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Pu TY, Chuang KC, Tung MC, Yen CC, Chen YH, Cidem A, Ko CH, Chen W, Chen CM. Lactoferrin as a therapeutic agent for attenuating hepatic stellate cell activation in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116490. [PMID: 38554526 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116490] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease caused by prolonged liver injuries. Excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix replaces the damaged hepatocytes, leading to fibrous scar formation and fibrosis induction. Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein with a conserved, monomeric signal polypeptide chain, exhibiting diverse physiological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumoral activities. Previous study has shown LF's protective role against chemically-induced liver fibrosis in rats. However, the mechanisms of LF in liver fibrosis are still unclear. In this study, we investigated LF's mechanisms in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and TGF-β1-treated HSC-T6 cells. Using ultrasonic imaging, H&E, Masson's, and Sirius Red staining, we demonstrated LF's ability to improve liver tissue damage and fibrosis induced by TAA. LF reduced the levels of ALT, AST, and hydroxyproline in TAA-treated liver tissues, while increasing catalase levels. Additionally, LF treatment decreased mRNA expression of inflammatory factors such as Il-1β and Icam-1, as well as fibrogenic factors including α-Sma, Collagen I, and Ctgf in TAA-treated liver tissues. Furthermore, LF reduced TAA-induced ROS production and cell death in FL83B cells, and decreased α-SMA, Collagen I, and p-Smad2/3 productions in TGF-β1-treated HSC-T6 cells. Our study highlights LF's ability to ameliorate TAA-induced hepatocyte damage, oxidative stress, and liver fibrosis in rats, potentially through its inhibitory effect on HSC activation. These findings suggest LF's potential as a therapeutic agent for protecting against liver injuries and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yu Pu
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Cheng Chuang
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Min-Che Tung
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, Tungs' Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taichung 435, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Yen
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, and College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Abdulkadir Cidem
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum 25250, Turkey
| | - Chu-Hsun Ko
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Wei Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Mu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, and Doctorial Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
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Kurimoto D, Sato A. Enhanced intracellular uptake of an albumin fusion protein in cancer cells by its forced cell surface recruitment. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 191:106591. [PMID: 37742986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Albumin fusion or conjugation is a well-established technique for tumor delivery and is mainly mediated by albumin-induced caveolae-dependent endocytosis. We report that caveolae-dependent endocytic signaling activated by human serum albumin (HSA) is not sufficiently strong to induce cellular uptake, mainly due to its electrostatic repulsion from the negatively charged cell surface sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and fusion of the cell-surface-retained protein with HSA is an effective strategy to activate the HSA-induced endocytic signal, thereby improving its intracellular uptake. In this study, human lactoferrin (hLF), a protein that accumulates on the cell surface along with GAGs, was selected for delivery into human lung adenocarcinoma PC-14 cells. When added exogenously, hLF-fused HSA (hLF-HSA) was successfully endocytosed, whereas the simultaneous addition of HSA and hLF did not result in endocytosis, indicating less efficient activation of endocytic signaling by HSA alone and the importance of its fusion. Importantly, the treatment of cells with chlorate, a known inhibitor of GAG sulfation, dramatically suppressed the endocytosis of hLF-HSA owing to the loss of the hLF-GAG interaction. Therefore, the cell-surface localization of HSA imposed by fusion with the cell-surface-retained protein enhances its binding to the relevant receptor, which improves intracellular delivery as an albumin-fusion platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kurimoto
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sato
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan.
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3
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Kokhanyuk B, Vántus VB, Radnai B, Vámos E, Kajner G, Galbács G, Telek E, Mészáros M, Deli MA, Németh P, Engelmann P. Distinct Uptake Routes Participate in Silver Nanoparticle Engulfment by Earthworm and Human Immune Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:2818. [PMID: 36014683 PMCID: PMC9413649 DOI: 10.3390/nano12162818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of engineered silver nanoparticle (AgNP) exposure and cellular interaction with the immune system are poorly understood. The immunocytes of the Eisenia andrei earthworm are frequently applied in ecotoxicological studies and possess functional similarity to vertebrate macrophages. Hence, we characterized and compared the endocytosis mechanisms for the uptake of 75 nm AgNPs by earthworm coelomocytes, human THP-1 monocytes, and differentiated THP-1 (macrophage-like) cells. Our results indicate that microtubule-dependent, scavenger-receptor, and PI3K signaling-mediated macropinocytosis are utilized during AgNP engulfment by human THP-1 and differentiated THP-1 cells. However, earthworm coelomocytes employ actin-dependent phagocytosis during AgNPs uptake. In both human and earthworm immunocytes, AgNPs were located in the cytoplasm, within the endo-/lysosomes. We detected that the internalization of AgNPs is TLR/MyD88-dependent, also involving the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) in the case of human immunocytes. The exposure led to decreased mitochondrial respiration in human immunocytes; however, in coelomocytes, it enhanced respiratory parameters. Our findings provide more data about NP trafficking as nano-carriers in the nanomedicine field, as well as contribute to an understanding of the ecotoxicological consequences of nanoparticle exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Kokhanyuk
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viola Bagóné Vántus
- Department of Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Radnai
- Department of Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Vámos
- Department of Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gyula Kajner
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Galbács
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Elek Telek
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mária Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mária A. Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Fluid-Phase Endocytosis and Lysosomal Degradation of Bovine Lactoferrin in Lung Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040855. [PMID: 35456688 PMCID: PMC9032238 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The iron-binding protein lactoferrin and the cell-penetrating peptides derived from its sequence utilise endocytosis to enter different cell types. The full-length protein has been extensively investigated as a potential therapeutic against a range of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. As a respiratory antiviral agent, several activity mechanisms have been demonstrated for lactoferrin, at the extracellular and plasma membrane levels, but as a protein that enters cells it may also have intracellular antiviral activity. Characterisation of lactoferrin’s binding, endocytic traffic to lysosomes, or recycling endosomes for exocytosis is lacking, especially in lung cell models. Here, we use confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and degradation assays to evaluate binding, internalisation, endocytic trafficking, and the intracellular fate of bovine lactoferrin in human lung A549 cells. In comparative studies with endocytic probes transferrin and dextran, we show that lactoferrin binds to negative charges on the cell surface and actively enters cells via fluid-phase endocytosis, in a receptor-independent manner. Once inside the cell, we show that it is trafficked to lysosomes where it undergoes degradation within two hours. These findings provide opportunities for investigating both lactoferrin and derived cell-penetrating peptides activities of targeting intracellular pathogens.
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Influence of iron binding in the structural stability and cellular internalization of bovine lactoferrin. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08087. [PMID: 34632151 PMCID: PMC8487029 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein and a component of many external secretions with a wide diversity of functions. Structural studies are important to understand the mechanisms employed by Lf to exert so varied functions. Here, we used guanidine hydrochloride and high hydrostatic pressure to cause perturbations in the structure of bovine Lf (bLf) in apo and holo (unsaturated and iron-saturated, respectively) forms, and analyzed conformational changes by intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. Our results showed that the iron binding promotes changes on tertiary structure of bLf and increases its structural stability. In addition, we evaluated the effects of bLf structural change on the kinetics of bLf internalization in Vero cells by confocal fluorescence microscopy, and observed that the holo form was faster than the apo form. This finding may indicate that structural changes promoted by iron binding may play a key role in the intracellular traffic of bLf. Altogether, our data improve the comprehension of bLf stability and uptake, adding knowledge to its potential use as a biopharmaceutical.
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Kokhanyuk B, Bodó K, Sétáló G, Németh P, Engelmann P. Bacterial Engulfment Mechanism Is Strongly Conserved in Evolution Between Earthworm and Human Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:733541. [PMID: 34539669 PMCID: PMC8440998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.733541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invertebrates, including earthworms, are applied to study the evolutionarily conserved cellular immune processes. Earthworm immunocytes (so-called coelomocytes) are functionally similar to vertebrate myeloid cells and form the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Hereby, we compared the engulfment mechanisms of THP-1 human monocytic cells, differentiated THP-1 (macrophage-like) cells, and Eisenia andrei coelomocytes towards Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria applying various endocytosis inhibitors [amantadine, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride, colchicine, cytochalasin B, cytochalasin D, methyl-ß-cyclodextrin, and nystatin]. Subsequently, we investigated the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of immune receptor-related molecules (TLR, MyD88, BPI) and the colocalization of lysosomes with engulfed bacteria following uptake inhibition in every cell type. Actin depolymerization by cytochalasin B and D has strongly inhibited the endocytosis of both bacterial strains in the studied cell types, suggesting the conserved role of actin-dependent phagocytosis. Decreased numbers of colocalized lysosomes/bacteria supported these findings. In THP-1 cells TLR expression was increased upon cytochalasin D pretreatment, while this inhibitor caused a dropped LBP/BPI expression in differentiated THP-1 cells and coelomocytes. The obtained data reveal further insights into the evolution of phagocytes in eukaryotes. Earthworm and human phagocytes possess analogous mechanisms for bacterial internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Kokhanyuk
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kornélia Bodó
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - György Sétáló
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Engelmann
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Ueda K, Shimizu M, Ohashi A, Murata D, Suzuki T, Kobayashi N, Baba J, Takeuchi T, Shiga Y, Nakamura M, Kagaya S, Sato A. Albumin fusion at the N-terminus or C-terminus of human lactoferrin leads to improved pharmacokinetics and anti-proliferative effects on cancer cell lines. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 155:105551. [PMID: 32946958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human lactoferrin (hLF), a soluble factor of the innate immune system, exhibits various biological functions and therefore has potential as a therapeutic protein. However, the clinical applications of hLF are limited by its low stability in blood. We therefore attempted to resolve this by producing recombinant hLF fused to human serum albumin (HSA). Two HSA-fused hLFs with different fusion orientations (hLF-HSA and HSA-hLF) were produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) DG44 cells. hLF-HSA revealed higher thermal stability, resistance to peptic degradation, and stability during the process of cellular uptake and release in an intestinal enterocyte model (Caco-2 cells) than HSA-hLF. The lower stability of HSA-hLF is presumably due to the steric hindrance imposed by HSA fusion to the N-terminus of hLF. Both HSA fusion proteins, especially HSA-hLF, displayed improved pharmacokinetic properties despite the lower protein stability of HSA-hLF. hLF-HSA and HSA-hLF exhibited approximately 3.3- and 20.7-fold longer half-lives (64.0 and 403.6 min), respectively, than holo-rhLF (19.5 min). Both HSA fusion proteins were found to exert enhanced growth inhibition effects on cancer cells in vitro, but not normal cells. Their enhanced growth inhibitory activities were considered to be due to the synergetic effects of hLF and HSA because hLF alone or HSA alone failed to exert such an effect. Altogether, Fusion of HSA to hLF yielded superior pharmacokinetics and anti-proliferative activities against cancer cells. HSA-fused hLF is a novel candidate for further application of hLF as biopharmaceuticals for intravenous administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ueda
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Maya Shimizu
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Aimi Ohashi
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Daisuke Murata
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Takuo Suzuki
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Biologicals, National Institute of Health, Sciences, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Natsuki Kobayashi
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Junpei Baba
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Takashi Takeuchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tottori University, Koyama-Minami, Tottori, 680-8553, Japan
| | - Yuki Shiga
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Masao Nakamura
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Shinji Kagaya
- NRL Pharma, Inc., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 213-0012, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sato
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1, Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan.
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Porter CM, Haffner MC, Kulac I, Maynard JP, Baena-Del Valle JA, Isaacs WB, Yegnasubramanian S, De Marzo AM, Sfanos KS. Lactoferrin CpG Island Hypermethylation and Decoupling of mRNA and Protein Expression in the Early Stages of Prostate Carcinogenesis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:2311-2322. [PMID: 31499027 PMCID: PMC6892185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LTF) is an iron-binding protein canonically known for its innate and adaptive immune functions. LTF may also act as a tumor suppressor with antiproliferative action. LTF is inactivated genetically or epigenetically in various cancers, and a CpG island spanning the transcriptional start site of LTF is hypermethylated in prostate cancer cell lines. We, therefore, hypothesized that LTF expression is silenced via CpG island hypermethylation in the early stages of prostate tumorigenesis carcinogenesis. Targeted methylation analysis was performed using a combination of methylated-DNA precipitation and methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes, and laser-capture microdissection followed by bisulfite sequencing on DNA isolated from prostate tissue samples, including both primary and metastatic disease. LTF mRNA in situ hybridization and LTF protein immunohistochemistry were also performed. We report that the LTF CpG island is frequently and densely methylated in high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, primary prostate carcinoma, and metastases. We further report a decoupling of lactoferrin mRNA and protein expression, including in lesions where LTF mRNA has presumably been silenced via CpG island methylation. We conclude that LTF mRNA expression is silenced in prostate tumorigenesis via hypermethylation, supporting a role for LTF as a prostate cancer tumor suppressor gene. Likewise, the frequency at which the LTF CpG island is methylated across samples suggests it is an important and conserved step in prostate cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey M Porter
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael C Haffner
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ibrahim Kulac
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Janielle P Maynard
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - William B Isaacs
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Angelo M De Marzo
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Karen S Sfanos
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Superti F, Agamennone M, Pietrantoni A, Ammendolia MG. Bovine Lactoferrin Prevents Influenza A Virus Infection by Interfering with the Fusogenic Function of Viral Hemagglutinin. Viruses 2019; 11:E51. [PMID: 30641890 PMCID: PMC6357187 DOI: 10.3390/v11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein folded in two symmetric globular lobes (N- and C-lobes) with potent antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Recently, we have shown that bLf, and in particular its C-lobe, interacts with influenza A virus hemagglutinin and prevents infection by different H1 and H3 viral subtypes. Influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA), and in particular its highly conserved fusion peptide involved in the low-pH-mediated fusion process, plays a significant role in the early steps of viral infection and represents an attractive target for the development of anti-influenza drugs. In the present research, we further investigated the influence of low pH on the interactions between bLf and influenza A H1N1 virus by different techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, electron microscopy, hemolysis inhibition assay, and time course assay. Our results demonstrate that lactoferrin interaction with influenza hemagglutinin at low pH induces alterations that stabilize the conformation of the hemagglutinin, resulting in the inhibition of the fusion peptide activity. Taken together, our data allowed to better characterize the HA-specific inhibiting activity of bLf and to confirm HA as a good target for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Superti
- National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Agamennone
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Agostina Pietrantoni
- National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
- Core Facilities, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Grazia Ammendolia
- National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Mayeur S, Spahis S, Pouliot Y, Levy E. Lactoferrin, a Pleiotropic Protein in Health and Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2016; 24:813-36. [PMID: 26981846 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2015.6458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Lactoferrin (Lf) is a nonheme iron-binding glycoprotein strongly expressed in human and bovine milk and it plays many functions during infancy such as iron homeostasis and defense against microorganisms. In humans, Lf is mainly expressed in mucosal epithelial and immune cells. Growing evidence suggests multiple physiological roles for Lf after weaning. RECENT ADVANCES The aim of this review is to highlight the recent advances concerning multifunctional Lf activities. CRITICAL ISSUES First, we will provide an overview of the mechanisms related to Lf intrinsic synthesis or intestinal absorption as well as its interaction with a wide spectrum of mammalian receptors and distribution in organs and cell types. Second, we will discuss the large variety of its physiological functions such as iron homeostasis, transportation, immune regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis while specifying the mechanisms of action. Third, we will focus on its recent physiopathology implication in metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additional efforts are necessary before suggesting the potential use of Lf as a diagnostic marker or as a therapeutic tool. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The main sources of Lf in human cardiometabolic disorders should be clarified to identify new perspectives for future research and develop new strategies using Lf in therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 813-836.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Mayeur
- 1 Research Centre, CHU Ste-Justine, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Canada .,2 Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF) , Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Schohraya Spahis
- 1 Research Centre, CHU Ste-Justine, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Canada .,2 Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF) , Université Laval, Quebec, Canada .,3 Department of Nutrition, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Canada
| | - Yves Pouliot
- 3 Department of Nutrition, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Canada
| | - Emile Levy
- 1 Research Centre, CHU Ste-Justine, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Canada .,2 Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF) , Université Laval, Quebec, Canada .,3 Department of Nutrition, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Canada
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11
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Zhu H, Dong C, Dong H, Ren T, Wen X, Su J, Li Y. Cleavable PEGylation and hydrophobic histidylation of polylysine for siRNA delivery and tumor gene therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:10393-10407. [PMID: 24892498 DOI: 10.1021/am501928p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Polylysine with cleavable PEGylation and hydrophobic histidylation (mPEG-SS-Lysn-r-Hism) was designed and developed for efficient siRNA delivery and tumor therapy. mPEG-SS-Lysn-r-Hism was used to carry and deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) for silencing endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and inhibiting tumor growth in HepG2 tumor-bearing mice. In this gene vector, histidine(Bzl) was selected for hydrophobic histidylation for the proton sponge ability of the imidazole ring and hydrophobic benzyl group. Cleavable PEGylation was introduced for in vivo circulation as well as selective PEG detachment in response to intracellular reduction condition in order to release the genetic payload. PEG detachment induced gene release was supported by agarose gel electrophoresis retardation assay, undertaken in the intracellular relevant reduction condition. In vitro transfection evaluation of histidylated copolymers, using pEGFP as genetic model, indicated significantly higher GFP expression than unmodified counterparts, comparable to the gold standard PEI. The efficacy of hydrophobic histidylation was found to be pronounced in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In vivo application of the VEGF-siRNA package by tailored mPEG-SS-Lysn-r-Hism showed distinct tumor suppression in terms of macroscopic tumor volume and molecular analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhu
- Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, Tongji University , Shanghai, China
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Structural characterization of the interaction of human lactoferrin with calmodulin. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51026. [PMID: 23236421 PMCID: PMC3516504 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is an 80 kDa, iron (Fe3+)-binding immunoregulatory glycoprotein secreted into most exocrine fluids, found in high concentrations in colostrum and milk, and released from neutrophil secondary granules at sites of infection and inflammation. In a number of cell types, Lf is internalized through receptor-mediated endocytosis and targeted to the nucleus where it has been demonstrated to act as a transcriptional trans-activator. Here we characterize human Lf’s interaction with calmodulin (CaM), a ubiquitous, 17 kDa regulatory calcium (Ca2+)-binding protein localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of activated cells. Due to the size of this intermolecular complex (∼100 kDa), TROSY-based NMR techniques were employed to structurally characterize Ca2+-CaM when bound to intact apo-Lf. Both CaM’s backbone amides and the ε-methyl group of key methionine residues were used as probes in chemical shift perturbation and cross-saturation experiments to define the binding interface of apo-Lf on Ca2+-CaM. Unlike the collapsed conformation through which Ca2+-CaM binds the CaM-binding domains of its classical targets, Ca2+-CaM assumes an extended structure when bound to apo-Lf. Apo-Lf appears to interact predominantly with the C-terminal lobe of Ca2+-CaM, enabling the N-terminal lobe to potentially bind another target. Our use of intact apo-Lf has made possible the identification of a secondary interaction interface, removed from CaM’s primary binding domain. Secondary interfaces play a key role in the target’s response to CaM binding, highlighting the importance of studying intact complexes. This solution-based approach can be applied to study other regulatory calcium-binding EF-hand proteins in intact intermolecular complexes.
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