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Klußmann M, Stillger K, Ruppel M, Sticker CL, Neundorf I. Investigating the impact of thiol reactivity and disulfide formation on cellular uptake of cell-permeable peptides. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3604. [PMID: 38651525 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3604] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been explored as versatile tools to transport various molecules into cells. The uptake mechanism of CPPs is still not clearly understood and most probably depends on several factors like the nature of the CPP itself, the attached cargo, the investigated cell system, and other experimental conditions, such as temperature and concentration. One of the first steps of internalization involves the interaction of CPPs with negatively charged molecules present at the outer layer of the cell membrane. Recently, thiol-mediated uptake has been found to support the effective translocation of sulfhydryl-bearing substances that would actually not be cell-permeable. Within this work, we aimed to understand the relevance of thiol reactivity for the uptake mechanism of cysteine-containing CPPs that we have developed previously in our group. Therefore, we compared the two peptides, sC18-Cys and CaaX-1, in their single reduced and dimeric disulfide versions. Cytotoxicity, intracellular accumulation, and impact on the internalization process of the disulfides were investigated in HeLa cells. Both disulfide CPPs demonstrated significantly stronger cytotoxic effects and membrane activity compared with their reduced counterparts. Notably, thiol-mediated uptake could be excluded as a main driver for translocation, showing that peptides like CaaX-1 are most likely taken up by other mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Klußmann
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Melina Ruppel
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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2
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Raote I, Rosendahl AH, Häkkinen HM, Vibe C, Küçükaylak I, Sawant M, Keufgens L, Frommelt P, Halwas K, Broadbent K, Cunquero M, Castro G, Villemeur M, Nüchel J, Bornikoel A, Dam B, Zirmire RK, Kiran R, Carolis C, Andilla J, Loza-Alvarez P, Ruprecht V, Jamora C, Campelo F, Krüger M, Hammerschmidt M, Eckes B, Neundorf I, Krieg T, Malhotra V. TANGO1 inhibitors reduce collagen secretion and limit tissue scarring. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3302. [PMID: 38658535 PMCID: PMC11043333 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled secretion of ECM proteins, such as collagen, can lead to excessive scarring and fibrosis and compromise tissue function. Despite the widespread occurrence of fibrotic diseases and scarring, effective therapies are lacking. A promising approach would be to limit the amount of collagen released from hyperactive fibroblasts. We have designed membrane permeant peptide inhibitors that specifically target the primary interface between TANGO1 and cTAGE5, an interaction that is required for collagen export from endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES). Application of the peptide inhibitors leads to reduced TANGO1 and cTAGE5 protein levels and a corresponding inhibition in the secretion of several ECM components, including collagens. Peptide inhibitor treatment in zebrafish results in altered tissue architecture and reduced granulation tissue formation during cutaneous wound healing. The inhibitors reduce secretion of several ECM proteins, including collagens, fibrillin and fibronectin in human dermal fibroblasts and in cells obtained from patients with a generalized fibrotic disease (scleroderma). Taken together, targeted interference of the TANGO1-cTAGE5 binding interface could enable therapeutic modulation of ERES function in ECM hypersecretion, during wound healing and fibrotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishier Raote
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr Aiguader 88, Barcelona, Spain.
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France.
| | - Ann-Helen Rosendahl
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hanna-Maria Häkkinen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr Aiguader 88, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carina Vibe
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr Aiguader 88, Barcelona, Spain
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL Barcelona, Dr. Aiguader 88, PRBB Building, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ismail Küçükaylak
- Institute of Zoology, Developmental Biology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mugdha Sawant
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lena Keufgens
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Pia Frommelt
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Halwas
- Institute of Zoology, Developmental Biology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katrina Broadbent
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr Aiguader 88, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Cunquero
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gustavo Castro
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marie Villemeur
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Julian Nüchel
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Aging, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Bornikoel
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Binita Dam
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ravindra K Zirmire
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ravi Kiran
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Carlo Carolis
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr Aiguader 88, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Andilla
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Loza-Alvarez
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verena Ruprecht
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr Aiguader 88, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg, Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Colin Jamora
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Felix Campelo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Hammerschmidt
- Institute of Zoology, Developmental Biology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Beate Eckes
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vivek Malhotra
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr Aiguader 88, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
- ICREA, Pg, Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain.
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3
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Wu X, Song W, Cheng C, Liu Z, Li X, Cui Y, Gao Y, Li D. Small molecular inhibitors for KRAS-mutant cancers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1223433. [PMID: 37662925 PMCID: PMC10470052 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1223433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Three rat sarcoma (RAS) gene isoforms, KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS, constitute the most mutated family of small GTPases in cancer. While the development of targeted immunotherapies has led to a substantial improvement in the overall survival of patients with non-KRAS-mutant cancer, patients with RAS-mutant cancers have an overall poorer prognosis owing to the high aggressiveness of RAS-mutant tumors. KRAS mutations are strongly implicated in lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. However, RAS mutations exhibit diverse patterns of isoforms, substitutions, and positions in different types of cancers. Despite being considered "undruggable", recent advances in the use of allele-specific covalent inhibitors against the most common mutant form of RAS in non-small-cell lung cancer have led to the development of effective pharmacological interventions against RAS-mutant cancer. Sotorasib (AMG510) has been approved by the FDA as a second-line treatment for patients with KRAS-G12C mutant NSCLC who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. Other KRAS inhibitors are on the way to block KRAS-mutant cancers. In this review, we summarize the progress and promise of small-molecule inhibitors in clinical trials, including direct inhibitors of KRAS, pan-RAS inhibitors, inhibitors of RAS effector signaling, and immune checkpoint inhibitors or combinations with RAS inhibitors, to improve the prognosis of tumors with RAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenping Song
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center for Tumor Precision Medicine and Comprehensive Evaluation, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drug Research, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ziyang Liu
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yao Gao
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ding Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center for Tumor Precision Medicine and Comprehensive Evaluation, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drug Research, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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4
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Stillger K, Neundorf I. Cell-permeable peptide-based delivery vehicles useful for subcellular targeting and beyond. Cell Signal 2023:110796. [PMID: 37423344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Personal medicine aims to provide tailor-made diagnostics and treatments and has been emerged as a promising but challenging strategy during the last years. This includes the active delivery and localization of a therapeutic compound to a targeted site of action within a cell. An example being targeting the interference of a distinct protein-protein interaction (PPI) within the cell nucleus, mitochondria or other subcellular location. Therefore, not only the cell membrane has to be overcome but also the final intracellular destination has to be reached. One approach which fulfills both requirements is to use short peptide sequences that are able to translocate into cells as targeting and delivery vehicles. In fact, recent progress in this field demonstrates how these tools can modulate the pharmacological parameters of a drug without compromising its biological activity. Beside classical targets that are addressed by various small molecule drugs such as receptors, enzymes, or ion channels, PPIs have received increasing attention as potential therapeutic targets. Within this review, we will provide a recent update on cell-permeable peptides targeting subcellular destinations. We include chimeric peptide probes that combine cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and a targeting sequence, as well peptides having intrinsic cell-permeability and which are often used to target PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Stillger
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
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5
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Zhou M, Zou X, Cheng K, Zhong S, Su Y, Wu T, Tao Y, Cong L, Yan B, Jiang Y. The role of cell-penetrating peptides in potential anti-cancer therapy. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e822. [PMID: 35593206 PMCID: PMC9121317 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the complex physiological structure, microenvironment and multiple physiological barriers, traditional anti-cancer drugs are severely restricted from reaching the tumour site. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are typically made up of 5-30 amino acids, and can be utilised as molecular transporters to facilitate the passage of therapeutic drugs across physiological barriers. Up to now, CPPs have widely been used in many anti-cancer treatment strategies, serving as an excellent potential choice for oncology treatment. However, their drawbacks, such as the lack of cell specificity, short duration of action, poor stability in vivo, compatibility problems (i.e. immunogenicity), poor therapeutic efficacy and formation of unwanted metabolites, have limited their further application in cancer treatment. The cellular uptake mechanisms of CPPs involve mainly endocytosis and direct penetration, but still remain highly controversial in academia. The CPPs-based drug delivery strategy could be improved by clever design or chemical modifications to develop the next-generation CPPs with enhanced cell penetration capability, stability and selectivity. In addition, some recent advances in targeted cell penetration that involve CPPs provide some new ideas to optimise CPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kexin Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Suye Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yangzhou Su
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiqun Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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6
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Development of Phenothiazine Hybrids with Potential Medicinal Interest: A Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27010276. [PMID: 35011508 PMCID: PMC8746661 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The molecular hybridization approach has been used to develop compounds with improved efficacy by combining two or more pharmacophores of bioactive scaffolds. In this context, hybridization of various relevant pharmacophores with phenothiazine derivatives has resulted in pertinent compounds with diverse biological activities, interacting with specific or multiple targets. In fact, the development of new drugs or drug candidates based on phenothiazine system has been a promising approach due to the diverse activities associated with this tricyclic system, traditionally present in compounds with antipsychotic, antihistaminic and antimuscarinic effects. Actually, the pharmacological actions of phenothiazine hybrids include promising antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, analgesic and multi-drug resistance reversal properties. The present review summarizes the progress in the development of phenothiazine hybrids and their biological activity.
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7
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Zorko M, Jones S, Langel Ü. Cell-penetrating peptides in protein mimicry and cancer therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114044. [PMID: 34774552 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research has been undertaken in the pursuit of anticancer therapeutics. Many anticancer drugs require specificity of delivery to cancer cells, whilst sparing healthy tissue. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), now well established as facilitators of intracellular delivery, have in recent years advanced to incorporate target specificity and thus possess great potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer cargoes. Though none have yet been approved for clinical use, this novel technology has already entered clinical trials. In this review we present CPPs, discuss their classification, mechanisms of cargo internalization and highlight strategies for conjugation to anticancer moieties including their incorporation into therapeutic proteins. As the mainstay of this review, strategies to build specificity into tumor targeting CPP constructs through exploitation of the tumor microenvironment and the use of tumor homing peptides are discussed, whilst acknowledging the extensive contribution made by CPP constructs to target specific protein-protein interactions integral to intracellular signaling pathways associated with tumor cell survival and progression. Finally, antibody/antigen CPP conjugates and their potential roles in cancer immunotherapy and diagnostics are considered. In summary, this review aims to harness the potential of CPP-aided drug delivery for future cancer therapies and diagnostics whilst highlighting some of the most recent achievements in selective delivery of anticancer drugs, including cytostatic drugs, to a range of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matjaž Zorko
- University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sarah Jones
- University of Wolverhampton, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK.
| | - Ülo Langel
- University of Stockholm, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Svante Arrhenius väg 16, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu, Estonia 50411, Estonia.
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8
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Lützenburg T, Burdina N, Scholz MS, Neundorf I. Improving Membrane Activity and Cargo Delivery Efficacy of a Cell-Penetrating Peptide by Loading with Carboranes. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:2075. [PMID: 34959356 PMCID: PMC8709211 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have emerged as versatile tools to increase the intracellular accumulation of different kinds of cargoes. For an efficient cellular uptake and drug delivery, their organization into a distinct and stable secondary structure at the outer surface of the plasma membrane is a hallmark and supports optimal lipid-peptide interactions. Incorporation of hydrophobic moieties, such as carboranes (CBs), has the potential to increase the lipophilicity of peptides, and thus, to facilitate the formation of secondary structures. Herein, we present synthesis and biophysical as well as biological characterization of carborane-CPP conjugates having incorporated one or more CB clusters. Our results highlight the possibility to modulate the secondary structure of CPPs by the addition of CB's leading to constructs with altered membrane activity and promising use in terms of nucleic acid delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Lützenburg
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany; (T.L.); (N.B.)
| | - Nele Burdina
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany; (T.L.); (N.B.)
| | - Matthias S. Scholz
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry I & II, Pharmaceutical Institute, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany; (T.L.); (N.B.)
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9
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Shoari A, Tooyserkani R, Tahmasebi M, Löwik DWPM. Delivery of Various Cargos into Cancer Cells and Tissues via Cell-Penetrating Peptides: A Review of the Last Decade. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1391. [PMID: 34575464 PMCID: PMC8470549 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), also known as protein transduction domains, are a class of diverse amino acid sequences with the ability to cross cellular membranes. CPPs can deliver several bioactive cargos, including proteins, peptides, nucleic acids and chemotherapeutics, into cells. Ever since their discovery, synthetic and natural CPPs have been utilized in therapeutics delivery, gene editing and cell imaging in fundamental research and clinical experiments. Over the years, CPPs have gained significant attention due to their low cytotoxicity and high transduction efficacy. In the last decade, multiple investigations demonstrated the potential of CPPs as carriers for the delivery of therapeutics to treat various types of cancer. Besides their remarkable efficacy owing to fast and efficient delivery, a crucial benefit of CPP-based cancer treatments is delivering anticancer agents selectively, rather than mediating toxicities toward normal tissues. To obtain a higher therapeutic index and to improve cell and tissue selectivity, CPP-cargo constructions can also be complexed with other agents such as nanocarriers and liposomes to obtain encouraging outcomes. This review summarizes various types of CPPs conjugated to anticancer cargos. Furthermore, we present a brief history of CPP utilization as delivery systems for anticancer agents in the last decade and evaluate several reports on the applications of CPPs in basic research and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shoari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-111, Iran; (A.S.); (R.T.); (M.T.)
- Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Raheleh Tooyserkani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-111, Iran; (A.S.); (R.T.); (M.T.)
- Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mehdi Tahmasebi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-111, Iran; (A.S.); (R.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Dennis W. P. M. Löwik
- Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Herdeis L, Gerlach D, McConnell DB, Kessler D. Stopping the beating heart of cancer: KRAS reviewed. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2021; 71:136-147. [PMID: 34303932 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It has taken four decades of research to see the first major breakthrough for KRAS-driven cancers. In particular, the last decade has seen a paradigm shift with the discovery of druggable pockets on KRAS and clinical efficacy with covalent KRASG12C inhibitors, culminating in the first approval of sotorasib monotherapy as second-line treatment in KRASG12C-driven non-small-cell lung cancer. Nevertheless, 85% of all KRAS-mutated cancers still lack novel agents. In this review, we will outline the structure, function, and post-translational modifications of KRAS and highlight the various approaches being adopted to drug KRAS, ranging from selective to pan concepts. The range of molecular modalities being explored, including PROTACs and glues, will also be described. Finally, an outlook toward the next wave of KRAS drugs and the challenges of resistance will be given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Herdeis
- Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Regional Center Vienna GmbH & Co KG, 1120, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Gerlach
- Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Regional Center Vienna GmbH & Co KG, 1120, Vienna, Austria
| | - Darryl B McConnell
- Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Regional Center Vienna GmbH & Co KG, 1120, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dirk Kessler
- Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Regional Center Vienna GmbH & Co KG, 1120, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Song HE, Lee Y, Kim E, Cho CY, Jung O, Lee D, Lee EG, Nam SH, Kang M, Macalino SJY, Kim JE, Jung JW, Kwon SW, Choi S, Lee JW. N-terminus-independent activation of c-Src via binding to a tetraspan(in) TM4SF5 in hepatocellular carcinoma is abolished by the TM4SF5 C-terminal peptide application. Theranostics 2021; 11:8092-8111. [PMID: 34335982 PMCID: PMC8315060 DOI: 10.7150/thno.58739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Active c-Src non-receptor tyrosine kinase localizes to the plasma membrane via N-terminal lipid modification. Membranous c-Src causes cancer initiation and progression. Even though transmembrane 4 L six family member 5 (TM4SF5), a tetraspan(in), can be involved in this mechanism, the molecular and structural influence of TM4SF5 on c-Src remains unknown. Methods: Here, we investigated molecular and structural details by which TM4SF5 regulated c-Src devoid of its N-terminus and how cell-penetrating peptides were able to interrupt c-Src activation via interference of c-Src-TM4SF5 interaction in hepatocellular carcinoma models. Results: The TM4SF5 C-terminus efficiently bound the c-Src SH1 kinase domain, efficiently to the inactively-closed form. The complex involved protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B able to dephosphorylate Tyr530. The c-Src SH1 domain alone, even in a closed form, bound TM4SF5 to cause c-Src Tyr419 and FAK Y861 phosphorylation. Homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulation studies predicted the directly interfacing residues, which were further validated by mutational studies. Cell penetration of TM4SF5 C-terminal peptides blocked the interaction of TM4SF5 with c-Src and prevented c-Src-dependent tumor initiation and progression in vivo. Conclusions: Collectively, these data demonstrate that binding of the TM4SF5 C-terminus to the kinase domain of inactive c-Src leads to its activation. Because this binding can be abolished by cell-penetrating peptides containing the TM4SF5 C-terminus, targeting this direct interaction may be an effective strategy for developing therapeutics that block the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haeng Eun Song
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonji Lee
- Global AI Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunmi Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Yun Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Oisun Jung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Doohyung Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Goo Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Hee Nam
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyung Kang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephani Joy Y. Macalino
- Global AI Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Woo Jung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetic Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Won Kwon
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Choi
- Global AI Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Weon Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetic Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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