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Díaz-Gómez JL, Martín-Estal I, Rivera-Aboytes E, Gaxiola-Muñíz RA, Puente-Garza CA, García-Lara S, Castorena-Torres F. Biomedical applications of synthetic peptides derived from venom of animal origin: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116015. [PMID: 38113629 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of therapeutic agents that have fewer adverse effects and have higher efficacy for diseases, such as cancer, metabolic disorders, neurological diseases, infections, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases, are required. Recent studies have focused on identifying novel sources for pharmaceutical molecules to develop therapies against these diseases. Among the sources for potentially new therapies, animal venom-derived molecules have generated much interest. Various animal venom-derived proteins and peptides have been isolated, identified, synthesized, and tested to develop drugs. Venom-derived peptides have several biomedical properties, such as proapoptotic, cell migration, and autophagy regulation activities in cancer cell models; induction of vasodilation by nitric oxide and regulation of angiotensin II; modification of insulin response by controlling calcium and potassium channels; regulation of pain receptor activity; modulation of immune cell activity; alteration of motor neuron activity; degradation or inhibition of β-amyloid plaque formation; antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal activities; increase in sperm motility and potentiation of erectile function; reduction of intraocular pressure; anticoagulation, fibrinolytic, and antithrombotic activities; etc. This systematic review compiles these biomedical properties and potential biomedical applications of synthesized animal venom-derived peptides reported in the latest research. In addition, the limitations and areas of opportunity in this research field are discussed so that new studies can be developed based on the data presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Díaz-Gómez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico
| | - Irene Martín-Estal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Rivera-Aboytes
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Ramón Alonso Gaxiola-Muñíz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico
| | - César A Puente-Garza
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Silverio García-Lara
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Fabiola Castorena-Torres
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico.
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Farkas S, Cioca D, Murányi J, Hornyák P, Brunyánszki A, Szekér P, Boros E, Horváth P, Hujber Z, Rácz GZ, Nagy N, Tóth R, Nyitray L, Péterfi Z. Chlorotoxin binds to both matrix metalloproteinase 2 and neuropilin 1. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104998. [PMID: 37394009 PMCID: PMC10477481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlorotoxin (CTX), a scorpion venom-derived 36-residue miniprotein, binds to and is taken up selectively by glioblastoma cells. Previous studies provided controversial results concerning target protein(s) of CTX. These included CLC3 chloride channel, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), regulators of MMP-2, annexin A2, and neuropilin 1 (NRP1). The present study aimed at clarifying which of the proposed binding partners can really interact with CTX using biochemical methods and recombinant proteins. For this purpose, we established two new binding assays based on anchoring the tested proteins to microbeads and quantifying the binding of CTX by flow cytometry. Screening of His-tagged proteins anchored to cobalt-coated beads indicated strong interaction of CTX with MMP-2 and NRP1, whereas binding to annexin A2 was not confirmed. Similar results were obtained with fluorophore-labeled CTX and CTX-displaying phages. Affinity of CTX to MMP-2 and NRP1 was assessed by the "immunoglobulin-coated bead" test, in which the proteins were anchored to beads by specific antibodies. This assay yielded highly reproducible data using both direct titration and displacement approach. The affinities of labeled and unlabeled CTX appeared to be similar for both MMP-2 and NRP1 with estimated KD values of 0.5 to 0.7 μM. Contrary to previous reports, we found that CTX does not inhibit the activity of MMP-2 and that CTX not only with free carboxyl end but also with carboxamide terminal end binds to NRP1. We conclude that the presented robust assays could also be applied for affinity-improving studies of CTX to its genuine targets using phage display libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eszter Boros
- Department of Biochemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Patrik Horváth
- Department of Biochemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | - László Nyitray
- Department of Biochemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Boltman T, Meyer M, Ekpo O. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for Glioblastoma and Neuroblastoma Cancers Using Chlorotoxin Nanoparticles. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3388. [PMID: 37444498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GB) and high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) are known to have poor therapeutic outcomes. As for most cancers, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the current mainstay treatments for GB and NB. However, the known limitations of systemic toxicity, drug resistance, poor targeted delivery, and inability to access the blood-brain barrier (BBB), make these treatments less satisfactory. Other treatment options have been investigated in many studies in the literature, especially nutraceutical and naturopathic products, most of which have also been reported to be poorly effective against these cancer types. This necessitates the development of treatment strategies with the potential to cross the BBB and specifically target cancer cells. Compounds that target the endopeptidase, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), have been reported to offer therapeutic insights for GB and NB since MMP-2 is known to be over-expressed in these cancers and plays significant roles in such physiological processes as angiogenesis, metastasis, and cellular invasion. Chlorotoxin (CTX) is a promising 36-amino acid peptide isolated from the venom of the deathstalker scorpion, Leiurus quinquestriatus, demonstrating high selectivity and binding affinity to a broad-spectrum of cancers, especially GB and NB through specific molecular targets, including MMP-2. The favorable characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) such as their small sizes, large surface area for active targeting, BBB permeability, etc. make CTX-functionalized NPs (CTX-NPs) promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications for addressing the many challenges associated with these cancers. CTX-NPs may function by improving diffusion through the BBB, enabling increased localization of chemotherapeutic and genotherapeutic drugs to diseased cells specifically, enhancing imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), optical imaging techniques, image-guided surgery, as well as improving the sensitization of radio-resistant cells to radiotherapy treatment. This review discusses the characteristics of GB and NB cancers, related treatment challenges as well as the potential of CTX and its functionalized NP formulations as targeting systems for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic purposes. It also provides insights into the potential mechanisms through which CTX crosses the BBB to bind cancer cells and provides suggestions for the development and application of novel CTX-based formulations for the diagnosis and treatment of GB and NB in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taahirah Boltman
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Mervin Meyer
- Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Okobi Ekpo
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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Shrestha A, Lahooti B, Mikelis CM, Mattheolabakis G. Chlorotoxin and Lung Cancer: A Targeting Perspective for Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122613. [PMID: 36559106 PMCID: PMC9786857 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the generational evolution of nano-based drug delivery carriers, active targeting has been a major milestone for improved and selective drug accumulation in tissues and cell types beyond the existing passive targeting capabilities. Among the various active targeting moieties, chlorotoxin, a peptide extracted from scorpions, demonstrated promising tumor cell accumulation and selection. With lung cancer being among the leading diagnoses of cancer-related deaths in both men and women, novel therapeutic methodologies utilizing nanotechnology for drug delivery emerged. Given chlorotoxin's promising biological activity, we explore its potential against lung cancer and its utilization for active targeting against this cancer's tumor cells. Our analysis indicates that despite the extensive chlorotoxin's research against glioblastoma, lung cancer research with the molecule has been limited, despite some promising early results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Shrestha
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
| | - Behnaz Lahooti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Constantinos M. Mikelis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - George Mattheolabakis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
- Correspondence:
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Moslah W, Aissaoui-Zid D, Aboudou S, Abdelkafi-Koubaa Z, Potier-Cartereau M, Lemettre A, ELBini-Dhouib I, Marrakchi N, Gigmes D, Vandier C, Luis J, Mabrouk K, Srairi-Abid N. Strengthening Anti-Glioblastoma Effect by Multi-Branched Dendrimers Design of a Scorpion Venom Tetrapeptide. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030806. [PMID: 35164071 PMCID: PMC8838298 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and invasive form of central nervous system tumors due to the complexity of the intracellular mechanisms and molecular alterations involved in its progression. Unfortunately, current therapies are unable to stop its neoplastic development. In this context, we previously identified and characterized AaTs-1, a tetrapeptide (IWKS) from Androctonus autralis scorpion venom, which displayed an anti-proliferative effect against U87 cells with an IC50 value of 0.57 mM. This peptide affects the MAPK pathway, enhancing the expression of p53 and altering the cytosolic calcium concentration balance, likely via FPRL-1 receptor modulation. In this work, we designed and synthesized new dendrimers multi-branched molecules based on the sequence of AaTs-1 and showed that the di-branched (AaTs-1-2B), tetra-branched (AaTs-1-4B) and octo-branched (AaTs-1-8B) dendrimers displayed 10- to 25-fold higher effects on the proliferation of U87 cells than AaTs-1. We also found that the effects of the newly designed molecules are mediated by the enhancement of the ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylated forms and by the increase in p53 expression. Unlike AaTs-1, AaTs-1-8B and especially AaTs-1-4B affected the migration of the U87 cells. Thus, the multi-branched peptide synthesis strategy allowed us to make molecules more active than the linear peptide against the proliferation of U87 glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassim Moslah
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
- Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051-CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France;
- Correspondence: (W.M.); (N.S.-A.)
| | - Dorra Aissaoui-Zid
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Soioulata Aboudou
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, 13397 Marseille, France; (S.A.); (D.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Zaineb Abdelkafi-Koubaa
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Marie Potier-Cartereau
- N2C UMR 1069, INSERM, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (M.P.-C.); (A.L.); (C.V.)
| | - Aude Lemettre
- N2C UMR 1069, INSERM, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (M.P.-C.); (A.L.); (C.V.)
| | - Ines ELBini-Dhouib
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Naziha Marrakchi
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Didier Gigmes
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, 13397 Marseille, France; (S.A.); (D.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Christophe Vandier
- N2C UMR 1069, INSERM, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (M.P.-C.); (A.L.); (C.V.)
| | - José Luis
- Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051-CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Kamel Mabrouk
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, 13397 Marseille, France; (S.A.); (D.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence: (W.M.); (N.S.-A.)
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Sharma G, Braga CB, Chen KE, Jia X, Ramanujam V, Collins BM, Rittner R, Mobli M. Structural basis for the binding of the cancer targeting scorpion toxin, ClTx, to the vascular endothelia growth factor receptor neuropilin-1. Curr Res Struct Biol 2021; 3:179-186. [PMID: 34401749 PMCID: PMC8358460 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlorotoxin (ClTx) is a 36-residue disulfide-rich peptide isolated from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus. This peptide has been shown to selectively bind to brain tumours (gliomas), however, with conflicting reports regarding its direct cellular target. Recently, the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, neuropilin-1 (NRP1) has emerged as a potential target of the peptide. Here, we sought to characterize the details of the binding of ClTx to the b1-domain of NRP1 (NRP1-b1) using solution state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The 3D structure of the isotope labelled peptide was solved using multidimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy to produce a well-resolved structural ensemble. The structure points to three putative protein-protein interaction interfaces, two basic patches (R14/K15/K23 and R25/K27/R36) and a hydrophobic patch (F6/T7/T8/H10). The NRP1-b1 binding interface of ClTx was elucidated using 15N chemical shift mapping and included the R25/K27/R36 region of the peptide. The thermodynamics of binding was determined using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). In both NMR and ITC measurements, the binding was shown to be competitive with a known NRP1-b1 inhibitor. Finally, combining all of this data we generate a model of the ClTx:NRP1-b1 complex. The data shows that the peptide binds to the same region of NRP1 that is used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus for cell entry, however, via a non-canonical binding mode. Our results provide evidence for a non-standard NRP1 binding motif, while also providing a basis for further engineering of ClTx to generate peptides with improved NRP1 binding for future biomedical applications. Structural details of the binding of the scorpion toxin, chlorotoxin (ClTx) to the VEGF receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP1). ClTx was produced in its native fold and isotope labelled using a new, high-yield, bacterial expression system. Multidimensional heteronuclear NMR experiments reveal the high-resolution structure of ClTx and its binding to NRP1. ClTx binds to NRP1 via a non-canonical primary sequence that satisfies the receptor binding motif through its tertiary fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagan Sharma
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Carolyne B. Braga
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Chemistry Institute, University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6154, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Kai-En Chen
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Xinying Jia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Brett M. Collins
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Roberto Rittner
- Chemistry Institute, University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6154, 13083-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Corresponding author.
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Hernandez Vargas S, Lin C, Tran Cao HS, Ikoma N, AghaAmiri S, Ghosh SC, Uselmann AJ, Azhdarinia A. Receptor-Targeted Fluorescence-Guided Surgery With Low Molecular Weight Agents. Front Oncol 2021; 11:674083. [PMID: 34277418 PMCID: PMC8279813 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.674083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer surgery remains the primary treatment option for most solid tumors and can be curative if all malignant cells are removed. Surgeons have historically relied on visual and tactile cues to maximize tumor resection, but clinical data suggest that relapse occurs partially due to incomplete cancer removal. As a result, the introduction of technologies that enhance the ability to visualize tumors in the operating room represents a pressing need. Such technologies have the potential to revolutionize the surgical standard-of-care by enabling real-time detection of surgical margins, subclinical residual disease, lymph node metastases and synchronous/metachronous tumors. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) in the near-infrared (NIRF) spectrum has shown tremendous promise as an intraoperative imaging modality. An increasing number of clinical studies have demonstrated that tumor-selective FGS agents can improve the predictive value of fluorescence over non-targeted dyes. Whereas NIRF-labeled macromolecules (i.e., antibodies) spearheaded the widespread clinical translation of tumor-selective FGS drugs, peptides and small-molecules are emerging as valuable alternatives. Here, we first review the state-of-the-art of promising low molecular weight agents that are in clinical development for FGS; we then discuss the significance, application and constraints of emerging tumor-selective FGS technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Servando Hernandez Vargas
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Therapeutics & Pharmacology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Hop S Tran Cao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Naruhiko Ikoma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Solmaz AghaAmiri
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sukhen C Ghosh
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Ali Azhdarinia
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Therapeutics & Pharmacology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
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9
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Giribaldi J, Smith JJ, Schroeder CI. Recent developments in animal venom peptide nanotherapeutics with improved selectivity for cancer cells. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 50:107769. [PMID: 33989705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides that efficiently modulate key receptors and ion channels involved in cellular excitability to rapidly neutralize their prey or predators. As such, they have been a wellspring of highly useful pharmacological tools for decades. Besides targeting ion channels, some venom peptides exhibit strong cytotoxic activity and preferentially affect cancer over healthy cells. This is unlikely to be driven by an evolutionary impetus, and differences in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment are probably behind the serendipitous selectivity shown by some venom peptides. However, strategies such as bioconjugation and nanotechnologies are showing potential to improve their selectivity and potency, thereby paving the way to efficiently harness new anticancer mechanisms offered by venom peptides. This review aims to highlight advances in nano- and chemotherapeutic tools and prospective anti-cancer drug leads derived from animal venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer J Smith
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Coulter-Parkhill A, McClean S, Gault VA, Irwin N. Therapeutic Potential of Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms: Current Views and Emerging Drugs for Diabetes. Clin Med Insights Endocrinol Diabetes 2021; 14:11795514211006071. [PMID: 34621137 PMCID: PMC8491154 DOI: 10.1177/11795514211006071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of venom-derived drugs is evident today. Currently, several significant drugs are FDA approved for human use that descend directly from animal venom products, with others having undergone, or progressing through, clinical trials. In addition, there is growing awareness of the important cosmeceutical application of venom-derived products. The success of venom-derived compounds is linked to their increased bioactivity, specificity and stability when compared to synthetically engineered compounds. This review highlights advancements in venom-derived compounds for the treatment of diabetes and related disorders. Exendin-4, originating from the saliva of Gila monster lizard, represents proof-of-concept for this drug discovery pathway in diabetes. More recent evidence emphasises the potential of venom-derived compounds from bees, cone snails, sea anemones, scorpions, snakes and spiders to effectively manage glycaemic control. Such compounds could represent exciting exploitable scaffolds for future drug discovery in diabetes, as well as providing tools to allow for a better understanding of cell signalling pathways linked to insulin secretion and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victor A Gault
- Diabetes Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Nigel Irwin
- Diabetes Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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Venom peptides in cancer therapy: An updated review on cellular and molecular aspects. Pharmacol Res 2020; 164:105327. [PMID: 33276098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cancer, its therapy remains one of the most vital challenges in the field of medicine. Consequently, enhancing the efficacy of currently applied treatments and finding novel strategies are of great importance for cancer treatment. Venoms are important sources of a variety of bioactive compounds including salts, small molecules, macromolecules, proteins, and peptides that are defined as toxins. They can exhibit different pharmacological effects, and in recent years, their anti-tumor activities have gained significant attention. Several different compounds are responsible for the anti-tumor activity of venoms, and peptides are one of them. In the present review, we discuss the possible anti-tumor activities of venom peptides by highlighting molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these molecules can act effectively. Venom peptides can induce cell death in cancer cells and can substantially enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, the venom peptides can mitigate the migration of cancer cells via suppression of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, nanoparticles have been applied in enhancing the bioavailability of venom peptides and providing targeted delivery, thereby leading to their elevated anti-tumor activity and potential application for cancer therapy.
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C-Terminal Amidation of Chlorotoxin Does Not Affect Tumour Cell Proliferation and Has No Effect on Toxin Cytotoxicity. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10117-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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13
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Scorpion Toxins and Ion Channels: Potential Applications in Cancer Therapy. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050326. [PMID: 32429050 PMCID: PMC7290751 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis, a genetically directed process of cell death, has been studied for many years, and the biochemical mechanisms that surround it are well known and described. There are at least three pathways by which apoptosis occurs, and each pathway depends on extra or intracellular processes for activation. Apoptosis is a vital process, but disturbances in proliferation and cell death rates can lead to the development of diseases like cancer. Several compounds, isolated from scorpion venoms, exhibit inhibitory effects on different cancer cells. Indeed, some of these compounds can differentiate between healthy and cancer cells within the same tissue. During the carcinogenic process, morphological, biochemical, and biological changes occur that enable these compounds to modulate cancer but not healthy cells. This review highlights cancer cell features that enable modulation by scorpion neurotoxins. The properties of the isolated scorpion neurotoxins in cancer cells and the potential uses of these compounds as alternative treatments for cancer are discussed.
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