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Morel VJ, Rössler J, Bernasconi M. Targeted immunotherapy and nanomedicine for rhabdomyosarcoma: The way of the future. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 38885148 DOI: 10.1002/med.22059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. Histology separates two main subtypes: embryonal RMS (eRMS; 60%-70%) and alveolar RMS (aRMS; 20%-30%). The aggressive aRMS carry one of two characteristic chromosomal translocations that result in the expression of a PAX3::FOXO1 or PAX7::FOXO1 fusion transcription factor; therefore, aRMS are now classified as fusion-positive (FP) RMS. Embryonal RMS have a better prognosis and are clinically indistinguishable from fusion-negative (FN) RMS. Next to histology and molecular characteristics, RMS risk groupings are now available defining low risk tumors with excellent outcomes and advanced stage disease with poor prognosis, with an overall survival of about only 20% despite intensified multimodal treatment. Therefore, development of novel effective targeted strategies to increase survival and to decrease long-term side effects is urgently needed. Recently, immunotherapies and nanomedicine have been emerging for potent and effective tumor treatments with minimal side effects, raising hopes for effective and safe cures for RMS patients. This review aims to describe the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies in immunotherapy and targeted nanomedicine performed so far in RMS and to provide an insight in future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Judith Morel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Rössler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Wibel R, van Hoogevest P, Drescher S. The role of phospholipids in drug delivery formulations - Recent advances presented at the Researcher's Day 2023 Conference of the Phospholipid Research Center Heidelberg. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 197:114215. [PMID: 38350530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114215] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
This Focus on Meetings contribution summarizes recent advances in the research on phospholipids and their applications for drug delivery and analytical purposes that have been presented at the hybrid Researcher's Day 2023 Conference of the Phospholipid Research Center (PRC), held on July 3-5, 2023, in Bad Dürkheim, Germany. The PRC is a non-profit organization focused on expanding and sharing scientific and technological knowledge of phospholipids in pharmaceutical and other applications. This is accomplished by, e.g., funding doctoral and postdoctoral research projects. The progress made with these projects is presented at the Researcher's Day Conference every two years. Four main topics were presented and discussed in various lectures: (1) formulation of phospholipid-based nanocarriers, (2) therapeutic applications of phospholipids and phospholipid-based nanocarriers, (3) phospholipids as excipients in oral, dermal, and parenteral dosage forms, and (4) interactions of phospholipids and phospholipid-based vesicles in biological environment and their use as analytical platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Wibel
- Phospholipid Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 515, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter van Hoogevest
- Phospholipid Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 515, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Drescher
- Phospholipid Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 515, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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3
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Dzhumashev D, Anton-Joseph S, Morel VJ, Timpanaro A, Bordon G, Piccand C, Aleandri S, Luciani P, Rössler J, Bernasconi M. Rapid liposomal formulation for nucleolin targeting to rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 194:49-61. [PMID: 38029941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.11.020] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. More effective and less toxic therapies are urgently needed for high-risk patients. Peptide-guided targeted drug delivery can increase the therapeutic index of encapsulated drugs and improve patients' well-being. To apply this strategy to RMS, we identified the peptide F3 in a screening for peptides binding to RMS cells surface. F3 binds to nucleolin, which is present on the surface of RMS cells and is abundantly expressed at the mRNA level in RMS patients' biopsies compared to healthy tissues. We developed a rapid microfluidic formulation of F3-decorated PEGylated liposomes and remote loading of the chemotherapeutic drug vincristine. Size, surface charge, drug loading and retention of targeted and control liposomes were studied. Enhanced cellular binding and uptake were observed in three different nucleolin-positive RMS cell lines. Importantly, F3-functionalized liposomes loaded with vincristine were up to 11 times more cytotoxic than non-targeted liposomes for RMS cell lines. These results demonstrate that F3-functionalized liposomes are promising for targeted drug delivery to RMS and warrant further in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzhangar Dzhumashev
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stenija Anton-Joseph
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Victoria J Morel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Timpanaro
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Bordon
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Piccand
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simone Aleandri
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paola Luciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Rössler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland.
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4
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Dzhumashev D, Timpanaro A, Ali S, De Micheli AJ, Mamchaoui K, Cascone I, Rössler J, Bernasconi M. Quantum Dot-Based Screening Identifies F3 Peptide and Reveals Cell Surface Nucleolin as a Therapeutic Target for Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205048. [PMID: 36291832 PMCID: PMC9600270 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205048] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Active drug delivery by tumor-targeting peptides is a promising approach to improve existing therapies for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), by increasing the therapeutic effect and decreasing the systemic toxicity, e.g., by drug-loaded peptide-targeted nanoparticles. Here, we tested 20 different tumor-targeting peptides for their ability to bind to two RMS cell lines, Rh30 and RD, using quantum dots Streptavidin and biotin-peptides conjugates as a model for nanoparticles. Four peptides revealed a very strong binding to RMS cells: NCAM-1-targeting NTP peptide, nucleolin-targeting F3 peptide, and two Furin-targeting peptides, TmR and shTmR. F3 peptide showed the strongest binding to all RMS cell lines tested, low binding to normal control myoblasts and fibroblasts, and efficient internalization into RMS cells demonstrated by the cytoplasmic delivery of the Saporin toxin. The expression of the nucleophosphoprotein nucleolin, the target of F3, on the surface of RMS cell lines was validated by competition with the natural ligand lactoferrin, by colocalization with the nucleolin-binding aptamer AS1411, and by the marked sensitivity of RMS cell lines to the growth inhibitory nucleolin-binding N6L pseudopeptide. Taken together, our results indicate that nucleolin-targeting by F3 peptide represents a potential therapeutic approach for RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzhangar Dzhumashev
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Timpanaro
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Safa Ali
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea J. De Micheli
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 3032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Ilaria Cascone
- IMRB, INSERM, University Paris Est Creteil, 94010 Creteil, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Centre d’Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Jochen Rössler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 3032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
The term "molecular ZIP (or area) codes" refers to an originally hypothetical system of cell adhesion molecules that would control cell trafficking in the body. Subsequent discovery of the integrins, cadherins, and other cell adhesion molecules confirmed this hypothesis. The recognition system encompassing integrins and their ligands came particularly close to fulfilling the original ZIP code hypothesis, as multiple integrins with closely related specificities mediate cell adhesion by binding to an RGD or related sequence in various extracellular matrix proteins. Diseased tissues have their own molecular addresses that, although not necessarily involved in cell trafficking, can be made use of in targeted drug delivery. This article discusses the molecular basis of ZIP codes and the extensive effort under way to harness them for drug delivery purposes.
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Vyas D, Patel M, Wairkar S. Strategies for active tumor targeting-an update. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 915:174512. [PMID: 34555395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A complete cure for cancer is still the holy grail for scientists. The existing treatment of cancer is primarily focused on surgery, radiation and conventional chemotherapy. However, chemotherapeutic agents also affect healthy tissues or organs due to a lack of specificity. While passive targeting is studied for anticancer drugs focused on the enhanced permeability and retention effect, it failed to achieve drug accumulation at the tumor site and desired therapeutic efficacy. This review presents an outline of the current significant targets for active tumor drug delivery systems and provides insight into the direction of active tumor-targeting strategies. For this purpose, a systematic understanding of the physiological factors, tumor microenvironment and its components, overexpressed receptor and associated proteins are covered here. We focused on angiogenesis mediated targeting, receptor-mediated targeting and peptide targeting. This active targeting along with integration with nano delivery systems helps in achieving specific action, thus reducing the associated adverse effects to healthy tissues. Although the tumor-targeting methods and possibilities explored so far seem revolutionary in cancer treatment, in-depth clinical studies data is required for its commercial translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan Vyas
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS, V.L.Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India
| | - Mital Patel
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS, V.L.Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India
| | - Sarika Wairkar
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS, V.L.Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India.
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8
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Drescher S, van Hoogevest P. The Phospholipid Research Center: Current Research in Phospholipids and Their Use in Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12121235. [PMID: 33353254 PMCID: PMC7766331 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the research on phospholipids and their use for drug delivery related to the Phospholipid Research Center Heidelberg (PRC). The focus is on projects that have been approved by the PRC since 2017 and are currently still ongoing or have recently been completed. The different projects cover all facets of phospholipid research, from basic to applied research, including the use of phospholipids in different administration forms such as liposomes, mixed micelles, emulsions, and extrudates, up to industrial application-oriented research. These projects also include all routes of administration, namely parenteral, oral, and topical. With this review we would like to highlight possible future research directions, including a short introduction into the world of phospholipids.
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The proprotein convertase furin is required to maintain viability of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:76743-76755. [PMID: 27572312 PMCID: PMC5363546 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Success of current therapies is still limited and outcome is particularly poor for metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS). We previously identified the proprotein convertase furin as potential target for specific drug delivery with RMS-homing peptides. Furin is a protease that converts inactive precursor proteins into bioactive proteins and peptides. In this study, we investigate the biological role of furin in aRMS progression in vitro and in vivo. Furin expression was confirmed in over 86% RMS biopsies in a tissue microarray (n=89). Inducible furin silencing in vitro led to significant impairment of cell viability and proliferation in all investigated aRMS cell lines, but not in MRC5 fibroblasts. Furthermore, the aRMS cell lines Rh3 and Rh4 revealed to be very sensitive to furin silencing, undergoing caspase-dependent cell death. Notably, furin silencing in vivo led to complete remission of established Rh4 tumors and to delayed growth in Rh30 tumors. Taken together, these findings identify furin as an important factor for aRMS progression and survival. Thus, we propose furin as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of aRMS.
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10
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Proprotein convertase furin/PCSK3 and atherosclerosis: New insights and potential therapeutic targets. Atherosclerosis 2017; 262:163-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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11
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El-Sherbiny I, Khalil I, Ali I, Yacoub M. Updates on smart polymeric carrier systems for protein delivery. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2017; 43:1567-1583. [DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2017.1338723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim El-Sherbiny
- Center for Materials Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Zewail City of Science and Technology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Islam Khalil
- Center for Materials Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Zewail City of Science and Technology, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Misr University of Science and Technology (MUST), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Isra Ali
- Center for Materials Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Zewail City of Science and Technology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Magdi Yacoub
- Harefield Heart Science Centre, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
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12
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Jaaks P, Bernasconi M. The proprotein convertase furin in tumour progression. Int J Cancer 2017; 141:654-663. [PMID: 28369813 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertases are proteases that have been implicated in the activation of a wide variety of proteins. These proteins are generally synthesised as precursor proteins and require limited proteolysis for conversion into their mature bioactive counterparts. Many of these proteins, including metalloproteases, growth factors and their receptors or adhesion molecules, have been shown to facilitate tumour formation and progression. Hence, this review will focus on the proprotein convertase furin and its role in cancer. The expression of furin has been confirmed in a large spectrum of cancers such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma. Functional studies modulating furin activity uncovered its importance for the processing of many cancer-related substrates and strongly indicate that high furin activity promotes the malignant phenotype of cancer cells. In this review, we summarise the expression and function of furin in different cancer types, discuss its role in processing cancer-related proproteins and give examples of potential therapeutic approaches that take advantage of the proteolytic activity of furin in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Jaaks
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Roveri M, Pfohl A, Jaaks P, Alijaj N, Leroux JC, Luciani P, Bernasconi M. Prolonged circulation and increased tumor accumulation of liposomal vincristine in a mouse model of rhabdomyosarcoma. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2017; 12:1135-1151. [PMID: 28447920 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Our goal was to improve vincristine (VCR) based rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) therapy by encapsulating the drug into liposomes. A targeting strategy was attempted to enhance tumor accumulation. MATERIALS & METHODS VCR was loaded in control and peptide-decorated liposomes via an active method. The interaction of an RMS-specific peptide with the presumed target furin and the cellular uptake of both liposomal groups were studied in vitro. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of VCR-containing liposomes were assessed in an RMS xenograft mouse model. RESULTS Liposomes ensured high VCR concentration in plasma and in the tumor. Peptide-decorated liposomes showed modest uptake in RMS cells. CONCLUSION The investigated peptide-modified liposomal formulation may not be optimal for furin-mediated RMS targeting. Nevertheless, VCR-loaded liposomes could serve as a delivery platform for experimental RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Roveri
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alice Pfohl
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Jaaks
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nagjie Alijaj
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Christophe Leroux
- Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paola Luciani
- Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Experimental Infectious Diseases & Cancer Research, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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Ruoslahti E. Tumor penetrating peptides for improved drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 110-111:3-12. [PMID: 27040947 PMCID: PMC5045823 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In vivo screening of phage libraries in tumor-bearing mice has been used to identify peptides that direct phage homing to a tumor. The power of in vivo phage screening is illustrated by the recent discovery of peptides with unique tumor-penetrating properties. These peptides activate an endocytic transport pathway related to but distinct from macropinocytosis. They do so through a complex process that involves binding to a primary, tumor-specific receptor, followed by a proteolytic cleavage, and binding to a second receptor. The second receptor, neuropilin-1 (or neuropilin-2) activates the transport pathway. This trans-tissue pathway, dubbed the C-end Rule (CendR) pathway, mediates the extravasation transport through extravascular tumor tissue of payloads ranging from small molecule drugs to nanoparticles. The CendR technology provides a solution to a major problem in tumor therapy, poor penetration of drugs into tumors. Targeted delivery with tumor-penetrating peptides has been shown to specifically increase the accumulation of drugs, antibodies and nanotherapeutics in experimental tumors in vivo, and in human tumors ex vivo. Remarkably the payload does not have to be coupled to the peptide; the peptide activates a bulk transport system that sweeps along a drug present in the blood. Treatment studies in mice have shown improved anti-tumor efficacy and less damage to normal tissues with drugs ranging from traditional chemotherapeutics to antibodies, and to nanoparticle drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkki Ruoslahti
- Cancer Research Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
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15
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Roveri M, Bernasconi M, Leroux JC, Luciani P. Peptides for tumor-specific drug targeting: state of the art and beyond. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:4348-4364. [DOI: 10.1039/c7tb00318h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This review outlines the most recent advances in peptide-mediated tumor-targeting and gives insight into the direction of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Roveri
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- ETH Zurich
- 8093 Zurich
- Switzerland
- Experimental Infectious Diseases and Cancer Research
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Experimental Infectious Diseases and Cancer Research
- Children's Research Center
- University Children's Hospital Zurich
- 8032 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | | | - Paola Luciani
- Institute of Pharmacy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
- Friedrich Schiller University
- 07743 Jena
- Germany
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16
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Jaaks P, D’Alessandro V, Grob N, Büel S, Hajdin K, Schäfer BW, Bernasconi M. The Proprotein Convertase Furin Contributes to Rhabdomyosarcoma Malignancy by Promoting Vascularization, Migration and Invasion. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161396. [PMID: 27548722 PMCID: PMC4993484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The proprotein convertase (PC) furin cleaves precursor proteins, an important step in the activation of many cancer-associated proteins. Substrates of furin and furin-like PCs play a role in proliferation, metastasis and invasion. Some of them are involved in the progression of the pediatric soft tissue sarcoma rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). In this study, we show that PCs, and in particular furin, are expressed in RMS cell lines. To investigate the functional role of furin, we generated RMS cell lines with modulated furin activity. Silencing or stable inhibition of furin delayed tumor growth in Rh30 and RD xenografts in vivo, and was correlated with lower microvessel density. Reduced furin activity also decreased migration and invasion abilities in vitro, and inhibition of furin in RMS cells diminished processing of IGF1R, VEGF-C, PDGF-B and MT1-MMP, leading to lower levels of mature proteins. Furthermore, we found that furin activity is required for proper IGF signaling in RMS cells, as furin silencing resulted in reduced phosphorylation of Akt upon IGF1 stimulation. Taken together, our results suggest that furin plays an important role in the malignant phenotype of RMS cells by activating proteins involved in tumor growth and vascularization, metastasis and invasion.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement
- Furin/antagonists & inhibitors
- Furin/genetics
- Furin/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/genetics
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 14/genetics
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 14/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Phosphorylation
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptor, IGF Type 1
- Receptors, Somatomedin/genetics
- Receptors, Somatomedin/metabolism
- Rhabdomyosarcoma/genetics
- Rhabdomyosarcoma/metabolism
- Rhabdomyosarcoma/pathology
- Signal Transduction
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/metabolism
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathology
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C/genetics
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Jaaks
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valentina D’Alessandro
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Grob
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sina Büel
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katarina Hajdin
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat W. Schäfer
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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17
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Selection of High-Affinity Peptidic Serine Protease Inhibitors with Increased Binding Entropy from a Back-Flip Library of Peptide-Protease Fusions. J Mol Biol 2015; 427:3110-22. [PMID: 26281711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a new concept for designing peptidic protein modulators, by recombinantly fusing the peptidic modulator, with randomized residues, directly to the target protein via a linker and screening for internal modulation of the activity of the protein. We tested the feasibility of the concept by fusing a 10-residue-long, disulfide-bond-constrained inhibitory peptide, randomized in selected positions, to the catalytic domain of the serine protease murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator. High-affinity inhibitory peptide variants were identified as those that conferred to the fusion protease the lowest activity for substrate hydrolysis. The usefulness of the strategy was demonstrated by the selection of peptidic inhibitors of murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator with a low nanomolar affinity. The high affinity could not have been predicted by rational considerations, as the high affinity was associated with a loss of polar interactions and an increased binding entropy.
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18
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Distinctive binding modes and inhibitory mechanisms of two peptidic inhibitors of urokinase-type plasminogen activator with isomeric P1 residues. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 62:88-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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19
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Zhao B, Xu P, Jiang L, Paaske B, Kromann-Hansen T, Jensen JK, Sørensen HP, Liu Z, Nielsen JT, Christensen A, Hosseini M, Sørensen KK, Nielsen NC, Jensen KJ, Huang M, Andreasen PA. A cyclic peptidic serine protease inhibitor: increasing affinity by increasing peptide flexibility. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115872. [PMID: 25545505 PMCID: PMC4278837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are attracting increasing interest as protease inhibitors. Here, we demonstrate a new inhibitory mechanism and a new type of exosite interactions for a phage-displayed peptide library-derived competitive inhibitor, mupain-1 (CPAYSRYLDC), of the serine protease murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). We used X-ray crystal structure analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, liquid state NMR, surface plasmon resonance analysis, and isothermal titration calorimetry and wild type and engineered variants of murine and human uPA. We demonstrate that Arg6 inserts into the S1 specificity pocket, its carbonyl group aligning improperly relative to Ser195 and the oxyanion hole, explaining why the peptide is an inhibitor rather than a substrate. Substitution of the P1 Arg with novel unnatural Arg analogues with aliphatic or aromatic ring structures led to an increased affinity, depending on changes in both P1 - S1 and exosite interactions. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that exosite interactions, while still supporting high affinity binding, differed substantially between different uPA variants. Surprisingly, high affinity binding was facilitated by Ala-substitution of Asp9 of the peptide, in spite of a less favorable binding entropy and loss of a polar interaction. We conclude that increased flexibility of the peptide allows more favorable exosite interactions, which, in combination with the use of novel Arg analogues as P1 residues, can be used to manipulate the affinity and specificity of this peptidic inhibitor, a concept different from conventional attempts at improving inhibitor affinity by reducing the entropic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Zhao
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Longguang Jiang
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, China
| | - Berit Paaske
- Nanoscience Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tobias Kromann-Hansen
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jan K. Jensen
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hans Peter Sørensen
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jakob T. Nielsen
- Nanoscience Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anni Christensen
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Masood Hosseini
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper K. Sørensen
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Knud J. Jensen
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mingdong Huang
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peter A. Andreasen
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, China
- Danish-Chinese Centre for Proteases and Cancer, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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20
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Lu Y, Sun W, Gu Z. Stimuli-responsive nanomaterials for therapeutic protein delivery. J Control Release 2014; 194:1-19. [PMID: 25151983 PMCID: PMC4330094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics have emerged as a significant role in treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases. The efficacy of protein therapeutics, however, is limited by their instability, immunogenicity and short half-life. In order to overcome these barriers, tremendous efforts have recently been made in developing controlled protein delivery systems. Stimuli-triggered release is an appealing and promising approach for protein delivery and has made protein delivery with both spatiotemporal- and dosage-controlled manners possible. This review surveys recent advances in controlled protein delivery of proteins or peptides using stimuli-responsive nanomaterials. Strategies utilizing both physiological and external stimuli are introduced and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Lu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Wujin Sun
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Zhen Gu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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21
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Gagnon H, Beauchemin S, Kwiatkowska A, Couture F, D'Anjou F, Levesque C, Dufour F, Desbiens AR, Vaillancourt R, Bernard S, Desjardins R, Malouin F, Dory YL, Day R. Optimization of furin inhibitors to protect against the activation of influenza hemagglutinin H5 and Shiga toxin. J Med Chem 2013; 57:29-41. [PMID: 24359257 DOI: 10.1021/jm400633d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertases (PCs) are crucial in the processing and entry of viral or bacterial protein precursors and confer increased infectivity of pathogens bearing a PC activation site, which results in increased symptom severity and lethality. Previously, we developed a nanomolar peptide inhibitor of PCs to prevent PC activation of infectious agents. Herein, we describe a peptidomimetic approach that increases the stability of this inhibitor for use in vivo to prevent systemic infections and cellular damage, such as that caused by influenza H5N1 and Shiga toxin. The addition of azaβ(3)-amino acids to both termini of the peptide successfully prevented influenza hemagglutinin 5 fusogenicity and Shiga toxin Vero toxicity in cell-based assays. The results from a cell-based model using stable shRNA-induced proprotein convertase knockdown indicate that only furin is the major proprotein convertase required for HA5 cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Gagnon
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke (IPS) and Département de Chirurgie/Urologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé (FMSS), Université de Sherbrooke , 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada
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22
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Abstract
The main benefit of natural peptides, peptide analogs and newly designed peptides as therapeutics, lies in their high selectivity and affinity, which are frequently in the nanomolar range. New drugs targeting protein–protein interactions often require larger interaction sites than small molecules can offer. Thus, many peptidic drugs are already applied in therapy at the current state. The next generation of peptide-based therapeutic agents is currently on its way from basic research to clinical studies and eventually to the pharmaceutical market. Development of more robust and long-lasting drugs owing to well-known and new stabilization strategies is yielding novel and continuously improving peptide drugs. The introduction of smart linkers that exhibit stability towards blood plasma but intracellular lability will lead to target-oriented activity, which might successfully decrease side effects. In this review, peptidic therapeutics on the market, in clinical studies and some of those in basic research are characterized. Stabilization strategies and intelligent linkers are discussed with respect to their use in peptide drug therapy.
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23
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Ruoslahti E. Peptides as targeting elements and tissue penetration devices for nanoparticles. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2012; 24:3747-56. [PMID: 22550056 PMCID: PMC3947925 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201200454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of nanoparticles in medicine (nanomedicine) has recently become an intensely studied field. Nanoparticles carrying drugs and imaging agents have already reached the clinic, but they are essentially passive delivery vehicles, not what are referred to as "smart" nanoparticles. An important function to add to make nanoparticles smarter is active homing to the target tissue. It makes nanoparticles accumulate in the target tissue at higher concentrations than would be the case without this feature, increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects. This review discusses the recent developments in the nanoparticle targeting field with emphasis on peptides that home to vascular "zip codes" in target tissues and provide a tissue- and cell-penetrating function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkki Ruoslahti
- Center for Nanomedicine, UCSB, Biology II Bldg., University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9610, USA.
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24
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Tian S, Huajun W, Wu J. Computational prediction of furin cleavage sites by a hybrid method and understanding mechanism underlying diseases. Sci Rep 2012; 2:261. [PMID: 22355773 PMCID: PMC3281273 DOI: 10.1038/srep00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Furin cleaves diverse types of protein precursors in the secretory pathway. The substrates
for furin cleavage possess a specific 20-residue recognition sequence motif. In this report,
based on the functional characterisation of the 20-residue sequence motif, we developed a
furin cleavage site prediction tool, PiTou, using a hybrid method composed of a hidden
Markov model and biological knowledge-based cumulative probability score functions. PiTou
can accurately predict the presence and location of furin cleavage sites in protein
sequences with high sensitivity (96.9%) and high specificity (97.3%). PiTou's prediction
scores are biological meaningful and reflect binding strength and solvent accessibility of
furin substrates. A prediction result is interpreted within cellular contexts: subcellular
localisation, cellular function and interference by other dynamic protein modifications.
Combining next-generation sequencing, PiTou can help with elucidating the molecular
mechanism of furin cleavage-associated human diseases. PiTou has been made freely available
at the associated website.
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25
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Arsenault D, Lucien F, Dubois CM. Hypoxia enhances cancer cell invasion through relocalization of the proprotein convertase furin from the trans-Golgi network to the cell surface. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:789-800. [PMID: 21503879 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia is strongly associated with malignant progression such as increased cell invasion and metastasis. Although the invasion-related genes affected by hypoxia have been well described, the contribution of post-transcriptional mechanisms such as protein trafficking and proprotein processing associated with the hypoxic response remains poorly understood. The proprotein convertase furin, the major processing enzyme of the secretory pathway, resides in the trans-Golgi network and most studies support a model where endogenous substrates are processed by furin within this compartment. Here, we report that hypoxia triggered an unexpected relocalization of furin from the trans-Golgi network to endosomomal compartments and the cell surface in cancer cells. Exposing these cells back to normoxic conditions reversed furin redistribution, suggesting that the tumor microenvironment modulates furin trafficking in a highly regulated manner. Assessment of the mechanisms involved revealed that both Rab4GTPase-dependent recycling and interaction of furin with the cytoskeletal anchoring protein, filamin-A, are essential for the cell surface relocalization of furin. Interference with the association of furin with filamin-A, prevented cell surface relocalization of furin and abolished the ability of cancer cells to migrate in response to hypoxia. Our observations support the notion that hypoxia promotes the formation of a peripheral processing compartment where furin translocates for enhanced processing of proproteins involved in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Arsenault
- Immunology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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26
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Couture F, D'Anjou F, Day R. On the cutting edge of proprotein convertase pharmacology: from molecular concepts to clinical applications. Biomol Concepts 2011; 2:421-438. [PMID: 22308173 DOI: 10.1515/bmc.2011.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in the therapeutic targeting of proteases for the treatment of important diseases. Additionally new protein-based therapeutic strategies have the potential to widen the available treatments against these pathologies. In the last decade, accumulated evidence has confirmed that the family of proteases known as proprotein convertases (PCs) are potential targets for viral infections, osteoarthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease, among others. Nevertheless, there are still many unanswered questions about the relevance of targeting PCs in a therapeutic context, especially regarding the anticipated secondary effects of treatment, considering the observed embryonic lethality of some PC knockout mice. In this review, the benefits of PCs as pharmacological targets will be discussed, with focus on concepts and strategies, as well as on the state of advancement of actual and future inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Couture
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
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27
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Hosseini M, Jiang L, Sørensen HP, Jensen JK, Christensen A, Fogh S, Yuan C, Andersen LM, Huang M, Andreasen PA, Jensen KJ. Elucidation of the Contribution of Active Site and Exosite Interactions to Affinity and Specificity of Peptidylic Serine Protease Inhibitors Using Non-Natural Arginine Analogs. Mol Pharmacol 2011; 80:585-97. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.072280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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28
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FurinDB: A database of 20-residue furin cleavage site motifs, substrates and their associated drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:1060-5. [PMID: 21541042 PMCID: PMC3083689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12021060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
FurinDB (freely available online at http://www.nuolan.net/substrates.html) is a database of furin substrates. This database includes experimentally verified furin cleavage sites, substrates, species, experimental methods, original publications of experiments and associated drugs targeting furin substrates. The current database release contains 126 furin cleavage sites from three species: mammals, bacteria and viruses. A main feature of this database is that all furin cleavage sites are recorded as a 20-residue motif, including one core region (eight amino acids, P6–P2′) and two flanking solvent accessible regions (eight amino acids, P7–P14, and four amino acids, P3′–P6′), that represent our current understanding of the molecular biology of furin cleavage. This database is important for understanding the molecular evolution and relationships between sequence motifs, 3D structures, cellular functions and physical properties required by furin for cleavage, and for elucidating the molecular mechanisms and the progression of furin cleavage associated human diseases, including pathogenic infections, neurological disorders, tumorigenesis, tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. FurinDB database will be a solid addition to the publicly available infrastructure for scientists in the field of molecular biology.
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