1
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Renawala HK, Chandrababu KB, Smith KJ, D'Addio SM, Topp EM. A Model Study to Assess Fibrillation and Product Stability to Support Peptide Drug Design. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2223-2237. [PMID: 38552144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00996] [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] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The fibrillation of therapeutic peptides can present significant quality concerns and poses challenges for manufacturing and storage. A fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of fibrillation is critical for the rational design of fibrillation-resistant peptide drugs and can accelerate product development by guiding the selection of solution-stable candidates and formulations. The studies reported here investigated the effects of structural modifications on the fibrillation of a 29-residue peptide (PepA) and two sequence modified variants (PepB, PepC). The C-terminus of PepA was amidated, whereas both PepB and PepC retained the carboxylate, and Ser16 in PepA and PepB was substituted with a helix-stabilizing residue, α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), in PepC. In thermal denaturation studies by far-UV CD spectroscopy and fibrillation kinetic studies by fluorescence and turbidity measurements, PepA and PepB showed heat-induced conformational changes and were found to form fibrils, whereas PepC did not fibrillate and showed only minor changes in the CD signal. Pulsed hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) showed a high degree of protection from HD exchange in mature PepA fibrils and its proteolytic fragments, indicating that most of the sequence had been incorporated into the fibril structure and occurred nearly simultaneously throughout the sequence. The effects of the net peptide charge and formulation pH on fibrillation kinetics were investigated. In real-time stability studies of two formulations of PepA at pH's 7.4 and 8.0, analytical methods detected significant changes in the stability of the formulations at different time points during the study, which were not observed during accelerated studies. Additionally, PepA samples were withdrawn from real-time stability and subjected to additional stress (40 °C, continuous shaking) to induce fibrillation; an approach that successfully amplified oligomers or prefibrillar species previously undetected in a thioflavin T assay. Taken together, these studies present an approach to differentiate and characterize fibrillation risk in structurally related peptides under accelerated and real-time conditions, providing a model for rapid, iterative structural design to optimize the stability of therapeutic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshil K Renawala
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Karthik B Chandrababu
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Katelyn J Smith
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Suzanne M D'Addio
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Topp
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Belfield, Blackrock, Co. Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
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2
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Shin J, Jang Y. Rational design and engineering of polypeptide/protein vesicles for advanced biological applications. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8834-8847. [PMID: 37505198 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01103h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic vesicles have gained considerable popularity in recent years for numerous biological and medical applications. Among the various types of synthetic vesicles, the utilization of polypeptides and/or proteins as fundamental constituents has garnered significant interest for vesicle construction owing to the unique bio-functionalities inherent in rationally designed amino acid sequences. Especially the incorporation of functional proteins onto the vesicle surface facilitates a wide range of advanced biological applications that are not easily attainable with traditional building blocks, such as lipids and polymers. The main goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in polypeptide/protein vesicles. Moreover, this review encompasses the rational design and engineering strategies employed in the creation of polypeptide/protein vesicles, including the synthesis of building blocks, the modulation of their self-assembly, as well as their diverse applications. Furthermore, this work includes an in-depth discussion of the key challenges and opportunities associated with polypeptide/protein vesicles, providing valuable insights for future research. By offering an up-to-date review of this burgeoning field of polypeptide/protein vesicle research, this review will shed light on the potential applications of these biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyong Shin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, 1006 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
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3
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Tasdemiroglu Y, Gourdie RG, He JQ. In vivo degradation forms, anti-degradation strategies, and clinical applications of therapeutic peptides in non-infectious chronic diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 932:175192. [PMID: 35981605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Current medicinal treatments for diseases comprise largely of two categories: small molecular (chemical) (e.g., aspirin) and larger molecular (peptides/proteins, e.g., insulin) drugs. Whilst both types of therapeutics can effectively treat different diseases, ranging from well-understood (in view of pathogenesis and treatment) examples (e.g., flu), to less-understood chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes), classical small molecule drugs often possess significant side-effects (a major cause of drug withdrawal from market) due to their low- or non-specific targeting. By contrast, therapeutic peptides, which comprise short sequences from naturally occurring peptides/proteins, commonly demonstrate high target specificity, well-characterized modes-of-action, and low or non-toxicity in vivo. Unfortunately, due to their small size, linear permutation, and lack of tertiary structure, peptidic drugs are easily subject to rapid degradation or loss in vivo through chemical and physical routines, thus resulting in a short half-life and reduced therapeutic efficacy, a major drawback that can reduce therapeutic efficiency. However, recent studies demonstrate that the short half-life of peptidic drugs can be significantly extended by various means, including use of enantiomeric or non-natural amino acids (AAs) (e.g., L-AAs replacement with D-AAs), chemical conjugation [e.g., with polyethylene glycol], and encapsulation (e.g., in exosomes). In this context, we provide an overview of the major in vivo degradation forms of small therapeutic peptides in the plasma and anti-degradation strategies. We also update on the progress of small peptide therapeutics that are either currently in clinical trials or are being successfully used in clinical therapies for patients with non-infectious diseases, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Tasdemiroglu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Jia-Qiang He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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4
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The role of polymeric chains as a protective environment for improving the stability and efficiency of fluorogenic peptide substrates. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8818. [PMID: 35614307 PMCID: PMC9132916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12848-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We have faced the preparation of fully water-soluble fluorescent peptide substrate with long-term environmental stability (in solution more than 35 weeks) and, accordingly, with stable results in the use of this probe in determining the activity of enzymes. We have achieved this goal by preparing a co-polymer of the commercial N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (99.5% mol) and a fluorescent substrate for trypsin activity determination having a vinylic group (0.5%). The activity of trypsin has been measured in water solutions of this polymer over time, contrasted against the activity of both the commercial substrate Z-L-Arg-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin hydrochloride and its monomeric derivative, prepared ad-hoc. Initially, the activity of the sensory polymer was 74.53 ± 1.72 nmol/min/mg of enzyme, while that of the commercial substrate was 20.44 ± 0.65 nmol/min/mg of enzyme, the former maintained stable along weeks and the latter with a deep decay to zero in three weeks. The ‘protection’ effect exerted by the polymer chain has been studied by solvation studies by UV–Vis spectroscopy, steady-state & time resolved fluorescence, thermogravimetry and isothermal titration calorimetry.
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5
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Qiu R, Sasselli IR, Álvarez Z, Sai H, Ji W, Palmer LC, Stupp SI. Supramolecular Copolymers of Peptides and Lipidated Peptides and Their Therapeutic Potential. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:5562-5574. [PMID: 35296133 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular peptide chemistry offers a versatile strategy to create chemical systems useful as new biomaterials with potential to deliver nearly 1000 known candidate peptide therapeutics or integrate other types of bioactivity. We report here on the co-assembly of lipidated β-sheet-forming peptides with soluble short peptides, yielding supramolecular copolymers with various degrees of internal order. At low peptide concentrations, the co-monomer is protected by lodging within internal aqueous compartments and stabilizing internal β-sheets formed by the lipidated peptides. At higher concentrations, the peptide copolymerizes with the lipidated peptide and disrupts the β-sheet secondary structure. The thermodynamic metastability of the co-assembly in turn leads to the spontaneous release of peptide monomers and thus serves as a potential mechanism for drug delivery. We demonstrated the function of these supramolecular systems using a drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease and found that the copolymers enhance neuronal cell viability when the soluble peptide is released from the assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruomeng Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Ivan R Sasselli
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Zaida Álvarez
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Hiroaki Sai
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Wei Ji
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Liam C Palmer
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Samuel I Stupp
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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6
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Long-Term Stability Prediction for Developability Assessment of Biopharmaceutics Using Advanced Kinetic Modeling. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020375. [PMID: 35214107 PMCID: PMC8880208 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial aspect of pharmaceutical development is the demonstration of long-term stability of the drug product. Biopharmaceuticals, such as proteins or peptides in liquid formulation, are typically administered via parental routes and should be stable over the shelf life, which generally includes a storing period (e.g., two years at 5 °C) and optionally an in-use period (e.g., 28 days at 30 °C). Herein, we present a case study where chemical degradation of SAR441255, a therapeutic peptide, in different formulations in combination with primary packaging materials was analyzed under accelerated conditions to derive long-term stability predictions for the recommended storing conditions (two years at 5 °C plus 28 days at 30 °C) using advanced kinetic modeling. These predictions served as a crucial decision parameter for the entry into clinical development. Comparison with analytical data measured under long-term conditions during the subsequent development phase demonstrated a high prediction accuracy. These predictions provided stability insights within weeks that would otherwise take years using measurements under long-term stability conditions only. To our knowledge, such in silico studies on stability predictions of a therapeutic peptide using accelerated chemical degradation data and advanced kinetic modeling with comparisons to subsequently measured real-life long-term stability data have not been described in literature before.
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7
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Anti-Cancer Effects of Cyclic Peptide ALOS4 in a Human Melanoma Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179579. [PMID: 34502483 PMCID: PMC8430629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the effects of ALOS4, a cyclic peptide discovered previously by phage library selection against integrin αvβ3, on a human melanoma (A375) xenograft model to determine its abilities as a potential anti-cancer agent. We found that ALOS4 promoted healthy weight gain in A375-engrafted nude mice and reduced melanoma tumor mass and volume. Despite these positive changes, examination of the tumor tissue did not indicate any significant effects on proliferation, mitotic index, tissue vascularization, or reduction of αSMA or Ki-67 tumor markers. Modulation in overall expression of critical downstream αvβ3 integrin factors, such as FAK and Src, as well as reductions in gene expression of c-Fos and c-Jun transcription factors, indirectly confirmed our suspicions that ALOS4 is likely acting through an integrin-mediated pathway. Further, we found no overt formulation issues with ALOS4 regarding interaction with standard inert laboratory materials (polypropylene, borosilicate glass) or with pH and temperature stability under prolonged storage. Collectively, ALOS4 appears to be safe, chemically stable, and produces anti-cancer effects in a human xenograft model of melanoma. We believe these results suggest a role for ALOS4 in an integrin-mediated pathway in exerting its anti-cancer effects possibly through immune response modulation.
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8
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Dellas N, Liu J, Botham RC, Huisman GW. Adapting protein sequences for optimized therapeutic efficacy. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 64:38-47. [PMID: 33933937 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins alleviate disease pathology by supplementing missing or defective native proteins, sequestering superfluous proteins, or by acting through designed non-natural mechanisms. Although therapeutic proteins often have the same amino acid sequence as their native counterpart, their maturation paths from expression to the site of physiological activity are inherently different, and optimizing protein sequences for properties that 100s of millions of years of evolution did not need to address presents an opportunity to develop better biological treatments. Because therapeutic proteins are inherently non-natural entities, optimization for their desired function should be considered analogous to that of small molecule drug candidates, which are optimized through expansive combinatorial variation by the medicinal chemist. Here, we review recent successes and challenges of protein engineering for optimized therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Dellas
- Codexis Inc., 200 Penobscot Dr, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA.
| | - Joyce Liu
- Codexis Inc., 200 Penobscot Dr, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
| | - Rachel C Botham
- Codexis Inc., 200 Penobscot Dr, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
| | - Gjalt W Huisman
- Codexis Inc., 200 Penobscot Dr, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
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9
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Salah E, Abouelfetouh MM, Pan Y, Chen D, Xie S. Solid lipid nanoparticles for enhanced oral absorption: A review. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 196:111305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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10
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Ya’u Sabo Ajingi, Nujarin Jongruja. Antimicrobial Peptide Engineering: Rational Design, Synthesis, and Synergistic Effect. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162020040044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Evans BJ, King AT, Katsifis A, Matesic L, Jamie JF. Methods to Enhance the Metabolic Stability of Peptide-Based PET Radiopharmaceuticals. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102314. [PMID: 32423178 PMCID: PMC7287708 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The high affinity and specificity of peptides towards biological targets, in addition to their favorable pharmacological properties, has encouraged the development of many peptide-based pharmaceuticals, including peptide-based positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals. However, the poor in vivo stability of unmodified peptides against proteolysis is a major challenge that must be overcome, as it can result in an impractically short in vivo biological half-life and a subsequently poor bioavailability when used in imaging and therapeutic applications. Consequently, many biologically and pharmacologically interesting peptide-based drugs may never see application. A potential way to overcome this is using peptide analogues designed to mimic the pharmacophore of a native peptide while also containing unnatural modifications that act to maintain or improve the pharmacological properties. This review explores strategies that have been developed to increase the metabolic stability of peptide-based pharmaceuticals. It includes modifications of the C- and/or N-termini, introduction of d- or other unnatural amino acids, backbone modification, PEGylation and alkyl chain incorporation, cyclization and peptide bond substitution, and where those strategies have been, or could be, applied to PET peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J. Evans
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (B.J.E.); (A.T.K.)
| | - Andrew T. King
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (B.J.E.); (A.T.K.)
| | - Andrew Katsifis
- Department of Molecular Imaging, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia;
| | - Lidia Matesic
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia;
| | - Joanne F. Jamie
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; (B.J.E.); (A.T.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9850-8283
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12
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Yang W, Gadgil P, Krishnamurthy VR, Landis M, Mallick P, Patel D, Patel PJ, Reid DL, Sanchez-Felix M. The Evolving Druggability and Developability Space: Chemically Modified New Modalities and Emerging Small Molecules. AAPS JOURNAL 2020; 22:21. [DOI: 10.1208/s12248-019-0402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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13
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Tian R, Zhu L, Qin Z, Wang G, Wang J, Zhang H. Glypican-3 (GPC3) targeted Fe 3O 4 core/Au shell nanocomplex for fluorescence/MRI/photoacoustic imaging-guided tumor photothermal therapy. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:5258-5269. [PMID: 31603456 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01248f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Low binding affinity and lack of therapy functions limit tumor targeting peptide applications in the biomedical field. Herein, we successfully modified a previous phage display derived Glypican-3 (GPC3) binding peptide (GBP) on the surface of a Fe3O4 Core/Au shell nanocomplex (FANP) to improve GBP binding affinity and enhance FANP tumor photothermal therapy (PTT) efficacy. As a result, GBP-FANP showed improved avidity to GPC-3 (Apparent Kd = 396.3 ± 70.8 nM) compared to that of GPB (Apparent Kd = 735.2 ± 53.6 nM). After intravenous administration, GBP-FANP was found specifically accumulated in GPC-3 positive HepG2 tumors and peaked at 24 h post-injection as observed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/photoacoustic (PA)/fluorescent imaging. Moreover, HepG2 tumors that received GBP-FANP treatment were significantly inhibited with laser irradiation (630 nm, 1 W cm-2, 10 min). In conclusion, our present strategy provides a way of improving peptide ligand avidity with nanotechnology for cancer theranostics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, China.
| | - Lei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zainen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Guohao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, China.
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14
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Evers A, Pfeiffer-Marek S, Bossart M, Heubel C, Stock U, Tiwari G, Gebauer B, Elshorst B, Pfenninger A, Lukasczyk U, Hessler G, Kamm W, Wagner M. Peptide Optimization at the Drug Discovery-Development Interface: Tailoring of Physicochemical Properties Toward Specific Formulation Requirements. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:1404-1414. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2018.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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15
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In-solution enrichment identifies peptide inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. Nat Chem Biol 2019; 15:410-418. [PMID: 30886434 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-019-0245-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The use of competitive inhibitors to disrupt protein-protein interactions (PPIs) holds great promise for the treatment of disease. However, the discovery of high-affinity inhibitors can be a challenge. Here we report a platform for improving the affinity of peptide-based PPI inhibitors using non-canonical amino acids. The platform utilizes size exclusion-based enrichment from pools of synthetic peptides (1.5-4 kDa) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based peptide sequencing to identify high-affinity binders to protein targets, without the need for 'reporter' or 'encoding' tags. Using this approach-which is inherently selective for high-affinity binders-we realized gains in affinity of up to ~100- or ~30-fold for binders to the oncogenic ubiquitin ligase MDM2 or HIV capsid protein C-terminal domain, which inhibit MDM2-p53 interaction or HIV capsid protein C-terminal domain dimerization, respectively. Subsequent macrocyclization of select MDM2 inhibitors rendered them cell permeable and cytotoxic toward cancer cells, demonstrating the utility of the identified compounds as functional PPI inhibitors.
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16
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Pallerla S, Naik H, Singh S, Gauthier T, Sable R, Jois SD. Design of cyclic and d-amino acids containing peptidomimetics for inhibition of protein-protein interactions of HER2-HER3. J Pept Sci 2018; 24. [PMID: 29436155 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
HER2 receptors are surface proteins belonging to the epidermal growth factor family of receptors. Their numbers are elevated in breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. HER2-positive cancers are aggressive, have higher mortality rate, and have a poor prognosis. We have designed peptidomimetics that bind to HER2 and block the HER2-mediated dimerization of epidermal growth factor family of receptors. Among these, a symmetrical cyclic peptidomimetic (compound 18) exhibited antiproliferative activity in HER2-overexpressing lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the nanomolar concentration range. To improve the stability of the peptidomimetic, d-amino acids were introduced into the peptidomimetic, and several analogs of compound 18 were designed. Among the analogs of compound 18, compound 32, a cyclic, d-amino acid-containing peptidomimetic, was found to have an IC50 value in the nanomolar range in HER2-overexpressing cancer cell lines. The antiproliferative activity of compound 32 was also measured by using a 3D cell culture model that mimics the in vivo conditions. The binding of compound 32 to the HER2 protein was studied by surface plasmon resonance. In vitro stability studies indicated that compound 32 was stable in serum for 48 hours and intact peptide was detectable in vivo for 12 hours. Results from our studies indicated that 1 of the d-amino acid analogs of 18, compound 32, binds to the HER2 extracellular domain, inhibiting the phosphorylation of kinase of HER2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Pallerla
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Himgauri Naik
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Sitanshu Singh
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Ted Gauthier
- Biotechnology Laboratory, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Rushikesh Sable
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Seetharama D Jois
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
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17
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Tucker AT, Leonard SP, DuBois CD, Knauf GA, Cunningham AL, Wilke CO, Trent MS, Davies BW. Discovery of Next-Generation Antimicrobials through Bacterial Self-Screening of Surface-Displayed Peptide Libraries. Cell 2018; 172:618-628.e13. [PMID: 29307492 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Peptides have great potential to combat antibiotic resistance. While many platforms can screen peptides for their ability to bind to target cells, there are virtually no platforms that directly assess the functionality of peptides. This limitation is exacerbated when identifying antimicrobial peptides because the phenotype, death, selects against itself and has caused a scientific bottleneck that confines research to a few naturally occurring classes of antimicrobial peptides. We have used this seeming dissonance to develop Surface Localized Antimicrobial Display (SLAY), a platform that allows screening of unlimited numbers of peptides of any length, composition, and structure in a single tube for antimicrobial activity. Using SLAY, we screened ∼800,000 random peptide sequences for antimicrobial function and identified thousands of active sequences, dramatically increasing the number of known antimicrobial sequences. SLAY hits present with different potential mechanisms of peptide action and access to areas of antimicrobial physicochemical space beyond what nature has evolved. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley T Tucker
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sean P Leonard
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Cory D DuBois
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Gregory A Knauf
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ashley L Cunningham
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Claus O Wilke
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - M Stephen Trent
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Bryan W Davies
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; John Ring LaMontagne Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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18
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Izutsu KI. Applications of Freezing and Freeze-Drying in Pharmaceutical Formulations. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1081:371-383. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-1244-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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19
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Peptide Derivatives of Erythropoietin in the Treatment of Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration. THERAPEUTIC PROTEINS AND PEPTIDES 2018; 112:309-357. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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20
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Zapadka KL, Becher FJ, Gomes Dos Santos AL, Jackson SE. Factors affecting the physical stability (aggregation) of peptide therapeutics. Interface Focus 2017; 7:20170030. [PMID: 29147559 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2017.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of biological therapeutic agents in the clinic and development pipeline has increased dramatically over the last decade and the number will undoubtedly continue to increase in the coming years. Despite this fact, there are considerable challenges in the development, production and formulation of such biologics particularly with respect to their physical stabilities. There are many cases where self-association to form either amorphous aggregates or highly structured fibrillar species limits their use. Here, we review the numerous factors that influence the physical stability of peptides including both intrinsic and external factors, wherever possible illustrating these with examples that are of therapeutic interest. The effects of sequence, concentration, pH, net charge, excipients, chemical degradation and modification, surfaces and interfaces, and impurities are all discussed. In addition, the effects of physical parameters such as pressure, temperature, agitation and lyophilization are described. We provide an overview of the structures of aggregates formed, as well as our current knowledge of the mechanisms for their formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frederik J Becher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | | | - Sophie E Jackson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
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21
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Yang N, Wang X, Teng D, Mao R, Hao Y, Feng X, Wang J. Deleting the first disulphide bond in an arenicin derivative enhances its expression in Pichia pastoris. Lett Appl Microbiol 2017; 65:241-248. [PMID: 28656630 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The marine antimicrobial peptide NZ17074, a variant of arenicin-3 from Arenicola marina that has broad antimicrobial activity and high bioavailability, can be designed to treat bacterial and fungal diseases. To reduce the toxicity of NZ17074, N6 was designed by replacing a cysteine in positions 3 and 20 with alanine, fused to the C-terminus of the small ubiquitin-like modifier tag (SUMO), and expressed in yeast. SUMO-N6 yielded as much as 921 mg l-1 at 72 h after induction in a fermentor and increased 1·8-fold over SUMO-NZ17074. After cleavage with 30% formic acid and purification by a Sephadex G-25 column, 9·7 mg of the recombinant peptide N6 (rN6) was obtained from one-litre fermentation broth, increasing 1·4-fold over NZ17074. Compared to NZ17074, rN6 displayed almost identical antimicrobial activity with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0·5, 0·25-0·5, 4, 0·25-16 and 16 μg ml-1 against Escherichia, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus strains. Our results indicate that the first disulphide bond, Cys3-Cys20, in NZ17074 is not necessary for antimicrobial activity and that its deletion might reduce toxicity to host cells. These findings may help design new antimicrobial peptides harbouring fewer disulphide bridges and may have more potent activity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Disulphide bond formation is an important step in the protein expression and can also influence protein secretion. A deletion of the first disulphide bond in NZ17074 increased the secreted level of target protein, and its antimicrobial activity was almost unaffected by the deletion of the first disulphide bond. The first disulphide bond in NZ17074 is favourable for correctly forming another disulphide bond during expression but not necessary for its activity. This may help design and produce a novel class of antimicrobial peptides harbouring fewer disulphide bridges to save the cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Yang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - X Wang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - D Teng
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - R Mao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Y Hao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - X Feng
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - J Wang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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22
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Cromm PM, Spiegel J, Küchler P, Dietrich L, Kriegesmann J, Wendt M, Goody RS, Waldmann H, Grossmann TN. Protease-Resistant and Cell-Permeable Double-Stapled Peptides Targeting the Rab8a GTPase. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:2375-82. [PMID: 27336832 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Small GTPases comprise a family of highly relevant targets in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry research and have been considered "undruggable" due to the persisting lack of effective synthetic modulators and suitable binding pockets. As molecular switches, small GTPases control a multitude of pivotal cellular functions, and their dysregulation is associated with many human diseases such as various forms of cancer. Rab-GTPases represent the largest subfamily of small GTPases and are master regulators of vesicular transport interacting with various proteins via flat and extensive protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The only reported synthetic inhibitor of a PPI involving an activated Rab GTPase is the hydrocarbon stapled peptide StRIP3. However, this macrocyclic peptide shows low proteolytic stability and cell permeability. Here, we report the design of a bioavailable StRIP3 analogue that harbors two hydrophobic cross-links and exhibits increased binding affinity, combined with robust cellular uptake and extremely high proteolytic stability. Localization experiments reveal that this double-stapled peptide and its target protein Rab8a accumulate in the same cellular compartments. The reported approach offers a strategy for the implementation of biostability into conformationally constrained peptides while supporting cellular uptake and target affinity, thereby conveying drug-like properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp M. Cromm
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jochen Spiegel
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Philipp Küchler
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Laura Dietrich
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Julia Kriegesmann
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Wendt
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roger S. Goody
- Structural
Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse
11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Herbert Waldmann
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 11, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tom N. Grossmann
- Technische Universität Dortmund, Fakultät
für Chemie und Chemische Biologie, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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23
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Herzig V, King GF. The Cystine Knot Is Responsible for the Exceptional Stability of the Insecticidal Spider Toxin ω-Hexatoxin-Hv1a. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:4366-80. [PMID: 26516914 PMCID: PMC4626739 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7104366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) is an unusual three-disulfide architecture in which one of the disulfide bonds bisects a loop formed by the two other disulfide bridges and the intervening sections of the protein backbone. Peptides containing an ICK motif are frequently considered to have high levels of thermal, chemical and enzymatic stability due to cross-bracing provided by the disulfide bonds. Experimental studies supporting this contention are rare, in particular for spider-venom toxins, which represent the largest diversity of ICK peptides. We used ω-hexatoxin-Hv1a (Hv1a), an insecticidal toxin from the deadly Australian funnel-web spider, as a model system to examine the contribution of the cystine knot to the stability of ICK peptides. We show that Hv1a is highly stable when subjected to temperatures up to 75 °C, pH values as low as 1, and various organic solvents. Moreover, Hv1a was highly resistant to digestion by proteinase K and when incubated in insect hemolymph and human plasma. We demonstrate that the ICK motif is essential for the remarkable stability of Hv1a, with the peptide’s stability being dramatically reduced when the disulfide bonds are eliminated. Thus, this study demonstrates that the ICK motif significantly enhances the chemical and thermal stability of spider-venom peptides and provides them with a high level of protease resistance. This study also provides guidance to the conditions under which Hv1a could be stored and deployed as a bioinsecticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia.
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24
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Fan L, Li W, Ying S, Shi L, Wang Z, Chen G, Ye H, Wu X, Wu J, Liang G, Li X. A peptide derivative serves as a fibroblast growth factor 2 antagonist in human gastric cancer. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:7233-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3435-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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25
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Bak A, Dai W. Peptide Developability at the Discovery-to-Development Interface--Current State and Future Opportunities. AAPS JOURNAL 2015; 17:777-9. [PMID: 25823670 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-015-9755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Bak
- Merck & Co, Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kenilworth, New Jersey, 07081, USA,
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