1
|
Czapla J, Drzyzga A, Ciepła J, Matuszczak S, Jarosz-Biej M, Pilny E, Cichoń T, Smolarczyk R. Combination of STING agonist with anti-vascular RGD-(KLAKLAK) 2 peptide as a novel anti-tumor therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:148. [PMID: 38832958 PMCID: PMC11150340 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03732-3] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is one of the most promising anti-cancer treatment. It involves activating the host's own immune system to eliminate cancer cells. Activation of cGAS-STING pathway is promising therapeutic approach for cancer immunotherapy. However, in human clinical trials, targeting cGAS-STING pathway results in insufficient or unsustainable anti-tumor response. To enhance its effectiveness, combination with other anti-cancer therapies seems essential to achieve synergistic systemic anti-tumor response.The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the combination of STING agonist-cGAMP with anti-vascular RGD-(KLAKLAK)2 peptide results in a better anti-tumor response in poorly immunogenic tumors with various STING protein and αvβ3 integrin status.Combination therapy inhibited growth of murine breast carcinoma more effectively than melanoma. In melanoma, the administration of STING agonist alone was sufficient to obtain a satisfactory therapeutic effect. In both tumor models we have noted stimulation of innate immune response following cGAMP administration alone or in combination. The largest population of immune cells infiltrating the TME after therapy were activated NK cells. Increased infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes within the TME was only observed in melanoma tumors. However, they also expressed the "exhaustion" PD-1 receptor. In contrast, in breast carcinoma tumors each therapy caused the drop in the number of infiltrating CD8+ T cells.The obtained results indicate an additional therapeutic benefit from combining STING agonist with an anti-vascular agent. However, this effect depends on the type of tumor, the status of its microenvironment and the expression of specific proteins such as STING and αvβ3 family integrin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Czapla
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Alina Drzyzga
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Joanna Ciepła
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Sybilla Matuszczak
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Jarosz-Biej
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Ewelina Pilny
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Cichoń
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Ryszard Smolarczyk
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vadevoo SMP, Gurung S, Lee HS, Gunassekaran GR, Lee SM, Yoon JW, Lee YK, Lee B. Peptides as multifunctional players in cancer therapy. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1099-1109. [PMID: 37258584 PMCID: PMC10318096 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides exhibit lower affinity and a shorter half-life in the body than antibodies. Conversely, peptides demonstrate higher efficiency in tissue penetration and cell internalization than antibodies. Regardless of the pros and cons of peptides, they have been used as tumor-homing ligands for delivering carriers (such as nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and cells) and cargoes (such as cytotoxic peptides and radioisotopes) to tumors. Additionally, tumor-homing peptides have been conjugated with cargoes such as small-molecule or chemotherapeutic drugs via linkers to synthesize peptide-drug conjugates. In addition, peptides selectively bind to cell surface receptors and proteins, such as immune checkpoints, receptor kinases, and hormone receptors, subsequently blocking their biological activity or serving as hormone analogs. Furthermore, peptides internalized into cells bind to intracellular proteins and interfere with protein-protein interactions. Thus, peptides demonstrate great application potential as multifunctional players in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sri Murugan Poongkavithai Vadevoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Smriti Gurung
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Su Lee
- Department of Physiology, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, 33 Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu, 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Gowri Rangaswamy Gunassekaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Min Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Won Yoon
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Ki Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungheon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Akrami M, Samimi S, Alipour M, Bardania H, Ramezanpour S, Najafi N, Hosseinkhani S, Kamankesh M, Haririan I, Hassanshahi F. Potential anticancer activity of a new pro-apoptotic peptide-thioctic acid gold nanoparticle platform. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 32:145101. [PMID: 33321485 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/abd3cb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Targeted nanoparticle platforms designed to induce cell death by apoptosis can bypass the resistance mechanisms of cancer cells. With this in mind we have constructed a new cancer-targeting peptide-functionalized nanoparticle using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and a thioctic acid-DMPGTVLP peptide (TA-peptide) conjugate. Morphological analysis of the nanoparticles by transmission electron microscopy showed average diameters of about 3.52 nm and 26.2 nm for the AuNP core and shell, respectively. Strong affinity toward the nucleolin receptors of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and T47D was observed for the TA-peptide gold nanoparticles (TAP@AuNPs) based on IC50 values. Furthermore, the nanoparticles showed excellent hemocompatibility. Quantitative results of atomic absorption showed improved uptake of TAP@AuNPs. Treatment of the cells with TAP@AuNPS resulted in greater release of cytochrome c following caspase-3/7 activation compared with free TA-peptide. The cytosolic level of adenosine triphosphate for TAP@AuNPs was higher than in controls. Higher anti-tumor efficiency was observed for TAP@AuNPs than TA-peptide compared with phosphate-buffered saline after intratumoral injection in tumor-bearing mice. It can be concluded that the design and development of a receptor-specific peptide-AuNP platform will be valuable for theranostic applications in cancer nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Akrami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, and Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Samimi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Alipour
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Hassan Bardania
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Sorour Ramezanpour
- Peptide Chemistry Research Center, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niayesh Najafi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States of America
| | - Saman Hosseinkhani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Kamankesh
- Department of Polymer chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ismaeil Haririan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, and Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hassanshahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, and Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sun H, Choi W, Zang N, Battistella C, Thompson MP, Cao W, Zhou X, Forman C, Gianneschi NC. Bioactive Peptide Brush Polymers via Photoinduced Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:17359-17364. [PMID: 31595626 PMCID: PMC7299178 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201908634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing metal-free photoinduced reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (photo-RDRP) in organic and aqueous phases, we report a synthetic approach to enzyme-responsive and pro-apoptotic peptide brush polymers. Thermolysin-responsive peptide-based polymeric amphiphiles assembled into spherical micellar nanoparticles that undergo a morphology transition to worm-like micelles upon enzyme-triggered cleavage of coronal peptide sidechains. Moreover, pro-apoptotic polypeptide brushes show enhanced cell uptake over individual peptide chains of the same sequence, resulting in a significant increase in cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Critically, increased grafting density of pro-apoptotic peptides on brush polymers correlates with increased uptake efficiency and concurrently, cytotoxicity. The mild synthetic conditions afforded by photo-RDRP, make it possible to access well-defined peptide-based polymer bioconjugate structures with tunable bioactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Wonmin Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Nanzhi Zang
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Claudia Battistella
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Matthew P Thompson
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Xuhao Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Christopher Forman
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sun H, Choi W, Zang N, Battistella C, Thompson MP, Cao W, Zhou X, Forman C, Gianneschi NC. Bioactive Peptide Brush Polymers via Photoinduced Reversible‐Deactivation Radical Polymerization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201908634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- Department of Chemistry Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering International Institute for Nanotechnology Simpson Querrey Institute Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Wonmin Choi
- Department of Chemistry Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering International Institute for Nanotechnology Simpson Querrey Institute Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Nanzhi Zang
- Department of Chemistry Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering International Institute for Nanotechnology Simpson Querrey Institute Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Claudia Battistella
- Department of Chemistry Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering International Institute for Nanotechnology Simpson Querrey Institute Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Matthew P. Thompson
- Department of Chemistry Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering International Institute for Nanotechnology Simpson Querrey Institute Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Chemistry Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering International Institute for Nanotechnology Simpson Querrey Institute Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Xuhao Zhou
- Department of Chemistry Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering International Institute for Nanotechnology Simpson Querrey Institute Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Christopher Forman
- Department of Chemistry Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering International Institute for Nanotechnology Simpson Querrey Institute Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Nathan C. Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering International Institute for Nanotechnology Simpson Querrey Institute Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and the Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston IL 60208 USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vadevoo SMP, Gurung S, Khan F, Haque ME, Gunassekaran GR, Chi L, Permpoon U, Lee B. Peptide-based targeted therapeutics and apoptosis imaging probes for cancer therapy. Arch Pharm Res 2019; 42:150-158. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-019-01125-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
7
|
Chen WH, Luo GF, Zhang XZ. Recent Advances in Subcellular Targeted Cancer Therapy Based on Functional Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1802725. [PMID: 30260521 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201802725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Recently, diverse functional materials that take subcellular structures as therapeutic targets are playing increasingly important roles in cancer therapy. Here, particular emphasis is placed on four kinds of therapies, including chemotherapy, gene therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and hyperthermal therapy, which are the most widely used approaches for killing cancer cells by the specific destruction of subcellular organelles. Moreover, some non-drug-loaded nanoformulations (i.e., metal nanoparticles and molecular self-assemblies) with a fatal effect on cells by influencing the subcellular functions without the use of any drug molecules are also included. According to the basic principles and unique performances of each treatment, appropriate strategies are developed to meet task-specific applications by integrating specific materials, ligands, as well as methods. In addition, the combination of two or more therapies based on multifunctional nanostructures, which either directly target specific subcellular organelles or release organelle-targeted therapeutics, is also introduced with the intent of superadditive therapeutic effects. Finally, the related challenges of critical re-evaluation of this emerging field are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Feng Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xian-Zheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
A platform for discovery of functional cell-penetrating peptides for efficient multi-cargo intracellular delivery. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12538. [PMID: 30135446 PMCID: PMC6105642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) offer great potential to deliver therapeutic molecules to previously inaccessible intracellular targets. However, many CPPs are inefficient and often leave their attached cargo stranded in the cell’s endosome. We report a versatile platform for the isolation of peptides delivering a wide range of cargos into the cytoplasm of cells. We used this screening platform to identify multiple “Phylomer” CPPs, derived from bacterial and viral genomes. These peptides are amenable to conventional sequence optimization and engineering approaches for cell targeting and half-life extension. We demonstrate potent, functional delivery of protein, peptide, and nucleic acid analog cargos into cells using Phylomer CPPs. We validate in vivo activity in the cytoplasm, through successful transport of an oligonucleotide therapeutic fused to a Phylomer CPP in a disease model for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. This report thus establishes a discovery platform for identifying novel, functional CPPs to expand the delivery landscape of druggable intracellular targets for biological therapeutics.
Collapse
|
9
|
You Y, Xu Z, Chen Y. Doxorubicin conjugated with a trastuzumab epitope and an MMP-2 sensitive peptide linker for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Drug Deliv 2018; 25:448-460. [PMID: 29405790 PMCID: PMC6058718 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2018.1435746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
HER2-positive breast cancer correlates with more aggressive tumor growth, a poorer prognosis and reduced overall survival. Currently, trastuzumab (Herceptin), which is an anti-HER2 antibody, is one of the key drugs. There is evidence indicating that conjugation of trastuzumab with chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin (DOX), for multiple targets could be more effective. However, incomplete penetration into tumors has been noted for those conjugates. Compared to an antibody, peptides may represent an attractive alternative. For HER2, a similar potency has been observed for a 12-amino-acid anti-HER2 peptide mimetic YCDGFYACYMDV-NH2 (AHNP, disulfide-bridged) and full-length trastuzumab. Thus, a peptide, GPLGLAGDDYCDGFYACYMDV-NH2, which consists of AHNP and an MMP-2 cleavable linker GPLGLAGDD, was first designed, followed by conjugation with DOX via a glycine residue at the N-terminus to form a novel DOX-peptide conjugate MAHNP-DOX. Using HER2-positive human breast cancer cells BT474 and SKBR3 as in vitro model systems and nude mice with BT474 xenografts as an in vivo model, this conjugate was comprehensively characterized, and its efficacy was evaluated and compared with that of free DOX. As a result, MAHNP-DOX demonstrated a much lower in vitro IC50, and its in vivo extent of inhibition in mice was more evident. During this process, enzymatic cleavage of MAHNP-DOX is critical for its activation and cellular uptake. In addition, a synergistic response was observed after the combination of DOX and AHNP. This effect was probably due to the involvement of AHNP in the PI3K–AKT signaling pathway, which can be largely activated by DOX and leads to anti-apoptotic signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen You
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yun Chen
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China.,b State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine , Nanjing , China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gandioso A, Massaguer A, Villegas N, Salvans C, Sánchez D, Brun-Heath I, Marchán V, Orozco M, Terrazas M. Efficient siRNA-peptide conjugation for specific targeted delivery into tumor cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 53:2870-2873. [PMID: 28218319 DOI: 10.1039/c6cc10287e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the broad applicability of the Huisgen cycloaddition reaction, the click functionalization of RNAs with peptides still remains a challenge. Here we describe a straightforward method for the click functionalization of siRNAs with peptides of different sizes and complexities. Among them, a promising peptide carrier for the selective siRNA delivery into HER2+ breast cancer cell lines has been reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Gandioso
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry, IBUB, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Massaguer
- Department of Biology, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Núria Villegas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Joint IRB-BSC Program in Computational Biology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. and The Join IRB-BSC Program in Computational Biology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Spain
| | - Cándida Salvans
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Joint IRB-BSC Program in Computational Biology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Dani Sánchez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Joint IRB-BSC Program in Computational Biology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Isabelle Brun-Heath
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Joint IRB-BSC Program in Computational Biology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Vicente Marchán
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry, IBUB, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Modesto Orozco
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Joint IRB-BSC Program in Computational Biology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. and The Join IRB-BSC Program in Computational Biology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Spain and Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Terrazas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Joint IRB-BSC Program in Computational Biology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu T, Li P, Jin H, Ding Q, Zou Z, Peng G. Influence of designer self-assembling nanofiber scaffolds containing anti-cancer peptide motif on hepatoma carcinoma cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2017; 105:2329-2334. [PMID: 28263436 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 JieFang Avenue Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Pindong Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 JieFang Avenue Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Honglin Jin
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 JieFang Avenue Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Qian Ding
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 JieFang Avenue Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Zhenwei Zou
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 JieFang Avenue Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Gang Peng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 JieFang Avenue Wuhan 430022 China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jung HK, Kim S, Park RW, Park JY, Kim IS, Lee B. Bladder tumor-targeted delivery of pro-apoptotic peptide for cancer therapy. J Control Release 2016; 235:259-267. [PMID: 27282414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The overall prognosis of conventional chemotherapy for the treatment of bladder cancer is poor and reduction of its systemic side effects remains an unsolved issue. Targeted therapy for bladder cancer could improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects. This study investigated a hybrid peptide (named Bld-1-KLA) composed of the CSNRDARRC peptide (Bld-1), which binds to bladder tumor cells, and the d-KLAKLAKKLAKLAK (KLA) peptide, which disrupts mitochondrial membrane and induces apoptotic cell death, as a bladder cancer-targeted therapeutic agent. Bld-1-KLA selectively bound to HT1376 bladder tumor cells and efficiently internalized into the cells but not to other types of tumor and normal cell lines. Bld-1-KLA exerted cytotoxic effects selectively to HT1376 cells (LC50=41.5μM), but not to other types of cells. Pretreatment of cells with Bld-1 inhibited the binding and cytotoxicity by Bld-1-KLA in HT1376 cells. It induced apoptosis of bladder tumor cells, while Bld-1 or KLA alone showed much lesser effect on apoptosis, and was co-localized in mitochondria. Bld-1-KLA was stable up to 24h in serum. In vivo fluorescence imaging showed that homing of Bld-1-KLA in the tumor in HT1376 tumor-bearing nude mice was greater than that of the control peptide-KLA after intravenous injection. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with Bld-1-KLA, compared to the control peptide-KLA, induced apoptosis of tumor cells and inhibited tumor growth more efficiently. No significant side effects on body weight and the liver and myeloid function were observed in mice treated with Bld-1-KLA. These results suggest that Bld-1-KLA is a promising therapeutic agent for targeted therapy of bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Kyung Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; CMRI, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; CMRI, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Rang-Woon Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; CMRI, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Park
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - In-San Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea; KU-KIST School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungheon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; CMRI, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zahmatkeshan M, Gheybi F, Rezayat SM, Jaafari MR. Improved drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy of PEgylated liposomal doxorubicin by targeting anti-HER2 peptide in murine breast tumor model. Eur J Pharm Sci 2016; 86:125-35. [PMID: 26972276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Targeted cancer therapy is a powerful therapeutic strategy to management of cancer. HER2 as an anticancer target has long been studied. Its overexpression plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progressiveness of breast and other cancers. To establish efficient and reliable drug delivery to HER2-overexpressing cells, the authors of this study have developed anti-HER2 (ErbB2) peptide-liposomal formulations of doxorubicin (DOX) by an engineered breast tumor-targeting peptide ligand, AHNP, Anti-HER2/neu peptide, (FCDGFYACYADV) with three glycine amino acids as spacer before its original sequencing. Towards this goal, PEGylated liposome doxorubicin (PLD) bearing different ligand densities of AHNP was prepared and characterized for their size, zeta potential and peptide conjugation. The AHNP functionalization and density effects on breast tumor cell uptake, selective cytotoxicity, prevention of tumor growth and the tissue biodistribution of encapsulated DOX were studied in mice bearing TUBO breast cancer tumor model. The findings demonstrated that increasing the ligand density of AHNP increases cytotoxicity and cell-uptake in SKBR3 and TUBO cells which overexpress HER2 but not in MDA-MB-231with low HER2 expression profile. The anticancer activity was also superior for targeted liposomal DOX with more AHNP densities. Overall, the results showed that optimum AHNP density functionalization of PLD can significantly improve selectivity and the therapeutic index of liposomal DOX in the treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer and merits further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Zahmatkeshan
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417755469, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Gheybi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417755469, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Rezayat
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417755469, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91775-1365, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mu Q, Kievit FM, Kant RJ, Lin G, Jeon M, Zhang M. Anti-HER2/neu peptide-conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles for targeted delivery of paclitaxel to breast cancer cells. NANOSCALE 2015; 7:18010-4. [PMID: 26469772 PMCID: PMC4683026 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04867b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted therapy are required to have appropriate size, stability, drug loading and release profiles, and efficient targeting ligands. However, many of the existing NPs such as albumin, liposomes, polymers, gold NPs, etc. encounter size limit, toxicity and stability issues when loaded with drugs, fluorophores, and targeting ligands. Furthermore, antibodies are bulky and this can greatly affect the physicochemical properties of the NPs, whereas many small molecule-based targeting ligands lack specificity. Here, we report the utilization of biocompatible, biodegradable, small (∼30 nm) and stable iron oxide NPs (IONPs) for targeted delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) to HER2/neu positive breast cancer cells using an anti-HER2/neu peptide (AHNP) targeting ligand. We demonstrate the uniform size and high stability of these NPs in biological medium, their effective tumour targeting in live mice, as well as their efficient cellular targeting and selective killing in human HER2/neu-positive breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Mu
- Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
| | - Forrest M Kievit
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Rajeev J Kant
- Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
| | - Guanyou Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Mike Jeon
- Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
| | - Miqin Zhang
- Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chen WH, Lei Q, Yang CX, Jia HZ, Luo GF, Wang XY, Liu G, Cheng SX, Zhang XZ. Bioinspired Nano-Prodrug with Enhanced Tumor Targeting and Increased Therapeutic Efficiency. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2015; 11:5230-5242. [PMID: 26285687 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201500920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology-based drug delivery has a great potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by enhancing anticancer drug efficacy and reducing drug toxicity. Here, a bioinspired nano-prodrug (BiNp) assembled by an antineoplastic peptidic derivative (FA-KLA-Hy-DOX), a folate acid (FA)-incorporated proapoptotic peptide (KLAKLAK)(2) (KLA) to doxorubicin (DOX) via an acid-labile hydrozone bond (Hy) is constructed. The hydrophobic antineoplastic agent DOX is efficiently shielded in the core of nano-prodrug. With FA targeting moieties on the surface, the obtained BiNp shows significant tumor-targeting ability and enhances the specific uptake of cancer cells. Upon the trigger by the intracellular acidic microenvironment of endosomes, the antineoplastic agent DOX is released on-demand and promotes the apoptosis of cancer cells. Simultaneously, the liberated FA-KLA can induce the dysfunction of mitochondria and evoke mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. In vitro and in vivo results show that the nano-prodrug BiNp with integrated programmed functions exhibits remarkable inhibition of tumor and achieves a maximized therapeutic efficiency with a minimized side effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Qi Lei
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Cai-Xia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics and Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Hui-Zhen Jia
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Feng Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics and Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics and Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Si-Xue Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xian-Zheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, Wuhan, 430068, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hyun S, Lee S, Kim S, Jang S, Yu J, Lee Y. Apoptosis inducing, conformationally constrained, dimeric peptide analogs of KLA with submicromolar cell penetrating abilities. Biomacromolecules 2014; 15:3746-52. [PMID: 25188534 DOI: 10.1021/bm501026e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The apoptosis inducing KLA peptide, (KLAKLAK)2, possesses an ability to disrupt mitochondrial membranes. However, this peptide has a poor eukaryotic cell penetrating potential and, as a result, it requires the assistance of other cell penetrating peptides for effective translocation in micromolar concentrations. In an effort to improve the cell penetrating potential of KLA, we have created a library in which pairs of residues on its hydrophobic face are replaced by Cys. The double Cys mutants were then transformed to bundle dimers by oxidatively generating two intermolecular disulfide bonds. We envisioned that once transported into cells, the disulfide bonds would undergo reductive cleavage to generate the monomeric peptides. The results of these studies showed that one of the mutant peptides, dimer B, has a high cell penetrating ability that corresponds to 100% of fluorescence positive cells at 250 nM. Even though dimer B induces disruption of the mitochondrial potential and cytochrome c release followed by caspase activation at submicromolar concentrations, it displays an LD50 of 1.6 μM under serum conditions using HeLa cells. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the strategy involving formation of bundle dimeric peptides is viable for the design of apoptosis inducing KLA peptide that translocate into cells at submicromolar concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soonsil Hyun
- Department of Chemistry and Education and ‡Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University , Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
A proapoptotic peptide conjugated to penetratin selectively inhibits tumor cell growth. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2014; 1838:2087-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
18
|
Canonical and new generation anticancer drugs also target energy metabolism. Arch Toxicol 2014; 88:1327-50. [PMID: 24792321 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Significant efforts have been made for the development of new anticancer drugs (protein kinase or proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal humanized antibodies) with presumably low or negligible side effects and high specificity. However, an in-depth analysis of the side effects of several currently used canonical (platin-based drugs, taxanes, anthracyclines, etoposides, antimetabolites) and new generation anticancer drugs as the first line of clinical treatment reveals significant perturbation of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Canonical and new generation drug side effects include decreased (1) intracellular ATP levels, (2) glycolytic/mitochondrial enzyme/transporter activities and/or (3) mitochondrial electrical membrane potentials. Furthermore, the anti-proliferative effects of these drugs are markedly attenuated in tumor rho (0) cells, in which functional mitochondria are absent; in addition, several anticancer drugs directly interact with isolated mitochondria affecting their functions. Therefore, several anticancer drugs also target the energy metabolism, and hence, the documented inhibitory effect of anticancer drugs on cancer growth should also be linked to the blocking of ATP supply pathways. These often overlooked effects of canonical and new generation anticancer drugs emphasize the role of energy metabolism in maintaining cancer cells viable and its targeting as a complementary and successful strategy for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
19
|
Ohara K, Kohno M, Kawakami K. Localization of the anti-cancer peptide EGFR-lytic hybrid peptide in human pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells by immunocytochemistry. J Pept Sci 2013; 19:511-5. [PMID: 23813780 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cationic lytic-type peptides have been studied for clinical application in various infections and cancers, but their functional cellular mechanisms remain unclear. We generated anti-cancer epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR)-lytic hybrid peptide, a 32-amino-acid peptide composed of an EGFR-binding sequence and lytic sequence. In this study, we investigated the distribution of EGFR-lytic hybrid peptide in BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells by an immunocytochemical (ICC) method. Distribution of EGFR protein expression was unchanged after treatment with EGFR-lytic peptide compared with non-treated cells. In confocal laser scanning microscopy, immunostaining of EGFR-lytic peptide was observed in the cytoplasm, mostly in the form of granules. Some staining was also localized on the mitochondrial membrane. At the ultrastructure level, cells treated with EGFR-lytic peptide had a low electron density, disappearance of microvilli, and swollen mitochondria. Fragments of cell membrane were also observed in the proximity of the membrane. In immunoelectron microscopy, EGFR-lytic peptide was observed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. A number of granules were considered swollen mitochondria. Activation of the caspase pathway as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction was also examined to determine the cytotoxic activity of EGFR-lytic peptide; however, no effect on cell death after EGFR-lytic treatment was observed, and moreover, apoptosis was not found to play a critical role in the cell death mechanism. These results suggest that EGFR-lytic peptide is localized on cell and mitochondrial membranes, with disintegration of the cell membrane contributing mainly to cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Ohara
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto University, Japan Yoshidakonoecho, Sakyoku, Kyoto city, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
The current status of peptides that target the mitochondria in the context of cancer is the focus of this review. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy used to kill tumor cells are principally mediated by the process of apoptosis that is governed by the mitochondria. The failure of anticancer therapy often resides at the level of the mitochondria. Therefore, the mitochondrion is a key pharmacological target in cancer due to many of the differences that arise between malignant and healthy cells at the level of this ubiquitous organelle. Additionally, targeting the characteristics of malignant mitochondira often rely on disruption of protein--protein interactions that are not generally amenable to small molecules. We discuss anticancer peptides that intersect with pathological changes in the mitochondrion.
Collapse
|
21
|
Anticancer activity of proapoptotic peptides is highly improved by thermal targeting using elastin-like polypeptides. Int J Pept Res Ther 2012; 18:227-237. [PMID: 23105921 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-012-9295-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is an effective strategy for cancer therapy. The cationic α-helix forming KLAKLAKKLAKLAK peptide (KLAK) has been known to induce apoptosis by disrupting the mitochondria. In the present study, we have designed a thermally targeted KLAK peptide by genetically engineering the KLAK sequence to the carboxy terminus of the heat responsive biopolymer elastin-like polypeptide (ELP). The cellular internalization of ELP-KLAK was made possible by engineering a cell penetrating peptide sequence (SynB1) to the amino terminus of ELP. The SynB1-ELP1-KLAK fusion polypeptide was cytotoxic against both estrogen receptor positive and negative human breast cancer cell lines. The potency of SynB1-ELP1-KLAK was further enhanced when mild hyperthermia was added to the treatment. In response to hyperthermia, SynB1-ELP1-KLAK selectively triggered apoptosis, which was associated with disruption of the mitochondria. The thermally responsive SynB1-ELP-KLAK polypeptide can have improved tumor targeting by the application of mild hyperthermia. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic properties of ELP can prevent degradation of KLAK in vivo, and the use of SynB1 can mediate tumor cell uptake, thereby augmenting the effect of KLAK.
Collapse
|
22
|
Murali R, Greene MI. Structure based antibody-like peptidomimetics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2012; 5:209-35. [PMID: 24288089 PMCID: PMC3763629 DOI: 10.3390/ph5020209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologics such as monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and soluble receptors represent new classes of therapeutic agents for treatment of several diseases. High affinity and high specificity biologics can be utilized for variety of clinical purposes. Monoclonal antibodies have been used as diagnostic agents when coupled with radionuclide, immune modulatory agents or in the treatment of cancers. Among other limitations of using large molecules for therapy the actual cost of biologics has become an issue. There is an effort among chemists and biologists to reduce the size of biologics which includes monoclonal antibodies and receptors without a reduction of biological efficacy. Single chain antibody, camel antibodies, Fv fragments are examples of this type of deconstructive process. Small high-affinity peptides have been identified using phage screening. Our laboratory used a structure-based approach to develop small-size peptidomimetics from the three-dimensional structure of proteins with immunoglobulin folds as exemplified by CD4 and antibodies. Peptides derived either from the receptor or their cognate ligand mimics the functions of the parental macromolecule. These constrained peptides not only provide a platform for developing small molecule drugs, but also provide insight into the atomic features of protein-protein interactions. A general overview of the reduction of monoclonal antibodies to small exocyclic peptide and its prospects as a useful diagnostic and as a drug in the treatment of cancer are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramachandran Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, D5091 Davis Building, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mark I. Greene
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Targeted nanoparticle enhanced proapoptotic peptide as potential therapy for glioblastoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:17450-5. [PMID: 21969599 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1114518108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiangiogenic therapy can produce transient tumor regression in glioblastoma (GBM), but no prolongation in patient survival has been achieved. We have constructed a nanosystem targeted to tumor vasculature that incorporates three elements: (i) a tumor-homing peptide that specifically delivers its payload to the mitochondria of tumor endothelial cells and tumor cells, (ii) conjugation of this homing peptide with a proapoptotic peptide that acts on mitochondria, and (iii) multivalent presentation on iron oxide nanoparticles, which enhances the proapoptotic activity. The iron oxide component of the nanoparticles enabled imaging of GBM tumors in mice. Systemic treatment of GBM-bearing mice with the nanoparticles eradicated most tumors in one GBM mouse model and significantly delayed tumor development in another. Coinjecting the nanoparticles with a tumor-penetrating peptide further enhanced the therapeutic effect. Both models used have proven completely resistant to other therapies, suggesting clinical potential of our nanosystem.
Collapse
|
24
|
Multiple Triphenylphosphonium Cations as a Platform for the Delivery of a Pro-Apoptotic Peptide. Pharm Res 2011; 28:2780-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-011-0494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
25
|
Nakajima H, Mizuta N, Sakaguchi K, Fujiwara I, Yoshimori A, Magae J, Tanuma SI. Enhancement of paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in HER2-overexpressing human breast cancer cells by a pertuzumab mimetic peptide, HRAP. J Biosci Bioeng 2010; 110:250-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2010.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 02/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
26
|
Tai W, Mahato R, Cheng K. The role of HER2 in cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery. J Control Release 2010; 146:264-75. [PMID: 20385184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 363] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
HER2 is highly expressed in a significant proportion of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and gastric cancer. Since the discovery of its role in tumorigenesis, HER2 has received great attention in cancer research during the past two decades. Successful development of the humanized monoclonal anti-HER2 antibody (Trastuzumab) for the treatment of breast cancer further spurred scientists to develop various HER2 specific antibodies, dimerization inhibitors and kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy. On the other hand, the high expression of HER2 and the accessibility of its extracellular domain make HER2 an ideal target for the targeted delivery of anti-tumor drugs as well as imaging agents. Although there is no natural ligand for HER2, artificial ligands targeting HER2 have been developed and applied in various targeted drug delivery systems. The emphasis of this review is to elucidate the roles of HER2 in cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery. The structure and signal pathway of HER2 will be briefly described. The role of HER2 in tumorigenesis and its relationship with other tumor markers will be discussed. For the HER2 targeted cancer therapy, numerous strategies including the blockage of receptor dimerization, inhibition of the tyrosine kinase activity, and interruption of the downstream signal pathway will be summarized. For the targeted drug delivery to HER2 positive tumor cells, various targeting ligands and their delivery systems will be described in details.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanyi Tai
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Standley SM, Toft DJ, Cheng H, Soukasene S, Chen J, Raja SM, Band V, Band H, Cryns VL, Stupp SI. Induction of cancer cell death by self-assembling nanostructures incorporating a cytotoxic peptide. Cancer Res 2010; 70:3020-6. [PMID: 20354185 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-3267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology offers novel delivery vehicles for cancer therapeutics. Potential advantages of nanoscale platforms include improved pharmacokinetics, encapsulation of cytotoxic agents, enhanced accumulation of therapeutics in the tumor microenvironment, and improved therapeutic structures and bioactivity. Here, we report the design of a novel amphiphilic molecule that self-assembles into nanostructures for intracellular delivery of cytotoxic peptides. Specifically, a cationic alpha-helical (KLAKLAK)(2) peptide that is known to induce cancer cell death by membrane disruption was integrated into a peptide amphiphile (PA) that self-assembles into bioactive, cylindrical nanofibers. PAs are composed of a hydrophobic alkyl tail, a beta-sheet forming peptide, and a bioactive peptide that is displayed on the surface of the nanofiber after self-assembly. PA nanostructures that included (KLAKLAK)(2) were readily internalized by breast cancer cells, in contrast to the (KLAKLAK)(2) peptide that on its own was not cell permeable. (KLAKLAK)(2) nanostructures, but not the peptides alone, also induced breast cancer cell death by caspase-independent and Bax/Bak-independent mechanisms associated with membrane disruption. Significantly, (KLAKLAK)(2) nanostructures induced cell death more robustly in transformed breast epithelial cells than in untransformed cells, suggesting a degree of tumor selectivity. Our results provide proof-of-principle that self-assembling PAs can be rationally designed to generate nanostructures that can efficiently deliver cytotoxic peptides to cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephany M Standley
- Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Institute for BioNanotechnology in Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yousif LF, Stewart KM, Kelley SO. Targeting Mitochondria with Organelle-Specific Compounds: Strategies and Applications. Chembiochem 2009; 10:1939-50. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200900185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
29
|
Afshar S, Asai T, Morrison SL. Humanized ADEPT comprised of an engineered human purine nucleoside phosphorylase and a tumor targeting peptide for treatment of cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2009; 8:185-93. [PMID: 19139128 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-08-0652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunogenicity caused by the use of nonhuman enzymes in antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy has limited its clinical application. To overcome this problem, we have developed a mutant human purine nucleoside phosphorylase, which, unlike the wild-type enzyme, accepts (deoxy)adenosine-based prodrugs as substrates. Among the different mutants of human purine nucleoside phosphorylase tested, a double mutant with amino acid substitutions E201Q:N243D (hDM) is the most efficient in cleaving (deoxy)adenosine-based prodrugs. Although hDM is capable of using multiple prodrugs as substrates, it is most effective at cleaving 2-fluoro-2'-deoxyadenosine to a cytotoxic drug. To target hDM to the tumor site, the enzyme was fused to an anti-HER-2/neu peptide mimetic (AHNP). Treatment of HER-2/neu-expressing tumor cells with hDM-AHNP results in cellular localization of enzyme activity. As a consequence, harmless prodrug is converted to a cytotoxic drug in the vicinity of the tumor cells, resulting in tumor cell apoptosis. Unlike the nonhuman enzymes, the hDM should have minimal immunogenicity when used in antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy, thus providing a novel promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Afshar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California-Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young Drive East, 247 BSRB, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
The mitochondrial pathway to apoptosis is a major pathway of physiological cell death in vertebrates. The mitochondrial cell death pathway commences when apoptogenic molecules present between the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes are released into the cytosol by mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). BCL-2 family members are the sentinels of MOMP in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway; the pro-apoptotic B cell lymphoma (BCL)-2 proteins, BCL-2 associated x protein and BCL-2 antagonist killer 1 induce MOMP whereas the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins, BCL-2, BCL-xl and myeloid cell leukaemia 1 prevent MOMP from occurring. The release of pro-apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c from mitochondria leads to formation of a multimeric complex known as the apoptosome and initiates caspase activation cascades. These pathways are important for normal cellular homeostasis and play key roles in the pathogenesis of many diseases. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of the mitochondrial death pathway and focus on a selection of diseases whose pathogenesis involves the mitochondrial death pathway and we will examine the various pharmacological approaches that target this pathway.
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
Gundla R, Kazemi R, Sanam R, Muttineni R, Sarma JARP, Dayam R, Neamati N. Discovery of novel small-molecule inhibitors of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2: combined ligand and target-based approach. J Med Chem 2008; 51:3367-77. [PMID: 18500794 DOI: 10.1021/jm7013875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Consensus virtual screening models were generated and validated utilizing a set of known human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) inhibitors and modeled HER2 active and inactive state structures. The virtual screening models were successfully employed to discover a set of structurally diverse compounds with growth inhibitory activity against HER2-overexpressing SKBR3 breast cancer cell line. A search of a 3D database containing 350000 small-molecules using the consensus models retrieved 531 potential hits. Of the 531 hits, 57 were selected for testing in SKBR3 cells on the basis of structural novelty and desirable drug-like properties. Seven compounds inhibited growth of SKBR3 cells with IC50 values <10 microM. These lead compounds have desirable physicochemical properties and are excellent candidates for further optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rambabu Gundla
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Fantin VR, Loboda A, Paweletz CP, Hendrickson RC, Pierce JW, Roth JA, Li L, Gooden F, Korenchuk S, Hou XS, Harrington EA, Randolph S, Reilly JF, Ware CM, Kadin ME, Frankel SR, Richon VM. Constitutive activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription predicts vorinostat resistance in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Cancer Res 2008; 68:3785-94. [PMID: 18483262 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-6091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that induces differentiation, growth arrest, and/or apoptosis of malignant cells both in vitro and in vivo and has shown clinical responses in approximately 30% of patients with advanced mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers predictive of vorinostat response in CTCL using preclinical model systems and to assess these biomarkers in clinical samples. The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway was evaluated. The data indicate that persistent activation of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 correlate with resistance to vorinostat in lymphoma cell lines. Simultaneous treatment with a pan-Janus-activated kinase inhibitor resulted in synergistic antiproliferative effect and down-regulation of the expression of several antiapoptotic genes. Immunohistochemical analysis of STAT1 and phosphorylated tyrosine STAT3 (pSTAT3) in skin biopsies obtained from CTCL patients enrolled in the vorinostat phase IIb trial showed that nuclear accumulation of STAT1 and high levels of nuclear pSTAT3 in malignant T cells correlate with a lack of clinical response. These results suggest that deregulation of STAT activity plays a role in vorinostat resistance in CTCL, and strategies that block this pathway may improve vorinostat response. Furthermore, these findings may be of prognostic value in predicting the response of CTCL patients to vorinostat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria R Fantin
- Merck Research Laboratories, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang H, Berezov A, Wang Q, Zhang G, Drebin J, Murali R, Greene MI. ErbB receptors: from oncogenes to targeted cancer therapies. J Clin Invest 2007; 117:2051-8. [PMID: 17671639 PMCID: PMC1934579 DOI: 10.1172/jci32278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 399] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic origin of cancer at the molecular level has facilitated the development of novel targeted therapies. Aberrant activation of the ErbB family of receptors is implicated in many human cancers and is already the target of several anticancer therapeutics. The use of mAbs specific for the extracellular domain of ErbB receptors was the first implementation of rational targeted therapy. The cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domain is also a preferred target for small compounds that inhibit the kinase activity of these receptors. However, current therapy has not yet been optimized, allowing for opportunities for optimization of the next generation of targeted therapy, particularly with regards to inhibiting heteromeric ErbB family receptor complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alan Berezov
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Geng Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeffrey Drebin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ramachandran Murali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark I. Greene
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Neuzil J, Dong LF, Ramanathapuram L, Hahn T, Chladova M, Wang XF, Zobalova R, Prochazka L, Gold M, Freeman R, Turanek J, Akporiaye ET, Dyason JC, Ralph SJ. Vitamin E analogues as a novel group of mitocans: anti-cancer agents that act by targeting mitochondria. Mol Aspects Med 2007; 28:607-45. [PMID: 17499351 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2007.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2007] [Revised: 02/12/2007] [Accepted: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria have recently emerged as new and promising targets for cancer prevention and therapy. One of the reasons for this is that mitochondria are instrumental to many types of cell death and often lie downstream from the initial actions of anti-cancer drugs. Unlike the tumour suppressor gene encoding p53 that is notoriously prone to inactivating mutations but whose function is essential for induction of apoptosis by DNA-targeting agents (such as doxorubicin or 5-fluorouracil), mitochondria present targets that are not so compromised by genetic mutation and whose targeting overcomes problems with mutations of upstream targets such as p53. We have recently proposed a novel class of anti-cancer agents, mitocans that exert their anti-cancer activity by destabilising mitochondria, promoting the selective induction of apoptotic death in tumour cells. In this communication, we review recent findings on mitocans and propose a common basis for their mode of action in inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. We use as an example the analogues of vitamin E that are proving to be cancer cell-specific and may soon be developed into efficient anti-cancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Neuzil
- Apoptosis Research Group, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is their increased resistance to apoptosis induction. Alterations in many apoptosis regulators belonging to the intrinsic pathway confer emerging neoplastic cells with a selective growth advantage in the hostile tumor microenvironment. The realization that those same defects contribute to resistance to radiation and chemotherapeutic agents have prompted the unrelenting search for mitochondria-targeted compounds for the treatment of cancer. Mitochondria play a central role in the process of cell death. They serve as integrators of upstream effector mechanisms. Most importantly, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization becomes a commitment point during cell death. Thus, strategies aimed at directly triggering this event by either blocking the activity of antiapoptotic factors or by interfering with vital mitochondrial functions may help to overcome resistance to standard cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
37
|
Law B, Quinti L, Choi Y, Weissleder R, Tung CH. A mitochondrial targeted fusion peptide exhibits remarkable cytotoxicity. Mol Cancer Ther 2006; 5:1944-9. [PMID: 16928814 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-05-0509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A potent cytotoxic peptide (r7-kla) was synthesized by incorporating a mitochondrial membrane disrupting peptide, kla (klaklakklaklak), with a cell-penetrating domain, r7 (rrrrrrr). The IC(50) of r7-kla (3.54 +/- 0.11 micromol/L) was more than two orders of magnitude lower than that of kla. r7-kla induced cell death in both in vitro and in vivo environments, and showed rapid kinetics. Within minutes, the morphologic changes in cells and mitochondrial leakage were apparent by microscopy and was consistent with rapid apoptosis. Our results suggested that r7-kla is an apoptosis inducer and can be potentially used as an antitumor agent, especially when combined with the appropriate systemic delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedict Law
- Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Room 5406, Charlestown, 02129, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Galluzzi L, Larochette N, Zamzami N, Kroemer G. Mitochondria as therapeutic targets for cancer chemotherapy. Oncogene 2006; 25:4812-30. [PMID: 16892093 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are vital for cellular bioenergetics and play a central role in determining the point-of-no-return of the apoptotic process. As a consequence, mitochondria exert a dual function in carcinogenesis. Cancer-associated changes in cellular metabolism (the Warburg effect) influence mitochondrial function, and the invalidation of apoptosis is linked to an inhibition of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). On theoretical grounds, it is tempting to develop specific therapeutic interventions that target the mitochondrial Achilles' heel, rendering cancer cells metabolically unviable or subverting endogenous MOMP inhibitors. A variety of experimental therapeutic agents can directly target mitochondria, causing apoptosis induction. This applies to a heterogeneous collection of chemically unrelated compounds including positively charged alpha-helical peptides, agents designed to mimic the Bcl-2 homology domain 3 of Bcl-2-like proteins, ampholytic cations, metals and steroid-like compounds. Such MOMP inducers or facilitators can induce apoptosis by themselves (monotherapy) or facilitate apoptosis induction in combination therapies, bypassing chemoresistance against DNA-damaging agents. In addition, it is possible to design molecules that neutralize inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) or heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Such IAP or HSP70 inhibitors can mimic the action of mitochondrion-derived mediators (Smac/DIABLO, that is, second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases/direct inhibitor of apoptosis-binding protein with a low isoelectric point, in the case of IAPs; AIF, that is apoptosis-inducing factor, in the case of HSP70) and exert potent chemosensitizing effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Galluzzi
- CNRS-FRE 2939, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cai C, Lin P, Cheung KH, Li N, Levchook C, Pan Z, Ferrante C, Boulianne GL, Foskett JK, Danielpour D, Ma J. The Presenilin-2 Loop Peptide Perturbs Intracellular Ca2+ Homeostasis and Accelerates Apoptosis. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:16649-55. [PMID: 16603547 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m512026200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In cells undergoing apoptosis, a 22-amino-acid presenilin-2-loop peptide (PS2-LP, amino acids 308-329 in presenilin-2) is generated through cleavage of the carboxyl-terminal fragment of presenilin-2 by caspase-3. The impact of PS2-LP on the progression of apoptosis, however, is not known. Here we show that PS2-LP is a potent inducer of the mitochondrial-dependent cell death pathway when transduced as a fusion protein with HIV-TAT. Biochemical and functional studies demonstrate that TAT-PS2-LP can interact with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and activate Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum. These results indicate that PS2-LP-mediated alteration of intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis may be linked to the acceleration of apoptosis. Therefore, targeting the function of PS2-LP could provide a useful therapeutic tool for the treatment of cancer and degenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxi Cai
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|