In summary, the synthesized GNR@VSNP-tTF-EG3287 exerted synergetic effects and enhanced the antitumor efficiency by avoiding multiple injections and suboptimal administration. These effects simultaneously affected both tumor blood supply and cancer cell proliferation. The data suggested that the integration of SVTT induced by tTF-EG3287 and PTT could provide potential strategies for synergetic tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Luo
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Republic of China
| | - Jun Xie
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Republic of China
| | - Zonglang Zhou
- The 174th Clinic College of People's Liberation Army, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230031, Republic of China
| | - Sihan Ma
- School of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Republic of China
- Fujian Research Center for Nuclear, Xiamen 361002, Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Republic of China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Republic of China
| | - Jiajing Liu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Republic of China
| | - Peiyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, Republic of China
- Department of Translational Medicine, Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361024, Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, Republic of China
- Department of Translational Medicine, Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361024, Republic of China
| | - Fanghong Luo
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Republic of China
| | - Jianghua Yan
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Republic of China
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Neuropilin 1 Regulation of Vascular Permeability Signaling. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050666. [PMID: 33947161 PMCID: PMC8146136 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelium acts as a selective barrier to regulate macromolecule exchange between the blood and tissues. However, the integrity of the endothelium barrier is compromised in an array of pathological settings, including ischemic disease and cancer, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. The resulting vascular hyperpermeability to plasma molecules as well as leukocytes then leads to tissue damaging edema formation and inflammation. The vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is a potent permeability factor, and therefore a desirable target for impeding vascular hyperpermeability. However, VEGFA also promotes angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, which is required for reperfusion of ischemic tissues. Moreover, edema increases interstitial pressure in poorly perfused tumors, thereby affecting the delivery of therapeutics, which could be counteracted by stimulating the growth of new functional blood vessels. Thus, targets must be identified to accurately modulate the barrier function of blood vessels without affecting angiogenesis, as well as to develop more effective pro- or anti-angiogenic therapies. Recent studies have shown that the VEGFA co-receptor neuropilin 1 (NRP1) could be playing a fundamental role in steering VEGFA-induced responses of vascular endothelial cells towards angiogenesis or vascular permeability. Moreover, NRP1 is involved in mediating permeability signals induced by ligands other than VEGFA. This review therefore focuses on current knowledge on the role of NRP1 in the regulation of vascular permeability signaling in the endothelium to provide an up-to-date landscape of the current knowledge in this field.
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Perez-Miller S, Patek M, Moutal A, de Haro PD, Cabel CR, Thorne CA, Campos SK, Khanna R. Novel Compounds Targeting Neuropilin Receptor 1 with Potential To Interfere with SARS-CoV-2 Virus Entry. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:1299-1312. [PMID: 33787218 PMCID: PMC8029449 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a multifunctional transmembrane receptor for ligands that affect developmental axonal growth and angiogenesis. In addition to a role in cancer, NRP-1 is a reported entry point for several viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The furin cleavage product of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein takes advantage of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) binding site on NRP-1 which accommodates a polybasic stretch ending in a C-terminal arginine. This site has long been a focus of drug discovery efforts for cancer therapeutics. We recently showed that interruption of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling pathway ameliorates neuropathic pain and hypothesize that interference of this pathway by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein interferes with pain signaling. Here, we report confirmed hits from a small molecule and natural product screen of nearly 0.5 million compounds targeting the VEGF-A binding site on NRP-1. We identified nine chemical series with lead- or drug-like physicochemical properties. Using ELISA, we demonstrate that six compounds disrupt VEGF-A-NRP-1 binding more effectively than EG00229, a known NRP-1 inhibitor. Secondary validation in cells revealed that all tested compounds inhibited VEGF-A triggered VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Further, two compounds displayed robust inhibition of a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus protein that utilizes the SARS-CoV-2 Spike for entry and fusion. These compounds represent a first step in a renewed effort to develop small molecule inhibitors of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling for the treatment of neuropathic pain and cancer with the added potential of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 virus entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Marcel Patek
- Bright Rock Path Consulting, LLC, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Paz Duran de Haro
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Carly R. Cabel
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
| | - Curtis A. Thorne
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona
| | - Samuel K. Campos
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona
- Department of Immunobiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Regulonix LLC, Tucson, AZ, USA
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16
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The Role of VEGF Receptors as Molecular Target in Nuclear Medicine for Cancer Diagnosis and Combination Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051072. [PMID: 33802353 PMCID: PMC7959315 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The rapid development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods of the cancer treatment causes that these diseases are becoming better known and the fight against them is more and more effective. Substantial contribution in this development has nuclear medicine that enables very early cancer diagnosis and early start of the so-called targeted therapy. This therapeutic concept compared to the currently used chemotherapy, causes much fewer undesirable side effects, due to targeting a specific lesion in the body. This review article discusses the possible applications of radionuclide-labelled tracers (peptides, antibodies or synthetic organic molecules) that can visualise cancer cells through pathological blood vessel system in close tumour microenvironment. Hence, at a very early step of oncological disease, targeted therapy can involve in tumour formation and growth. Abstract One approach to anticancer treatment is targeted anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT) based on prevention of blood vessel formation around the developing cancer cells. It is known that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) play a pivotal role in angiogenesis process; hence, application of angiogenesis inhibitors can be an effective approach in anticancer combination therapeutic strategies. Currently, several types of molecules have been utilised in targeted VEGF/VEGFR anticancer therapy, including human VEGF ligands themselves and their derivatives, anti-VEGF or anti-VEGFR monoclonal antibodies, VEGF binding peptides and small molecular inhibitors of VEGFR tyrosine kinases. These molecules labelled with diagnostic or therapeutic radionuclides can become, respectively, diagnostic or therapeutic receptor radiopharmaceuticals. In targeted anti-angiogenic therapy, diagnostic radioagents play a unique role, allowing the determination of the emerging tumour, to monitor the course of treatment, to predict the treatment outcomes and, first of all, to refer patients for AAT. This review provides an overview of design, synthesis and study of radiolabelled VEGF/VEGFR targeting and imaging agents to date. Additionally, we will briefly discuss their physicochemical properties and possible application in combination targeted radionuclide tumour therapy.
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Puszko AK, Sosnowski P, Rignault-Bricard R, Hermine O, Hopfgartner G, Pułka-Ziach K, Lepelletier Y, Misicka A. Urea-Peptide Hybrids as VEGF-A 165/NRP-1 Complex Inhibitors with Improved Receptor Affinity and Biological Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010072. [PMID: 33374715 PMCID: PMC7793531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), the major co-receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), may also independently act with VEGF-A165 to stimulate tumour growth and metastasis. Therefore, there is great interest in compounds that can block VEGF-A165/NRP-1 interaction. Peptidomimetic type inhibitors represent a promising strategy in the treatment of NRP-1-related disorders. Here, we present the synthesis, affinity, enzymatic stability, molecular modeling and in vitro binding evaluation of the branched urea–peptide hybrids, based on our previously reported Lys(hArg)-Dab-Oic-Arg active sequence, where the Lys(hArg) branching has been modified by introducing urea units to replace the peptide bond at various positions. One of the resulting hybrids increased the affinity of the compound for NRP-1 more than 10-fold, while simultaneously improving resistance for proteolytic stability in serum. In addition, ligand binding to NRP-1 induced rapid protein stock exocytotic trafficking to the plasma membrane in breast cancer cells. Examined properties characterize this compound as a good candidate for further development of VEGF165/NRP-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.K.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Piotr Sosnowski
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (P.S.); (G.H.)
| | - Rachel Rignault-Bricard
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; (R.R.-B.); (O.H.); (Y.L.)
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 Boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Hermine
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; (R.R.-B.); (O.H.); (Y.L.)
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 Boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Gérard Hopfgartner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 24 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (P.S.); (G.H.)
| | | | - Yves Lepelletier
- Imagine Institute, Université de Paris, 24 boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France; (R.R.-B.); (O.H.); (Y.L.)
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Basis of Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematological Disorders: Therapeutical Implications, 24 Boulevard Montparnasse, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.K.P.); (A.M.)
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Perez-Miller S, Patek M, Moutal A, Cabel CR, Thorne CA, Campos SK, Khanna R. In silico identification and validation of inhibitors of the interaction between neuropilin receptor 1 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020:2020.09.22.308783. [PMID: 32995772 PMCID: PMC7523098 DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.22.308783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a multifunctional transmembrane receptor for ligands that affect developmental axonal growth and angiogenesis. In addition to a role in cancer, NRP-1 is a reported entry point for several viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The furin cleavage product of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein takes advantage of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) binding site on NRP-1 which accommodates a polybasic stretch ending in a C-terminal arginine. This site has long been a focus of drug discovery efforts for cancer therapeutics. We recently showed that interruption of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling pathway ameliorates neuropathic pain and hypothesize that interference of this pathway by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interferes with pain signaling. Here, we report hits from a small molecule and natural product screen of nearly 0.5 million compounds targeting the VEGF-A binding site on NRP-1. We identified nine chemical series with lead- or drug-like physico-chemical properties. Using an ELISA, we demonstrate that six compounds disrupt VEGF-A-NRP-1 binding more effectively than EG00229, a known NRP-1 inhibitor. Secondary validation in cells revealed that almost all tested compounds inhibited VEGF-A triggered VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Two compounds displayed robust inhibition of a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus protein that utilizes the SARS-CoV-2 Spike for entry and fusion. These compounds represent a first step in a renewed effort to develop small molecule inhibitors of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling for the treatment of neuropathic pain and cancer with the added potential of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 virus entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
| | - Marcel Patek
- Bright Rock Path Consulting, LLC, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Carly R. Cabel
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
| | - Curtis A. Thorne
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona
| | - Samuel K. Campos
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona
- Department of Immunobiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
- Regulonix LLC, 1555 E. Entrada Segunda, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
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Zhao L, Chen H, Lu L, Wang L, Zhang X, Guo X. New insights into the role of co-receptor neuropilins in tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and targeted therapy strategies. J Drug Target 2020; 29:155-167. [PMID: 32838575 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1815210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Local tumour sites lead to pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis due to malignant conditions such as hypoxia. Although VEGF and VEGFR are considered to be the main anti-tumour treatment targets, the problems of limited efficacy and observable side effects of some drugs relevant to this target still remain to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new therapeutic targets for angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis. The neuropilin family is a class of single transmembrane glycoprotein receptors, including neuropilin1 (NRP1) and neuropilin2 (NRP2), which could act as co-receptors of VEGFA-165 and VEGFC and play a key role in promoting tumour proliferation, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we introduced the schematic diagram to visually reveal the function of NRP1 and NRP2 in enhancing the binding affinity of VEGFR2 to VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 to VEGFC, respectively. We also discussed the signalling pathways that depend on the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 and some existing targeted therapeutic strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies, targeted peptides, microRNAs and small molecule inhibitors. It will contribute a vital foundation for the future research and development of new drugs targeting NRPs. HIGHLIGHTS NRP1 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR2 and the pro-angiogenic factor VEGFA-165 to up-regulate tumour angiogenesis by promoting endothelial cells proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and by preventing of apoptosis. NRP2 acts as a co-receptor with VEGFR3 and the pro-lymphogenic factor VEGFC to facilitate tumour metastasis by promoting lymphangiogenesis. Although NRP1 and NRP2 do not have enzymatic signalling activity, the affinity of VEGFR2 for VEGFA-165 and VEGFR3 for VEGFC can increase in a co-receptor manner, as detailed in the schematic. The exclusive roles of NRP1 and NRP2 in signalling pathways are specifically described to emphasise the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in co-receptors. Various studies have shown that the co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2 can be directly or indirectly targeted by different methods to prevent tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Therapeutic strategies targeting NRPs look promising soon as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongyuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong University Affiliated Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuli Guo
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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20
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Zou M, Xu P, Wang L, Wang L, Li T, Liu C, Shi L, Xie J, Li W, Wang S, Wu G, Luo F, Wu T, Yan J. Design and construction of a magnetic targeting pro-coagulant protein for embolic therapy of solid tumors. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 48:116-128. [PMID: 31852257 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1699817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we have designed a magnetic targeting pro-coagulant protein (MTPCP) for the embolic therapy of solid tumours. The MTPCP consists of a magnetic carrier and a pro-coagulant protein. The pro-coagulant protein used in this study is the fusion protein tTF-EG3287 which is not pro-coagulant when free in the blood circulation, but presents strong pro-coagulant ability once bound to the Neuropilin-1(NRP-1) that is highly expressed on tumour-associated vascular endothelial cells. And the magnetic carrier is O-Carboxymethyl chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (OCMC/Fe3O4). In vitro, we assessed the NRP-1 targeting ability of the MTPCP using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, and evaluated the potential pro-coagulant activity of the MTPCP using the Spectozyme FXa assay. In vivo, the magnetic targeting ability of the MTPCP was detected using a living imaging system. At last, we assessed the anticancer activity of the MTPCP on HepG2 tumour bearing BALB/c nude mice models including subcutaneous transplantation and orthotopic transplantation. HepG2 tumour bearing mice models revealed that after intravenous administration of the MTPCP, thrombosis specifically occurs on tumour-associated blood vessels, and resulting in tumour growth retardation. No apparent side effects, such as thrombosis in other organs or other treatment-related toxicity, were observed during the treatment. Our data showed that the MTPCP may be a promising embolic agent for the embolic therapy of solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyuan Zou
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Peilan Xu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Li Wang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lanlan Wang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wanyun Li
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shengyu Wang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Guoqiu Wu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanghong Luo
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jianghua Yan
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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21
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Conole D, Chou Y, Patsiarika A, Nwabo V, Dimitriou E, Soudy C, Mota F, Djordjevic S, Selwood DL. Discovery of a novel fluorescent chemical probe suitable for evaluation of neuropilin-1 binding of small molecules. Drug Dev Res 2020; 81:491-500. [PMID: 31958155 PMCID: PMC7317715 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is emerging as an important molecule in immune signaling where it has been shown to modulate the actions of TGF-β1 in macrophages and regulatory T cells. The development of cost-effective and reliable assays for NRP1 binding is therefore important. We synthesized three new NRP1 small molecule fluorophores and examined their performance as fluorescent polarization probes. One molecule DS108 exhibited favorable binding and fluorescent characteristics and allowed us to establish a simple assay suitable for medium to high throughput screening of small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Conole
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Yi‐Tai Chou
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Valery Nwabo
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Eleni Dimitriou
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Christelle Soudy
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Filipa Mota
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Snezana Djordjevic
- Institute of Structural and Molecular BiologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - David L. Selwood
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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22
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Dumond A, Demange L, Pagès G. [Neuropilins: relevant therapeutic targets to improve the treatment of cancers]. Med Sci (Paris) 2020; 36:487-496. [PMID: 32452371 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exacerbated angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer defined by Hanahan and Weinberg. However, targeting the signaling pathway of the "Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)" or its receptors has shown its therapeutic limits. Despite short term benefits for patients, tumors always relapse and generally become metastatic and incurable. Neuropilins 1 and 2 (NRP1, 2) whose activity was originally described in the nervous system, stimulate many parameters involved in tumor aggressiveness including cell proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and immune tolerance. Thus, an overexpression of NRP1 or 2 in many tumors, is correlated with a short survival of the patients. The purpose of this review is to describe the mechanisms of action involved in stimulating NRP1, 2 and to take stock of therapeutic strategies in preclinical studies or in early phase trials in patients with different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Dumond
- Centre scientifique de Monaco, Département de biologie médicale, 8 quai Antoine Ier, MC-98000 Monaco, Principauté de Monaco
| | - Luc Demange
- Université de Paris, CiTCoM, UMR 8038 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Centre scientifique de Monaco, Département de biologie médicale, 8 quai Antoine Ier, MC-98000 Monaco, Principauté de Monaco - Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de recherche sur le cancer et le vieillissement de Nice, CNRS UMR 7284 ; Inserm U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 33 avenue de Valombrose, 06189 Nice, France
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23
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Pal K, Madamsetty VS, Dutta SK, Wang E, Angom RS, Mukhopadhyay D. Synchronous inhibition of mTOR and VEGF/NRP1 axis impedes tumor growth and metastasis in renal cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2019; 3:31. [PMID: 31840081 PMCID: PMC6895165 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-019-0105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is known for its highly vascular phenotype which is associated with elevated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor (VPF). Accordingly, VEGF has been an attractive target for antiangiogenic therapies in ccRCC. Two major strategies have hitherto been utilized for VEGF-targeted antiangiogenic therapies: targeting VEGF by antibodies, ligand traps or aptamers, and targeting the VEGF receptor signaling via antibodies or small-molecule tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In the present article we utilized two entirely different approaches: targeting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway that is known to be involved in VEGF synthesis, and disruption of VEGF/Neuroplin-1 (NRP1) axis that is known to activate proangiogenic and pro-tumorigenic signaling in endothelial and tumor cells, respectively. Everolimus (E) and a small-molecule inhibitor EG00229 (G) were used for the inhibition of mTOR and the disruption of VEGF/NRP1 axis, respectively. We also exploited a liposomal formulation decorated with a proprietary tumor-targeting-peptide (TTP) to simultaneously deliver these two agents in a tumor-targeted manner. The TTP-liposomes encapsulating both Everolimus and EG00229 (EG-L) demonstrated higher in vitro and in vivo growth retardation than the single drug-loaded liposomes (E-L and G-L) in two different ccRCC models and led to a noticeable reduction in lung metastasis in vivo. In addition, EG-L displayed remarkable inhibition of tumor growth in a highly aggressive syngeneic immune-competent mouse model of ccRCC developed in Balb/c mice. Taken together, this study demonstrates an effective approach to achieve improved therapeutic outcome in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnendu Pal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Vijay Sagar Madamsetty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Shamit Kumar Dutta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Enfeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Ramcharan Singh Angom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
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24
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Ahangarzadeh S, Kanafi MM, Hosseinzadeh S, Mokhtarzadeh A, Barati M, Ranjbari J, Tayebi L. Bicyclic peptides: types, synthesis and applications. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1311-1319. [PMID: 31102732 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Bicyclic peptides form one of the most promising platforms for drug development owing to their biocompatibility, similarity and chemical diversity to proteins, and they are considered as a possible practical tool in various therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Bicyclic peptides are known to have the capability of being employed as an effective alternative to complex molecules, such as antibodies, or small molecules. This review provides a summary of the recent progress on the types, synthesis and applications of bicyclic peptides. More specifically, natural and synthetic bicyclic peptides are introduced with their different production methods and relevant applications, including drug targeting, imaging and diagnosis. Their uses as antimicrobial agents, as well as the therapeutic functions of different bicyclic peptides, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Ahangarzadeh
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad M Kanafi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simzar Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahmood Barati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Ranjbari
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Lobat Tayebi
- Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
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25
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Fedorczyk B, Lipiński PFJ, Puszko AK, Tymecka D, Wilenska B, Dudka W, Perret GY, Wieczorek R, Misicka A. Triazolopeptides Inhibiting the Interaction between Neuropilin-1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-165. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24091756. [PMID: 31064153 PMCID: PMC6539594 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24091756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting the interaction of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has become an interesting mechanism for potential anticancer therapies. In our previous works, we have obtained several submicromolar inhibitors of this interaction, including branched pentapeptides of general structure Lys(Har)-Xxx-Xxx-Arg. With the intent to improve the proteolytic stability of our inhibitors, we turned our attention to 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles as peptide bond isosteres. In the present contribution, we report the synthesis of 23 novel triazolopeptides along with their inhibitory activity. The compounds were synthesized using typical peptide chemistry methods, but with a conversion of amine into azide completely on solid support. The inhibitory activity of the synthesized derivatives spans from 9.2% to 58.1% at 10 μM concentration (the best compound Lys(Har)-GlyΨ[Trl]GlyΨ[Trl]Arg, 3, IC50 = 8.39 μM). Synthesized peptidotriazoles were tested for stability in human plasma and showed remarkable resistance toward proteolysis, with half-life times far exceeding 48 h. In vitro cell survival test resulted in no significant impact on bone marrow derived murine cells 32D viability. By means of molecular dynamics, we were able to propose a binding mode for compound 3 and discuss the observed structure–activity relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna K Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dagmara Tymecka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Beata Wilenska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Wioleta Dudka
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteura 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Gerard Y Perret
- Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1125, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny, France.
| | - Rafal Wieczorek
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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26
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Xiang Z, Jiang G, Yang X, Fan D, Nan X, Li D, Hu Z, Fang Q. Peptosome Coadministration Improves Nanoparticle Delivery to Tumors through NRP1-Mediated Co-Endocytosis. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9050172. [PMID: 31060320 PMCID: PMC6572427 DOI: 10.3390/biom9050172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving the efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) delivery to tumors is critical for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In our previous work, amphiphilic peptide APPA self-assembled nanocarriers were designed and constructed for cargo delivery to tumors with high efficiency. In this study, we explore the use of APPA self-assembled peptosomes as a nanoparticle adjuvant to enhance the delivery of nanoparticles and antibodies to integrin αvβ3 and neuropilin-1 (NRP1) positive tumors. The enhanced tumor delivery of coadministered NPs was confirmed by better magnetosome (Mag)-based T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), liposome-based fluorescence imaging, as well as the improved anti-tumor efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (trastuzumab in this case) and doxorubicin (DOX)-containing liposomes. Interestingly, the improvement is most significant for the delivering of compounds that have active or passive tumor targeting ability, such as antibodies or NPs that have enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. However, for non-targeting small molecules, the effect is not significant. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that both peptosomes and the coadministered compounds might be internalized into cells through a NRP1 mediated co-endocytosis (CoE) pathway. The improved delivery of coadministered NPs and antibodies to tumors suggests that the coadministration with APPA self-assembled peptosomes could be a valuable approach for advancing αvβ3 and NRP1 positive tumors diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichu Xiang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Gexuan Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xiaoliang Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Di Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xiaohui Nan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Dan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing 101408, China.
| | - Qiaojun Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing 101408, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ambient Particles Health Effects and Prevention Techniques, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.
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27
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Xiang Z, Yang X, Jiang G, Fan D, Geng L, Wang H, Hu Z, Fang Q. Design of a Simple and Practical Nanosystem Coordinates Tumor Targeting and Penetration for Improved Theranostics. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201800107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichu Xiang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
| | - Xiaoliang Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
| | - Gexuan Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
| | - Di Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
| | - Lingling Geng
- Xuanwu Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing 100053 China
| | - Hao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research; Beijing 101408 China
| | - Zhiyuan Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research; Beijing 101408 China
| | - Qiaojun Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing 100049 China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research; Beijing 101408 China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ambient Particles Health Effects and Prevention Techniques; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; Beijing 100190 China
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28
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Peng K, Bai Y, Zhu Q, Hu B, Xu Y. Targeting VEGF–neuropilin interactions: a promising antitumor strategy. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:656-664. [PMID: 30315890 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kewen Peng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ying Bai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qihua Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yungen Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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29
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Zou M, Samiullah M, Xu P, Wang S, He J, Wu T, Luo F, Yan J. Construction of novel procoagulant protein targeting neuropilin-1 on tumour vasculature for tumour embolization therapy. J Drug Target 2019; 27:885-895. [PMID: 30628471 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1566337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The cellular transmembrane receptor Neuropilin-1(NRP-1) is overexpressed in tumour tissue and endothelial cells of tumour vessels, whereas it has limited expression in normal tissues. This study aimed to design a novel recombinant protein tTF-EG3287, which consisting of the truncated tissue factor (tTF) and the NRP-1 targeting peptide EG3287. The procoagulant protein selectively activates blood coagulation in tumour vessels once bound to the cell surface of the tumour vasculature by a targeting peptide EG3287. In this study, procoagulant activity of the recombinant protein tTF-EG3287 was evaluated by Spectozyme FXa assay. NRP-1 targeting ability was analysed by fluorescence confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The living imaging system was used to assess the tumour targeting ability of recombinant proteins tTF-EG3287 in vivo. Tumour growth inhibition showed effective antitumor activity in HepG2 tumour-bearing nude mice. Histological study showed obvious thrombosis and thromboembolism in tumour vessels and cell necrosis of tumour tissue, without any clear side effect such as thrombosis in other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyuan Zou
- a Cancer Research Center, Medical College , Xiamen University , Xiamen , China
| | - Malik Samiullah
- a Cancer Research Center, Medical College , Xiamen University , Xiamen , China
| | - Peilan Xu
- a Cancer Research Center, Medical College , Xiamen University , Xiamen , China
| | - Shengyu Wang
- a Cancer Research Center, Medical College , Xiamen University , Xiamen , China
| | - Jie He
- a Cancer Research Center, Medical College , Xiamen University , Xiamen , China
| | - Ting Wu
- a Cancer Research Center, Medical College , Xiamen University , Xiamen , China
| | - Fanghong Luo
- a Cancer Research Center, Medical College , Xiamen University , Xiamen , China
| | - Jianghua Yan
- a Cancer Research Center, Medical College , Xiamen University , Xiamen , China
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30
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Branched pentapeptides as potent inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor 165 binding to Neuropilin-1: Design, synthesis and biological activity. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 158:453-462. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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31
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Wang F, Xu C, Peng R, Li B, Shen X, Zheng H, Lao X. Effect of a C-end rule modification on antitumor activity of thymosin α1. Biochimie 2018; 154:99-106. [PMID: 30096371 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1), a hormone containing 28 amino acids, has been approved in several cancer therapies, but the lack of tumor-targeting hinders its full use in tumor treatment. We designed a new peptide by connecting Tα1 and RGDR, generating a product, Tα1-RGDR, where RGDR is located in the C-end with both tumor-homing and cell internalizing properties (C-end rule peptides, a consensus R/KXXR/K motif). This work aimed to study the antitumor and immunological activities of Tα1-RGDR, and its differences compared with the wild-type Tα1. The antitumor and immunological activities of Tα1-RGDR were measured using the B16F10 tumor and immunologic suppression models. Tα1-RGDR treatment led to significant inhibition of tumor growth at a dose at which Tα1 showed a slight effect in the B16F10 tumor growth model. In the immunologic suppression model, Tα1-RGDR shared almost equivalent immunomodulatory effect with Tα1. These results demonstrated the better therapeutic effects after treatment with Tα1-RGDR compared with Tα1. Moreover, both Tα1-RGDR and Tα1 shared a helical conformation in the presence of trifluoroethanol based on CD spectroscopy. Our dock information of Tα1-RGDR when combined with integrin αvβ3 or neuropilin-1 further confirmed previous experimental results. All these findings suggest that Tα1-RGDR might be a useful therapy for tumors by overcoming its wild type limitation of tumor homing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Caoying Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Renhao Peng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Bin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xutong Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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32
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Alipour M, Majidi A, Molaabasi F, Sheikhnejad R, Hosseinkhani S. In vivo
tumor gene delivery using novel peptideticles: pH‐responsive and ligand targeted core–shell nanoassembly. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:2017-2028. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Alipour
- Department of Nano BiotechnologyFaculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares UniversityTehran Iran
| | - Asia Majidi
- Department of Nano BiotechnologyFaculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares UniversityTehran Iran
| | - Fatemeh Molaabasi
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares UniversityTehran Iran
| | - Reza Sheikhnejad
- Department of Molecular BiologyTofigh Daru Co. (TODACO)Tehran Iran
| | - Saman Hosseinkhani
- Department of Nano BiotechnologyFaculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares UniversityTehran Iran
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares UniversityTehran Iran
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Jin Z, Wang P, Chen J, He L, Xiao L, Yong K, Deng S, Zhou L. A Tumor-Specific Tissue-Penetrating Peptide Enhances the Efficacy of Chemotherapy Drugs in Gastric Cancer. Yonsei Med J 2018; 59:595-601. [PMID: 29869457 PMCID: PMC5990678 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2018.59.5.595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE C-end rule (CendR) peptides are found to enhance the penetration of chemotherapeutic agents into tumor cells, while GX1 is a peptide that homes to gastric cancer (GC) vasculature. This study aimed to synthesize a novel peptide GX1-RPAKPAR (GXC) and to explore the effect of GXC on sensitizing GC cells to chemotherapeutic agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS Intracellular Adriamycin concentration analysis was applied to conform whether GXC peptide increases the penetration of chemotherapeutic agents into GC cells in vitro. The effect of GXC peptide on sensitizing GC cells to chemotherapeutics was validated by apoptosis assay and in vitro/vivo drug sensitivity assay. The specificity of GXC to GC tissue was validated by ex vivo fluorescence imaging. RESULTS In vitro, administration of GXC significantly increased Adriamycin concentrations inside SGC-7901 cells, and enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents by decreasing the IC₅₀ value. In vivo, FITC-GXC specifically accumulated in GC tissue. Moreover, systemic co-injection with GXC peptide and Adriamycin statistically improved the therapeutic efficacy in SGC-7901 xenograft models, surprisingly, without obviously increasing side effects. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that co-administration of the novel peptide GXC with chemotherapeutic agents may be a potential way to enhance the efficacy of anticancer drugs in GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhian Jin
- The Second Outpatient Department of Chengdu Army Region Authority, Chengdu, China
| | - Pujie Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the 520th Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Mianyang, China
| | - Jie Chen
- The Second Outpatient Department of Chengdu Army Region Authority, Chengdu, China
| | - Li He
- Sichuan Province Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijia Xiao
- The Second Outpatient Department of Chengdu Army Region Authority, Chengdu, China
| | - Kaisen Yong
- The Second Outpatient Department of Chengdu Army Region Authority, Chengdu, China
| | - Shenglin Deng
- The Second Outpatient Department of Chengdu Army Region Authority, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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Mo Z, Yu F, Han S, Yang S, Wu L, Li P, Jiao S. New peptide MY1340 revert the inhibition effect of VEGF on dendritic cells differentiation and maturation via blocking VEGF-NRP-1 axis and inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 60:132-140. [PMID: 29730556 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The development and clinical application of immunostimulatory therapy provides us a new and exciting strategy in cancer treatment of which the agents act on crucial receptors. Given the fact that Neuropilin-1(NRP-1) is essential for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to inhibit LPS-dependent maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), it may present a potentially meaningful target in cancer immunotherapy. To explore this hypothesis, we synthesized a novel polypeptide called MY1340 consist of 32 amino acids with the aim of targeting VEGF-NRP-1 axis. Pull-down assay coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS) was firstly conducted to identify NRP-1 as a potential MY1340 interacting protein, and the interaction between them was further confirmed by western blot. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results revealed that MY1340 was able to inhibit the binding between NRP-1 and VEGF with IC50 7.42 ng/ml, better than that of Tuftsin, although a natural ligand reportedly specific for the NRP-1 receptor. The presence of VEGF significantly reduced the expression of human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR), CD86 and CD11C on DCs, and this effect was reverted by MY1340-augment p65 NF-κB and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We also present evidence that MY1340 is remarkably efficacious in the treatment of mice bearing subcutaneous liver cancer and induced DC maturation in the tumor environment in vivo. Taken together, these results indicate that MY1340 may represent a potential efficient immune therapeutic compound within disease that are rich in VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Mo
- PLA General Hospital Cancer Center, PLA Postgraduate School of Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Su Han
- DC Bio Lab, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Liangliang Wu
- PLA General Hospital Cancer Center, PLA Postgraduate School of Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Li
- PLA General Hospital Cancer Center, PLA Postgraduate School of Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunchang Jiao
- PLA General Hospital Cancer Center, PLA Postgraduate School of Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Powell J, Mota F, Steadman D, Soudy C, Miyauchi JT, Crosby S, Jarvis A, Reisinger T, Winfield N, Evans G, Finniear A, Yelland T, Chou YT, Chan AWE, O'Leary A, Cheng L, Liu D, Fotinou C, Milagre C, Martin JF, Jia H, Frankel P, Djordjevic S, Tsirka SE, Zachary IC, Selwood DL. Small Molecule Neuropilin-1 Antagonists Combine Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Activity with Immune Modulation through Reduction of Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) Production in Regulatory T-Cells. J Med Chem 2018; 61:4135-4154. [PMID: 29648813 PMCID: PMC5957473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
We
report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of some
potent small-molecule neuropilin-1 (NRP1) antagonists. NRP1 is implicated
in the immune response to tumors, particularly in Treg cell fragility,
required for PD1 checkpoint blockade. The design of these compounds
was based on a previously identified compound EG00229. The design
of these molecules was informed and supported by X-ray crystal structures.
Compound 1 (EG01377) was identified as having properties
suitable for further investigation. Compound 1 was then
tested in several in vitro assays and was shown to have antiangiogenic,
antimigratory, and antitumor effects. Remarkably, 1 was
shown to be selective for NRP1 over the closely related protein NRP2.
In purified Nrp1+, FoxP3+, and CD25+ populations of Tregs from mice, 1 was able to block
a glioma-conditioned medium-induced increase in TGFβ production.
This comprehensive characterization of a small-molecule NRP1 antagonist
provides the basis for future in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Powell
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Filipa Mota
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - David Steadman
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Christelle Soudy
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Jeremy T Miyauchi
- Department of Pharmacology , Stony Brook University , Stony Brook , New York 11794 , United States
| | - Stuart Crosby
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Ashley Jarvis
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Tifelle Reisinger
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Natalie Winfield
- NCE Discovery (Domainex Ltd) , Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford , Saffron Walden , Essex CB10 1XL , U.K
| | - Graham Evans
- Park Place Research Ltd , Unit 5/6 Willowbrook Technology Park, Llandogo Road, St. Mellons , Cardiff CF3 0EF , U.K
| | - Aled Finniear
- Park Place Research Ltd , Unit 5/6 Willowbrook Technology Park, Llandogo Road, St. Mellons , Cardiff CF3 0EF , U.K
| | | | - Yi-Tai Chou
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - A W Edith Chan
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Andrew O'Leary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Lili Cheng
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Dan Liu
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Constantina Fotinou
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Carla Milagre
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - John F Martin
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Haiyan Jia
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Paul Frankel
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - Snezana Djordjevic
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Stella E Tsirka
- Department of Pharmacology , Stony Brook University , Stony Brook , New York 11794 , United States
| | - Ian C Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine , University College London , 5 University Street , London WC1E 6JJ , U.K
| | - David L Selwood
- The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research , University College London , Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
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Mota F, Fotinou C, Rana RR, Chan AWE, Yelland T, Arooz MT, O'Leary AP, Hutton J, Frankel P, Zachary I, Selwood D, Djordjevic S. Architecture and hydration of the arginine-binding site of neuropilin-1. FEBS J 2018; 285:1290-1304. [PMID: 29430837 PMCID: PMC5947257 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane co‐receptor involved in binding interactions with variety of ligands and receptors, including receptor tyrosine kinases. Expression of NRP1 in several cancers correlates with cancer stages and poor prognosis. Thus, NRP1 has been considered a therapeutic target and is the focus of multiple drug discovery initiatives. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binds to the b1 domain of NRP1 through interactions between the C‐terminal arginine of VEGF and residues in the NRP1‐binding site including Tyr297, Tyr353, Asp320, Ser346 and Thr349. We obtained several complexes of the synthetic ligands and the NRP1‐b1 domain and used X‐ray crystallography and computational methods to analyse atomic details and hydration profile of this binding site. We observed side chain flexibility for Tyr297 and Asp320 in the six new high‐resolution crystal structures of arginine analogues bound to NRP1. In addition, we identified conserved water molecules in binding site regions which can be targeted for drug design. The computational prediction of the VEGF ligand‐binding site hydration map of NRP1 was in agreement with the experimentally derived, conserved hydration structure. Displacement of certain conserved water molecules by a ligand's functional groups may contribute to binding affinity, whilst other water molecules perform as protein–ligand bridges. Our report provides a comprehensive description of the binding site for the peptidic ligands’ C‐terminal arginines in the b1 domain of NRP1, highlights the importance of conserved structural waters in drug design and validates the utility of the computational hydration map prediction method in the context of neuropilin. Database The structures were deposited to the PDB with accession numbers PDB ID: 5IJR, 5IYY, 5JHK, 5J1X, 5JGQ, 5JGI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Mota
- Magnus Life, Magnus Life Science, London, UK
| | | | | | - A W Edith Chan
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, UK
| | | | - Mohamed T Arooz
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, UK
| | | | | | - Paul Frankel
- Magnus Life, Magnus Life Science, London, UK.,Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & Medicine, BHF Laboratories at University College London, UK
| | - Ian Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & Medicine, BHF Laboratories at University College London, UK
| | - David Selwood
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, UK
| | - Snezana Djordjevic
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, UK
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NRPa-308, a new neuropilin-1 antagonist, exerts in vitro anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative effects and in vivo anti-cancer effects in a mouse xenograft model. Cancer Lett 2018; 414:88-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Abstract
All known splice isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) can bind to the receptor tyrosine kinases VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. We focus here on VEGF-A121a and VEGF-A165a, two of the most abundant VEGF-A splice isoforms in human tissue 1 , and their ability to bind the Neuropilin co-receptors NRP1 and NRP2. The Neuropilins are key vascular, immune, and nervous system receptors on endothelial cells, neuronal axons, and regulatory T cells respectively. They serve as co-receptors for the Plexins in Semaphorin binding on neuronal and vascular endothelial cells, and for the VEGFRs in VEGF binding on vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells, and thus regulate the initiation and coordination of cell signaling by Semaphorins and VEGFs. 2 There is conflicting evidence in the literature as to whether only heparin-binding VEGF-A isoforms - that is, isoforms with domains encoded by exons 6 and/or 7 plus 8a - bind to Neuropilins on endothelial cells. While it is clear that VEGF-A165a binds to both NRP1 and NRP2, published studies do not all agree on the ability of VEGF-A121a to bind NRPs. Here, we review and attempt to reconcile evidence for and against VEGF-A121a binding to Neuropilins. This evidence suggests that, in vitro, VEGF-A121a can bind to both NRP1 and NRP2 via domains encoded by exons 5 and 8a; in the case of NRP1, VEGF-A121a binds with lower affinity than VEGF-A165a. In in vitro cell culture experiments, both NRP1 and NRP2 can enhance VEGF-A121a-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and downstream signaling including proliferation. However, unlike VEGFA-165a, experiments have shown that VEGF-A121a does not 'bridge' VEGFR2 and NRP1, i.e. it does not bind both receptors simultaneously at their extracellular domain. Thus, the mechanism by which Neuropilins potentiate VEGF-A121a-mediated VEGFR2 signaling may be different from that for VEGF-A165a. We suggest such an alternate mechanism: interactions between NRP1 and VEGFR2 transmembrane (TM) and intracellular (IC) domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarvenaz Sarabipour
- a Institute for Computational Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Feilim Mac Gabhann
- a Institute for Computational Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Tymecka D, Lipiński PFJ, Fedorczyk B, Puszko A, Wileńska B, Perret GY, Misicka A. Structure-activity relationship study of tetrapeptide inhibitors of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A binding to Neuropilin-1. Peptides 2017. [PMID: 28627371 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 is considered as one of the key receptors responsible for signaling pathways involved in pathological angiogenesis necessary for tumor progression, therefore targeting of VEGF165 binding to NRP-1 could be a relevant strategy for antiangiogenic treatment. It was shown before that the VEGF165/NRP-1 interaction can be inhibited by short tetrapeptides with K/RXXR sequence. Here, we present a structure-activity relationship study of the systematic optimization of amino acid residues in positions 1-3 in the above tetrapeptides. All the 13 synthesized analogs possessed C-terminal arginine that is a necessary element for interaction with NRP-1. The obtained results of the inhibitory activity and modeling by molecular dynamics indicate that simultaneous interactions of the basic amino acid residues in position 1 and 4 (Arg) with Neuropilin-1 are crucial and their cooperation strongly affects the inhibitory activity. In addition, the binding strength is modulated by the flexibility of the peptide backbone (in the central part of the peptide), and the nature of the side chain of the amino acids at the second or third position. A dramatic decrease in the activity to the receptor is observed in flexible derivatives that are missing proline residues. The results described in this paper should prove useful for future studies aimed at establishing the best pharmacophore for inhibitors of VEGF165 binding to NRP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Tymecka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Anna Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Wileńska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gerard Y Perret
- Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1125, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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40
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Neuropilin-1 Associated Molecules in the Blood Distinguish Poor Prognosis Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3301. [PMID: 28607365 PMCID: PMC5468252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03280-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMCs) cells provide an informative snapshot of the systemic physiological state. Moreover, they provide a non-invasively accessible compartment to identify biomarkers for personalized medicine in advanced breast cancer. The role of Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) and its interacting molecules in breast tumor tissue was correlated with cancer progression; however, the clinical impact of their systemic levels was not extensively evaluated. In this cross-sectional study, we found that circulating and tumor tissue expression of NRP-1 and circulating placental growth factor (PlGF) increase in advanced nodal and metastatic breast cancer compared with locally advanced disease. Tumor tissue expression of NRP-1 and PlGF is also upregulated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to other subtypes. Conversely, in PBMCs, NRP-1 and its interacting molecules SEMA4A and SNAI1 are significantly downregulated in breast cancer patients compared to healthy controls, indicating a protective role. Moreover, we report differential PBMC expression profiles that correlate inversely with disease stage (SEMA4A, SNAI1, PLXNA1 and VEGFR3) and can differentiate between the TNBC and non-TNBC tumor subtypes (VEGFR3 and PLXNA1). This work supports the importance of NRP-1-associated molecules in circulation to characterize poor prognosis breast cancer and emphasizes on their role as favorable drug targets.
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Kerros C, Tripathi SC, Zha D, Mehrens JM, Sergeeva A, Philips AV, Qiao N, Peters HL, Katayama H, Sukhumalchandra P, Ruisaard KE, Perakis AA, St John LS, Lu S, Mittendorf EA, Clise-Dwyer K, Herrmann AC, Alatrash G, Toniatti C, Hanash SM, Ma Q, Molldrem JJ. Neuropilin-1 mediates neutrophil elastase uptake and cross-presentation in breast cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:10295-10305. [PMID: 28468826 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.773051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil elastase (NE) can be rapidly taken up by tumor cells that lack endogenous NE expression, including breast cancer, which results in cross-presentation of PR1, an NE-derived HLA-A2-restricted peptide that is an immunotherapy target in hematological and solid tumor malignancies. The mechanism of NE uptake, however, remains unknown. Using the mass spectrometry-based approach, we identify neuropilin-1 (NRP1) as a NE receptor that mediates uptake and PR1 cross-presentation in breast cancer cells. We demonstrated that soluble NE is a specific, high-affinity ligand for NRP1 with a calculated Kd of 38.7 nm Furthermore, we showed that NRP1 binds to the RRXR motif in NE. Notably, NRP1 knockdown with interfering RNA or CRISPR-cas9 system and blocking using anti-NRP1 antibody decreased NE uptake and, subsequently, susceptibility to lysis by PR1-specific cytotoxic T cells. Expression of NRP1 in NRP1-deficient cells was sufficient to induce NE uptake. Altogether, because NRP1 is broadly expressed in tumors, our findings suggest a role for this receptor in immunotherapy strategies that target cross-presented antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Kerros
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | | | - Dongxing Zha
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jennifer M Mehrens
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anna Sergeeva
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anne V Philips
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Na Qiao
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Haley L Peters
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hiroyuki Katayama
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | | | - Kathryn E Ruisaard
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Alexander A Perakis
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Lisa S St John
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Sijie Lu
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | | | - Karen Clise-Dwyer
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Amanda C Herrmann
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Gheath Alatrash
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Carlo Toniatti
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Samir M Hanash
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Qing Ma
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jeffrey J Molldrem
- From the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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Grabowska K, Puszko AK, Lipiński PFJ, Laskowska AK, Wileńska B, Witkowska E, Perret GY, Misicka A. Structure-activity relationship study of a small cyclic peptide H-c[Lys-Pro-Glu]-Arg-OH: a potent inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor interaction with Neuropilin-1. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 25:597-602. [PMID: 27889287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of angiogenesis is one of the most promising approaches in anticancer therapy. It was recently suggested that Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in tumour cells may serve as a separate receptor for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-165 (VEGF165) which is one of the main pro-angiogenic agents in the organism. Therefore molecules inhibiting VEGF165 binding to NRP-1 could be potential candidates for new antiangiogenic and anticancer drugs. Here we present a structure-activity relationship study of the peptide H-c[Lys-Pro-Glu]-Arg-OH which showed high inhibitory effect on VEGF165/NRP-1 binding (IC50=0.18μM) in our previous study. We report the design, synthesis, in vitro assays and docking analysis of four small cyclic peptides (14-,15-membered ring) and one bigger cyclic compound (30-membered ring). Our study shows that both the ring size and configuration of amino acid residues present in the structure are crucial for high inhibitory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna K Puszko
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr F J Lipiński
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna K Laskowska
- Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Wileńska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Witkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gerard Y Perret
- Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM U1125, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny, France
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; Department of Neuropeptides, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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43
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Carbohydrate-based peptidomimetics targeting neuropilin-1: Synthesis, molecular docking study and in vitro biological activities. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:5315-5325. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Grabowska K, Puszko AK, Lipiński PF, Laskowska AK, Wileńska B, Witkowska E, Misicka A. Design, synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of a small cyclic peptide as inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor binding to neuropilin-1. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:2843-2846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a fundamental role in angiogenesis and endothelial cell biology, and has been the subject of intense study as a result. VEGF acts via a diverse and complex range of signaling pathways, with new targets constantly being discovered. This review attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding VEGF cell signaling in endothelial and cardiovascular biology, with a particular emphasis on its role in angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Evans
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, Rayne Building, 5 University Street, London, WC1E 6JF, UK,
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46
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Kamarulzaman EE, Vanderesse R, Gazzali AM, Barberi-Heyob M, Boura C, Frochot C, Shawkataly O, Aubry A, Wahab HA. Molecular modelling, synthesis and biological evaluation of peptide inhibitors as anti-angiogenic agent targeting neuropilin-1 for anticancer application. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 35:26-45. [PMID: 26766582 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2015.1131196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its co-receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) are important targets of many pro-angiogenic factors. In this study, nine peptides were synthesized and evaluated for their molecular interaction with NRP-1 and compared to our previous peptide ATWLPPR. Docking study showed that the investigated peptides shared the same binding region as shown by tuftsin known to bind selectively to NRP-1. Four pentapeptides (DKPPR, DKPRR, TKPPR and TKPRR) and a hexapeptide CDKPRR demonstrated good inhibitory activity against NRP-1. In contrast, peptides having arginine residue at sites other than the C-terminus exhibited low activity towards NRP-1 and this is confirmed by their inability to displace the VEGF165 binding to NRP-1. Docking study also revealed that replacement of carboxyl to amide group at the C-terminal arginine of the peptide did not affect significantly the binding interaction to NRP-1. However, the molecular affinity study showed that these peptides have marked reduction in the activity against NRP-1. Pentapeptides having C-terminal arginine showed strong interaction and good inhibitory activity with NRP thus may be a good template for anti-angiogenic targeting agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezatul E Kamarulzaman
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Universiti Sains Malaysia , 11800 Penang , Malaysia.,b LCPM, UMR-CNRS 7375, Université de Lorraine, ENSIC , 1 Rue Grandville, F-54000 Nancy , France
| | - Régis Vanderesse
- b LCPM, UMR-CNRS 7375, Université de Lorraine, ENSIC , 1 Rue Grandville, F-54000 Nancy , France
| | - Amirah M Gazzali
- b LCPM, UMR-CNRS 7375, Université de Lorraine, ENSIC , 1 Rue Grandville, F-54000 Nancy , France
| | - Muriel Barberi-Heyob
- c CRAN, UMR-CNRS 7039 , Campus Science, BP 70239, F-54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy , France
| | - Cédric Boura
- c CRAN, UMR-CNRS 7039 , Campus Science, BP 70239, F-54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy , France
| | - Céline Frochot
- d LRGP , UMR-CNRS 7274, Université de Lorraine, ENSIC , 1 Rue Grandville, F-54000 Nancy , France
| | - Omar Shawkataly
- e Chemical Sciences Programme , School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 11800 Penang , Malaysia
| | - André Aubry
- b LCPM, UMR-CNRS 7375, Université de Lorraine, ENSIC , 1 Rue Grandville, F-54000 Nancy , France
| | - Habibah A Wahab
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Universiti Sains Malaysia , 11800 Penang , Malaysia.,f Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation , Jalan Bukit Gambir, 11800 Penang , Malaysia
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47
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Raimondi C, Brash JT, Fantin A, Ruhrberg C. NRP1 function and targeting in neurovascular development and eye disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2016; 52:64-83. [PMID: 26923176 PMCID: PMC4854174 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is expressed by neurons, blood vessels, immune cells and many other cell types in the mammalian body and binds a range of structurally and functionally diverse extracellular ligands to modulate organ development and function. In recent years, several types of mouse knockout models have been developed that have provided useful tools for experimental investigation of NRP1 function, and a multitude of therapeutics targeting NRP1 have been designed, mostly with the view to explore them for cancer treatment. This review provides a general overview of current knowledge of the signalling pathways that are modulated by NRP1, with particular focus on neuronal and vascular roles in the brain and retina. This review will also discuss the potential of NRP1 inhibitors for the treatment for neovascular eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Raimondi
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - James T Brash
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Alessandro Fantin
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Christiana Ruhrberg
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
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48
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Yang M, Jiang D, Chen Z, Chen J. Photodynamic therapy of drug-resistant human colon adenocarcinoma using verteporfin-loaded TPGS nanoparticles with tumor homing and penetrating peptide functionalization. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra19152e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
tLyp-1-modified nanoparticles loaded with VP (t-NP) as a dual-targeting drug delivery systemviaNRP-1-mediated endocytosis and penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Material Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Di Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery
- School of Pharmacy
- Fudan University
- Shanghai 201203
- China
| | - Zhilong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Material Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Jun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery
- School of Pharmacy
- Fudan University
- Shanghai 201203
- China
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49
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Guo HF, Vander Kooi CW. Neuropilin Functions as an Essential Cell Surface Receptor. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:29120-6. [PMID: 26451046 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r115.687327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Neuropilins (Nrps) are a family of essential cell surface receptors involved in multiple fundamental cellular signaling cascades. Nrp family members have key functions in VEGF-dependent angiogenesis and semaphorin-dependent axon guidance, controlling signaling and cross-talk between these fundamental physiological processes. More recently, Nrp function has been found in diverse signaling and adhesive functions, emphasizing their role as pleiotropic co-receptors. Pathological Nrp function has been shown to be important in aberrant activation of both canonical and alternative pathways. Here we review key recent insights into Nrp function in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Fu Guo
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| | - Craig W Vander Kooi
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
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50
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Graziani G, Lacal PM. Neuropilin-1 as Therapeutic Target for Malignant Melanoma. Front Oncol 2015; 5:125. [PMID: 26090340 PMCID: PMC4453476 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that acts as a co-receptor for various members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. Its ability to bind or modulate the activity of a number of other extracellular ligands, such as class 3 semaphorins, TGF-β, HGF, FGF, and PDGF, has suggested the involvement of NRP-1 in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Actually, this co-receptor has been implicated in axon guidance, angiogenesis, and immune responses. NRP-1 is also expressed in a variety of cancers (prostate, lung, pancreatic, or colon carcinoma, melanoma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and neuroblastoma), suggesting a critical role in tumor progression. Moreover, a growing amount of evidence indicates that NRP-1 might display important functions independently of other VEGF receptors. In particular, in the absence of VEGFR-1/2, NRP-1 promotes melanoma invasiveness, through the activation of selected integrins, by stimulating VEGF-A and metalloproteinases secretion and modulating specific signal transduction pathways. This review is focused on the role of NRP-1 in melanoma aggressiveness and on the evidence supporting its use as target of therapies for metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Pedro M Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata", Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico , Rome , Italy
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