1
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Gori A, Lodigiani G, Colombarolli SG, Bergamaschi G, Vitali A. Cell Penetrating Peptides: Classification, Mechanisms, Methods of Study, and Applications. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300236. [PMID: 37389978 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) encompass a class of peptides that possess the remarkable ability to cross cell membranes and deliver various types of cargoes, including drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins, into cells. For this reason, CPPs are largely investigated in drug delivery applications in the context of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders. While sharing this functionality and some common structural features, such as a high content of positively charged amino acids, CPPs represent an extremely diverse group of elements, which can differentiate under many aspects. In this review, we summarize the most common characteristics of CPPs, introduce their main distinctive features, mechanistic aspects that drive their function, and outline the most widely used techniques for their structural and functional studies. We highlight current gaps and future perspectives in this field, which have the potential to significantly impact the future field of drug delivery and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gori
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Lodigiani
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Stella G Colombarolli
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Greta Bergamaschi
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
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2
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Reveret L, Leclerc M, Morin F, Émond V, Calon F. Pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and toxicology of novel cell-penetrating peptides. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11081. [PMID: 37422520 PMCID: PMC10329699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37280-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been used in basic and preclinical research in the past 30 years to facilitate drug delivery into target cells. However, translation toward the clinic has not been successful so far. Here, we studied the pharmacokinetic (PK) and biodistribution profiles of Shuttle cell-penetrating peptides (S-CPP) in rodents, combined or not with an immunoglobulin G (IgG) cargo. We compared two enantiomers of S-CPP that contain both a protein transduction domain and an endosomal escape domain, with previously shown capacity for cytoplasmic delivery. The plasma concentration versus time curve of both radiolabelled S-CPPs required a two-compartment PK analytical model, which showed a fast distribution phase (t1/2α ranging from 1.25 to 3 min) followed by a slower elimination phase (t1/2β ranging from 5 to 15 h) after intravenous injection. Cargo IgG combined to S-CPPs displayed longer elimination half-life, of up to 25 h. The fast decrease in plasma concentration of S-CPPs was associated with an accumulation in target organs assessed at 1 and 5 h post-injection, particularly in the liver. In addition, in situ cerebral perfusion (ISCP) of L-S-CPP yielded a brain uptake coefficient of 7.2 ± 1.1 µl g-1 s-1, consistent with penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), without damaging its integrity in vivo. No sign of peripheral toxicity was detected either by examining hematologic and biochemical blood parameters, or by measuring cytokine levels in plasma. In conclusion, S-CPPs are promising non-toxic transport vectors for improved tissue distribution of drug cargos in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Reveret
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - M Leclerc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - F Morin
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - V Émond
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - F Calon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
- Neurosciences Axis, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Room T2-67, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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3
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Zakany F, Mándity IM, Varga Z, Panyi G, Nagy P, Kovacs T. Effect of the Lipid Landscape on the Efficacy of Cell-Penetrating Peptides. Cells 2023; 12:1700. [PMID: 37443733 PMCID: PMC10340183 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Every cell biological textbook teaches us that the main role of the plasma membrane is to separate cells from their neighborhood to allow for a controlled composition of the intracellular space. The mostly hydrophobic nature of the cell membrane presents an impenetrable barrier for most hydrophilic molecules larger than 1 kDa. On the other hand, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are capable of traversing this barrier without compromising membrane integrity, and they can do so on their own or coupled to cargos. Coupling biologically and medically relevant cargos to CPPs holds great promise of delivering membrane-impermeable drugs into cells. If the cargo is able to interact with certain cell types, uptake of the CPP-drug complex can be tailored to be cell-type-specific. Besides outlining the major membrane penetration pathways of CPPs, this review is aimed at deciphering how properties of the membrane influence the uptake mechanisms of CPPs. By summarizing an extensive body of experimental evidence, we argue that a more ordered, less flexible membrane structure, often present in the very diseases planned to be treated with CPPs, decreases their cellular uptake. These correlations are not only relevant for understanding the cellular biology of CPPs, but also for rationally improving their value in translational or clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florina Zakany
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (F.Z.); (Z.V.); (G.P.)
| | - István M. Mándity
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
- TTK Lendület Artificial Transporter Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Varga
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (F.Z.); (Z.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (F.Z.); (Z.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Peter Nagy
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (F.Z.); (Z.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Tamas Kovacs
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (F.Z.); (Z.V.); (G.P.)
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4
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Polli JR, Balthasar JP. Cell Penetrating Peptides Conjugated to Anti-Carcinoembryonic Antigen "Catch-and-Release" Monoclonal Antibodies Alter Plasma and Tissue Pharmacokinetics in Colorectal Cancer Xenograft Mice. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1456-1466. [PMID: 35867869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell penetrating peptides conjugated to delivery vehicles, such as nanoparticles or antibodies, can enhance the cytosolic delivery of macromolecules. The present study examines the effects of conjugation to cell penetrating and endosomal escape peptides (i.e., TAT, GALA, and H6CM18) on the pharmacokinetics and distribution of an anti-carcinoembryonic antigen "catch-and-release" monoclonal antibody, 10H6, in a murine model of colorectal cancer. GALA and TAT were conjugated to 10H6 using SoluLINK technology that allowed the evaluation of peptide-to-antibody ratio by ultraviolet spectroscopy. H6CM18 was conjugated to either NHS or maleimide-modified 10H6 using an azide-modified valine-citrulline linker and copper-free click chemistry. Unmodified and peptide-conjugated 10H6 preparations were administered intravenously at 6.67 nmol/kg to mice-bearing MC38CEA+ tumors. Unconjugated 10H6 demonstrated a clearance of 19.9 ± 1.36 mL/day/kg, with an apparent volume of distribution of 62.4 ± 7.78 mL/kg. All antibody-peptide conjugates exhibited significantly decreased plasma and tissue exposure, increased plasma clearance, and increased distribution volume. Examination of tissue-to-plasma exposure ratios showed an enhanced selectivity of 10H6-TAT for the GI tract (+25%), kidney (+24%), liver (+38%), muscle (+3%), and spleen (+33%). 10H6-GALA and 10H6-H6CM18 conjugates demonstrated decreased exposure in all tissues, relative to unmodified 10H6. All conjugates demonstrated decreased tumor exposure and selectivity; however, differences in tumor selectivity between 10H6 and 10H6-H6CM18 (maleimide) were not statistically significant. Relationships between the predicted peptide conjugate isoelectric point (pI) and pharmacokinetic parameters were bell-shaped, where pI values around 6.8-7 exhibit the slowest plasma clearance and smallest distribution volume. The data and analyses presented in this work may guide future efforts to develop immunoconjugates with cell penetrating and endosomal escape peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ryan Polli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14215, United States
| | - Joseph P Balthasar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14215, United States
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5
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In silico and experimental validation of a new modified arginine-rich cell penetrating peptide for plasmid DNA delivery. Int J Pharm 2022; 624:122005. [PMID: 35817271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122005] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) attracted great attention because of the capability to deliver various types of cargo molecules across into the cells. In this study, we presented a new arginine rich CPP, named MR, for efficient transporting plasmid DNA. We used a combined bioinformatic-based approach to improve the speed and accuracy of CPP evaluation. MR protein properties, structural models, interaction with DNA, as well as cell localization and membrane interaction were evaluated through multiple servers. Importantly, analysis using different algorithms showed the high CPP prediction confidence of MR. Experimental results also revealed the capacity of this gene delivery system in vitro for efficient plasmid DNA transfection. Additionally, in vitro mechanistically studies together with bioinformatic investigation suggested that MR peptide may internalize into the cell through endocytosis pathways. Moreover, in silico safety analysis such as immunogenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and hemolysis activity as well as MTT assay also confirmed the safety of MR peptide. This study illustrated that MR peptide could be presented as remarkable potential gene delivery system for promising transport of plasmid DNA towards the therapeutic applications.
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6
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The role of the multifunctional antimicrobial peptide melittin in gene delivery. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1053-1059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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7
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Reissmann S, Filatova MP. New generation of cell‐penetrating peptides: Functionality and potential clinical application. J Pept Sci 2021; 27:e3300. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siegmund Reissmann
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Friedrich Schiller University Dornburger Str. 25 Jena Thueringia 07743 Germany
| | - Margarita P. Filatova
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
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8
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Novopashina D, Vorobyeva M, Nazarov A, Davydova A, Danilin N, Koroleva L, Matveev A, Bardasheva A, Tikunova N, Kupryushkin M, Pyshnyi D, Altman S, Venyaminova A. Novel Peptide Conjugates of Modified Oligonucleotides for Inhibition of Bacterial RNase P. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:813. [PMID: 31379580 PMCID: PMC6658616 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel alternatives to traditional antibiotics are now of great demand for the successful treatment of microbial infections. Here, we present the engineering and properties of new oligonucleotide inhibitors of RNase P, an essential bacterial enzyme. The series of 2’-O-methyl RNA (2’-OMe-RNA) and phosphoryl guanidine oligonucleotides were targeted to the substrate-binding region of M1 RNA subunit of the RNase P. Uniformly modified 2’-OMe RNA and selectively modified phosphoryl guanidine oligonucleotides possessed good stability in biological media and effectively inhibited RNase P. Their conjugates with transporting peptides were shown to penetrate bacterial cells (Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii) and inhibit bacterial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Novopashina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mariya Vorobyeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anton Nazarov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Davydova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nikolay Danilin
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Lyudmila Koroleva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Andrey Matveev
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alevtina Bardasheva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nina Tikunova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maxim Kupryushkin
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitrii Pyshnyi
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sidney Altman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Division of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Alya Venyaminova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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9
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Lyu C, Fang F, Li B. Anti-Tumor Effects of Melittin and Its Potential Applications in Clinic. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:240-250. [PMID: 29895240 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180612084615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is a water-soluble toxic peptide of which a various biological effects have been identified to be useful in anti-tumor therapy. In addition, Melittin also has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, it is a very attractive therapeutic candidate for human diseases. However, melittin induces extensive hemolysis, a severe side effect that dampens its future development and clinical application. Thus, studies of melittin derivatives and new drug delivery systems have been conducted to explore approaches for optimizing the efficacy of this compound, while reducing its toxicity. A number of reviews have focused on each side, respectively. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the anti-tumor effects of melittin and its derivatives, and discuss its future potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Lyu
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanfu Fang
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bai Li
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Abbandonato G, Polli D, Viola D, Cerullo G, Storti B, Cardarelli F, Salomone F, Nifosì R, Signore G, Bizzarri R. Simultaneous Detection of Local Polarizability and Viscosity by a Single Fluorescent Probe in Cells. Biophys J 2019; 114:2212-2220. [PMID: 29742414 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many intracellular reactions are dependent on the dielectric ("polarity") and viscosity properties of their milieu. Fluorescence imaging offers a convenient strategy to report on such environmental properties. Yet, concomitant and independent monitoring of polarity and viscosity in cells at submicron scale is currently hampered by the lack of fluorescence probes characterized by unmixed responses to both parameters. Here, the peculiar photophysics of a green fluorescent protein chromophore analog is exploited for quantifying and imaging polarity and viscosity independently in living cells. We show that the polarity and viscosity profile around a novel hybrid drug-delivery peptide changes dramatically upon cell internalization via endosomes, shedding light on the spatiotemporal features of the release mechanism. Accordingly, our fluorescent probe opens the way to monitor the environmental effects on several processes relevant to cell biochemistry and nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dario Polli
- IFN-CNR and Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy; Center for Nano Science and Technology at Polimi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Viola
- IFN-CNR and Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulio Cerullo
- IFN-CNR and Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Storti
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and NANO-CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Cardarelli
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and NANO-CNR, Pisa, Italy; Center for Nanotechnology Innovation at NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanni Signore
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and NANO-CNR, Pisa, Italy; Center for Nanotechnology Innovation at NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pisa, Italy.
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11
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Nanocarriers for Protein Delivery to the Cytosol: Assessing the Endosomal Escape of Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide)-Poly(Ethylene Imine) Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9040652. [PMID: 31018628 PMCID: PMC6523739 DOI: 10.3390/nano9040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins and enzymes are a group of interesting candidates for the treatment of numerous diseases, but they often require a carrier to avoid degradation and rapid clearance in vivo. To this end, organic nanoparticles (NPs) represent an excellent choice due to their biocompatibility, and cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs)-loaded poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) NPs have recently attracted attention as versatile tools for targeted enzyme delivery. However, PLGA NPs are taken up by cells via endocytosis and are typically trafficked into lysosomes, while many therapeutic proteins and enzymes should reach the cellular cytosol to perform their activity. Here, we designed a CLEAs-based system implemented with a cationic endosomal escape agent (poly(ethylene imine), PEI) to extend the use of CLEA NPs also to cytosolic enzymes. We demonstrated that our system can deliver protein payloads at cytoplasm level by two different mechanisms: Endosomal escape and direct translocation. Finally, we applied this system to the cytoplasmic delivery of a therapeutically relevant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, SOD) in vitro.
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12
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Zhao H, To KKW, Chu H, Ding Q, Zhao X, Li C, Shuai H, Yuan S, Zhou J, Kok KH, Jiang S, Yuen KY. Dual-functional peptide with defective interfering genes effectively protects mice against avian and seasonal influenza. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2358. [PMID: 29907765 PMCID: PMC6004018 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04792-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited efficacy of current antivirals and antiviral-resistant mutations impairs anti-influenza treatment. Here, we evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antiviral effect of three defective interfering genes (DIG-3) of influenza virus. Viral replication is significantly reduced in cell lines transfected with DIG-3. Mice treated with DIG-3 encoded by jetPEI-vector, as prophylaxis and therapeutics against A(H7N7) virus, respectively, have significantly better survivals (80% and 50%) than control mice (0%). We further develop a dual-functional peptide TAT-P1, which delivers DIG-3 with high efficiency and concomitantly exerts antiviral activity by preventing endosomal acidification. TAT-P1/DIG-3 is more effective than jetPEI/DIG-3 in treating A(H7N7) or A(H1N1)pdm09-infected mice and shows potent prophylactic protection on A(H7N7) or A(H1N1)pdm09-infected mice. The addition of P1 peptide, which prevents endosomal acidification, can enhance the protection of TAT-P1/DIG-3 on A(H1N1)pdm09-infected mice. Dual-functional TAT-P1 with DIG-3 can effectively protect or treat mice infected by avian and seasonal influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Kelvin K W To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Hin Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Qiulu Ding
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Cun Li
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Huiping Shuai
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Kin-Hang Kok
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. .,Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. .,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. .,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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13
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Feng Y, Yin Z, Zhang D, Srivastava A, Ling C. Chinese Medicine Protein and Peptide in Gene and Cell Therapy. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2018; 20:251-264. [PMID: 29895243 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180612082432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The success of gene and cell therapy in clinic during the past two decades as well as our expanding ability to manipulate these biomaterials are leading to new therapeutic options for a wide range of inherited and acquired diseases. Combining conventional therapies with this emerging field is a promising strategy to treat those previously-thought untreatable diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved for thousands of years in China and still plays an important role in human health. As part of the active ingredients of TCM, proteins and peptides have attracted long-term enthusiasm of researchers. More recently, they have been utilized in gene and cell therapy, resulting in promising novel strategies to treat both cancer and non-cancer diseases. This manuscript presents a critical review on this field, accompanied with perspectives on the challenges and new directions for future research in this emerging frontier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinlu Feng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 401 Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China.,Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, United States
| | - Zifei Yin
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, United States
| | - Daniel Zhang
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, United States
| | - Arun Srivastava
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, United States
| | - Chen Ling
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, FL, United States
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14
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Abstract
Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections remains very difficult due to its capacity to survive intracellularly and its multidrug resistance. In this study, the extracellular/intracellular activities of plectasin derivatives-MP1102/NZ2114 were investigated against three methicillin-susceptible/-resistant S. aureus (MSSA/MRSA) strains in RAW 264.7 macrophages and mice to overcome poor intracellular activity. Antibacterial activities decreased 4–16-fold under a mimic phagolysosomal environment. MP1102/NZ2114 were internalized into the cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis and distributed in the cytoplasm; they regulated tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-10 levels. The extracellular maximal relative efficacy (Emax) values of MP1102/NZ2114 towards the three S. aureus strains were >5-log decrease in colony forming units (CFU). In the methicillin-resistant and virulent strains, MP1102/NZ2114 exhibited intracellular bacteriostatic efficacy with an Emax of 0.42–1.07-log CFU reduction. In the MSSA ATCC25923 mouse peritonitis model, 5 mg/kg MP1102/NZ2114 significantly reduced the bacterial load at 24 h, which was superior to vancomycin. In MRSA ATCC43300, their activity was similar to that of vancomycin. The high virulent CVCC546 strain displayed a relatively lower efficiency, with log CFU decreases of 2.88–2.91 (total), 3.41–3.50 (extracellular) and 2.11–2.51 (intracellular) compared with vancomycin (3.70). This suggests that MP1102/NZ2114 can be used as candidates for treating intracellular S. aureus.
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15
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LeCher JC, Nowak SJ, McMurry JL. Breaking in and busting out: cell-penetrating peptides and the endosomal escape problem. Biomol Concepts 2017; 8:131-141. [PMID: 28841567 PMCID: PMC5640260 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2017-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have long held great promise for the manipulation of living cells for therapeutic and research purposes. They allow a wide array of biomolecules from large, oligomeric proteins to nucleic acids and small molecules to rapidly and efficiently traverse cytoplasmic membranes. With few exceptions, if a molecule can be associated with a CPP, it can be delivered into a cell. However, a growing realization in the field is that CPP-cargo fusions largely remain trapped in endosomes and are eventually targeted for degradation or recycling rather than released into the cytoplasm or trafficked to a desired subcellular destination. This 'endosomal escape problem' has confounded efforts to develop CPP-based delivery methods for drugs, enzymes, plasmids, etc. This review provides a brief history of CPP research and discusses current issues in the field with a primary focus on the endosomal escape problem, for which several promising potential solutions have been developed. Are we on the verge of developing technologies to deliver therapeutics such as siRNA, CRISPR/Cas complexes and others that are currently failing because of an inability to get into cells, or are we just chasing after another promising but unworkable technology? We make the case for optimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. LeCher
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, 370 Paulding Ave NW, MD 1201, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
| | - Scott J. Nowak
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, 370 Paulding Ave NW, MD 1201, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
| | - Jonathan L. McMurry
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, 370 Paulding Ave NW, MD 1201, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
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16
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Macchi S, Nifosì R, Signore G, Di Pietro S, Boccardi C, D'Autilia F, Beltram F, Cardarelli F. Self-aggregation propensity of the Tat peptide revealed by UV-Vis, NMR and MD analyses. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:23910-23914. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp04320a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The self-aggregation propensity of unlabeled and TAMRA-labeled Tat11 peptides has been revealed for the first time by UV-Vis, NMR and MD analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Macchi
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- 56127 Pisa
- Italy
| | - Riccardo Nifosì
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- 56127 Pisa
- Italy
| | - Giovanni Signore
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- 56127 Pisa
- Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST
| | - Sebastiano Di Pietro
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- 56127 Pisa
- Italy
| | - Claudia Boccardi
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- 56127 Pisa
- Italy
| | - Francesca D'Autilia
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- 56127 Pisa
- Italy
| | - Fabio Beltram
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- 56127 Pisa
- Italy
| | - Francesco Cardarelli
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- 56127 Pisa
- Italy
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17
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Uptake Mechanism of Cell-Penetrating Peptides. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1030:255-264. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66095-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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18
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Jan Akhunzada M, Chandramouli B, Bhattacharjee N, Macchi S, Cardarelli F, Brancato G. The role of Tat peptide self-aggregation in membrane pore stabilization: insights from a computational study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:27603-27610. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp05103d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Role of Tat peptide self-aggregation to direct transduction in cells is highlighted in a computational study of dimer versus monomer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sara Macchi
- NEST
- Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR
- 56127 Pisa
- Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Brancato
- Scuola Normale Superiore
- Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare
- I-56100 Pisa
- Italy
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19
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Spontaneous membrane-translocating peptides: influence of peptide self-aggregation and cargo polarity. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16914. [PMID: 26567719 PMCID: PMC4645181 DOI: 10.1038/srep16914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides that translocate spontaneously across cell membranes could transform the field of drug delivery by enabling the transport of otherwise membrane-impermeant molecules into cells. In this regard, a 9-aminoacid-long motif (representative sequence: PLIYLRLLR, hereafter Translocating Motif 9, TM9) that spontaneously translocates across membranes while carrying a polar dye was recently identified by high-throughput screening. Here we investigate its transport properties by a combination of in cuvette physico-chemical assays, rational mutagenesis, live-cell confocal imaging and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements. We unveil TM9 ability to self-aggregate in a concentration-dependent manner and demonstrate that peptide self-aggregation is a necessary –yet not sufficient– step for effective membrane translocation. Furthermore we show that membrane crossing can occur with apolar payloads while it is completely inhibited by polar ones. These findings are discussed and compared to previous reports. The present results impose a careful rethinking of this class of sequences as direct-translocation vectors suitable for delivery purposes.
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20
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Alexander-Bryant AA, Dumitriu A, Attaway CC, Yu H, Jakymiw A. Fusogenic-oligoarginine peptide-mediated silencing of the CIP2A oncogene suppresses oral cancer tumor growth in vivo. J Control Release 2015; 218:72-81. [PMID: 26386438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery and endosomal escape of functional small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) remain major barriers limiting the clinical translation of RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics. Recently, we demonstrated that a cell-penetrating endosome-disruptive peptide we synthesized, termed 599, enhanced the intracellular delivery and bioavailability of siRNAs designed to target the CIP2A oncoprotein (siCIP2A) into oral cancer cells and consequently inhibited oral cancer cell invasiveness and anchorage-independent growth in vitro. Thus, to further assess the therapeutic potential of the 599 peptide in mediating RNAi-based therapeutics for oral cancer and its prospective applicability in clinical settings, the objective of the current study was to determine whether intratumoral dosing of the 599 peptide-siCIP2A complex could induce silencing of CIP2A and consequently impair tumor growth using a xenograft oral cancer mouse model. Our results demonstrate that the 599 peptide is able to protect siRNAs from degradation by serum and ribonucleases in vitro and upon intratumoral injection in vivo, confirming the stability of the 599 peptide-siRNA complex and its potential for therapeutic utility. Moreover, 599 peptide-mediated delivery of siCIP2A to tumor tissue induces CIP2A silencing without any associated toxicity, consequently resulting in reduction of the mitotic index and significant inhibition of tumor growth. Together, these data suggest that the 599 peptide carrier is a clinically effective mediator of RNAi-based cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela A Alexander-Bryant
- Department of Oral Health Sciences and Center for Oral Health Research, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Anca Dumitriu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, MUSC, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Christopher C Attaway
- Department of Oral Health Sciences and Center for Oral Health Research, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Oral Health Sciences and Center for Oral Health Research, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Andrew Jakymiw
- Department of Oral Health Sciences and Center for Oral Health Research, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
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21
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Peptide-mediated delivery: an overview of pathways for efficient internalization. Ther Deliv 2015; 5:1203-22. [PMID: 25491671 DOI: 10.4155/tde.14.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor cellular delivery and low bioavailability of novel potent therapeutic molecules continue to remain the bottleneck of modern cancer and gene therapy. Cell-penetrating peptides have provided immense opportunities for the intracellular delivery of bioactive cargos and have led to the first exciting successes in experimental therapy of muscular dystrophies. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which cell-penetrating peptides gain access to the cell interior and deliver cargos. Recent advances in augmenting delivery efficacy and facilitation of endosomal escape of cargo are presented, and the cell-penetrating peptide-mediated delivery of two of the most popular classes of cargo molecules, oligonucleotides and proteins, is analyzed. The arsenal of tools for oligonucleotide delivery has dramatically expanded in the last decade enabling harnessing of cell-surface receptors for targeted delivery.
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22
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Abstract
The rapid spread of drug-resistant pathogenic microbial strains has created an urgent need for the development of new anti-infective molecules, having different mechanism of action in comparison to existing drugs. Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a novel class of molecules with a broad spectrum of activity and a low rate in inducing bacterial resistance. In particular, linear alpha-helical cationic antimicrobial peptides are among the most widespread membrane-disruptive AMPs in nature, representing a particularly successful structural arrangement of the innate defense against microbes. However, until now, many AMPs have failed in clinical trials because of several drawbacks that strongly limit their applicability such as degradation, cytotoxicity, and high production cost. Thus, to overcome the limitations of native peptides, a rational in silico approach to AMPs design becomes a promising strategy that drastically reduce production costs and the time required for evaluation of activity and toxicity. This chapter focuses on the strategies and methods for de novo design of potentially active AMPs. In particular, statistical-based design strategies and MD methods for modelling AMPs are elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Maccari
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation @NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pisa, Italy
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23
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Mechanistic insight into CM18-Tat11 peptide membrane-perturbing action by whole-cell patch-clamp recording. Molecules 2014; 19:9228-39. [PMID: 24991756 PMCID: PMC6271366 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19079228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane-destabilization properties of the recently-introduced endosomolytic CM18-Tat11 hybrid peptide (KWKLFKKIGAVLKVLTTG-YGRKKRRQRRR, residues 1–7 of cecropin-A, 2–12 of melittin, and 47–57 of HIV-1 Tat protein) are investigated in CHO-K1 cells by using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. CM18-Tat11, CM18, and Tat11 peptides are administered to the cell membrane with a computer-controlled micro-perfusion system. CM18-Tat11 induces irreversible cell-membrane permeabilization at concentrations (≥4 µM) at which CM18 triggers transient pore formation, and Tat11 does not affect membrane integrity. We argue that the addition of the Tat11 module to CM18 is able to trigger a shift in the mechanism of membrane destabilization from “toroidal” to “carpet”, promoting a detergent-like membrane disruption. Collectively, these results rationalize previous observations on CM18-Tat11 delivery properties that we believe can guide the engineering of new modular peptides tailored to specific cargo-delivery applications.
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24
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Salomone F, Breton M, Leray I, Cardarelli F, Boccardi C, Bonhenry D, Tarek M, Mir LM, Beltram F. High-Yield Nontoxic Gene Transfer through Conjugation of the CM18-Tat11 Chimeric Peptide with Nanosecond Electric Pulses. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:2466-74. [DOI: 10.1021/mp500223t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Salomone
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Center
for Nanotechnology Innovation
@NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marie Breton
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Vectorologie et Thérapeutiques
Anticancéreuses,
UMR 8203, Orsay F-91405, France
| | - Isabelle Leray
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Vectorologie et Thérapeutiques
Anticancéreuses,
UMR 8203, Orsay F-91405, France
- Université Paris-Sud, Laboratoire de Vectorologie et
Thérapeutiques
Anticancéreuses, UMR 8203, Orsay F-91405, France
- Institute Gustave-Roussy, Laboratoire de
Vectorologie et Thérapeutiques
Anticancéreuses, UMR 8203, Villejuif F-94805, France
| | - Francesco Cardarelli
- Center
for Nanotechnology Innovation
@NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Boccardi
- Center
for Nanotechnology Innovation
@NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniel Bonhenry
- Université de Lorraine, UMR 7565, Structure et Réactivité
des
Systèmes Moléculaires Complexes, CNRS, Nancy F-54003, France
| | - Mounir Tarek
- Université de Lorraine, UMR 7565, Structure et Réactivité
des
Systèmes Moléculaires Complexes, CNRS, Nancy F-54003, France
| | - Lluis M. Mir
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Vectorologie et Thérapeutiques
Anticancéreuses,
UMR 8203, Orsay F-91405, France
- Université Paris-Sud, Laboratoire de Vectorologie et
Thérapeutiques
Anticancéreuses, UMR 8203, Orsay F-91405, France
- Institute Gustave-Roussy, Laboratoire de
Vectorologie et Thérapeutiques
Anticancéreuses, UMR 8203, Villejuif F-94805, France
| | - Fabio Beltram
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Center
for Nanotechnology Innovation
@NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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25
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Antimicrobial peptides design by evolutionary multiobjective optimization. PLoS Comput Biol 2013; 9:e1003212. [PMID: 24039565 PMCID: PMC3764005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an abundant and wide class of molecules produced by many tissues and cell types in a variety of mammals, plant and animal species. Linear alpha-helical antimicrobial peptides are among the most widespread membrane-disruptive AMPs in nature, representing a particularly successful structural arrangement in innate defense. Recently, AMPs have received increasing attention as potential therapeutic agents, owing to their broad activity spectrum and their reduced tendency to induce resistance. The introduction of non-natural amino acids will be a key requisite in order to contrast host resistance and increase compound's life. In this work, the possibility to design novel AMP sequences with non-natural amino acids was achieved through a flexible computational approach, based on chemophysical profiles of peptide sequences. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) descriptors were employed to code each peptide and train two statistical models in order to account for structural and functional properties of alpha-helical amphipathic AMPs. These models were then used as fitness functions for a multi-objective evolutional algorithm, together with a set of constraints for the design of a series of candidate AMPs. Two ab-initio natural peptides were synthesized and experimentally validated for antimicrobial activity, together with a series of control peptides. Furthermore, a well-known Cecropin-Mellitin alpha helical antimicrobial hybrid (CM18) was optimized by shortening its amino acid sequence while maintaining its activity and a peptide with non-natural amino acids was designed and tested, demonstrating the higher activity achievable with artificial residues. In recent years, the increasing and rapid spread of pathogenic microorganisms resistant to conventional antibiotics especially in hospital settings spurred research for the identification of novel molecules endowed with antimicrobial activities and new mechanisms of action. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) received an increasing attention as potential therapeutic agents because of their wide spectrum of activity and low rate in inducing bacterial resistance. Currently, research is focused on the design and optimization of novel AMPs to improve their antimicrobial activity, minimize the cytotoxicity and reduce the proteolytic degradation, also in biological fluids. To this end, the introduction of non-natural amino acids will be a key requisite in order to contrast host resistance and increase compound's life. However, the amino acidic alphabet extension to non-natural elements makes a systematic approach to AMPs design unfeasible. A rational in-silico approach can drastically reduce the number of testing compounds and consequently the production costs and the time required for evaluation of activity and toxicity. In this article, AMP in-silico design with non-natural amino acids was performed and a series of candidates were tested in order to demonstrate the potentiality of this approach.
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