1
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Sinha B, Choudhury Y. Revisiting edible insects as sources of therapeutics and drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1345281. [PMID: 38370484 PMCID: PMC10869617 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1345281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been medicine's most formidable foe for long, and the rising incidence of the disease globally has made effective cancer therapy a significant challenge. Drug discovery is targeted at identifying efficacious compounds with minimal side effects and developments in nanotechnology and immunotherapy have shown promise in the fight against this complicated illness. Since ancient times, insects and insect-derived products have played a significant role in traditional medicine across several communities worldwide. The aim of this study was to inspect the traditional use of edible insects in various cultures and to explore their modern use in cancer therapy. Edible insects are sources of nutrients and a variety of beneficial substances with anticancer and immunomodulatory potential. Recently, insect derived bioactive-components have also been used as nanoparticles either in combination with chemotherapeutics or as a nano-cargo for the enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs due to their high biocompatibility, low bio-toxicity, and their antioxidant and anticancer effects. The crude extracts of different edible insects and their active components such as sericin, cecropin, solenopsin, melittin, antimicrobial peptides and fibroin produce anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects by various mechanisms which have been discussed in this review.
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2
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Gu Y, Wu L, Hameed Y, Nabi-Afjadi M. Overcoming the challenge: cell-penetrating peptides and membrane permeability. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSENSORS 2023; 2. [DOI: 10.58567/bab02010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
<p>Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing the membrane permeability of bioactive molecules, particularly in the treatment of central nervous system diseases. CPPs possess the ability to deliver a diverse array of bioactive molecules into cells using either covalent or non-covalent approaches, with a preference for non-covalent methods to preserve the biological activity of the transported molecules. By effectively traversing various physiological barriers, CPPs have exhibited significant potential in preclinical and clinical drug development. The discovery of CPPs represents a valuable solution to the challenge of limited membrane permeability of bioactive molecules and will continue to exert a crucial influence on the field of biomedical science.</p>
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gu
- The Statistics Department, The George Washington University, Washington, United States
| | - Long Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States
| | - Yasir Hameed
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Pyrazole-Enriched Cationic Nanoparticles Induced Early- and Late-Stage Apoptosis in Neuroblastoma Cells at Sub-Micromolar Concentrations. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030393. [PMID: 36986492 PMCID: PMC10056113 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a severe form of tumor occurring mainly in young children and originating from nerve cells found in the abdomen or next to the spine. NB needs more effective and safer treatments, as the chance of survival against the aggressive form of this disease are very small. Moreover, when current treatments are successful, they are often responsible for unpleasant health problems which compromise the future and life of surviving children. As reported, cationic macromolecules have previously been found to be active against bacteria as membrane disruptors by interacting with the negative constituents of the surface of cancer cells, analogously inducing depolarization and permeabilization, provoking lethal damage to the cytoplasmic membrane, and cause loss of cytoplasmic content and consequently, cell death. Here, aiming to develop new curative options for counteracting NB cells, pyrazole-loaded cationic nanoparticles (NPs) (BBB4-G4K and CB1H-P7 NPs), recently reported as antibacterial agents, were assayed against IMR 32 and SHSY 5Y NB cell lines. Particularly, while BBB4-G4K NPs demonstrated low cytotoxicity against both NB cell lines, CB1H-P7 NPs were remarkably cytotoxic against both IMR 32 and SHSY 5Y cells (IC50 = 0.43–0.54 µM), causing both early-stage (66–85%) and late-stage apoptosis (52–65%). Interestingly, in the nano-formulation of CB1H using P7 NPs, the anticancer effects of CB1H and P7 were increased by 54–57 and 2.5–4-times, respectively against IMR 32 cells, and by 53–61 and 1.3–2 times against SHSY 5Y cells. Additionally, based on the IC50 values, CB1H-P7 was also 1-12-fold more potent than fenretinide, an experimental retinoid derivative in a phase III clinical trial, with remarkable antineoplastic and chemopreventive properties. Collectively, due to these results and their good selectivity for cancer cells (selectivity indices = 2.8–3.3), CB1H-P7 NPs represent an excellent template material for developing new treatment options against NB.
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Vakili B, Jahanian-Najafabadi A. Application of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Design and Production of Anticancer Agents. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10501-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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5
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Kordi M, Borzouyi Z, Chitsaz S, Asmaei MH, Salami R, Tabarzad M. Antimicrobial peptides with anticancer activity: Today status, trends and their computational design. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 733:109484. [PMID: 36473507 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Some antimicrobial peptides have been shown to be able to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cell lines. Various strategies for treating cancers with active peptides have been pursued. According to the reports, anticancer peptides are important therapeutic peptides, which can act through two distinct pathways: they either just create pores in the cell membrane, or they have a vital intracellular target. In this review, publications up to Sep. 2021 had extracted form Scopus and PubMed using "antimicrobial peptide" and "anticancer peptide" as keywords. In second step, "computational design" related publications extracted. Among publications, those have similar scopes were classified and selected based on mechanisms of action and application. In this review, the most recent advances in the field of antimicrobial peptides with anti-cancer activities have been summarized. Freely available webservers such as AntiCP, ACPP, iACP, iACP-GAEnsC, ACPred are discussed here. In conclusion, despite some limitations of ACPs such as production cost and challenges, short half-life and toxicity on normal cells, the beneficial properties of AMPs make some of them good therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. Towards designing novel ACPs, the computational methods have substantial position and have been used progressively, today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Kordi
- Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zeynab Borzouyi
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Plant Breeding, Islamic Azad University, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Saideh Chitsaz
- Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Robab Salami
- Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Tabarzad
- Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Iran.
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Parchebafi A, Tamanaee F, Ehteram H, Ahmad E, Nikzad H, Haddad Kashani H. The dual interaction of antimicrobial peptides on bacteria and cancer cells; mechanism of action and therapeutic strategies of nanostructures. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:118. [PMID: 35717207 PMCID: PMC9206340 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial infection and cancer are two leading causes of global mortality. Discovering and developing new therapeutics with better specificity having minimal side-effects and no drug resistance are of an immense need. In this regard, cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMP) with dual antimicrobial and anticancer activities are the ultimate choice. For better efficacy and improved stability, the AMPs available for treatment still required to be modified. There are several strategies in which AMPs can be enhanced through, for instance, nano-carrier application with high selectivity and specificity enables researchers to estimate the rate of drug delivery to a particular tissue. In this review we present the biology and modes of action of AMPs for both anticancer and antimicrobial activities as well as some modification strategies to improve the efficacy and selectivity of these AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Parchebafi
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Tamanaee
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hassan Ehteram
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ejaz Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamed Haddad Kashani
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Valenti GE, Alfei S, Caviglia D, Domenicotti C, Marengo B. Antimicrobial Peptides and Cationic Nanoparticles: A Broad-Spectrum Weapon to Fight Multi-Drug Resistance Not Only in Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116108. [PMID: 35682787 PMCID: PMC9181033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, antibiotic resistance and, analogously, anticancer drug resistance have increased considerably, becoming one of the main public health problems. For this reason, it is crucial to find therapeutic strategies able to counteract the onset of multi-drug resistance (MDR). In this review, a critical overview of the innovative tools available today to fight MDR is reported. In this direction, the use of membrane-disruptive peptides/peptidomimetics (MDPs), such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), has received particular attention, due to their high selectivity and to their limited side effects. Moreover, similarities between bacteria and cancer cells are herein reported and the hypothesis of the possible use of AMPs also in anticancer therapies is discussed. However, it is important to take into account the limitations that could negatively impact clinical application and, in particular, the need for an efficient delivery system. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is proposed as a potential strategy to improve therapy; moreover, among polymeric NPs, cationic ones are emerging as promising tools able to fight the onset of MDR both in bacteria and in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia E. Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Debora Caviglia
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-353-8830
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
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Overview of Host Defense Peptides with Promising Anti-Breast Cancer Activity. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2021-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide. The main limitations of conventional anti-cancer therapy, including breast cancer treatment, are side effects and the development of resistance to chemotherapeutics. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are bioactive compounds of innate immunity isolated from almost all living organisms, which exhibit wide range of biological activities. This review focuses on the anti-cancer effects of HDPs and their therapeutic potential against breast cancer. Numerous HDPs from different sources, including mammalian and amphibian origin, and their chemically modified analogues, exert the spectrum of anti-cancer activities. These effects include direct disruption of cancer cell membrane, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis and cancer cell proliferation, but also the modulation of anti-cancer immune response. Selected examples of HDPs of different origin and their anti-breast cancer capacities have been reviewed. Conclusively, due to their anti-cancer effects accompanied by substantial selectivity for cancer cells and low toxicity for normal cells, HDPs have been widely recognized as possible therapeutic agents.
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Cirillo S, Tomeh MA, Wilkinson RN, Hill C, Brown S, Zhao X. Designed Antitumor Peptide for Targeted siRNA Delivery into Cancer Spheroids. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:49713-49728. [PMID: 34657415 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c14761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial/anticancer peptides (AMPs/ACPs) have shown promising results as new therapeutic agents in cancer thearpy. Among them, the designed amphiphilic α-helical peptide G(IIKK)3I-NH2 (G3) displayed great affinity and specificity in targeting cancer cells. Here, we report new insights on how G3 penetrates cancer cells. G3 showed high specificity to HCT-116 colon cancer cells compared to the HDFs (human neonatal primary dermal fibroblasts) control. With high concentrations of peptide, a clear cancer cell membrane disruption was observed through SEM. Gene knockdown of the endocytic pathways demonstrated that an energy-dependent endocytic pathway is required for the uptake of the peptide. In addition, G3 can protect and selectively deliver siRNAs into cancer cells and successfully modulated their gene expression. Gene delivery was also tested in 3D cancer spheroids and showed deep penetration delivery into the cancer spheroids. Finally, the in vivo toxicity of G3 was evaluated on zebrafish embryos, showing an increasing toxicity effect with concentration. However, the toxicity of the peptide was attenuated when complexed with siRNA. In addition, negligible toxicity was observed at the concentration range for efficient gene delivery. The current results demonstrate that G3 is promising as an excellent agent for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cirillo
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - Mhd Anas Tomeh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
| | - Robert N Wilkinson
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Hill
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Brown
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Xiubo Zhao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
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10
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Lin L, Chi J, Yan Y, Luo R, Feng X, Zheng Y, Xian D, Li X, Quan G, Liu D, Wu C, Lu C, Pan X. Membrane-disruptive peptides/peptidomimetics-based therapeutics: Promising systems to combat bacteria and cancer in the drug-resistant era. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2609-2644. [PMID: 34589385 PMCID: PMC8463292 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane-disruptive peptides/peptidomimetics (MDPs) are antimicrobials or anticarcinogens that present a general killing mechanism through the physical disruption of cell membranes, in contrast to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, which act on precise targets such as DNA or specific enzymes. Owing to their rapid action, broad-spectrum activity, and mechanisms of action that potentially hinder the development of resistance, MDPs have been increasingly considered as future therapeutics in the drug-resistant era. Recently, growing experimental evidence has demonstrated that MDPs can also be utilized as adjuvants to enhance the therapeutic effects of other agents. In this review, we evaluate the literature around the broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and anticancer activity of MDPs, and summarize the current development and mechanisms of MDPs alone or in combination with other agents. Notably, this review highlights recent advances in the design of various MDP-based drug delivery systems that can improve the therapeutic effect of MDPs, minimize side effects, and promote the co-delivery of multiple chemotherapeutics, for more efficient antimicrobial and anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Jiaying Chi
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yilang Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Rui Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xiaoqian Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yuwei Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Dongyi Xian
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xin Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Guilan Quan
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Daojun Liu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Chuanbin Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Chao Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xin Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Park AR, Kim SW, Kim SY, Kwon KC. Expression of Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP), Cecropin B, in a Fused Form to SUMO Tag With or Without Three-Glycine Linker in Escherichia coli and Evaluation of Bacteriolytic Activity of the Purified AMP. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 13:1780-1789. [PMID: 34018140 PMCID: PMC8578067 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-021-09797-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Current antibiotics have limited action mode, which makes it difficult for the antibiotics dealing with the emergence of bacteria resisting the existing antibiotics. As a need for new bacteriolytic agents alternative to the antibiotics, AMPs have long been considered substitutes for the antibiotics. Cecropin B was expressed in a fusion form to six-histidine and SUMO tags in Escherichia coli. Six-histidine tag attached to SUMO was for purification of SUMO-cecropin B fusion proteins and removal of the SUMO tag from cecropin B. Chimeric gene was constructed into pKSEC1 vector that was designed to be functional in both Escherichia coli and chloroplast. To maximize translation of the fusion protein, sequences were codon-optimized. Four different constructs were tested for the level of expression and solubility, and the construct with a linker, 6xHisSUMO3xGly-cecropin B, showed the highest expression. In addition, cleavage of the SUMO tag by SUMOase in the three fusion constructs which have no linker sequence (3xGly, three glycines) was not as efficient as the construct with the linker between SUMO and cecropin B. The cleaved cecropin B showed bacteriolytic activity against Bacillus subtilis at a concentration of 0.0625 μg/μL, while cecropin B fused to SUMO had no activity at a higher concentration, 0.125 μg/μL. As an expression system for AMPs in prokaryotic hosts, the use of tag proteins and appropriate codon-optimization strategy can be employed and further genetic modification of the fusion construct should help the complete removal of the tag proteins from the AMP in the final step of purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rom Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
| | - Seon Woong Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
| | - Soon Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Korea.
| | - Kwang-Chul Kwon
- MicroSynbiotiX Ltd, 11011 N Torrey Pines Rd Ste #135, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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The Role of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) in Endometrial Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020292. [PMID: 33535622 PMCID: PMC7912811 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide first described to be secreted by the hypothalamus to regulate pituitary gonadotropin secretion. In this systematic review, we analyze and summarize the data indicating that most EC express GnRH and its receptor (GnRH-R) as part of an autocrine system regulating proliferation, the cell cycle, and apoptosis. We analyze the available data on the expression and function of GnRH-II, its putative receptor, and its signal transduction. GnRH-I and GnRH-II agonists, and antagonists as well as cytotoxic GnRH-I analogs, have been shown to inhibit proliferation and to induce apoptosis in human EC cell lines in pre-clinical models. Treatment with conventional doses of GnRH-agonists that suppress pituitary gonadotropin secretion and ovarian estrogen production has become part of fertility preserving therapy of early EC or its pre-cancer (atypical endometrial hyperplasia). Conventional doses of GnRH-agonists had marginal activity in advanced or recurrent EC. Higher doses or more potent analogs including GnRH-II antagonists have not yet been used clinically. The cytotoxic GnRH-analog Zoptarelin Doxorubicin has shown encouraging activity in a phase II trial in patients with advanced or recurrent EC, which expressed GnRH-R. In a phase III trial in patients with EC of unknown GnRH-R expression, the cytotoxic GnRH doxorubicin conjugate was not superior to free doxorubicin. Further well-designed clinical trials exploiting the GnRH-system in EC might be useful.
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Ziaja M, Dziedzic A, Szafraniec K, Piastowska-Ciesielska A. Cecropins in cancer therapies-where we have been? Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 882:173317. [PMID: 32603694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oncological diseases are invariably a challenge for the modern world. Therefore, in recent decades, scientists have begun to look for compounds of natural origin that will be able to support or independently be used in oncological therapy. Among the antimicrobial proteins (AMPs), a promising family of peptides isolated from the immunized hemolymph of Hyalophora cecropia pupae has been distinguished. The cecropin family is not only characterized by antimicrobial and antifungal properties, but most importantly also has anticancer properties. Their antitumor potential is confirmed by in vitro studies conducted on several different cell lines, among others, prostate and breast cancer cell lines. This paper presents publications demonstrating cytolytic properties against tumour cells of members belonging to the cecropin family, as well as synthesized cecropin B with the introduced modification of its sequence and conjugated cecropin B with a modified luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Moreover, three models of cecropin mechanisms of action are also described. The benefits and limitations associated with the use of these peptides in oncological therapy have also been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksymilian Ziaja
- Medical University of Lodz, Department of Cell Culture and Genomic Analysis, Poland.
| | - Ada Dziedzic
- Medical University of Lodz, Department of Cell Culture and Genomic Analysis, Poland
| | - Kacper Szafraniec
- Medical University of Lodz, Department of Cell Culture and Genomic Analysis, Poland
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14
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Tornesello AL, Borrelli A, Buonaguro L, Buonaguro FM, Tornesello ML. Antimicrobial Peptides as Anticancer Agents: Functional Properties and Biological Activities. Molecules 2020; 25:E2850. [PMID: 32575664 PMCID: PMC7356147 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), or host defense peptides, are small cationic or amphipathic molecules produced by prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms that play a key role in the innate immune defense against viruses, bacteria and fungi. AMPs have either antimicrobial or anticancer activities. Indeed, cationic AMPs are able to disrupt microbial cell membranes by interacting with negatively charged phospholipids. Moreover, several peptides are capable to trigger cytotoxicity of human cancer cells by binding to negatively charged phosphatidylserine moieties which are selectively exposed on the outer surface of cancer cell plasma membranes. In addition, some AMPs, such as LTX-315, have shown to induce release of tumor antigens and potent damage associated molecular patterns by causing alterations in the intracellular organelles of cancer cells. Given the recognized medical need of novel anticancer drugs, AMPs could represent a potential source of effective therapeutic agents, either alone or in combination with other small molecules, in oncology. In this review we summarize and describe the properties and the mode of action of AMPs as well as the strategies to increase their selectivity toward specific cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.B.); (M.L.T.)
| | - Antonella Borrelli
- Innovative Immunological Models, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological Models, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Franco Maria Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.B.); (M.L.T.)
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.B.); (M.L.T.)
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15
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Gupta S, Pathak Y, Gupta MK, Vyas SP. Nanoscale drug delivery strategies for therapy of ovarian cancer: conventional vs targeted. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 47:4066-4088. [PMID: 31625408 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1677680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological malignancy. It usually occurs in women older than 50 years, and because 75% of cases are diagnosed at stage III or IV it is associated with poor diagnosis. Despite the chemosensitivity of intraperitoneal chemotherapy, the majority of patients is relapsed and eventually dies. In addition to the challenge of early detection, its treatment presents several challenges like the route of administration, resistance to therapy with recurrence and specific targeting of cancer to reduce cytotoxicity and side effects. In ovarian cancer therapy, nanocarriers help overcome problems of poor aqueous solubility of chemotherapeutic drugs and enhance their delivery to the tumour sites either by passive or active targeting, and thus reducing adverse side effects to the healthy tissues. Moreover, the bioavailability to the tumour site is increased by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) mechanism. The present review aims to describe the current conventional treatment with special reference to passively and actively targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs) towards specific receptors designed against ovarian cancer to overcome the drawbacks of conventional delivery. Conclusively, targeted nanocarriers would optimise the intra-tumour distribution, followed by drug delivery into the intracellular compartment. These features may contribute to greater therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Gupta
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh , Noida , India
| | - Yashwant Pathak
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida Health , Tampa , FL , USA.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Airlangga , Surabaya , Indonesia
| | - Manish K Gupta
- TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Gual Pahari, TERI Gram , Gurugram , India
| | - Suresh P Vyas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr H.S. Gour University , Sagar , India
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16
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Wnorowska U, Fiedoruk K, Piktel E, Prasad SV, Sulik M, Janion M, Daniluk T, Savage PB, Bucki R. Nanoantibiotics containing membrane-active human cathelicidin LL-37 or synthetic ceragenins attached to the surface of magnetic nanoparticles as novel and innovative therapeutic tools: current status and potential future applications. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:3. [PMID: 31898542 PMCID: PMC6939332 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-019-0566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology-based therapeutic approaches have attracted attention of scientists, in particular due to the special features of nanomaterials, such as adequate biocompatibility, ability to improve therapeutic efficiency of incorporated drugs and to limit their adverse effects. Among a variety of reported nanomaterials for biomedical applications, metal and metal oxide-based nanoparticles offer unique physicochemical properties allowing their use in combination with conventional antimicrobials and as magnetic field-controlled drug delivery nanocarriers. An ever-growing number of studies demonstrate that by combining magnetic nanoparticles with membrane-active, natural human cathelicidin-derived LL-37 peptide, and its synthetic mimics such as ceragenins, innovative nanoagents might be developed. Between others, they demonstrate high clinical potential as antimicrobial, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory and regenerative agents. Due to continuous research, knowledge on pleiotropic character of natural antibacterial peptides and their mimics is growing, and it is justifying to stay that the therapeutic potential of nanosystems containing membrane active compounds has not been exhausted yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Wnorowska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Suhanya V Prasad
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sulik
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marianna Janion
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Al. IX Wiekow Kielc 19A, 25-317, Kielce, Poland
| | - Tamara Daniluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Paul B Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland.
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17
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Roy J, Kaake M, Low PS. Small molecule targeted NIR dye conjugate for imaging LHRH receptor positive cancers. Oncotarget 2019; 10:152-160. [PMID: 30719210 PMCID: PMC6349437 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Receptor (LHRH-R) in various cancers and restricted expression of the receptor in healthy cells qualifies it as a valuable cancer biomarker. Previously, LHRH-R targeted peptides have been utilized to deliver attached payloads to LHRH-R expressing cancers. We report here for the first time the utilization of a small molecule non-peptidic ligand (BOEPL) of LHRH-R to deliver attached payloads to LHRH-R positive tumors. For this purpose, we linked the BOEPL ligand to a near infrared dye via various linkers. In vitro, these conjugates demonstrated low nanomolar binding affinity and in vivo they exhibited receptor-mediated uptake specifically in tumor tissue. Moreover, tumor uptake could be blocked by administration of excess unlabeled conjugate, and time course experiments showed retention of the dye conjugate in the tumor up to 12 h post injection. Because uptake of BOEPL-targeted NIR dye conjugates by nonmalignant organs/tissues was negligible and since the transient presence of targeted NIR dye in the kidneys was a result of clearance mechanism, we suggest that a BOEPL-targeted NIR dye might constitute a useful agent for fluorescence-guided surgery of LHRH-R positive cancers. Moreover, our results also provide proof of concept that BOEPL can be successfully used to deliver attached payloads to LHRH-R positive tumors in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Roy
- Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Miranda Kaake
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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18
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Liang Z, Lu Z, Zhang Y, Shang D, Li R, Liu L, Zhao Z, Zhang P, Lin Q, Feng C, Zhang Y, Liu P, Tu Z, Liu H. Targeting Membrane Receptors of Ovarian Cancer Cells for Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2018; 19:449-467. [PMID: 30306870 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666181010091246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide from gynecological malignancies, mainly because there are few early symptoms and the disease is generally diagnosed at an advanced stage. In addition, despite the effectiveness of cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer and the high response rates to chemotherapy, survival has improved little over the last 20 years. The management of patients with ovarian cancer also remains similar despite studies showing striking differences and heterogeneity among different subtypes. It is therefore clear that novel targeted therapeutics are urgently needed to improve clinical outcomes for ovarian cancer. To that end, several membrane receptors associated with pivotal cellular processes and often aberrantly overexpressed in ovarian cancer cells have emerged as potential targets for receptor-mediated therapeutic strategies including specific agents and multifunctional delivery systems based on ligand-receptor binding. This review focuses on the profiles and potentials of such strategies proposed for ovarian cancer treatment and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiquan Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ziwen Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Dongsheng Shang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ruyan Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Lanlan Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Zhicong Zhao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Peishan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Qiong Lin
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Chunlai Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yibang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Zhigang Tu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Hanqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
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19
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Deslouches B, Di YP. Antimicrobial peptides with selective antitumor mechanisms: prospect for anticancer applications. Oncotarget 2018; 8:46635-46651. [PMID: 28422728 PMCID: PMC5542299 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last several decades, there have been significant advances in anticancer therapy. However, the development of resistance to cancer drugs and the lack of specificity related to actively dividing cells leading to toxic side effects have undermined these achievements. As a result, there is considerable interest in alternative drugs with novel antitumor mechanisms. In addition to the recent approach using immunotherapy, an effective but much cheaper therapeutic option of pharmaceutical drugs would still provide the best choice for cancer patients as the first line treatment. Ribosomally synthesized cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) or host defense peptides (HDP) display broad-spectrum activity against bacteria based on electrostatic interactions with negatively charged lipids on the bacterial surface. Because of increased proportions of phosphatidylserine (negatively charged) on the surface of cancer cells compared to normal cells, cationic amphipathic peptides could be an effective source of anticancer agents that are both selective and refractory to current resistance mechanisms. We reviewed herein the prospect for AMP application to cancer treatment, with a focus on modes of action of cationic AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthony Deslouches
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Y Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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20
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Zhou XR, Cao Y, Zhang Q, Tian XB, Dong H, Chen L, Luo SZ. Self-assembly nanostructure controlled sustained release, activity and stability of peptide drugs. Int J Pharm 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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