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Lourenço TC, de Mello LR, Icimoto MY, Bicev RN, Hamley IW, Castelletto V, Nakaie CR, da Silva ER. DNA-templated self-assembly of bradykinin into bioactive nanofibrils. SOFT MATTER 2023. [PMID: 37334565 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00431g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Bradykinin (BK) is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in blood pressure control, regulates inflammation in the human body, and has recently been implicated in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. In this study, we report a strategy for fabricating highly ordered 1D nanostructures of BK using DNA fragments as a template for self-assembly. We have combined synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering and high-resolution microscopy to provide insights into the nanoscale structure of BK-DNA complexes, unveiling the formation of ordered nanofibrils. Fluorescence assays hint that BK is more efficient at displacing minor-groove binders in comparison with base-intercalant dyes, thus, suggesting that interaction with DNA strands is mediated by electrostatic attraction between cationic groups at BK and the high negative electron density of minor-grooves. Our data also revealed an intriguing finding that BK-DNA complexes can induce a limited uptake of nucleotides by HEK-293t cells, which is a feature that has not been previously reported for BK. Moreover, we observed that the complexes retained the native bioactivity of BK, including the ability to modulate Ca2+ response into endothelial HUVEC cells. Overall, the findings presented here demonstrate a promising strategy for the fabrication of fibrillar structures of BK using DNA as a template, which keep bioactivity features of the native peptide and may have implications in the development of nanotherapeutics for hypertension and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago C Lourenço
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04062-000, Brazil.
| | - Lucas R de Mello
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04062-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Y Icimoto
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04062-000, Brazil.
| | - Renata N Bicev
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04062-000, Brazil.
| | - Ian W Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
| | | | - Clovis R Nakaie
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04062-000, Brazil.
| | - Emerson R da Silva
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04062-000, Brazil.
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Mello LR, Hamley IW, Castelletto V, Garcia BBM, Lourenço TC, Vassiliades SV, Alves WA, Han SW, Silva ER. Self-assembly and intracellular delivery of DNA by a truncated fragment derived from the Trojan peptide Penetratin. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:4746-4755. [PMID: 32329496 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00347f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Penetratin is a short Trojan peptide that attracts great interest in biomedical research for its capacity to translocate biological membranes. Herein, we study in detail both self-assembly and intracellular delivery of DNA by the heptamer KIWFQNR, a truncated peptide derived from Penetratin. This shortened sequence possesses a unique design with bolaamphiphilic characteristics that preserves the longest noncationic amino acid portion found in Penetratin. These features convey amphipathicity to assist self-assembly and make it a suitable model for exploring the role of hydrophobic residues for peptide interaction and cell uptake. We show that the fragment forms peptiplexes (i.e., peptide-DNA complexes), and aggregates into long nanofibers with clear β-sheet signature. The supramolecular structure of nanofibers is likely composed of DNA cores surrounded by a peptide shell to which the double helix behaves as a template and induces fibrillization. A nucleation and growth mechanism proceeding through liquid-liquid phase separation of coacervates is proposed for describing the self-assembly of peptiplexes. We also demonstrate that peptiplexes deliver double-stranded 200 bp DNA into HeLa cells, indicating its potential for preparing non-viral vectors for oligonucleotides through noncovalent strategies. Since the main structural features of native Penetratin are conserved in this simpler fragment, our findings also highlight the role of uncharged amino acids for structuration, and thus for the ability of Penetratin to cross cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R Mello
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil.
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3
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de Mello LR, Hamley IW, Castelletto V, Garcia BBM, Han SW, de Oliveira CLP, da Silva ER. Nanoscopic Structure of Complexes Formed between DNA and the Cell-Penetrating Peptide Penetratin. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:8861-8871. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b05512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian William Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Reading RGD 6AD, United Kingdom
| | - Valeria Castelletto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Reading RGD 6AD, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sang Won Han
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
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Gerbelli BB, da Silva ER, Miranda Soares B, Alves WA, Andreoli de Oliveira E. Multilamellar-to-Unilamellar Transition Induced by Diphenylalanine in Lipid Vesicles. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:2171-2179. [PMID: 29284081 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, we investigate the effect of two short phenylalanine-based peptides on lipid membranes. A simplified model membrane composed of lecithin vesicles was used to incorporate different amounts of the two amino acid sequences, the dimmer l,l-diphenylallanine (FF) and the trimmer cysteine-diphenylallanine (CFF). Spectroscopic and scattering techniques were applied to probe in detail the structural behavior of lipid membranes in the presence of the peptides. The experimental results demonstrate that both peptides are located mainly at the interface of the membrane interacting with phosphate groups modifying membrane thickness and flexibility. The multilamellar structure of the vesicles is preserved with inclusion of small amounts of FF, accompanied by changes in membrane thickness and elasticity. Finally, a multi- to unilamellar transition is observed as a result of peptide self-association into a crystalline structure onto the membrane interface.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruna Miranda Soares
- Centro de Ciencias Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC , Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Wendel Andrade Alves
- Centro de Ciencias Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC , Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
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Silva ER, Cooney G, Hamley IW, Alves WA, Lee S, O'Connor BF, Reza M, Ruokolainen J, Walls D. Structural behaviour and gene delivery in complexes formed between DNA and arginine-containing peptide amphiphiles. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:9158-9169. [PMID: 27714346 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm01618a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We describe in depth the structure of complexes formed between DNA and two classes of arginine-containing peptide amphiphiles, namely, the lipopeptide PRW-C16 (P = proline, R = arginine, W = tryptophan, C16 = C16 : 0 alkyl chain) and the bolaamphiphile RFL4FR (R = arginine, F = phenylalanine, L = leucine). A combination of X-ray and neutron scattering provided unprecedented insights into the local structure of these complexes. Lipopeptide-based complexes self-assembled into layered structures with large-scale fractal features, hosting DNA in the interstices. Bola-amphiphile scaffolds were characterized by planar structures with DNA strands presumably sandwiched in-between peptide nanotapes. Importantly, complexation did not affect the structural integrity of DNA in either of the two complexes. The bolaamphiphile conjugates displayed high levels of molecular ordering in contrast to the liquid-crystalline features observed in lipopeptide assemblies. Peptide-DNA complexes were assessed for their potential as a means to deliver the reporter vector pEGFP-N1 into SW480 human colon carcinoma cells. Successfully transfected cells expressed green fluorescent protein. The potentiating effect of PRW-C16 on the cellular uptake of ectopic DNA was found to be much greater than that observed with RFL4FR. In contrast to the bolaamphiphile-based conjugate, the liquid-crystalline nature of the lipopeptide complex is likely to play a key role in DNA release and transfection efficiency since these weakly bound structures require lower energy expenditure during disassembly and load release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson R Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André-SP, 09210-580, Brazil. and Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió-AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Gary Cooney
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Ian W Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Whiteknights, RG6 6AD, UK
| | - Wendel A Alves
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André-SP, 09210-580, Brazil.
| | - Shannon Lee
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Brendan F O'Connor
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Mehedi Reza
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University School of Science, P. O. Box 15100, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University School of Science, P. O. Box 15100, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Dermot Walls
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
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Leite Rubim R, Gerbelli BB, Bougis K, Pinto de Oliveira CL, Navailles L, Nallet F, Andreoli de Oliveira E. Water activity in lamellar stacks of lipid bilayers: "Hydration forces" revisited. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2016; 39:3. [PMID: 26794503 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2016-16003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Water activity and its relationship with interactions stabilising lamellar stacks of mixed lipid bilayers in their fluid state are investigated by means of osmotic pressure measurements coupled with small-angle X-ray scattering. The (electrically neutral) bilayers are composed of a mixture in various proportions of lecithin, a zwitterionic phospholipid, and Simulsol, a non-ionic cosurfactant with an ethoxylated polar head. For highly dehydrated samples the osmotic pressure profile always exhibits the "classical" exponential decay as hydration increases but, depending on Simulsol to lecithin ratio, it becomes either of the "bound" or "unbound" types for more water-swollen systems. A simple thermodynamic model is used for interpreting the results without resorting to the celebrated but elusive "hydration forces".
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Affiliation(s)
- R Leite Rubim
- Instituto de Física-GFCx, Universidade de São Paulo, P.O.B. 66318, SP 05314-970, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centre de recherche Paul-Pascal-CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, 115 avenue du Docteur-Schweitzer, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - B B Gerbelli
- Instituto de Física-GFCx, Universidade de São Paulo, P.O.B. 66318, SP 05314-970, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - K Bougis
- Instituto de Física-GFCx, Universidade de São Paulo, P.O.B. 66318, SP 05314-970, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centre de recherche Paul-Pascal-CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, 115 avenue du Docteur-Schweitzer, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - C L Pinto de Oliveira
- Instituto de Física-GFCx, Universidade de São Paulo, P.O.B. 66318, SP 05314-970, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L Navailles
- Centre de recherche Paul-Pascal-CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, 115 avenue du Docteur-Schweitzer, F-33600, Pessac, France
| | - F Nallet
- Centre de recherche Paul-Pascal-CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, 115 avenue du Docteur-Schweitzer, F-33600, Pessac, France.
| | - E Andreoli de Oliveira
- Instituto de Física-GFCx, Universidade de São Paulo, P.O.B. 66318, SP 05314-970, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
Spherulites are onion-like structures composed of phospholipids and excipients. Initially discovered in an academic laboratory, these autoassembled nano-objects have been developed further by the start-up Capsulis (Bordeaux, France), and commercialized for veterinary and dermatological applications. Owing to economical strategies, the development of these objects have not been pursued, however, they are very interesting systems, which should be exploited further. The autoassembly of amphiphiles followed by a shear stress allows the formation of nano- to micrometer range nanoparticles, which could be interesting either for systemic or local delivery. Small molecules to macromolecules have been encapsulated in spherulites in the nanometer range. All have shown promising results. Hence, spherulite-encapsulated oligonucleotides have shown increased cell internalization. DNA was shown to be encapsulated in these neutral nanoparticles. Proof-of-concept of protein encapsulation was obtained leading to immune stimulation. This review summarizes the different ways to obtain spherulites, the results of the various investigations performed to date and indicates the limits and the interests of theses nanocarriers and proposes future prospects.
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Bougis K, Leite Rubim R, Ziane N, Peyencet J, Bentaleb A, Février A, Oliveira CLP, Andreoli de Oliveira E, Navailles L, Nallet F. Stabilising lamellar stacks of lipid bilayers with soft confinement and steric effects. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2015; 38:78. [PMID: 26174430 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2015-15078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Structure and interactions stabilising the lamellar stack of mixed lipid bilayers in their fluid state are investigated by means of small-angle X-ray scattering. The (electrically neutral) bilayers are composed of a mixtures of lecithin, a zwitterionic phospholipid, and Simulsol, a non-ionic cosurfactant with an ethoxylated polar head. The soft confinement of the bilayer hydrophilic components is varied by changing hydration and bilayer composition, as well as the length of the cosurfactant polar head. Structural transitions are observed at low hydration, in the stacking order for the longer cosurfactant, and in the mixed bilayers for the shorter one. At higher hydration, the swelling of the lamellar stacks occurs with a significant, but continuous evolution in the mixed bilayer structure. The bilayer structural changes are discussed in analogy with the so-called "brush-to-mushroom" transition induced by lateral confinement, relevant for long linear polymers grafted onto rigid surfaces, taking also into account the role of vertical confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bougis
- Centre de recherche Paul-Pascal-CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, 115 avenue du Docteur-Schweitzer, F-33600, Pessac, France
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9
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Gerbelli BB, Rubim RL, Silva ER, Nallet F, Navailles L, Oliveira CLP, de Oliveira EA. Steric-induced effects on stabilizing a lamellar structure. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2013; 29:13717-13722. [PMID: 24215580 DOI: 10.1021/la402962c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the behavior of multilamellar phases composed of lecithin and a commercial cosurfactant (Simusol), which is a mixture of ethoxylated fatty acids. Using X-ray scattering and a new procedure to fit the data, relevant parameters characterizing the lamellar structure were determined as a function of membrane composition, varying from 100% of lecithin to 100% of Simulsol. Scattering data illustrating the swelling of the lamellae for different amounts of cosurfactant are presented with the respective behavior of the Caillé parameter. With this experimental approach, we show that the incorporation of ethoxy brushes onto the lipid surface enhances repulsive interactions arising from membrane fluctuations and changes the interactions at the interface between bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara B Gerbelli
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo , Caixa Postal 66318, 05314-970 São Paulo, Brazil
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Dobrindt J, Rodrigo Teixeira da Silva E, Alves C, Oliveira CLP, Nallet F, Andreoli de Oliveira E, Navailles L. Anisotropic Brownian motion in ordered phases of DNA fragments. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2012; 35:3. [PMID: 22270455 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2012-12003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Using Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching, we investigate the Brownian motion of DNA rod-like fragments in two distinct anisotropic phases with a local nematic symmetry. The height of the measurement volume ensures the averaging of the anisotropy of the in-plane diffusive motion parallel or perpendicular to the local nematic director in aligned domains. Still, as shown in using a model specifically designed to handle such a situation and predicting a non-Gaussian shape for the bleached spot as fluorescence recovery proceeds, the two distinct diffusion coefficients of the DNA particles can be retrieved from data analysis. In the first system investigated (a ternary DNA-lipid lamellar complex), the magnitude and anisotropy of the diffusion coefficient of the DNA fragments confined by the lipid bilayers are obtained for the first time. In the second, binary DNA-solvent system, the magnitude of the diffusion coefficient is found to decrease markedly as DNA concentration is increased from isotropic to cholesteric phase. In addition, the diffusion coefficient anisotropy measured within cholesteric domains in the phase coexistence region increases with concentration, and eventually reaches a high value in the cholesteric phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Dobrindt
- Université de Bordeaux, Centre de recherche Paul-Pascal - CNRS, 115 avenue du Docteur-Schweitzer, F-33600, Pessac, France
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