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Ray E, Jadhav K, Kadian M, Sharma G, Sharma K, Jhilta A, Singh R, Kumar A, Verma RK. Targeted delivery of the metastasis-specific tumour homing TMTP1 peptide to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using inhalable hybrid nano-assemblies. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:9740-9759. [PMID: 39229638 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00694a] [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: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most fatal malignancies, with the highest death rate (∼19%), and the NSCLC type accounts for ∼85% of lung cancers. In the search for new treatments, antimicrobial peptides have received much attention due to their propensity for selective destruction of cancer cells. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of the metastasis-specific tumour-homing-TMTP1 peptide against lung cancer using inhalable hybrid nano-assemblies of the PEG-PLGA copolymer as a carrier for pulmonary delivery which was assessed for aerodynamic and physicochemical properties, along with the peptide-release profile, physical stability, cellular uptake and biocompatibility, generation of reactive oxygen species, cell migration, autophagic flux, and apoptotic cell death in A549 lung cancer cells. Optimization of inhaled dose, lung retention, and efficacy studies was conducted to evaluate the formulation in an NNK (nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone) induced tumour-bearing lung cancer murine model. After inhalation, the formulation with nano-scale physiognomies showed good lung deposition, retention, and metabolic stability. The inhalable nano-assemblies have shown enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species with increased autophagy flux and apoptotic cell death. Pre-clinical animal trials show substantial tumour regression by inhalable TMTP1-based nano-formulation with limited side effects. Our results on metastasis targeting and tumour-homing peptide TMTP1 demonstrate its effective tumour targeting and tumour-killing efficacy and provide a reference for the development of new therapeutics for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eupa Ray
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India.
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Krishna Jadhav
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India.
| | - Monika Kadian
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Garima Sharma
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kritika Sharma
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Agrim Jhilta
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India.
| | - Raghuraj Singh
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India.
| | - Anil Kumar
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rahul Kumar Verma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India.
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2
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Lakshmaiah Narayana J, Mechesso AF, Rather IIG, Zarena D, Luo J, Xie J, Wang G. Origami of KR-12 Designed Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Potential Applications. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:816. [PMID: 39334990 PMCID: PMC11429261 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13090816] [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: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This review describes the discovery, structure, activity, engineered constructs, and applications of KR-12, the smallest antibacterial peptide of human cathelicidin LL-37, the production of which can be induced under sunlight or by vitamin D. It is a moonlighting peptide that shows both antimicrobial and immune-regulatory effects. Compared to LL-37, KR-12 is extremely appealing due to its small size, lack of toxicity, and narrow-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Consequently, various KR-12 peptides have been engineered to tune peptide activity and stability via amino acid substitution, end capping, hybridization, conjugation, sidechain stapling, and backbone macrocyclization. We also mention recently discovered peptides KR-8 and RIK-10 that are shorter than KR-12. Nano-formulation provides an avenue to targeted delivery, controlled release, and increased bioavailability. In addition, KR-12 has been covalently immobilized on biomaterials/medical implants to prevent biofilm formation. These constructs with enhanced potency and stability are demonstrated to eradicate drug-resistant pathogens, disrupt preformed biofilms, neutralize endotoxins, and regulate host immune responses. Also highlighted are the safety and efficacy of these peptides in various topical and systemic animal models. Finaly, we summarize the achievements and discuss future developments of KR-12 peptides as cosmetic preservatives, novel antibiotics, anti-inflammatory peptides, and microbiota-restoring agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore 560078, India
| | - Abraham Fikru Mechesso
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Imran Ibni Gani Rather
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - D Zarena
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- College of Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Anantapur 515002, India
| | - Jinghui Luo
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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3
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Pennone V, Angelini E, Sarlah D, Lovati AB. Antimicrobial Properties and Cytotoxicity of LL-37-Derived Synthetic Peptides to Treat Orthopedic Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:764. [PMID: 39200064 PMCID: PMC11350787 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13080764] [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: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Open fractures and prosthetic joints are prone to bacterial infections, especially those involving biofilms, and are worsened by antibiotic inefficacy and resistance. This highlights the need for targeted treatments against orthopedic infections. LL-37, a human cathelicidin, is known for its antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate LL-37-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for antibacterial efficacy and toxicity. Several truncated LL-37 analogues were created and tested against 18 bacterial strains, both ATCC and orthopedic clinical isolates, using MIC and MBC assays. Synergy with antibiotics and resistance development were also analyzed, alongside cytotoxicity on NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and hemolytic activity assessments. Six AMPs were synthesized, with FK-16 and GF-17 emerging as the most effective. The MIC values ranged from 4.69 to 18.75 µg/mL and 2.34 to 18.75 µg/mL, respectively, against S. epidermidis and S. aureus, with the MBC values matching the MIC values. Cytotoxicity tests showed no toxicity at concentrations below 75 µg/mL for GF-17 and 150 µg/mL for FK-16. Hemolytic activity was below 1% at 18.75 µg/mL for GF-17 and 75 µg/mL for FK-16. These AMPs showed no synergistic effects with antibiotics and no resistance development. FK-16 and GF-17 effectively removed biofilms, particularly against S. epidermidis. Incorporating these AMPs into surgical materials (hydrogels, cements, etc.) could enhance infection control in orthopedic procedures, warranting further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Pennone
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Elisa Angelini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.A.); (D.S.)
| | - David Sarlah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.A.); (D.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Arianna B. Lovati
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157 Milan, Italy;
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4
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Fandiño-Devia E, Brankiewicz A, Santa-González GA, Guevara-Lora I, Manrique-Moreno M. Comparative Study of the Potential Cell-Penetrating Peptide ∆M4 on Apoptosis Cell Signaling in A375 and A431 Cancer Cell Lines. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:775. [PMID: 38931896 PMCID: PMC11207241 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060775] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent yearsjajajj, peptide-based therapeutics have attracted increasing interest as a potential approach to cancer treatment. Peptides are characterized by high specificity and low cytotoxicity, but they cannot be considered universal drugs for all types of cancer. Of the numerous anticancer-reported peptides, both natural and synthetic, only a few have reached clinical applications. However, in most cases, the mechanism behind the anticancer activity of the peptide is not fully understood. For this reason, in this work, we investigated the effect of the novel peptide ∆M4, which has documented anticancer activity, on two human skin cancer cell lines. A novel approach to studying the potential induction of apoptosis by anticancer peptides is the use of protein microarrays. The results of the apoptosis protein study demonstrated that both cell types, skin malignant melanoma (A375) and epidermoid carcinoma (A431), exhibited markers associated with apoptosis and cellular response to oxidative stress. Additionally, ∆M4 induced concentration- and time-dependent moderate ROS production, triggering a defensive response from the cells, which showed decreased activation of cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase. However, the studied cells exhibited a differential response in catalase activity, with A375 cells showing greater resistance to the peptide action, possibly mediated by the Nrf2 pathway. Nevertheless, both cell types showed moderate activity of caspases 3/7, suggesting that they may undergo partial apoptosis, although another pathway of programmed death cannot be excluded. Extended analysis of the mechanisms of action of anticancer peptides may help determine their effectiveness in overcoming chemoresistance in cancerous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Fandiño-Devia
- Group of Structural Biochemistry of Macromolecules, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin 050010, Colombia;
| | - Aleksandra Brankiewicz
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Gloria A. Santa-González
- Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Aplicadas, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, A.A. 54959, Medellin 050010, Colombia;
| | - Ibeth Guevara-Lora
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Group of Structural Biochemistry of Macromolecules, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin 050010, Colombia;
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Sun X, Liu Y, Ma T, Zhu N, Lao X, Zheng H. DCTPep, the data of cancer therapy peptides. Sci Data 2024; 11:541. [PMID: 38796630 PMCID: PMC11128002 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
With the discovery of the therapeutic activity of peptides, they have emerged as a promising class of anti-cancer agents due to their specific targeting, low toxicity, and potential for high selectivity. In particular, as peptide-drug conjugates enter clinical, the coupling of targeted peptides with traditional chemotherapy drugs or cytotoxic agents will become a new direction in cancer treatment. To facilitate the drug development of cancer therapy peptides, we have constructed DCTPep, a novel, open, and comprehensive database for cancer therapy peptides. In addition to traditional anticancer peptides (ACPs), the peptide library also includes peptides related to cancer therapy. These data were collected manually from published research articles, patents, and other protein or peptide databases. Data on drug library include clinically investigated and/or approved peptide drugs related to cancer therapy, which mainly come from the portal websites of drug regulatory authorities and organisations in different countries and regions. DCTPep has a total of 6214 entries, we believe that DCTPep will contribute to the design and screening of future cancer therapy peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yanchao Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Tianyue Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Ning Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China.
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China.
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6
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Qu B, Yuan J, Liu X, Zhang S, Ma X, Lu L. Anticancer activities of natural antimicrobial peptides from animals. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1321386. [PMID: 38298540 PMCID: PMC10827920 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1321386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the most common cause of human death worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health and having a negative impact on the economy. In the past few decades, significant progress has been made in anticancer therapies, but traditional anticancer therapies, including radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have serious side effects, low specificity, and the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new treatment methods to improve efficacy and reduce side effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exist in the innate immune system of various organisms. As the most promising alternatives to traditional drugs for treating cancers, some AMPs also have been proven to possess anticancer activities, which are defined as anticancer peptides (ACPs). These peptides have the advantages of being able to specifically target cancer cells and have less toxicity to normal tissues. More and more studies have found that marine and terrestrial animals contain a large amount of ACPs. In this article, we introduced the animal derived AMPs with anti-cancer activity, and summarized the types of tumor cells inhibited by ACPs, the mechanisms by which they exert anti-tumor effects and clinical applications of ACPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Qu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Jiangshui Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Xueli Liu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
- Medical Ethics Committee Office, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- College of Life and Geographic Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecology of Pamirs Plateau in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kashi University, Kashi, China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuezhen Ma
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Linlin Lu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
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7
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Liu Q, Wang L, He D, Wu Y, Liu X, Yang Y, Chen Z, Dong Z, Luo Y, Song Y. Application Value of Antimicrobial Peptides in Gastrointestinal Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16718. [PMID: 38069041 PMCID: PMC10706433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer is a common clinical malignant tumor disease that seriously endangers human health and lacks effective treatment methods. As part of the innate immune defense of many organisms, antimicrobial peptides not only have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity but also can specifically kill tumor cells. The positive charge of antimicrobial peptides under neutral conditions determines their high selectivity to tumor cells. In addition, antimicrobial peptides also have unique anticancer mechanisms, such as inducing apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, membrane destruction, and inhibition of metastasis, which highlights the low drug resistance and high specificity of antimicrobial peptides. In this review, we summarize the related studies on antimicrobial peptides in the treatment of digestive tract tumors, mainly oral cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. This paper describes the therapeutic advantages of antimicrobial peptides due to their unique anticancer mechanisms. The length, net charge, and secondary structure of antimicrobial peptides can be modified by design or modification to further enhance their anticancer effects. In summary, as an emerging cancer treatment drug, antimicrobial peptides need to be further studied to realize their application in gastrointestinal cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Dongxia He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuewei Wu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xian Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yahan Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhizhi Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhan Dong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ying Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuzhu Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Medical College, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
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Alamdari-Palangi V, Jaberi KR, Shahverdi M, Naeimzadeh Y, Tajbakhsh A, Khajeh S, Razban V, Fallahi J. Recent advances and applications of peptide-agent conjugates for targeting tumor cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15249-15273. [PMID: 37581648 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05144-9] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer, being a complex disease, presents a major challenge for the scientific and medical communities. Peptide therapeutics have played a significant role in different medical practices, including cancer treatment. METHOD This review provides an overview of the current situation and potential development prospects of anticancer peptides (ACPs), with a particular focus on peptide vaccines and peptide-drug conjugates for cancer treatment. RESULTS ACPs can be used directly as cytotoxic agents (molecularly targeted peptides) or can act as carriers (guiding missile) of chemotherapeutic agents and radionuclides by specifically targeting cancer cells. More than 60 natural and synthetic cationic peptides are approved in the USA and other major markets for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Compared to traditional cancer treatments, peptides exhibit anticancer activity with high specificity and the ability to rapidly kill target cancer cells. ACP's target and kill cancer cells via different mechanisms, including membrane disruption, pore formation, induction of apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and regulation of the immune system. Modified peptides have been developed as carriers for drugs, vaccines, and peptide-drug conjugates, which have been evaluated in various phases of clinical trials for the treatment of different types of solid and leukemia cancer. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the potential of ACPs as a promising therapeutic option for cancer treatment, particularly through the use of peptide vaccines and peptide-drug conjugates. Despite the limitations of peptides, such as poor metabolic stability and low bioavailability, modified peptides show promise in addressing these challenges. Various mechanism of action of anticancer peptides. Modes of action against cancer cells including: inducing apoptosis by cytochrome c release, direct cell membrane lysis (necrosis), inhibiting angiogenesis, inducing autophagy-mediated cell death and immune cell regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahab Alamdari-Palangi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran
| | - Khojaste Rahimi Jaberi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahshid Shahverdi
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Yasaman Naeimzadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran
| | - Amir Tajbakhsh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sahar Khajeh
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Vahid Razban
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran.
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 7133654361, Iran.
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Mourenza A, Ganesan R, Camarero JA. Resistance is futile: targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria with de novo Cys-rich cyclic polypeptides. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:722-735. [PMID: 37799576 PMCID: PMC10549238 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00015j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for novel antimicrobial agents to combat microbial pathogens is intensifying in response to rapid drug resistance development to current antibiotic therapeutics. The use of disulfide-rich head-to-tail cyclized polypeptides as molecular frameworks for designing a new type of peptide antibiotics is gaining increasing attention among the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry. The use of macrocyclic peptides, further constrained by the presence of several disulfide bonds, makes these peptide frameworks remarkably more stable to thermal, biological, and chemical degradation showing better activities when compared to their linear analogs. Many of these novel peptide scaffolds have been shown to have a high tolerance to sequence variability in those residues not involved in disulfide bonds, able to cross biological membranes, and efficiently target complex biomolecular interactions. Hence, these unique properties make the use of these scaffolds ideal for many biotechnological applications, including the design of novel peptide antibiotics. This article provides an overview of the new developments in the use of several disulfide-rich cyclic polypeptides, including cyclotides, θ-defensins, and sunflower trypsin inhibitor peptides, among others, in the development of novel antimicrobial peptides against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Mourenza
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy Los Angeles CA90033 USA +1-(323) 442-1417
| | - Rajasekaran Ganesan
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy Los Angeles CA90033 USA +1-(323) 442-1417
| | - Julio A Camarero
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy Los Angeles CA90033 USA +1-(323) 442-1417
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Los Angeles CA90033 USA
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10
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Abd El-Aal AAA, Jayakumar FA, Lahiri C, Tan KO, Reginald K. Novel cationic cryptides in Penaeus vannamei demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14673. [PMID: 37673929 PMCID: PMC10482825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41581-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptides are a subfamily of bioactive peptides that exist in all living organisms. They are latently encrypted in their parent sequences and exhibit a wide range of biological activities when decrypted via in vivo or in vitro proteases. Cationic cryptides tend to be drawn to the negatively charged membranes of microbial and cancer cells, causing cell death through various mechanisms. This makes them promising candidates for alternative antimicrobial and anti-cancer therapies, as their mechanism of action is independent of gene mutations. In the current study, we employed an in silico approach to identify novel cationic cryptides with potential antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities in atypical and systematic strategy by reanalysis of a publicly available RNA-seq dataset of Pacific white shrimp (Penaus vannamei) in response to bacterial infection. Out of 12 cryptides identified, five were selected based on their net charges and potential for cell penetration. Following chemical synthesis, the cryptides were assayed in vitro to test for their biological activities. All five cryptides demonstrated a wide range of selective activity against the tested microbial and cancer cells, their anti-biofilm activities against mature biofilms, and their ability to interact with Gram-positive and negative bacterial membranes. Our research provides a framework for a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomes in various organisms to uncover novel bioactive cationic cryptides. This represents a significant step forward in combating the crisis of multi-drug-resistant microbial and cancer cells, as these cryptides neither induce mutations nor are influenced by mutations in the cells they target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Adel Ahmed Abd El-Aal
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Marine Microbiology Lab., National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Alexandria, 84511, Egypt
| | - Fairen Angelin Jayakumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chandrajit Lahiri
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biotechnology, Atmiya University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360005, India
| | - Kuan Onn Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kavita Reginald
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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11
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Deng Z, Gao Y, Nguyen T, Chai J, Wu J, Li J, Abdel-Rahman MA, Xu X, Chen X. The Potent Antitumor Activity of Smp43 against Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells via Inducing Membranolysis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050347. [PMID: 37235381 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050347] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has been conducted to investigate the potential application of scorpion venom-derived peptides in cancer therapy. Smp43, a cationic antimicrobial peptide from Scorpio maurus palmatus venom, has been found to exhibit suppressive activity against the proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines. However, its impact on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines has not been previously investigated. This study aimed to determine the cytotoxicity of Smp43 towards various NSCLC cell lines, particularly A549 cells with an IC50 value of 2.58 μM. The results indicated that Smp43 was internalized into A549 cells through membranolysis and endocytosis, which caused cytoskeleton disorganization, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and abnormal apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and autophagy due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, the study explored the in vivo protective effect of Smp43 in xenograft mice. The findings suggest that Smp43 has potential anticarcinoma properties exerted via the inducement of cellular processes related to cell membrane disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Deng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Yahua Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tienthanh Nguyen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiali Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | | | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
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12
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Sowers A, Wang G, Xing M, Li B. Advances in Antimicrobial Peptide Discovery via Machine Learning and Delivery via Nanotechnology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1129. [PMID: 37317103 PMCID: PMC10223199 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been investigated for their potential use as an alternative to antibiotics due to the increased demand for new antimicrobial agents. AMPs, widely found in nature and obtained from microorganisms, have a broad range of antimicrobial protection, allowing them to be applied in the treatment of infections caused by various pathogenic microorganisms. Since these peptides are primarily cationic, they prefer anionic bacterial membranes due to electrostatic interactions. However, the applications of AMPs are currently limited owing to their hemolytic activity, poor bioavailability, degradation from proteolytic enzymes, and high-cost production. To overcome these limitations, nanotechnology has been used to improve AMP bioavailability, permeation across barriers, and/or protection against degradation. In addition, machine learning has been investigated due to its time-saving and cost-effective algorithms to predict AMPs. There are numerous databases available to train machine learning models. In this review, we focus on nanotechnology approaches for AMP delivery and advances in AMP design via machine learning. The AMP sources, classification, structures, antimicrobial mechanisms, their role in diseases, peptide engineering technologies, currently available databases, and machine learning techniques used to predict AMPs with minimal toxicity are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Sowers
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Malcolm Xing
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Bingyun Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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13
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Vakili B, Jahanian-Najafabadi A. Application of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Design and Production of Anticancer Agents. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10501-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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14
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Tripathi AK, Vishwanatha JK. Role of Anti-Cancer Peptides as Immunomodulatory Agents: Potential and Design Strategy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122686. [PMID: 36559179 PMCID: PMC9781574 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The usage of peptide-based drugs to combat cancer is gaining significance in the pharmaceutical industry. The collateral damage caused to normal cells due to the use of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. has given an impetus to the search for alternative methods of cancer treatment. For a long time, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been shown to display anticancer activity. However, the immunomodulatory activity of anti-cancer peptides has not been researched very extensively. The interconnection of cancer and immune responses is well-known. Hence, a search and design of molecules that can show anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activity can be lead molecules in this field. A large number of anti-cancer peptides show good immunomodulatory activity by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory responses that assist cancer progression. Here, we thoroughly review both the naturally occurring and synthetic anti-cancer peptides that are reported to possess both anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activity. We also assess the structural and biophysical parameters that can be utilized to improve the activity. Both activities are mostly reported by different groups, however, we discuss them together to highlight their interconnection, which can be used in the future to design peptide drugs in the field of cancer therapeutics.
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15
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Nguyen T, Guo R, Chai J, Wu J, Liu J, Chen X, Abdel-Rahman MA, Xia H, Xu X. Smp24, a Scorpion-Venom Peptide, Exhibits Potent Antitumor Effects against Hepatoma HepG2 Cells via Multi-Mechanisms In Vivo and In Vitro. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14100717. [PMID: 36287985 PMCID: PMC9607800 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion-venom-derived peptides have become a promising anticancer agent due to their cytotoxicity against tumor cells via multiple mechanisms. The suppressive effect of the cationic antimicrobial peptide Smp24, which is derived from the venom of ScorpioMaurus palmatus, on the proliferation of the hepatoma cell line HepG2 has been reported earlier. However, its mode of action against HepG2 hepatoma cells remains unclear. In the current research, Smp24 was discovered to suppress the viability of HepG2 cells while having a minor effect on normal LO2 cells. Moreover, endocytosis and pore formation were demonstrated to be involved in the uptake of Smp24 into HepG2 cells, which subsequently interacted with the mitochondrial membrane and caused the decrease in its potential, cytoskeleton reorganization, ROS accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and alteration of apoptosis- and autophagy-related signaling pathways. The protecting activity of Smp24 in the HepG2 xenograft mice model was also demonstrated. Therefore, our data suggest that the antitumor effect of Smp24 is closely related to the induction of cell apoptosis, cycle arrest, and autophagy via cell membrane disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting a potential alternative in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tienthanh Nguyen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Junfang Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | | | - Hu Xia
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (X.X.); Tel.: +86-20-61648537 (X.X.)
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (X.X.); Tel.: +86-20-61648537 (X.X.)
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16
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Lu SY, Hua J, Liu J, Wei MY, Liang C, Meng QC, Zhang B, Yu XJ, Wang W, Xu J. Turning up the heat on non-immunoreactive tumors: autophagy influences the immune microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:218. [PMID: 36261830 PMCID: PMC9580150 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01371-0] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autophagy regulators play important roles in the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors and are involved in immune regulation and drug resistance. However, the modulatory roles and prognostic value of autophagy regulators in pancreatic cancer have not been identified. Methods Transcriptomic data and survival information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to construct a risk score model. Important clinical features were analyzed to generate a nomogram. In addition, we used various algorithms, including ssGSEA, CIBERSORT, XCELL, EPIC, TIMER, and QUANTISEQ, to evaluate the roles of autophagy regulators in the pancreatic cancer immune microenvironment. Furthermore, the mutation landscape was compared between different risk groups. Results Pan cancer analysis indicated that most of the autophagy regulators were upregulated in pancreatic cancer and were correlated with methylation and CNV level. MET, TSC1, and ITGA6 were identified as the prognostic autophagy regulators and used to construct a risk score model. Some critical clinical indicators, such as age, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T stage, AJCC N stage, alcohol and sex, were combined with the risk model to establish the nomogram, which may offer clinical guidance. In addition, our study demonstrated that the low score groups exhibited high immune activity and high abundances of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and NK cells. Patients with high risk scores exhibited lower half inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for paclitaxel and had downregulated expression profiles of PD1, CTLA4, and LAG3. Mutation investigation indicated that the high risk groups exhibited a higher mutation burden and higher mutation number compared to the low risk groups. additionally, we verified our risk stratification method using cytology and histology data from our center, and the results are satisfactory. Conclusion We speculated that autophagy regulators have large effects on the prognosis, immune landscape and drug sensitivity of pancreatic cancer. Our model, which combines critical autophagy regulators and clinical indicators, will provide guidance for clinical treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01371-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yuan Lu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao-Yan Wei
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing-Cai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian Jun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, No. 270 Dong'An Road, 200032, Shanghai, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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17
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The Strong Anti-Tumor Effect of Smp24 in Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells Depends on Its Induction of Mitochondrial Dysfunctions and ROS Accumulation. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090590. [PMID: 36136528 PMCID: PMC9502404 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of death in lung cancer due to its aggressiveness and rapid migration. The potent antitumor effect of Smp24, an antimicrobial peptide derived from Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus via damaging the membrane and cytoskeleton have been reported earlier. However, its effects on mitochondrial functions and ROS accumulation in human lung cancer cells remain unknown. In the current study, we discovered that Smp24 can interact with the cell membrane and be internalized into A549 cells via endocytosis, followed by targeting mitochondria and affect mitochondrial function, which significantly causes ROS overproduction, altering mitochondrial membrane potential and the expression of cell cycle distribution-related proteins, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, MAPK, as well as PI3K/Akt/mTOR/FAK signaling pathways. In summary, the antitumor effect of Smp24 against A549 cells is related to the induction of apoptosis, autophagy plus cell cycle arrest via mitochondrial dysfunction, and ROS accumulation. Accordingly, our findings shed light on the anticancer mechanism of Smp24, which may contribute to its further development as a potential agent in the treatment of lung cancer cells.
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18
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Lu F, Zhu Y, Zhang G, Liu Z. Renovation as innovation: Repurposing human antibacterial peptide LL-37 for cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:944147. [PMID: 36081952 PMCID: PMC9445486 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.944147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In many organisms, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) display wide activities in innate host defense against microbial pathogens. Mammalian AMPs include the cathelicidin and defensin families. LL37 is the only one member of the cathelicidin family of host defense peptides expressed in humans. Since its discovery, it has become clear that they have pleiotropic effects. In addition to its antibacterial properties, many studies have shown that LL37 is also involved in a wide variety of biological activities, including tissue repair, inflammatory responses, hemotaxis, and chemokine induction. Moreover, recent studies suggest that LL37 exhibits the intricate and contradictory effects in promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. Indeed, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that human LL37 including its fragments and analogs shows anticancer effects on many kinds of cancer cell lines, although LL37 is also involved in cancer progression. Focusing on recent information, in this review, we explore and summarize how LL37 contributes to anticancer effect as well as discuss the strategies to enhance delivery of this peptide and selectivity for cancer cells.
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19
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Zhang Z, Chen WQ, Zhang SQ, Bai JX, Lau CL, Sze SCW, Yung KKL, Ko JKS. The human cathelicidin peptide LL-37 inhibits pancreatic cancer growth by suppressing autophagy and reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906625. [PMID: 35935871 PMCID: PMC9355328 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is amongst the most lethal malignancies, while its poor prognosis could be associated with promotion of autophagy and the tumor immune microenvironment. Studies have confirmed the pro-tumorigenic nature of the cathelicidin family of peptide LL-37 in several types of cancer. However, at higher doses, LL-37 exerts significant cytotoxicity against gastrointestinal cancer cells. In our study, we investigated the anti-tumorigenic potential of LL-37 in pancreatic cancer and the underlying mechanisms. Our results have shown that LL-37 inhibited the growth of pancreatic cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies have demonstrated that LL-37 induced DNA damage and cell cycle arrest through induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further study indicates that LL-37 suppressed autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells through activation of mTOR signaling, leading to more accumulation of ROS production and induction of mitochondrial dysfunctions. With combined treatment of LL-37 with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, LL-37-induced ROS production and cancer cell growth inhibition were attenuated. Subsequent in vivo study has shown that LL-37 downregulated the immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells and M2 macrophages while upregulated the anti-cancer effectors CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. By using an in vitro co-culture system, it was shown that promotion of M2 macrophage polarization would be suppressed by LL-37 with inhibition of autophagy, which possessed significant negative impact on cancer growth. Taken together, our findings implicate that LL-37 could attenuate the development of pancreatic cancer by suppressing autophagy and reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Zhang
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Golden Meditech Centre for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wen-Qing Chen
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shi-Qing Zhang
- Golden Meditech Centre for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Bai
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ching-Lam Lau
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephen Cho-Wing Sze
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Golden Meditech Centre for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ken Kin-Lam Yung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Golden Meditech Centre for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Ken Kin-Lam Yung, ; Joshua Ka-Shun Ko,
| | - Joshua Ka-Shun Ko
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Ken Kin-Lam Yung, ; Joshua Ka-Shun Ko,
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20
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Wollny T, Wnorowska U, Piktel E, Suprewicz Ł, Król G, Głuszek K, Góźdź S, Kopczyński J, Bucki R. Sphingosine-1-Phosphate-Triggered Expression of Cathelicidin LL-37 Promotes the Growth of Human Bladder Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7443. [PMID: 35806446 PMCID: PMC9267432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been proven that tumour growth and progression are regulated by a variety of mediators released during the inflammatory process preceding the tumour appearance, but the role of inflammation in the development of bladder cancer is ambiguous. This study was designed around the hypothesis that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), as a regulator of several cellular processes important in both inflammation and cancer development, may exert some of the pro-tumorigenic effects indirectly due to its ability to regulate the expression of human cathelicidin (hCAP-18). LL-37 peptide released from hCAP-18 is involved in the development of various types of cancer in humans, especially those associated with infections. Using immunohistological staining, we showed high expression of hCAP-18/LL-37 and sphingosine kinase 1 (the enzyme that forms S1P from sphingosine) in human bladder cancer cells. In a cell culture model, S1P was able to stimulate the expression and release of hCAP-18/LL-37 from human bladder cells, and the addition of LL-37 peptide dose-dependently increased their proliferation. Additionally, the effect of S1P on LL-37 release was inhibited in the presence of FTY720P, a synthetic immunosuppressant that blocks S1P receptors. Together, this study presents the possibility of paracrine relation in which LL-37 production following cell stimulation by S1P promotes the development and growth of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Wollny
- Holy Cross Oncology Center of Kielce, Artwińskiego 3, 25-734 Kielce, Poland; (T.W.); (K.G.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Urszula Wnorowska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (U.W.); (Ł.S.)
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2B, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Suprewicz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (U.W.); (Ł.S.)
| | - Grzegorz Król
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Głuszek
- Holy Cross Oncology Center of Kielce, Artwińskiego 3, 25-734 Kielce, Poland; (T.W.); (K.G.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Stanisław Góźdź
- Holy Cross Oncology Center of Kielce, Artwińskiego 3, 25-734 Kielce, Poland; (T.W.); (K.G.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Janusz Kopczyński
- Holy Cross Oncology Center of Kielce, Artwińskiego 3, 25-734 Kielce, Poland; (T.W.); (K.G.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (U.W.); (Ł.S.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland;
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21
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Ting DSJ, Mohammed I, Lakshminarayanan R, Beuerman RW, Dua HS. Host Defense Peptides at the Ocular Surface: Roles in Health and Major Diseases, and Therapeutic Potentials. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:835843. [PMID: 35783647 PMCID: PMC9243558 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.835843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sight is arguably the most important sense in human. Being constantly exposed to the environmental stress, irritants and pathogens, the ocular surface – a specialized functional and anatomical unit composed of tear film, conjunctival and corneal epithelium, lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and nasolacrimal drainage apparatus – serves as a crucial front-line defense of the eye. Host defense peptides (HDPs), also known as antimicrobial peptides, are evolutionarily conserved molecular components of innate immunity that are found in all classes of life. Since the first discovery of lysozyme in 1922, a wide range of HDPs have been identified at the ocular surface. In addition to their antimicrobial activity, HDPs are increasingly recognized for their wide array of biological functions, including anti-biofilm, immunomodulation, wound healing, and anti-cancer properties. In this review, we provide an updated review on: (1) spectrum and expression of HDPs at the ocular surface; (2) participation of HDPs in ocular surface diseases/conditions such as infectious keratitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye disease, keratoconus, allergic eye disease, rosacea keratitis, and post-ocular surgery; (3) HDPs that are currently in the development pipeline for treatment of ocular diseases and infections; and (4) future potential of HDP-based clinical pharmacotherapy for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Shu Jeng Ting
- Academic Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Darren Shu Jeng Ting
| | - Imran Mohammed
- Academic Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Roger W. Beuerman
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Harminder S. Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Valenti GE, Alfei S, Caviglia D, Domenicotti C, Marengo B. Antimicrobial Peptides and Cationic Nanoparticles: A Broad-Spectrum Weapon to Fight Multi-Drug Resistance Not Only in Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116108. [PMID: 35682787 PMCID: PMC9181033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, antibiotic resistance and, analogously, anticancer drug resistance have increased considerably, becoming one of the main public health problems. For this reason, it is crucial to find therapeutic strategies able to counteract the onset of multi-drug resistance (MDR). In this review, a critical overview of the innovative tools available today to fight MDR is reported. In this direction, the use of membrane-disruptive peptides/peptidomimetics (MDPs), such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), has received particular attention, due to their high selectivity and to their limited side effects. Moreover, similarities between bacteria and cancer cells are herein reported and the hypothesis of the possible use of AMPs also in anticancer therapies is discussed. However, it is important to take into account the limitations that could negatively impact clinical application and, in particular, the need for an efficient delivery system. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is proposed as a potential strategy to improve therapy; moreover, among polymeric NPs, cationic ones are emerging as promising tools able to fight the onset of MDR both in bacteria and in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia E. Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Debora Caviglia
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-353-8830
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
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Chen CH, Liu Y, Eskandari A, Ghimire J, Lin LC, Fang Z, Wimley WC, Ulmschneider JP, Suntharalingam K, Hu CJ, Ulmschneider MB. Integrated Design of a Membrane-Lytic Peptide-Based Intravenous Nanotherapeutic Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105506. [PMID: 35246961 PMCID: PMC9069370 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-lytic peptides offer broad synthetic flexibilities and design potential to the arsenal of anticancer therapeutics, which can be limited by cytotoxicity to noncancerous cells and induction of drug resistance via stress-induced mutagenesis. Despite continued research efforts on membrane-perforating peptides for antimicrobial applications, success in anticancer peptide therapeutics remains elusive given the muted distinction between cancerous and normal cell membranes and the challenge of peptide degradation and neutralization upon intravenous delivery. Using triple-negative breast cancer as a model, the authors report the development of a new class of anticancer peptides. Through function-conserving mutations, the authors achieved cancer cell selective membrane perforation, with leads exhibiting a 200-fold selectivity over non-cancerogenic cells and superior cytotoxicity over doxorubicin against breast cancer tumorspheres. Upon continuous exposure to the anticancer peptides at growth-arresting concentrations, cancer cells do not exhibit resistance phenotype, frequently observed under chemotherapeutic treatment. The authors further demonstrate efficient encapsulation of the anticancer peptides in 20 nm polymeric nanocarriers, which possess high tolerability and lead to effective tumor growth inhibition in a mouse model of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer. This work demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach for enabling translationally relevant membrane-lytic peptides in oncology, opening up a vast chemical repertoire to the arms race against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles H. Chen
- Department of ChemistryKing's College LondonLondonSE1 1DBUK
- Synthetic Biology GroupResearch Laboratory of ElectronicsMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Yu‐Han Liu
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesAcademia SinicaTaipei115Taiwan
| | | | - Jenisha Ghimire
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLA70112USA
| | | | - Zih‐Syun Fang
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesAcademia SinicaTaipei115Taiwan
| | - William C. Wimley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLA70112USA
| | - Jakob P. Ulmschneider
- Department of PhysicsInstitute of Natural SciencesShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240China
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Anticancer activity of chicken cathelicidin peptides against different types of cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4321-4339. [PMID: 35449320 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07267-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study served as the pioneer in studying the anti-cancer role of chicken cathelicidin peptides. METHODS AND RESULTS Chicken cathelicidins were used as anticancer agent against the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and human colon cancer cell line (HCT116). In addition, the mechanism of action of the interaction of cationic peptides with breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was also investigated. An in vivo investigation was also achieved to evaluate the role of chicken cathelicidin in Ehrlich ascites cell (EAC) suppression as a tumor model after subcutaneous implantation in mice. It was found during the study that exposure of cell lines to 40 µg/ml of chicken cathelicidin for 72 h reduced cell lines growth rate by 90-95%. These peptides demonstrated down-regulation of (cyclin A1 and cyclin D genes) of MCF-7 cells. The study showed that two- and three-fold expression of both of caspase-3 and - 7 genes in untreated MCF-7 cells compared to treated MCF-7 cells with chicken cathelicidin peptides. Our data showed that chicken (CATH-1) enhance releasing of TNFα, INF-γ and upregulation of granzyme K in treated mice groups, in parallel, the tumor size and volume was reduced in the treated EAC-bearing groups. Tumor of mice groups treated with chicken cathelicidin displayed high area of necrosis compared to untreated EAC-bearing mice. Based on histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining revealed that the tumor section in Ehrlich solid tumor exhibited a strong Bcl2 expression in untreated control compared to mice treated with 10 & 20 µg of cathelicidin. Interestingly, low expression of Bcl2 were observed in mice taken 40 µg/mL of CATH-1. CONCLUSIONS This study drive intention in treatment of cancer through the efficacy of anticancer efficacy of chicken cathelicidin peptides.
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25
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Jafari A, Babajani A, Sarrami Forooshani R, Yazdani M, Rezaei-Tavirani M. Clinical Applications and Anticancer Effects of Antimicrobial Peptides: From Bench to Bedside. Front Oncol 2022; 12:819563. [PMID: 35280755 PMCID: PMC8904739 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.819563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted global health issue and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, medical science has achieved great advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Despite the numerous advantages of conventional cancer therapies, there are major drawbacks including severe side effects, toxicities, and drug resistance. Therefore, the urgency of developing new drugs with low cytotoxicity and treatment resistance is increasing. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of various cancers, targeting tumor cells with less toxicity to normal tissues. In this review, we present the structure, biological function, and underlying mechanisms of AMPs. The recent experimental studies and clinical trials on anticancer peptides in different cancer types as well as the challenges of their clinical application have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameneh Jafari
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhesam Babajani
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Sarrami Forooshani
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Yazdani
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Drug Design, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Liu X, Razi Othman A, H. Abu-Hamdeh N, Abusorrah AM, Karimipour A, Li Z, Ghaemi F, Baleanu D. The Molecular Dynamics study of atomic structure behavior of LL-37 peptide as the antimicrobial agent, derived from the human cathelicidin, inside a nano domain filled by the aqueous environment. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.118187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Chai J, Yang W, Gao Y, Guo R, Peng Q, Abdel-Rahman MA, Xu X. Antitumor Effects of Scorpion Peptide Smp43 through Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Membrane Disruption on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:3147-3160. [PMID: 34866381 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Smp43, a cationic antimicrobial peptide identified from the venom gland of the Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus, shows cytotoxicity toward hepatoma cell line HepG2 by membrane disruption. However, its underlying detailed mechanisms still remain to be further clarified. In the present study, we evaluated the cellular internalization of Smp43 and explored its effects on cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, and factor expression related to these cellular processes in human HepG2. Smp43 was found to suppress the growth of HepG2, Huh7, and human primary hepatocellular carcinoma cells while showing low toxicity to normal LO2 cells. Furthermore, Smp43 could interact with the cell membrane and be internalized into HepG2 cells via endocytosis and pore formation, which caused a ROS production increase, mitochondrial membrane potential decline, cytoskeleton disorganization, dysregulation of cyclin expression, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway activation, and alteration of MAPK as well as PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Finally, Smp43 showed effective antitumor protection in the HepG2 xenograft mice model. Overall, these findings indicate that Smp43 significantly exerts antitumor effects via induction of apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, and cell cycle arrest due to its induction of mitochondrial dysfunction and membrane disruption. This discovery will extend the antitumor mechanisms of antimicrobial peptides and contribute to the development of antitumor agents against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wanren Yang
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Yahua Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qing Peng
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | | | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Maraming P, Daduang J, Kah JCY. Conjugation with gold nanoparticles improves the stability of the KT2 peptide and maintains its anticancer properties. RSC Adv 2021; 12:319-325. [PMID: 35424498 PMCID: PMC8978663 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra05980g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major weaknesses of therapeutic peptides is their sensitivity to degradation by proteolytic enzymes in vivo. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are a good carrier for therapeutic peptides to improve their stability and cellular uptake in vitro and in vivo. We conjugated the anticancer KT2 peptide as an anticancer peptide model to PEGylated GNPs (GNPs-PEG) and investigated the peptide stability, cellular uptake and ability of the GNPs-KT2-PEG conjugates to induce MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell death. We found that 11 nm GNPs protected the conjugated KT2 peptide from trypsin proteolysis, keeping it stable up to 0.128% trypsin, which is higher than the serum trypsin concentration (range 0.0000285 ± 0.0000125%) reported by Lake-Bakaar, G. et al., 1979. GNPs significantly enhanced the cellular uptake of KT2 peptides after conjugation. Free KT2 peptides pretreated with trypsin were not able to kill MDA-MB-231 cells due to proteolysis, while GNPs-KT2-PEG was still able to exert effective cancer cell killing after trypsin treatment at levels comparable to GNPs-KT2-PEG without enzyme pretreatment. The outcome of this study highlights the utility of conjugated anticancer peptides on nanoparticles to improve peptide stability and retain anticancer ability. One of the major weaknesses of therapeutic peptides is their sensitivity to degradation by proteolytic enzymes in vivo.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornsuda Maraming
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand
| | - Jureerut Daduang
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand
| | - James Chen Yong Kah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore 4 Engineering Drive 3, Blk E4, #04-08 Singapore 117583
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Natural Peptides Inducing Cancer Cell Death: Mechanisms and Properties of Specific Candidates for Cancer Therapeutics. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247453. [PMID: 34946535 PMCID: PMC8708364 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, cancer has become the second highest leading cause of death, and it is expected to continue to affect the population in forthcoming years. Additionally, treatment options will become less accessible to the public as cases continue to grow and disease mechanisms expand. Hence, specific candidates with confirmed anticancer effects are required to develop new drugs. Among the novel therapeutic options, proteins are considered a relevant source, given that they have bioactive peptides encrypted within their sequences. These bioactive peptides, which are molecules consisting of 2–50 amino acids, have specific activities when administered, producing anticancer effects. Current databases report the effects of peptides. However, uncertainty is found when their molecular mechanisms are investigated. Furthermore, analyses addressing their interaction networks or their directly implicated mechanisms are needed to elucidate their effects on cancer cells entirely. Therefore, relevant peptides considered as candidates for cancer therapeutics with specific sequences and known anticancer mechanisms were accurately reviewed. Likewise, those features which turn certain peptides into candidates and the mechanisms by which peptides mediate tumor cell death were highlighted. This information will make robust the knowledge of these candidate peptides with recognized mechanisms and enhance their non-toxic capacity in relation to healthy cells and further avoid cell resistance.
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Trinidad-Calderón PA, Varela-Chinchilla CD, García-Lara S. Natural Peptides Inducing Cancer Cell Death: Mechanisms and Properties of Specific Candidates for Cancer Therapeutics. Molecules 2021. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, cancer has become the second highest leading cause of death, and it is expected to continue to affect the population in forthcoming years. Additionally, treatment options will become less accessible to the public as cases continue to grow and disease mechanisms expand. Hence, specific candidates with confirmed anticancer effects are required to develop new drugs. Among the novel therapeutic options, proteins are considered a relevant source, given that they have bioactive peptides encrypted within their sequences. These bioactive peptides, which are molecules consisting of 2–50 amino acids, have specific activities when administered, producing anticancer effects. Current databases report the effects of peptides. However, uncertainty is found when their molecular mechanisms are investigated. Furthermore, analyses addressing their interaction networks or their directly implicated mechanisms are needed to elucidate their effects on cancer cells entirely. Therefore, relevant peptides considered as candidates for cancer therapeutics with specific sequences and known anticancer mechanisms were accurately reviewed. Likewise, those features which turn certain peptides into candidates and the mechanisms by which peptides mediate tumor cell death were highlighted. This information will make robust the knowledge of these candidate peptides with recognized mechanisms and enhance their non-toxic capacity in relation to healthy cells and further avoid cell resistance.
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Peanut-Shaped Gold Nanoparticles with Shells of Ceragenin CSA-131 Display the Ability to Inhibit Ovarian Cancer Growth In Vitro and in a Tumor Xenograft Model. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215424. [PMID: 34771587 PMCID: PMC8582422 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite a spectrum of therapeutics available for the treatment of ovarian tumors, there is a constant need to develop novel treatment options, particularly due to a high incidence of drug resistant tumors and low 5-year survival of patients diagnosed with ovarian carcinomas. In this study, we employed a nanotechnology-based approach to present a novel nanosystem based on ceragenin CSA-131 attached to the surface of a peanut-shaped gold nanoparticle. We demonstrate that such a prepared nanoformulation was highly effective against ovarian cancer cells in in vitro settings and, with limited toxicity, was able to prevent the growth of ovarian tumors in treated animals. Based on obtained data we suggest that ceragenin-containing nanosystems should be considered and further tested as potential therapeutics for ovarian malignancy. Abstract Gold nanoparticles-assisted delivery of antineoplastics into cancerous cells is presented as an effective approach for overcoming the limitations of systemic chemotherapy. Although ceragenins show great potential as anti-cancer agents, in some tumors, effective inhibition of cancer cells proliferation requires application of ceragenins at doses within their hemolytic range. For the purpose of toxicity/efficiency ratio control, peanut-shaped gold nanoparticles (AuP NPs) were functionalized with a shell of ceragenin CSA-131 and the cytotoxicity of AuP@CSA-131 against ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells and were then analyzed. In vivo efficiency of intravenously and intratumorally administered CSA-131 and AuP@CSA-131 was examined using a xenograft ovarian cancer model. Serum parameters were estimated using ELISA methods. Comparative analysis revealed that AuP@CSA-131 exerted stronger anti-cancer effects than free ceragenin, which was determined by enhanced ability to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis and autophagy processes via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated pathways. In an animal study, AuP@CSA-131 was characterized by delayed clearance and prolonged blood circulation when compared with free ceragenin, as well as enhanced anti-tumor efficiency, particularly when applied intratumorally. Administration of CSA-131 and AuP@CSA-131 prevented the inflammatory response associated with cancer development. These results present the possibility of employing non-spherical gold nanoparticles as an effective nanoplatform for the delivery of antineoplastics for the treatment of ovarian malignancy.
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Quemé-Peña M, Juhász T, Kohut G, Ricci M, Singh P, Szigyártó IC, Papp ZI, Fülöp L, Beke-Somfai T. Membrane Association Modes of Natural Anticancer Peptides: Mechanistic Details on Helicity, Orientation, and Surface Coverage. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168613. [PMID: 34445319 PMCID: PMC8395313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anticancer peptides (ACPs) could potentially offer many advantages over other cancer therapies. ACPs often target cell membranes, where their surface mechanism is coupled to a conformational change into helical structures. However, details on their binding are still unclear, which would be crucial to reach progress in connecting structural aspects to ACP action and to therapeutic developments. Here we investigated natural helical ACPs, Lasioglossin LL-III, Macropin 1, Temporin-La, FK-16, and LL-37, on model liposomes, and also on extracellular vesicles (EVs), with an outer leaflet composition similar to cancer cells. The combined simulations and experiments identified three distinct binding modes to the membranes. Firstly, a highly helical structure, lying mainly on the membrane surface; secondly, a similar, yet only partially helical structure with disordered regions; and thirdly, a helical monomeric form with a non-inserted perpendicular orientation relative to the membrane surface. The latter allows large swings of the helix while the N-terminal is anchored to the headgroup region. These results indicate that subtle differences in sequence and charge can result in altered binding modes. The first two modes could be part of the well-known carpet model mechanism, whereas the newly identified third mode could be an intermediate state, existing prior to membrane insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Quemé-Peña
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Q.-P.); (G.K.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (I.C.S.)
- Hevesy György Ph.D. School of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tünde Juhász
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Q.-P.); (G.K.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (I.C.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.J.); (T.B.-S.)
| | - Gergely Kohut
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Q.-P.); (G.K.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (I.C.S.)
- Hevesy György Ph.D. School of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Ricci
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Q.-P.); (G.K.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (I.C.S.)
| | - Priyanka Singh
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Q.-P.); (G.K.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (I.C.S.)
- Hevesy György Ph.D. School of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Imola Cs. Szigyártó
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Q.-P.); (G.K.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (I.C.S.)
| | - Zita I. Papp
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.I.P.); (L.F.)
| | - Lívia Fülöp
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.I.P.); (L.F.)
| | - Tamás Beke-Somfai
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.Q.-P.); (G.K.); (M.R.); (P.S.); (I.C.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.J.); (T.B.-S.)
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Yang T, Li J, Jia Q, Zhan S, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Wang X. Antimicrobial peptide 17BIPHE2 inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by regulating the ERK signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:501. [PMID: 33981363 PMCID: PMC8108245 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2018, there were 18.1 million new cancer cases and 9.6 million cancer-related deaths worldwide, among which the incidence rate of lung cancer (11.6%) and fatality rate (18.4%) both ranked first. The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is an important component of the natural immune system and possesses several biological properties, including antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer effects. The antimicrobial peptide 17BIPHE2, the shortest synthetic peptide derivative of LL-37, exhibits biological activities similar to those of LL-37. The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action of exogenous 17BIPHE2 against lung cancer cells. The human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 was treated with 17BIPHE2. Changes in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+ and apoptosis-related proteins, including BAX, BCL-2 and ERK, were detected using flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting. The results showed that 17BIPHE2 significantly increased the apoptosis rate of A549 cells and elevated BAX expression, ERK phosphorylation, and ROS and Ca2+ levels, but decreased the expression of BCL-2, ERK and Ki67. In addition, the peptide reduced ΔΨm and the cell migration ability of A549 cells and inhibited tumor growth. ERK inhibition significantly attenuated the anticancer effect of 17BIPHE2. The present observations suggested that 17BIPHE2 can effectively inhibit cancer cells by regulating the ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Qinqin Jia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Health Center, Chun Rong, Gansu 745211, P.R. China
| | - Shisheng Zhan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital, Langfang, Hebei 065200, P.R. China
| | - Qiannan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Shuangyi Campus, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Yarong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin 300020, P.R. China
| | - Xiuqing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Shuangyi Campus, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
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Markiewicz LH, Ogrodowczyk AM, Wiczkowski W, Wróblewska B. Phytate and Butyrate Differently Influence the Proliferation, Apoptosis and Survival Pathways in Human Cancer and Healthy Colonocytes. Nutrients 2021; 13:1887. [PMID: 34072741 PMCID: PMC8230256 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The colonic epithelium is never exposed to a single factor, therefore studies on the effect of combinations of factors naturally and persistently present in the intestines are of special importance for understanding the phenomena occurring at this place. The aim of the study was to investigate the combined effect of 1 mM phytate and 1 mM butyrate (PA1B1) on cell lines derived from cancer (HCT116 and HT-29) and healthy (NCM460D) human colonic epithelium. Colorimetric and flow cytometry methods were used to determine the proliferation rate, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Selected markers of proliferation, inflammatory, and survival pathways were investigated at the mRNA and/or protein level. The combination of phytate and butyrate disturbed the cell cycle and triggered apoptosis and/or death in both studied cancer colonocytes to a higher extent compared to healthy colonocytes. Moreover, in healthy colonocytes, phytate activated the survival pathway without stimulation of inflammatory response. This may indicate that the response of healthy colonocytes to phytate protects colonic epithelium from the loss of integrity and tightness that would occur if inflammation developed. Based on the obtained results we postulate that studies on both cancer and/or healthy colonocytes should be carried out in the presence of butyrate as the permanent component of colonic contents. This should be of special importance when anti-proliferative/pro-apoptotic activity or inflammatory status of colonocytes is to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Hanna Markiewicz
- Department of Immunology and Food Microbiology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (A.M.O.); (B.W.)
| | - Anna Maria Ogrodowczyk
- Department of Immunology and Food Microbiology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (A.M.O.); (B.W.)
| | - Wiesław Wiczkowski
- Department of Chemistry and Biodynamics of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Barbara Wróblewska
- Department of Immunology and Food Microbiology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (A.M.O.); (B.W.)
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35
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Antimicrobial Peptide Brevinin-1RL1 from Frog Skin Secretion Induces Apoptosis and Necrosis of Tumor Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26072059. [PMID: 33916789 PMCID: PMC8038347 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26072059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has always been one of the most common malignant diseases in the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find potent agents with selective antitumor activity against cancer cells. It has been reported that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can selectively target tumor cells. In this study, we focused on the anti-tumor activity and mechanism of Brevivin-1RL1, a cationic α-helical AMP isolated from frog Rana limnocharis skin secretions. We found that Brevivin-1RL1 preferentially inhibits tumor cells rather than non-tumor cells with slight hemolytic activity. Cell viability assay demonstrated the intermolecular disulfide bridge contributes to the inhibitory activity of the peptide as the antitumor activity was abolished when the disulfide bridge reduced. Further mechanism studies revealed that both necrosis and apoptosis are involved in Brevivin-1RL1 mediated tumor cells death. Moreover, Brevivin-1RL1 induced extrinsic and mitochondria intrinsic apoptosis is caspases dependent, as the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-FMK rescued Brevinin-1RL1 induced tumor cell proliferative inhibition. Immunohistology staining showed Brevivin-1RL1 mainly aggregated on the surface of the tumor cells. These results together suggested that Brevivin-1RL1 preferentially converges on the cancer cells to trigger necrosis and caspase-dependent apoptosis and Brevivin-1RL1 could be considered as a pharmacological candidate for further development as anti-cancer agent.
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Ciobanasu C. Peptides-based therapy and diagnosis. Strategies for non-invasive therapies in cancer. J Drug Target 2021; 29:1063-1079. [PMID: 33775187 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2021.1906885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, remarkable progress was registered in the field of cancer research. Though, cancer still represents a major cause of death and cancer metastasis a problem seeking for urgent solutions as it is the main reason for therapeutic failure. Unfortunately, the most common chemotherapeutic agents are non-selective and can damage healthy tissues and cause side effects that affect dramatically the quality of life of the patients. Targeted therapy with molecules that act specifically at the tumour sites interacting with overexpressed cancer receptors is a very promising strategy for achieving the specific delivery of anticancer drugs, radioisotopes or imaging agents. This review aims to give an overview on different strategies for targeting cancer cell receptors localised either at the extracellular matrix or at the cell membrane. Molecules like antibodies, aptamers and peptides targeting the cell surface are presented with advantages and disadvantages, with emphasis on peptides. The most representative peptides are described, including cell penetrating peptides, homing and anticancer peptides with particular consideration on recent discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Ciobanasu
- Sciences Department, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru I. Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
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37
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Host defense peptide LL-37 is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Amino Acids 2021; 53:471-484. [PMID: 33675414 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02966-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies on the roles and mechanisms of LL-37 have demonstrated that LL-37 can either serve as a tumor promoter or a tumor suppressor in different cancers. The expression and function of LL-37 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, remain unclear. In the present study, we confirmed the down-regulation of LL-37 in HCC tissues and the synthetic LL-37 peptide reduced the viability of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LL-37 peptide significantly delayed G1-S transition in Huh7 but not in HepG2 cells by suppressing CyclinD1-CDK4-p21 checkpoint signaling pathway. However, LL-37 caused no obvious apoptosis both in Huh7 and HepG2 cells, though the expression of apoptosis-related genes was strongly changed through qRT-PCR analysis, hinting at the possibility that LL-37 participates in regulating the apoptosis of HCC cells, but may not the only mechanism. Besides, we also identified that LL-37 treatment strongly inhibited the mRNA expression of TLR4 both in Huh7 and HepG2 cells, accompanied with the reduced expression of genes responsible for pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-8 and IL-6. In conclusion, our research suggested that LL-37 may be associated with the development of HCC.
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38
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Chauhan S, Dhawan DK, Saini A, Preet S. Antimicrobial peptides against colorectal cancer-a focused review. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105529. [PMID: 33675962 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), low patient survival rate due to emergence of drug resistant cancer cells, metastasis and multiple deleterious side effects of chemotherapy, is a cause of public concern globally. To negate these clinical conundrums, search for effective and harmless novel molecular entities for the treatment of CRC is an urgent necessity. Since antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of innate immunity of living beings, it is quite imperative to look for essential attributes of these peptides which may contribute to their effectiveness against carcinogenesis. Once identified, those characteristics can be suitably modified using several synthetic and computational techniques to further enhance their selectivity and pharmacokinetic profiles. Hence, this review analyses scientific reports describing the antiproliferative action of AMPs derived from several sources, particularly focusing on various colon cancer in vitro/in vivo investigations. On perusal of the literature, it appears that AMPs based therapeutics would definitely find special place in CRC therapy in future either alone or as an adjunct to chemotherapy provided some necessary alterations are made in their natural structures to make them more compatible with modern clinical practice. In this context, further in-depth research is warranted in adequate in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Chauhan
- Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences, Panjab University, Block-II, South Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| | - Devinder K Dhawan
- Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences, Panjab University, Block-II, South Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| | - Avneet Saini
- Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences, Panjab University, Block-II, South Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| | - Simran Preet
- Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences, Panjab University, Block-II, South Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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39
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Lee CH, Lou YC, Wang AHJ. DMTMM-Mediated Intramolecular Cyclization of Acidic Residues in Peptides/Proteins. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:4708-4718. [PMID: 33644578 PMCID: PMC7905807 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c05503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The formation of succinimide in proteins has attracted considerable attention in protein aging and biopharmaceutical research. The succinimide formation occurs spontaneously in proteins and is prone to hydrolysis to yield aspartate and isoaspartate, resulting in altered protein functions. Herein, we demonstrated that the coupling reagent 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride (DMTMM) can mediate intramolecular cyclization of aspartic acid to form succinimide efficiently in the LL37-derived short antimicrobial peptide KR12. The formation of succinimide in KR12 was confirmed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, the succinimide-containing KR12 displayed decreased antimicrobial activity, helicity, and serum stability in comparison with unmodified KR12. The succinimide formation usually changes the protein structure and function, and only in rare cases, it can help to maintain the protein stability. In addition to succinimide, DMTMM can also mediate intraresidue cyclization of N-terminal glutamate to form pyroglutamate. Our work thus provides a convenient and efficient method for preparation of succinimide/pyroglutamate-containing peptides, which can be used for studying their impact on peptide/protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hua Lee
- Institute
of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chao Lou
- Biomedical
Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Andrew H.-J. Wang
- Institute
of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
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40
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Quemé-Peña M, Ricci M, Juhász T, Horváti K, Bősze S, Biri-Kovács B, Szeder B, Zsila F, Beke-Somfai T. Old Polyanionic Drug Suramin Suppresses Detrimental Cytotoxicity of the Host Defense Peptide LL-37. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 4:155-167. [PMID: 33615169 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The host defense peptide LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin, characterized by pleiotropic activity ranging from immunological to anti-neoplastic functions. However, its overexpression has been associated with harmful inflammatory responses and apoptosis. Thus, for the latter cases, the development of strategies aiming to reduce LL-37 toxicity is highly desired as these have the potential to provide a viable solution. Here, we demonstrate that the reduction of LL-37 toxicity might be achieved by the impairment of its cell surface binding through interaction with small organic compounds that are able to alter the peptide conformation and minimize its cell penetration ability. In this regard, the performed cell viability and internalization studies showed a remarkable attenuation of LL-37 cytotoxicity toward colon and monocytic cells in the presence of the polysulfonated drug suramin. The mechanistic examinations of the molecular details indicated that this effect was coupled with the ability of suramin to alter LL-37 secondary structure via the formation of peptide-drug complexes. Moreover, a comparison with other therapeutic agents having common features unveiled the peculiar ability of suramin to optimize the binding to the peptide sequence. The newly discovered suramin action is hoped to inspire the elaboration of novel repurposing strategies aimed to reduce LL-37 cytotoxicity under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Quemé-Peña
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Budapest H-1117, Hungary.,Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Maria Ricci
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Tünde Juhász
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Kata Horváti
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary.,Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Bősze
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Beáta Biri-Kovács
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary.,Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Bálint Szeder
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Zsila
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Tamás Beke-Somfai
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Biomolecular Self-Assembly Research Group, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
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41
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Tian C, Chen K, Gong W, Yoshimura T, Huang J, Wang JM. The G-Protein Coupled Formyl Peptide Receptors and Their Role in the Progression of Digestive Tract Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033820973280. [PMID: 33251986 PMCID: PMC7705772 DOI: 10.1177/1533033820973280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a causative factor of many cancers, although it
originally acts as a protective host response to the loss of tissue homeostasis.
Many inflammatory conditions predispose susceptible cells, most of which are of
epithelial origin, to neoplastic transformation. There is a close correlation
between digestive tract (DT) cancer and chronic inflammation, such as esophageal
adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett’s esophagus, helicobacter
pylori infection as the cause of stomach cancer, hepatitis leading
to liver cirrhosis and subsequent cancer, and colon cancer linking to
inflammatory bowel diseases and schistosomiasis. A prominent
feature of malignant transformation of DT tract epithelial cells is their
adoption of somatic gene mutations resulting in abnormal expression of proteins
that endow the cells with unlimited proliferation as well as increased motility
and invasive capabilities. Many of these events are mediated by Gi-protein
coupled chemoattractant receptors (GPCRs) including formyl peptide receptors
(FPRs in human, Fprs in mice). In this article, we review the current
understanding of FPRs (Fprs) and their function in DT cancer types as well as
their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuimeng Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Keqiang Chen
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Wanghua Gong
- Basic Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Teizo Yoshimura
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Jiaqiang Huang
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.,Laboratory of Cancer Basic Research, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute/Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Ming Wang
- Laboratory of Cancer ImmunoMetabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
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42
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Cell-penetrating peptides in oncologic pharmacotherapy: A review. Pharmacol Res 2020; 162:105231. [PMID: 33027717 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and its treatment is extremely challenging, mainly due to its complexity. Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) are peptides that can transport into the cell a wide variety of biologically active conjugates (or cargoes), and are, therefore, promising in the treatment and in the diagnosis of several types of cancer. Some notable examples are TAT and Penetratin, capable of penetrating the central nervous system (CNS) and, therefore, acting in cancers of this system, such as Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). These above-mentioned peptides, conjugated with traditional chemotherapeutic such as Doxorubicin (DOX) and Paclitaxel (PTX), have also been shown to induce apoptosis of breast and liver cancer cells, as well as in lung cancer cells, respectively. In other cancers, such as esophageal cancer, the attachment of Magainin 2 (MG2) to Bombesin (MG2B), another CPP, led to pronounced anticancer effects. Other examples are CopA3, that selectively decreased the viability of gastric cancer cells, and the CPP p28. Furthermore, in preclinical tests, the anti-tumor efficacy of this peptide was evaluated on human breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and melanoma cells in vitro, leading to high expression of p53 and promoting cell cycle arrest. Despite the numerous in vitro and in vivo studies with promising results, and the increasing number of clinical trials using CPPs, few treatments reach the expected clinical efficacy. Usually, their clinical application is limited by its poor aqueous solubility, immunogenicity issues and dose-limiting toxicity. This review describes the most recent advances and innovations in the use of CPPs in several types of cancer, highlighting their crucial importance for various purposes, from therapeutic to diagnosis. Further clinical trials with these peptides are warranted to examine its effects on various types of cancer.
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43
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Xie M, Liu D, Yang Y. Anti-cancer peptides: classification, mechanism of action, reconstruction and modification. Open Biol 2020; 10:200004. [PMID: 32692959 PMCID: PMC7574553 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-cancer peptides (ACPs) are a series of short peptides composed of 10-60 amino acids that can inhibit tumour cell proliferation or migration, or suppress the formation of tumour blood vessels, and are less likely to cause drug resistance. The aforementioned merits make ACPs the most promising anti-cancer candidate. However, ACPs may be degraded by proteases, or result in cytotoxicity in many cases. To overcome these drawbacks, a plethora of research has focused on reconstruction or modification of ACPs to improve their anti-cancer activity, while reducing their cytotoxicity. The modification of ACPs mainly includes main chain reconstruction and side chain modification. After summarizing the classification and mechanism of action of ACPs, this paper focuses on recent development and progress about their reconstruction and modification. The information collected here may provide some ideas for further research on ACPs, in particular their modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfeng Xie
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519040, People's Republic of China
| | - Dijia Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519040, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519040, People's Republic of China.,Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519040, People's Republic of China
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44
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Tzitzilis A, Boura‐Theodorou A, Michail V, Papadopoulos S, Krikorian D, Lekka ME, Koukkou A, Sakarellos‐Daitsiotis M, Panou‐Pomonis E. Cationic amphipathic peptide analogs of cathelicidin LL‐37 as a probe in the development of antimicrobial/anticancer agents. J Pept Sci 2020; 26:e3254. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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45
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Yang B, Good D, Mosaiab T, Liu W, Ni G, Kaur J, Liu X, Jessop C, Yang L, Fadhil R, Yi Z, Wei MQ. Significance of LL-37 on Immunomodulation and Disease Outcome. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8349712. [PMID: 32509872 PMCID: PMC7246396 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8349712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
LL-37, also called cathelicidin, is an important part of the human immune system, which can resist various pathogens. A plethora of experiments have demonstrated that it has the multifunctional effects of immune regulation, in addition to antimicrobial activity. Recently, there have been increasing interest in its immune function. It was found that LL-37 can have two distinct functions in different tissues and different microenvironments. Thus, it is necessary to investigate LL-37 immune functions from the two sides of the same coin. On the one side, LL-37 promotes inflammation and immune response and exerts its anti-infective and antitumor effects; on the other side, it has the ability to inhibit inflammation and promote carcinogenesis. This review presents a brief summary of its expression, structure, and immunomodulatory effects as well as brief discussions on the role of this small peptide as a key factor in the development and treatment of various inflammation-related diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Yang
- School of Medical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics in Universities of Shandong, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - David Good
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Qld 4014, Australia
| | - Tamim Mosaiab
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics in Universities of Shandong, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - Guoying Ni
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Qld 4558, Australia
| | - Jasmine Kaur
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - Xiaosong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Qld 4558, Australia
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Calvin Jessop
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - Lu Yang
- School of Medical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics in Universities of Shandong, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - Rushdi Fadhil
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - Zhengjun Yi
- School of Medical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics in Universities of Shandong, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Ming Q. Wei
- School of Medical Science & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4215, Australia
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46
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Chen J, Shin VY, Ho JCW, Siu MT, Cheuk IWY, Kwong A. Functional Implications of Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Protein in Breast Cancer and Tumor-Associated Macrophage Microenvironment. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E688. [PMID: 32365569 PMCID: PMC7277779 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in breast cancer development. Accumulating evidence suggested that human cathelicidin antimicrobial protein (CAMP), which is mainly expressed in host defense cells such as macrophages, is crucial not only in combating microorganisms but also promoting tumor growth. Here we report the interaction of CAMP with TAMs in breast cancer. CAMP expression was upregulated in cancer tissues and in the circulation of breast cancer patients. Surgical removal of tumor decreased CAMP peptide serum level. Knockdown of CAMP decreased cell proliferation and migration/invasion ability in breast cancer cells. CAMP expression was altered during macrophage M1/M2 polarization and was expressed predominantly in M2 phenotype. In addition, breast cancer cells co-cultured with macrophages upregulated CAMP expression and also increased cancer cell viability. Xenograft tumors reduced significantly upon CAMP receptor antagonist treatment. Our data implicated that CAMP confers an oncogenic role in breast cancer and plays an important role in the tumor microenvironment between TAMs and breast cancer cells, and blocking the interaction between them would provide a novel therapeutic option for this malignant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Chen
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong; (J.C.); (V.Y.S.); (J.C.-W.H.); (M.-T.S.); (I.W.-Y.C.)
| | - Vivian Yvonne Shin
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong; (J.C.); (V.Y.S.); (J.C.-W.H.); (M.-T.S.); (I.W.-Y.C.)
| | - John Chi-Wang Ho
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong; (J.C.); (V.Y.S.); (J.C.-W.H.); (M.-T.S.); (I.W.-Y.C.)
| | - Man-Ting Siu
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong; (J.C.); (V.Y.S.); (J.C.-W.H.); (M.-T.S.); (I.W.-Y.C.)
| | - Isabella Wai-Yin Cheuk
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong; (J.C.); (V.Y.S.); (J.C.-W.H.); (M.-T.S.); (I.W.-Y.C.)
| | - Ava Kwong
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong; (J.C.); (V.Y.S.); (J.C.-W.H.); (M.-T.S.); (I.W.-Y.C.)
- Department of Surgery, The Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, Wan Chai District 999077, Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry, Shatin 999077, Hong Kong
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47
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Gunasekera S, Muhammad T, Strömstedt AA, Rosengren KJ, Göransson U. Backbone Cyclization and Dimerization of LL-37-Derived Peptides Enhance Antimicrobial Activity and Proteolytic Stability. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:168. [PMID: 32153522 PMCID: PMC7046553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Can antimicrobial activity and peptide stability of alpha-helical peptides be increased by making them into dimers and macrocycles? Here, we explore that concept by using KR-12 as the starting point for peptide engineering. KR-12 has previously been determined as the minimalized antimicrobial fragment of the human host defense peptide LL-37. Backbone-cyclized KR-12 dimers, tethered by linkers of two to four amino acid residues, were synthesized and their antimicrobial activity, proteolytic stability and structures characterized. A modified KR-12 sequence, with substitutions at previously identified key residues, were also included in the screening panel. The backbone cyclized KR-12 dimers showed improved antimicrobial activity and increased stability compared to monomeric KR-12. The most active cyclic dimer displayed 16-fold higher antibacterial activity compared to KR-12 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, and 8-fold increased fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. It also showed increased hemolytic and cytotoxic activity. Enhanced antimicrobial activity coincided with increased membrane permeabilization of liposomes with one distinct discrepancy: monomeric KR-12 was much less disruptive of liposomes with bacterial lipid composition compared to liposomes from fungal lipid extract. Circular dichroism showed that the four-residue linked most active cyclic dimer had 65% helical content when bound to lyso-phosphatidylglycerol micelles, indicating that the helical propensity of the parent peptide is maintained in the new macrocyclic form. In conclusion, the current work on KR-12 suggests that dimerization together with backbone cyclization is an effective strategy for improving both potency and stability of linear antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunithi Gunasekera
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Taj Muhammad
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adam A Strömstedt
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Johan Rosengren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ulf Göransson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Wnorowska U, Fiedoruk K, Piktel E, Prasad SV, Sulik M, Janion M, Daniluk T, Savage PB, Bucki R. Nanoantibiotics containing membrane-active human cathelicidin LL-37 or synthetic ceragenins attached to the surface of magnetic nanoparticles as novel and innovative therapeutic tools: current status and potential future applications. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:3. [PMID: 31898542 PMCID: PMC6939332 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-019-0566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology-based therapeutic approaches have attracted attention of scientists, in particular due to the special features of nanomaterials, such as adequate biocompatibility, ability to improve therapeutic efficiency of incorporated drugs and to limit their adverse effects. Among a variety of reported nanomaterials for biomedical applications, metal and metal oxide-based nanoparticles offer unique physicochemical properties allowing their use in combination with conventional antimicrobials and as magnetic field-controlled drug delivery nanocarriers. An ever-growing number of studies demonstrate that by combining magnetic nanoparticles with membrane-active, natural human cathelicidin-derived LL-37 peptide, and its synthetic mimics such as ceragenins, innovative nanoagents might be developed. Between others, they demonstrate high clinical potential as antimicrobial, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory and regenerative agents. Due to continuous research, knowledge on pleiotropic character of natural antibacterial peptides and their mimics is growing, and it is justifying to stay that the therapeutic potential of nanosystems containing membrane active compounds has not been exhausted yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Wnorowska
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Suhanya V Prasad
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sulik
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marianna Janion
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Al. IX Wiekow Kielc 19A, 25-317, Kielce, Poland
| | - Tamara Daniluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Paul B Savage
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222, Białystok, Poland.
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49
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Mohammed I, Said DG, Nubile M, Mastropasqua L, Dua HS. Cathelicidin-Derived Synthetic Peptide Improves Therapeutic Potential of Vancomycin Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2190. [PMID: 31608030 PMCID: PMC6761703 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is the leading cause of corneal blindness worldwide. A constant increase in multi-drug resistant PA strains have heightened the challenge of effectively managing corneal infections with conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are promising antibiotic analogs with a unique mode of action. Cathelicidin-derived shorter peptides (FK13 and FK16) have previously been shown to kill a range of pathogens in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Here, our aim was to exploit the potential of FK13 or FK16 to enhance the anti-Pseudomonas activity of vancomycin, which normally has low clinical efficacy against PA. Our results have demonstrated that FK16 is more potent than FK13 against different PA strains including a clinical isolate from a patient's ocular surface. FK16 was shown to enhance the membrane permeability of PAO1 at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Moreover, FK16 at lower concentrations was shown to increase the antibacterial susceptibility of vancomycin against PA strains up to eightfold. The bactericidal synergism between FK16 and vancomycin was shown to be stable in the presence of physiological tear salt concentration and did not cause toxic effects on the human corneal epithelial cells and human red blood cells. Our results have revealed that sub-inhibitory concentration of FK16 could augment the antimicrobial effects of vancomycin against PA. It is anticipated that the future exploitation of the peptide design approach may enhance the effectiveness of FK16 and its application as an adjuvant to antibiotic therapy for the treatment of multi-drug resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Mohammed
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dalia G Said
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Nubile
- Ophthalmology Clinic, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Harminder S Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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50
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Colle JH, Périchon B, Garcia A. Antitumor and antibacterial properties of virally encoded cationic sequences. Biologics 2019; 13:117-126. [PMID: 31417238 PMCID: PMC6599856 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s201287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to test our Viral Quinta Columna Strategy (VQCS), a new biological hypothesis predicting that specific multifunctional virally encoded cationic domains may have the capacity to penetrate human cells and interact with PP2A proteins to deregulate important human intracellular pathways, and may display LL37 cathelicidin-like antagonistic effects against multiple pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. Methods: We comparatively analyzed the host defense properties of adenodiaphorins and of some specific cationic sequences encoded by different viruses using two distinct biological models: U87G, a well-characterized cell tumor model; and a group B Streptococcus agalactiae NEM316 ΔdltA, highly sensitive to LL37 cathelicidin. Results: We found that the adenovirus type 2 E4orf4 is a cell-permeable protein containing a new E4orf464–95 protein transduction domain, named large adenodiaphorin or LadD64–95. Interestingly, the host defense LL37 peptide is the unique cathelicidin in humans. In this context, we also demonstrated that similarly to LL37 LadD64–95, several virally encoded cationic sequences including the C-terminus HIV-1 89.6 Vpr77–92, shorter adenodiaphorins AdD67–84/AdD/69–84/AdD69–83, as well as HIV-2 Tat67–90 and JC polyomavirus small t115–134, displayed similar toxicity against Gram-positive S. agalactiae NEM316 ΔdltA strain. Finally, LadD64–95, adenodiaphorin AdD67–84, AdD69–84, and LL37 and LL17–32 cathelicidin peptides also inhibited the survival of human U87G glioblastoma cells. Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated that specific cationic sequences encoded by four different viruses displayed antibacterial activities against S. agalactiae NEM316 ΔdltA strain. In addition, HIV-1 Vpr71–92 and adenovirus 2 E4orf464–95, two cationic penetrating sequences that bind PP2A, inhibited the survival of U87G glioblastoma cells. These results illustrate the host defense properties of virally encoded sequences and could represent an initial step for future complete validation of the VQCS hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Hervé Colle
- Laboratoire E3 des Phosphatases-Unité RMN, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Périchon
- Unité de Biologie des Bactéries pathogènes à Gram-positif, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Alphonse Garcia
- Laboratoire E3 des Phosphatases-Unité RMN, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie et pôle Dde-Design de la Biologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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