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Anderluzzi G, Ghitti M, Gasparri AM, Taiè G, Sacchi A, Gori A, Andolfo A, Pozzi F, Musco G, Curnis F, Corti A. A novel aminopeptidase N/CD13 inhibitor selectively targets an endothelial form of CD13 after coupling to proteins. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:68. [PMID: 38289472 PMCID: PMC10827914 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Aminopeptidase N/CD13, a membrane-bound enzyme upregulated in tumor vasculature and involved in angiogenesis, can be used as a receptor for the targeted delivery of drugs to tumors through ligand-directed targeting approaches. We describe a novel peptide ligand (VGCARRYCS, called "G4") that recognizes CD13 with high affinity and selectivity. Enzymological and computational studies showed that G4 is a competitive inhibitor that binds to the catalytic pocket of CD13 through its N-terminal region. Fusing the peptide C-terminus to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) or coupling it to a biotin/avidin complex causes loss of binding and inhibitory activity against different forms of CD13, including natural or recombinant ectoenzyme and a membrane form expressed by HL60 promyelocytic leukemia cells (likely due to steric hindrance), but not binding to a membrane form of CD13 expressed by endothelial cells (ECs). Furthermore, G4-TNF systemically administered to tumor-bearing mice exerted anticancer effects through a CD13-targeting mechanism, indicating the presence of a CD13 form in tumor vessels with an accessible binding site. Biochemical studies showed that most CD13 molecules expressed on the surface of ECs are catalytically inactive. Other functional assays showed that these molecules can promote endothelial cell adhesion to plates coated with G4-avidin complexes, suggesting that the endothelial form of CD13 can exert catalytically independent biological functions. In conclusion, ECs express a catalytically inactive form of CD13 characterized by an accessible conformation that can be selectively targeted by G4-protein conjugates. This form of CD13 may represent a specific target receptor for ligand-directed targeted delivery of therapeutics to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Anderluzzi
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Ghitti
- Biomolecular NMR Group, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gasparri
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Taiè
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gori
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, C.N.R., Milan, Italy
| | - Annapaola Andolfo
- ProMeFa, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Pozzi
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Musco
- Biomolecular NMR Group, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Angelo Corti
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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Gomari MM, Abkhiz S, Pour TG, Lotfi E, Rostami N, Monfared FN, Ghobari B, Mosavi M, Alipour B, Dokholyan NV. Peptidomimetics in cancer targeting. Mol Med 2022; 28:146. [PMID: 36476230 PMCID: PMC9730693 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00577-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The low efficiency of treatment strategies is one of the main obstacles to developing cancer inhibitors. Up to now, various classes of therapeutics have been developed to inhibit cancer progression. Peptides due to their small size and easy production compared to proteins are highly regarded in designing cancer vaccines and oncogenic pathway inhibitors. Although peptides seem to be a suitable therapeutic option, their short lifespan, instability, and low binding affinity for their target have not been widely applicable against malignant tumors. Given the peptides' disadvantages, a new class of agents called peptidomimetic has been introduced. With advances in physical chemistry and biochemistry, as well as increased knowledge about biomolecule structures, it is now possible to chemically modify peptides to develop efficient peptidomimetics. In recent years, numerous studies have been performed to the evaluation of the effectiveness of peptidomimetics in inhibiting metastasis, angiogenesis, and cancerous cell growth. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of designed peptidomimetics to diagnose and treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahmoudi Gomari
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Abkhiz
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taha Ghantab Pour
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Lotfi
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Rostami
- grid.411425.70000 0004 0417 7516Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nafe Monfared
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Ghobari
- grid.412831.d0000 0001 1172 3536Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mona Mosavi
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behruz Alipour
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Medical Biotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- grid.240473.60000 0004 0543 9901Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA USA ,grid.240473.60000 0004 0543 9901Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA USA
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3
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Corti A, Calimeri T, Curnis F, Ferreri AJM. Targeting the Blood–Brain Tumor Barrier with Tumor Necrosis Factor-α. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071414. [PMID: 35890309 PMCID: PMC9315592 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain tumor barrier represents a major obstacle for anticancer drug delivery to brain tumors. Thus, novel strategies aimed at targeting and breaching this structure are of great experimental and clinical interest. This review is primarily focused on the development and use of a derivative of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) that can target and alter the blood–brain-tumor-barrier. This drug, called NGR-TNF, consists of a TNF molecule fused to the Cys-Asn-Gly-Arg-Cys-Gly (CNGRCG) peptide (called NGR), a ligand of aminopeptidase N (CD13)-positive tumor blood vessels. Results of preclinical studies suggest that this peptide-cytokine fusion product represents a valuable strategy for delivering TNF to tumor vessels in an amount sufficient to break the biological barriers that restrict drug penetration in cancer lesions. Moreover, clinical studies performed in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma, have shown that an extremely low dose of NGR-TNF (0.8 µg/m2) is sufficient to promote selective blood–brain-tumor-barrier alteration, increase the efficacy of R-CHOP (a chemo-immunotherapy regimen) and improve patient survival. Besides reviewing these findings, we discuss the potential problems related to the instability and molecular heterogeneity of NGR-TNF and review the various approaches so far developed to obtain more robust and homogeneous TNF derivatives, as well as the pharmacological properties of other peptide/antibody-TNF fusion products, muteins and nanoparticles that are potentially useful for targeting the blood–brain tumor barrier. Compared to other TNF-related drugs, the administration of extremely low-doses of NGR-TNF or its derivatives appear as promising non-immunogenic approaches to overcome TNF counter-regulatory mechanism and systemic toxicity, thereby enabling safe breaking of the BBTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.J.M.F.); Tel.: +39-02-2643-4802 (A.C.); +39-02-2643-7649 (A.J.M.F.); Fax: +39-02-2643-7534 (A.J.M.F.)
| | - Teresa Calimeri
- Lymphoma Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Andres J. M. Ferreri
- Lymphoma Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.J.M.F.); Tel.: +39-02-2643-4802 (A.C.); +39-02-2643-7649 (A.J.M.F.); Fax: +39-02-2643-7534 (A.J.M.F.)
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4
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Corti A, Gasparri AM, Sacchi A, Colombo B, Monieri M, Rrapaj E, Ferreri AJM, Curnis F. NGR-TNF Engineering with an N-Terminal Serine Reduces Degradation and Post-Translational Modifications and Improves Its Tumor-Targeting Activity. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:3813-3824. [PMID: 32805112 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic index of cytokines in cancer therapy can be increased by targeting strategies based on protein engineering with peptides containing the CNGRC (NGR) motif, a ligand that recognizes CD13-positive tumor vessels. We show here that the targeting domain of recombinant CNGRC-cytokine fusion proteins, such as NGR-TNF (a CNGRC-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) conjugate used in clinical studies) and NGR-EMAP-II, undergoes various post-translational modification and degradation reactions that lead to the formation of markedly heterogeneous products. These modifications include N-terminal cysteine acetylation or the formation of various asparagine degradation products, the latter owing to intramolecular interactions of the cysteine α-amino group with asparagine and/or its succinimide derivative. Blocking the cysteine α-amino group with a serine (SCNGRC) reduced both post-translational and degradation reactions. Furthermore, the serine residue reduced the asparagine deamidation rate to isoaspartate (another degradation product) and improved the affinity of NGR for CD13. Accordingly, genetic engineering of NGR-TNF with the N-terminal serine produced a more stable and homogeneous drug (called S-NGR-TNF) with improved antitumor activity in tumor-bearing mice, either when used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. In conclusion, the targeting domain of NGR-cytokine conjugates can undergo various untoward modification and degradation reactions, which can be markedly reduced by fusing a serine to the N-terminus. The SCNGRC peptide may represent a ligand for cytokine delivery to tumors more robust than conventional CNGRC. The S-NGR-TNF conjugate (more stable, homogeneous, and active than NGR-TNF) could be rapidly developed for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy.,Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gasparri
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Matteo Monieri
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Eltjona Rrapaj
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Andrés J M Ferreri
- Lymphoma Unit, Department of Onco-hematology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
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The potent small molecule integrin antagonist THR-687 is a promising next-generation therapy for retinal vascular disorders. Exp Eye Res 2018; 180:43-52. [PMID: 30472075 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are associated with various eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and implicated in main pathologic disease hallmarks like neovascularization, inflammation, fibrosis and vascular leakage. Targeting integrins has the potential to attenuate these vision-threatening processes, independent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) responsiveness. The current investigation characterized THR-687 as a novel pan RGD (arginylglycylaspartic acid) integrin receptor antagonist able to compete for binding with the natural ligand with nanomolar potency (e.g. αvβ3 (IC50 of 4.4 ± 2.7 nM), αvβ5 (IC50 of 1.3 ± 0.5 nM) and α5β1 (IC50 of 6.8 ± 3.2 nM)). THR-687 prevented the migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) into a cell-free area (IC50 of 258 ± 113 nM) as well as vessel sprouting in an ex vivo mouse choroidal explant model (IC50 of 236 ± 173 nM), and was able to induce the regression of pre-existing vascular sprouts. Moreover, combined intravitreal and intraperitoneal administration of THR-687 potently inhibited VEGF-induced leakage in the mouse retina. In addition, THR-687 injected intravitreally at 3 different dose levels (0.45 mg, 2.25 mg or 4.5 mg/eye) potently inhibited neovascularization-induced leakage in the cynomolgus laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model. These data suggest that THR-687 is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of vision-threatening retinal vascular eye diseases such as DR and wet AMD.
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6
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Lu L, Qi H, Zhu J, Sun WX, Zhang B, Tang CY, Cheng Q. Vascular-homing peptides for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 92:187-195. [PMID: 28544932 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 30 years, a variety of phage libraries have been extensively utilized to identify and develop tumor homing peptides (THPs). THPs specifically bind to tumor cells or elements of the tumor microenvironment while no or low affinity to normal cells. In this regard, the efficacy of therapeutic agents in cancer therapy can be enhanced by targeting strategies based on coupling with THPs that recognize receptors expressed by tumor cells or tumor vasculature. Especially, vascular-homing peptides, targeting tumor vasculature, have their receptors expressed on or around the blood vessel including pro-angiogenic factors, metalloproteinase, integrins, fibrin-fibronectin complexes, etc. This review briefly summarizes recent studies on identification and therapeutic applications of vascular-homing peptides targeting common angiogenic markers or with unknown vascular targets in some certain types of cancers. These newly discovered vascular-homing peptides are promising candidates which could provide novel strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lu
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, PR China; Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, PR China.
| | - Huan Qi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, PR China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Wen Xia Sun
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chun Yan Tang
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Qiang Cheng
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, PR China.
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Yin H, Yang J, Zhang Q, Yang J, Wang H, Xu J, Zheng J. iRGD as a tumor‑penetrating peptide for cancer therapy (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:2925-2930. [PMID: 28358432 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
As a tumor-targeting and ‑penetrating peptide, iRGD binds to αv integrins and neuropilin‑1 receptors, which are expressed at high levels on tumor cells and the surfaces of vasculature. Subsequently, iRGD penetrates deep into the tumor parenchyma with antitumor drugs, imaging agents, immune modulators and biological products. These substances are either chemically linked to the peptide or co‑injected with the peptide. The iRGD peptide can be readily synthesized, exhibits significantly improved penetration, compared with traditional peptides, and can effectively inhibit tumor metastasis. Therefore, the peptide is now used widely for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. However, whether the peptide is able to promote the entry of drugs into non‑targeted cells remains to be fully elucidated. In this review, an overview of iRGD is presented, focusing on its identification, mechanism of action and previous studies on its roles in various types of cancer. Studies in previous years have demonstrated the potential of the iRGD protein for tumors diagnosis and targeted treatment, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yin
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Jie Yang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Jie Yang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Haiyu Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Jinjing Xu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
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8
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Sidman RL, Li J, Lawrence M, Hu W, Musso GF, Giordano RJ, Cardó-Vila M, Pasqualini R, Arap W. The peptidomimetic Vasotide targets two retinal VEGF receptors and reduces pathological angiogenesis in murine and nonhuman primate models of retinal disease. Sci Transl Med 2016; 7:309ra165. [PMID: 26468327 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aac4882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Blood vessel growth from preexisting vessels (angiogenesis) underlies many severe diseases including major blinding retinal diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and aged macular degeneration (AMD). This observation has driven development of antibody inhibitors that block a central factor in AMD, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), from binding to its receptors VEGFR-1 and mainly VEGFR-2. However, some patients are insensitive to current anti-VEGF drugs or develop resistance, and the required repeated intravitreal injection of these large molecules is costly and clinically problematic. We have evaluated a small cyclic retro-inverted peptidomimetic, D(Cys-Leu-Pro-Arg-Cys) [D(CLPRC)], and hereafter named Vasotide, that inhibits retinal angiogenesis by binding selectively to the VEGF receptors VEGFR-1 and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1). Delivery of Vasotide via either eye drops or intraperitoneal injection in a laser-induced monkey model of human wet AMD, a mouse genetic knockout model of the AMD subtype called retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), and a mouse oxygen-induced model of ROP decreased retinal angiogenesis in all three animal models. This prototype drug candidate is a promising new dual receptor inhibitor of the VEGF ligand with potential for translation into safer, less-invasive applications to combat pathological angiogenesis in retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Sidman
- Harvard Medical School and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Jianxue Li
- Harvard Medical School and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Matthew Lawrence
- RxGen Inc., Hamden, CT 06517, USA. St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Wenzheng Hu
- RxGen Inc., Hamden, CT 06517, USA. St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | | | - Ricardo J Giordano
- Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508, Brazil
| | - Marina Cardó-Vila
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Wadih Arap
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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9
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The role of integrins in glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2016; 158:124-136. [PMID: 27185161 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are a family of heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that mediate adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition to their role as adhesion receptors, integrins can act as ''bidirectional signal transducers'' that coordinate a large number of cellular activities in response to the extracellular environment and intracellular signaling events. This bidirectional signaling helps maintain tissue homeostasis. Dysregulated bidirectional signaling, however, could trigger the propagation of feedback loops that can lead to the establishment of a disease state such as glaucoma. Here we discuss the role of integrins and bidirectional signaling as they relate to the glaucomatous phenotype with special emphasis on the αvβ3 integrin. We present evidence that this particular integrin may have a significant impact on the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
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10
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Karjalainen K, Jaalouk DE, Bueso-Ramos C, Bover L, Sun Y, Kuniyasu A, Driessen WHP, Cardó-Vila M, Rietz C, Zurita AJ, O'Brien S, Kantarjian HM, Cortes JE, Calin GA, Koivunen E, Arap W, Pasqualini R. Targeting IL11 Receptor in Leukemia and Lymphoma: A Functional Ligand-Directed Study and Hematopathology Analysis of Patient-Derived Specimens. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:3041-51. [PMID: 25779950 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-3059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The IL11 receptor (IL11R) is an established molecular target in primary tumors of bone, such as osteosarcoma, and in secondary bone metastases from solid tumors, such as prostate cancer. However, its potential role in management of hematopoietic malignancies has not yet been determined. Here, we evaluated the IL11R as a candidate therapeutic target in human leukemia and lymphoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESULTS First, we show that the IL11R protein is expressed in a variety of human leukemia- and lymphoma-derived cell lines and in a large panel of bone marrow samples from leukemia and lymphoma patients, whereas expression is absent from nonmalignant control bone marrow. Moreover, a targeted peptidomimetic prototype (termed BMTP-11), specifically bound to leukemia and lymphoma cell membranes, induced ligand-receptor internalization mediated by the IL11R, and resulted in a specific dose-dependent cell death induction in these cells. Finally, a pilot drug lead-optimization program yielded a new myristoylated BMTP-11 analogue with an apparent improved antileukemia cell profile. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate (i) that the IL11R is a suitable cell surface target for ligand-directed applications in human leukemia and lymphoma and (ii) that BMTP-11 and its derivatives have translational potential against this group of malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Karjalainen
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Department of Biological and Environmental Science, The University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Diana E Jaalouk
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Carlos Bueso-Ramos
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Laura Bover
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Akihiko Kuniyasu
- Department of Molecular Cell Pharmacology, Sojo University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Marina Cardó-Vila
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Cecilia Rietz
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Amado J Zurita
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Susan O'Brien
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hagop M Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jorge E Cortes
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Erkki Koivunen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, The University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Wadih Arap
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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11
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Li YJ, Li XH, Wang LF, Kuang X, Hang ZX, Deng Y, Du JR. Therapeutic efficacy of a novel non-peptide αvβ3 integrin antagonist for pathological retinal angiogenesis in mice. Exp Eye Res 2014; 129:119-26. [PMID: 25446322 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Revised: 09/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
αvβ3 integrin has been reported as a promising therapeutic target for angiogenesis. In the present study, we tested the antiangiogenic activity of 3-[3-(6-guanidino-1-oxoisoindolin-2-yl) propanamido]-3-(pyridin-3-yl) propanoic acid dihydrochloride (GOPPP), a novel non-peptide αvβ3 antagonist. Both human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) were investigated separately. HUVEC adhesion, proliferation, migration, ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation were assessed. C57BL/6 mice were used for the studies in the OIR model. After exposure to 75% oxygen from postnatal day (PD) 7 to PD12, the mice were returned to room air, and GOPPP was intravitreally administered on PD12. Retinal neovascularization was evaluated on PD17. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were determined by Western blot analysis of retina proteins. GOPPP significantly inhibited the pro-angiogenic effects of vitronectin on HUVECs, including adhesion, proliferation, and migration, and inhibited ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation. Retinal neovascularization in the OIR model was significantly suppressed by intravitreal administration of 50 ng GOPPP. The pro-angiogenic factors HIF-1α and VEGF induced by hypoxia were significantly inhibited by GOPPP in OIR mice. GOPPP administration also inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the OIR model. These results indicate that GOPPP, a novel αvβ3 integrin antagonist, may have potential for the treatment of pathological retinal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Li
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang-Fen Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Kuang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong Hang
- Department of Medical Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Deng
- Department of Medical Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jun-Rong Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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12
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Corti A, Curnis F, Rossoni G, Marcucci F, Gregorc V. Peptide-mediated targeting of cytokines to tumor vasculature: the NGR-hTNF example. BioDrugs 2013; 27:591-603. [PMID: 23743670 PMCID: PMC3832761 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-013-0048-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that the efficacy of cytokines in cancer therapy can be increased by targeting strategies based on conjugation with ligands that recognize receptors expressed by tumor cells or elements of the tumor microenvironment, including the tumor vasculature. The targeting approach is generally conceived to permit administration of low, yet pharmacologically active, doses of drugs, thereby avoiding toxic reactions. However, it is becoming clear that, in the case of cytokines, this strategy has another inherent advantage, i.e. the possibility of administering extremely low doses that do not activate systemic counter-regulatory mechanisms, which may limit their potential therapeutic effects. This review is focused on the use of tumor vasculature-homing peptides as vehicles for targeted delivery of cytokines to tumor blood vessel. In particular, we provide an overview of peptide-cytokine conjugates made with peptides containing the NGR, RGD, isoDGR or RGR sequences and describe, in more details, the biological and pharmacological properties of NGR-hTNF, a peptide-tumor necrosis factor-α conjugate that is currently being tested in phase II and III clinical studies. The results of preclinical and clinical studies performed with these products suggest that peptide-mediated vascular-targeting is indeed a viable strategy for delivering bioactive amounts of cytokines to tumor endothelial cells without causing the activation of counter-regulatory mechanisms and toxic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Molecular Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy,
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13
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Barbu EM, Shirazi F, McGrath DM, Albert N, Sidman RL, Pasqualini R, Arap W, Kontoyiannis DP. An antimicrobial peptidomimetic induces Mucorales cell death through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76981. [PMID: 24098573 PMCID: PMC3789667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of mucormycosis has dramatically increased in immunocompromised patients. Moreover, the array of cellular targets whose inhibition results in fungal cell death is rather limited. Mitochondria have been mechanistically identified as central regulators of detoxification and virulence in fungi. Our group has previously designed and developed a proteolytically-resistant peptidomimetic motif D(KLAKLAK)2 with pleiotropic action ranging from targeted (i.e., ligand-directed) activity against cancer and obesity to non-targeted activity against antibiotic resistant gram-negative rods. Here we evaluated whether this non-targeted peptidomimetic motif is active against Mucorales. We show that D(KLAKLAK)2 has marked fungicidal action, inhibits germination, and reduces hyphal viability. We have also observed cellular changes characteristic of apoptosis in D(KLAKLAK)2-treated Mucorales cells. Moreover, the fungicidal activity was directly correlated with vacuolar injury, mitochondrial swelling and mitochondrial membrane depolarization, intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation (ROS), and increased caspase-like enzymatic activity. Finally, these apoptotic features were prevented by the addition of the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine indicating mechanistic pathway specificity. Together, these findings indicate that D(KLAKLAK)2 makes Mucorales exquisitely susceptible via mitochondrial injury-induced apoptosis. This prototype may serve as a candidate drug for the development of translational applications against mucormycosis and perhaps other fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Magda Barbu
- David H. Koch Center, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Fazal Shirazi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Danielle M. McGrath
- David H. Koch Center, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel Albert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Richard L. Sidman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- David H. Koch Center, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DPK); (WA); (RP)
| | - Wadih Arap
- David H. Koch Center, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DPK); (WA); (RP)
| | - Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DPK); (WA); (RP)
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14
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Mechanism of action and initial evaluation of a membrane active all-D-enantiomer antimicrobial peptidomimetic. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:3477-82. [PMID: 23345420 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1221924110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of therapy against infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens is a major unmet need in contemporary medicine. In previous work, our group chemically modified an antimicrobial peptidomimetic motif for targeted applications against cancer and obesity. Here, we show that the modified motif per se is resistant to proteolytic degradation and is a candidate antiinfective agent. We also show that the susceptibility of microorganisms to the drug is independent of bacterial growth phase. Moreover, this peptidomimetic selectively interferes with the integrity and function of the microbial surface lipid bilayer, data indicative that bacterial death results from membrane disruption followed by dissipation of membrane potential. Finally, we demonstrate two potential translational applications: use against biofilms and synergy with antibiotics in use. In summary, we introduce the mechanism of action and the initial evaluation of a prototype drug and a platform for the development of D-enantiomer antimicrobial peptidomimetics that target bacterial membranes of certain gram-negative problem pathogens with promising translational applications.
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15
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Li ZJ, Cho CH. Peptides as targeting probes against tumor vasculature for diagnosis and drug delivery. J Transl Med 2012; 10 Suppl 1:S1. [PMID: 23046982 PMCID: PMC3445867 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-s1-s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor vasculature expresses a distinct set of molecule signatures on the endothelial cell surface different from the resting blood vessels of other organs and tissues in the body. This makes them an attractive target for cancer therapy and molecular imaging. The current technology using the in vivo phage display biopanning allows us to quickly isolate and identify peptides potentially homing to various tumor blood vessels. Tumor-homing peptides in conjugation with chemotherapeutic drugs or imaging contrast have been extensively tested in various preclinical and clinical studies. These tumor-homing peptides have valuable potential as targeting probes for tumor molecular imaging and drug delivery. In this review, we summarize the recent advances about the applications of tumor-homing peptides selected by in vivo phage display library screening against tumor vasculature. We also introduce the characteristics of the latest discovered tumor-penetrating peptides in their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Jie Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
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16
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Barnhart KF, Christianson DR, Hanley PW, Driessen WHP, Bernacky BJ, Baze WB, Wen S, Tian M, Ma J, Kolonin MG, Saha PK, Do KA, Hulvat JF, Gelovani JG, Chan L, Arap W, Pasqualini R. A peptidomimetic targeting white fat causes weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys. Sci Transl Med 2012; 3:108ra112. [PMID: 22072637 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, defined as body mass index greater than 30, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and a financial burden worldwide. Despite significant efforts in the past decade, very few drugs have been successfully developed for the treatment of obese patients. Biological differences between rodents and primates are a major hurdle for translation of anti-obesity strategies either discovered or developed in rodents into effective human therapeutics. Here, we evaluate the ligand-directed peptidomimetic CKGGRAKDC-GG-(D)(KLAKLAK)(2) (henceforth termed adipotide) in obese Old World monkeys. Treatment with adipotide induced targeted apoptosis within blood vessels of white adipose tissue and resulted in rapid weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys. Magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry confirmed a marked reduction in white adipose tissue. At experimentally determined optimal doses, monkeys from three different species displayed predictable and reversible changes in renal proximal tubule function. Together, these data in primates establish adipotide as a prototype in a new class of candidate drugs that may be useful for treating obesity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin F Barnhart
- David H. Koch Center, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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17
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Bradaric BD, Patel A, Schneider JA, Carvey PM, Hendey B. Evidence for angiogenesis in Parkinson's disease, incidental Lewy body disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2012; 119:59-71. [PMID: 21748523 PMCID: PMC3352316 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-011-0684-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis has not been extensively studied in Parkinson's disease (PD) despite being associated with other neurodegenerative disorders. Post-mortem human brain tissues were obtained from subjects with pathologically confirmed Parkinson's disease (PD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rapidly progressing Parkinsonian-like disorder. Tissues were also obtained from subjects with incidental Lewy body disease (iLBD) who had Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN(pc)) but had not been diagnosed with PD, and age-matched controls without Lewy body pathology. The SNpc, putamen, locus ceruleus (LC) and midfrontal cortex were examined for integrin αvβ3, a marker for angiogenesis, along with vessel number and activated microglia. All parkinsonian syndromes had greater αvβ3 in the LC and the SN(pc), while only PD and PSP subjects had elevated αvβ3 in the putamen compared to controls. PD and PSP subjects also had increases in microglia number and activation in the SN(pc) suggesting a link between inflammation and clinical disease. Microglia activation in iLBD subjects was limited to the LC, an area involved at an early stage of PD. Likewise, iLBD subjects did not differ from controls in αvβ3 staining in the putamen, a late area of involvement in PD. The presence of αvβ3 reactive vessels in PD and its syndromes is indicative of newly created vessels that have not likely developed the restrictive properties of the blood brain barrier. Such angiogenic vessels could contribute to neuroinflammation by failing to protect the parenchyma from peripheral immune cells and inflammatory or toxic factors in the peripheral circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aditiben Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Julie A. Schneider
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Pathology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Paul M. Carvey
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Bill Hendey
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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18
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Corti A, Pastorino F, Curnis F, Arap W, Ponzoni M, Pasqualini R. Targeted Drug Delivery and Penetration Into Solid Tumors. Med Res Rev 2011; 32:1078-91. [DOI: 10.1002/med.20238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience; San Raffaele Scientific Institute; via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan Italy
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Experimental Therapy Unit, Laboratory of Oncology; G. Gaslini Children's Hospital; Genoa Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience; San Raffaele Scientific Institute; via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan Italy
| | - Wadih Arap
- David H. Koch Center; The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard; Houston Texas 77030
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Experimental Therapy Unit, Laboratory of Oncology; G. Gaslini Children's Hospital; Genoa Italy
| | - Renata Pasqualini
- David H. Koch Center; The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard; Houston Texas 77030
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Yokoi T, Yokoi T, Kobayashi Y, Hiraoka M, Nishina S, Azuma N. Evaluation of scleral buckling for stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity by fluorescein angiography. Am J Ophthalmol 2009; 148:544-550.e1. [PMID: 19589496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2009.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Revised: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the early efficacy of scleral buckling for active neovascularization by fundus fluorescein angiography (FA) in eyes with stage 4A retinopathy of prematurity. DESIGN A retrospective, nonrandomized, observational case series. METHODS Patients who underwent scleral buckling for stage 4A ROP at the National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan, from October 2007 through November 2008 were included. Preoperative and postoperative FA and fundus photographs obtained with a wide-field digital pediatric imaging system were reviewed. Three patients (5 eyes; gestational ages at birth, 23 to 25 weeks; birth weights, 574 to 811 g) with zone II stage 4A ROP who underwent postoperative FA, 2 weeks or less after scleral buckling (range, 7 to 12 days; postmenstrual ages at postoperative FA, 41 to 45 weeks) were evaluated. Patients who underwent postoperative FA 2 weeks or more after scleral buckling were excluded. RESULTS Despite fluorescein leakage from fibrovascular tissue in all eyes before surgery, markedly decreased leakage occurred only between 7 to 12 days after surgery. The retinas were reattached completely in all eyes after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Scleral buckling may prevent progression of retinal detachment in stage 4A ROP by reducing the tractional force and stabilizing the neovascular activity of the fibrovascular tissue.
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20
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Desai BS, Schneider JA, Li JL, Carvey PM, Hendey B. Evidence of angiogenic vessels in Alzheimer's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009; 116:587-97. [PMID: 19370387 PMCID: PMC2753398 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-009-0226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the blood brain barrier and brain vasculature may be involved in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. We sought to determine if vascular remodeling characterized by angiogenic vessels or increased vascular density, occurred in pathologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease (AD) postmortem human brain tissues. We examined brains of deceased, older catholic clergy from the Religious Order Study, a longitudinal clinical-pathological study of aging and AD. The hippocampus, midfrontal cortex, substantia nigra, globus pallidus and locus ceruleus were examined for integrin alphavbeta3 immunoreactivity, a marker of angiogenesis, and vascular densities. Activated microglia cell counts were also performed. All areas except the globus pallidus exhibited elevated alphavbeta3 immunoreactivity in AD cases compared with controls. Only in the hippocampus did the ongoing angiogenesis result in increased vascular density compared with controls. Vascular density was correlated with Abeta load in the hippocampus and alphavbeta3 reactivity was correlated with neurofibrillary tangles in the midfrontal cortex and in the substantia nigra. These data indicate that ongoing angiogenesis is present in brain regions affected by AD pathology and may be related to tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brinda S. Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Cohn Research Building, 1735 W Harrison Suite 412, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Julie A. Schneider
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jia-Liang Li
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Paul M. Carvey
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Cohn Research Building, 1735 W Harrison Suite 412, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Bill Hendey
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Cohn Research Building, 1735 W Harrison Suite 412, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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21
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Khakoo AY, Sidman RL, Pasqualini R, Arap W. Does the renin-angiotensin system participate in regulation of human vasculogenesis and angiogenesis? Cancer Res 2008; 68:9112-5. [PMID: 19010879 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-0851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that hypertension and angiogenesis may be related phenomena but a functional link remains elusive. Here, we propose that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), in addition to its central role in arterial hypertension, also regulates blood vessel formation during normal development and cancer. This mechanistic hypothesis is based on reports of biochemical, genetic, clinical, and epidemiologic data reviewed herein. Species differences between the RAS of rodents and humans likely account for why such a fundamental role in angiogenesis went unrecognized for so long. If proven correct, this hypothesis carries many implications for the medical practices of cardiology, oncology, and neonatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarif Y Khakoo
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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22
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Giordano RJ, Lahdenranta J, Zhen L, Chukwueke U, Petrache I, Langley RR, Fidler IJ, Pasqualini R, Tuder RM, Arap W. Targeted induction of lung endothelial cell apoptosis causes emphysema-like changes in the mouse. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:29447-60. [PMID: 18718906 PMCID: PMC2570855 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m804595200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2008] [Revised: 08/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary gas exchange relies on a rich capillary network, which, together with alveolar epithelial type I and II cells, form alveolar septa, the functional units in the lung. Alveolar capillary endothelial cells are critical in maintaining alveolar structure, because disruption of endothelial cell integrity underlies several lung diseases. Here we show that targeted ablation of lung capillary endothelial cells recapitulates the cellular events involved in cigarette smoke-induced emphysema, one of the most prevalent nonneoplastic lung diseases. Based on phage library screening on an immortalized lung endothelial cell line, we identified a lung endothelial cell-binding peptide, which preferentially homes to lung blood vessels. This peptide fused to a proapoptotic motif specifically induced programmed cell death of lung endothelial cells in vitro as well as targeted apoptosis of the lung microcirculation in vivo. As early as 4 days following peptide administration, mice developed air space enlargement associated with enhanced oxidative stress, influx of macrophages, and up-regulation of ceramide. Given that these are all critical elements of the corresponding human emphysema caused by cigarette smoke, these data provide evidence for a central role for the alveolar endothelial cells in the maintenance of lung structure and of endothelial cell apoptosis in the pathogenesis of emphysema-like changes. Thus, our data enable the generation of a convenient mouse model of human emphysema. Finally, combinatorial screenings on immortalized cells followed by in vivo targeting establishes an experimental framework for discovery and validation of additional ligand-directed pharmacodelivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo J Giordano
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that peptides containing the Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) motif can selectively recognize tumor neovasculature and can be used, therefore, for ligand-directed targeted delivery of various drugs and particles to tumors or to other tissues with an angiogenesis component. The neovasculature binding properties of these peptides rely on the interaction with an endothelium-associated form of aminopeptidase N (CD13), an enzyme that has been implicated in angiogenesis and tumor growth. Recent studies have shown that NGR can rapidly convert to isoaspartate-glycine-arginine (isoDGR) by asparagine deamidation, generating alpha(v)beta(3) ligands capable of affecting endothelial cell functions and tumor growth. This review focuses on structural and functional properties of the NGR motif and its application in drug development for angiogenesis-dependent diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the time-dependent transition of NGR to isoDGR in natural proteins, such as fibronectins, and its potential role of as a "molecular timer" for generating new binding sites for integrins impli-cated in angiogenesis.
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