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Wang Y, Wei L, Liu Y, Liu C, Hou M, Zhou L, Wang L, Li H, Qiu Y, JingMa. Biodistribution and preclinical safety profile of legubicin: A novel conjugate of doxorubicin and a legumain-cleavable peptide linker. J Appl Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38782376 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4622] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Legubicin is a novel conjugate of doxorubicin and a legumain-cleavable peptide linker. It has been developed to ameliorate the side effects of doxorubicin. Biodistribution in tumor-bearing mice, acute tolerance, and potential systemic toxic effects in Sprague-Dawley rats and beagle dogs of legubicin were assessed. Legubicin exists mainly as a protein complex in plasma after entering the circulation. Compared with conventional doxorubicin at an equal molar dose in mice, we found higher exposure to doxorubicin in tumor (approximately 1.7-fold increase) while lower exposure in normal tissues (an ~3.26-, 3.46-, and 1.29-fold reduction in heart, kidney, and plasma, respectively) in tumor-bearing mice after intravenous injection of legubicin. The acute maximum tolerance dose (MTD) of legubicin was >16 mg/kg doxorubicin equivalent in female rats, 11 mg/kg doxorubicin equivalent in male rats (LD50 of conventional doxorubicin is 10.51 mg/kg), and >8 mg/kg doxorubicin equivalent in dogs (MTD of conventional doxorubicin is 1.5 mg/kg). Four-week repeat-dose toxicity studies of intravenous legubicin were conducted in rats (5, 10, and 25 mg/kg/dose once weekly) and dogs (3/1.5, 10/5, and 20/10 mg/kg/dose once weekly); the dose levels were reduced from the second dose due to intolerable legubicin-associated toxicity at 20 mg/kg. Major organs of toxicity included the gastrointestinal tract, lymphoid and hematopoietic organs, kidney, skin, liver, reproductive organs, and peripheral nerves, which are all associated with doxorubicin. However, cardiotoxicity was only noted at MTD dose levels. Altogether, our results confirm an improved safety profile of legubicin over conventional doxorubicin and support its clinical benefit for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Pharmacological Evaluation Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
- Department of toxicology, Shanghai InnoStar Bio-tech Co, Ltd (InnoStar), Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Wei
- Pharmacological Evaluation Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
- Department of toxicology, Shanghai InnoStar Bio-tech Co, Ltd (InnoStar), Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Shanghai Affinity Bio-Pharmaceuticals Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Shanghai Affinity Bio-Pharmaceuticals Co, Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Minbo Hou
- Department of toxicology, Shanghai InnoStar Bio-tech Co, Ltd (InnoStar), Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of toxicology, Shanghai InnoStar Bio-tech Co, Ltd (InnoStar), Shanghai, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of toxicology, Shanghai InnoStar Bio-tech Co, Ltd (InnoStar), Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Li
- Pharmacological Evaluation Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
- Department of toxicology, Shanghai InnoStar Bio-tech Co, Ltd (InnoStar), Shanghai, China
| | - Yunliang Qiu
- Pharmacological Evaluation Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
- Department of toxicology, Shanghai InnoStar Bio-tech Co, Ltd (InnoStar), Shanghai, China
| | - JingMa
- Pharmacological Evaluation Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, China
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Ghaemi B, Tanwar S, Singh A, Arifin DR, McMahon MT, Barman I, Bulte JWM. Cell-Penetrating and Enzyme-Responsive Peptides for Targeted Cancer Therapy: Role of Arginine Residue Length on Cell Penetration and In Vivo Systemic Toxicity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:11159-11171. [PMID: 38385360 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
For the improved delivery of cancer therapeutics and imaging agents, the conjugation of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) increases the cellular uptake and water solubility of agents. Among the various CPPs, arginine-rich peptides have been the most widely used. Combining CPPs with enzyme-responsive peptides presents an innovative strategy to target specific intracellular enzymes in cancer cells and when combined with the appropriate click chemistry can enhance theranostic drug delivery through the formation of intracellular self-assembled nanostructures. However, one drawback of CPPs is their high positive charge which can cause nonspecific binding, leading to off-target accumulation and potential toxicity. Hence, balancing cell-specific penetration, toxicity, and biocompatibility is essential for future clinical efficacy. We synthesized six cancer-specific, legumain-responsive RnAANCK peptides containing one to six arginine residues, with legumain being an asparaginyl endopeptidase that is overexpressed in aggressive prostate tumors. When conjugated to Alexa Fluor 488, R1-R6AANCK peptides exhibited a concentration- and time-dependent cell penetration in prostate cancer cells, which was higher for peptides with higher R values, reaching a plateau after approximately 120 min. Highly aggressive DU145 prostate tumor cells, but not less aggressive LNCaP cells, self-assembled nanoparticles in the cytosol after the cleavage of the legumain-specific peptide. The in vivo biocompatibility was assessed in mice after the intravenous injection of R1-R6AANCK peptides, with concentrations ranging from 0.0125 to 0.4 mmol/kg. The higher arginine content in R4-6 peptides showed blood and urine indicators for the impairment of bone marrow, liver, and kidney function in a dose-dependent manner, with instant hemolysis and morbidity in extreme cases. These findings underscore the importance of designing peptides with the optimal arginine residue length for a proper balance of cell-specific penetration, toxicity, and in vivo biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Ghaemi
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Swati Tanwar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Aruna Singh
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Dian R Arifin
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Michael T McMahon
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Ishan Barman
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Jeff W M Bulte
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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3
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Wang M, Tao M, Zhu W, Liu W, Liu Z, Hai Z. Tumor-Targeted Fluorescent/Photoacoustic Imaging of Legumain Activity In Vivo. ACS Sens 2023; 8:4473-4477. [PMID: 37982675 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Legumain has been identified as a target for diagnosis and treatment of associated cancers. Therefore, real-time imaging of legumain activity in vivo is helpful in diagnosing and evaluating therapeutic efficacy of associated cancers. Fluorescent/photoacoustic (FL/PA) dual-modal imaging developed rapidly because of its good sensitivity and spatial resolution. As far as we know, a tumor-targeted probe for FL/PA imaging of legumain activity in vivo has not been reported. Hence, we intended to develop a tumor-targeted hemicyanine (HCy) probe (HCy-AAN-Bio) for FL/PA imaging of legumain in vivo. The control probe HCy-AAN does not have tumor-targeting ability. Legumain can specifically cleave HCy-AAN-Bio or HCy-AAN with the generation of FL/PA signal while more HCy-AAN-Bio could be recognized by legumain than HCy-AAN with higher sensitivity in vitro. Due to the tumor-targeting ability, HCy-AAN-Bio could image 4T1 cells with an additional 1.3-fold FL enhancement and 1.9-fold PA enhancement than HCy-AAN. In addition, HCy-AAN-Bio could image legumain activity in vivo with an additional 1.5-fold FL enhancement and 1.9-fold PA enhancement than HCy-AAN. We expected that HCy-AAN-Bio will be a powerful tool for early diagnosis of associated cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Wang
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Menglin Tao
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Wujuan Zhu
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Zhengjie Liu
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Zijuan Hai
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
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Wilkinson IVL, Castro-Falcón G, Roda-Serrat MC, Purdy TN, Straetener J, Brauny MM, Maier L, Brötz-Oesterhelt H, Christensen LP, Sieber SA, Hughes CC. The Cyanobacterial "Nutraceutical" Phycocyanobilin Inhibits Cysteine Protease Legumain. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200455. [PMID: 36538283 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The blue biliprotein phycocyanin, produced by photo-autotrophic cyanobacteria including spirulina (Arthrospira) and marketed as a natural food supplement or "nutraceutical," is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activity. These diverse biological activities have been specifically attributed to the phycocyanin chromophore, phycocyanobilin (PCB). However, the mechanism of action of PCB and the molecular targets responsible for the beneficial properties of PCB are not well understood. We have developed a procedure to rapidly cleave the PCB pigment from phycocyanin by ethanolysis and then characterized it as an electrophilic natural product that interacts covalently with thiol nucleophiles but lacks any appreciable cytotoxicity or antibacterial activity against common pathogens and gut microbes. We then designed alkyne-bearing PCB probes for use in chemical proteomics target deconvolution studies. Target identification and validation revealed the cysteine protease legumain (also known as asparaginyl endopeptidase, AEP) to be a target of PCB. Inhibition of this target may account for PCB's diverse reported biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel V L Wilkinson
- Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Str. 8, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Gabriel Castro-Falcón
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maria C Roda-Serrat
- Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Trevor N Purdy
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jan Straetener
- Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie M Brauny
- Cluster of Excellence EXC 2124, Controlling Microbes to Fight Infection, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Microbiome-Host-Interaction Lab, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lisa Maier
- Cluster of Excellence EXC 2124, Controlling Microbes to Fight Infection, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Microbiome-Host-Interaction Lab, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt
- Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence EXC 2124, Controlling Microbes to Fight Infection, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lars P Christensen
- Department of Green Technology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Stephan A Sieber
- Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Str. 8, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Chambers C Hughes
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence EXC 2124, Controlling Microbes to Fight Infection, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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Khan SU, Khan IM, Khan MU, Ud Din MA, Khan MZ, Khan NM, Liu Y. Role of LGMN in tumor development and its progression and connection with the tumor microenvironment. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1121964. [PMID: 36825203 PMCID: PMC9942682 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1121964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Legumain (LGMN) has been demonstrated to be overexpressed not just in breast, prostatic, and liver tumor cells, but also in the macrophages that compose the tumor microenvironment. This supports the idea that LGMN is a pivotal protein in regulating tumor development, invasion, and dissemination. Targeting LGMN with siRNA or chemotherapeutic medicines and peptides can suppress cancer cell proliferation in culture and reduce tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, legumain can be used as a marker for cancer detection and targeting due to its expression being significantly lower in normal cells compared to tumors or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Tumor formation is influenced by aberrant expression of proteins and alterations in cellular architecture, but the tumor microenvironment is a crucial deciding factor. Legumain (LGMN) is an in vivo-active cysteine protease that catalyzes the degradation of numerous proteins. Its precise biological mechanism encompasses a number of routes, including effects on tumor-associated macrophage and neovascular endothelium in the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of this work is to establish a rationale for thoroughly investigating the function of LGMN in the tumor microenvironment and discovering novel tumor early diagnosis markers and therapeutic targets by reviewing the function of LGMN in tumor genesis and progression and its relationship with tumor milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safir Ullah Khan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproduction Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, China,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ibrar Muhammad Khan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproduction Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, China,*Correspondence: Ibrar Muhammad Khan, ; Yong Liu,
| | - Munir Ullah Khan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, International Research Center for X Polymers, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Azhar Ud Din
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan KPK, Dera IsmailKhan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Agriculture, Dera IsmailKhan, Pakistan
| | - Nazir Muhammad Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Pakistan
| | - Yong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproduction Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, China,*Correspondence: Ibrar Muhammad Khan, ; Yong Liu,
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Su Y, Jin G, Zhou H, Yang Z, Wang L, Mei Z, Jin Q, Lv S, Chen X. Development of stimuli responsive polymeric nanomedicines modulating tumor microenvironment for improved cancer therapy. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:4-30. [PMID: 37724108 PMCID: PMC10471091 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) severely hinders the therapeutic effects of various cancer treatment modalities. The TME differs from normal tissues owing to the presence of hypoxia, low pH, and immune-suppressive characteristics. Modulation of the TME to reverse tumor growth equilibrium is considered an effective way to treat tumors. Recently, polymeric nanomedicines have been widely used in cancer therapy, because their synthesis can be controlled and they are highly modifiable, and have demonstrated great potential to remodel the TME. In this review, we outline the application of various stimuli responsive polymeric nanomedicines to modulate the TME, aiming to provide insights for the design of the next generation of polymeric nanomedicines and promote the development of polymeric nanomedicines for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhen Su
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guanyu Jin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Huicong Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaofan Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lanqing Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Mei
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qionghua Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shixian Lv
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuesi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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Solberg R, Lunde NN, Forbord KM, Okla M, Kassem M, Jafari A. The Mammalian Cysteine Protease Legumain in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415983. [PMID: 36555634 PMCID: PMC9788469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The cysteine protease legumain (also known as asparaginyl endopeptidase or δ-secretase) is the only known mammalian asparaginyl endopeptidase and is primarily localized to the endolysosomal system, although it is also found extracellularly as a secreted protein. Legumain is involved in the regulation of diverse biological processes and tissue homeostasis, and in the pathogenesis of various malignant and nonmalignant diseases. In addition to its proteolytic activity that leads to the degradation or activation of different substrates, legumain has also been shown to have a nonproteolytic ligase function. This review summarizes the current knowledge about legumain functions in health and disease, including kidney homeostasis, hematopoietic homeostasis, bone remodeling, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, fibrosis, aging and senescence, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In addition, this review addresses the effects of some marketed drugs on legumain. Expanding our knowledge on legumain will delineate the importance of this enzyme in regulating physiological processes and disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigmor Solberg
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (A.J.); Tel.: +47-22-857-514 (R.S.); +45-35-337-423 (A.J.)
| | - Ngoc Nguyen Lunde
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl Martin Forbord
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Meshail Okla
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moustapha Kassem
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abbas Jafari
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (A.J.); Tel.: +47-22-857-514 (R.S.); +45-35-337-423 (A.J.)
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The Asparaginyl Endopeptidase Legumain: An Emerging Therapeutic Target and Potential Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810223. [PMID: 36142134 PMCID: PMC9499314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is incurable dementia closely associated with aging. Most cases of AD are sporadic, and very few are inherited; the pathogenesis of sporadic AD is complex and remains to be elucidated. The asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) or legumain is the only recognized cysteine protease that specifically hydrolyzes peptide bonds after asparagine residues in mammals. The expression level of AEPs in healthy brains is far lower than that of peripheral organs. Recently, growing evidence has indicated that aging may upregulate and overactivate brain AEPs. The overactivation of AEPs drives the onset of AD through cleaving tau and amyloid precursor proteins (APP), and SET, an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). The AEP-mediated cleavage of these peptides enhances amyloidosis, promotes tau hyperphosphorylation, and ultimately induces neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Upregulated AEPs and related deleterious reactions constitute upstream events of amyloid/tau toxicity in the brain, and represent early pathological changes in AD. Thus, upregulated AEPs are an emerging drug target for disease modification and a potential biomarker for predicting preclinical AD. However, the presence of the blood–brain barrier greatly hinders establishing body-fluid-based methods to measure brain AEPs. Research on AEP-activity-based imaging probes and our recent work suggest that the live brain imaging of AEPs could be used to evaluate its predictive efficacy as an AD biomarker. To advance translational research in this area, AEP imaging probes applicable to human brain and AEP inhibitors with good druggability are urgently needed.
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Pant A, Maiti TK, Mahajan D, Das B. Human Gut Microbiota and Drug Metabolism. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022:1-15. [PMID: 35869999 PMCID: PMC9308113 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02081-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of drugs widely varies in individuals, and the gut microbiota plays an important role in this variability. The commensal microbiota living in the human gut encodes several enzymes that chemically modify systemic and orally administered drugs, and such modifications can lead to activation, inactivation, toxification, altered stability, poor bioavailability, and rapid excretion. Our knowledge of the role of the human gut microbiome in therapeutic outcomes continues to evolve. Recent studies suggest the existence of complex interactions between microbial functions and therapeutic drugs across the human body. Therapeutic drugs or xenobiotics can influence the composition of the gut microbiome and the microbial encoded functions. Both these deviations can alter the chemical transformations of the drugs and hence treatment outcomes. In this review, we provide an overview of (i) the genetic ecology of microbially encoded functions linked with xenobiotic degradation; (ii) the effect of drugs on the composition and function of the gut microbiome; and (iii) the importance of the gut microbiota in drug metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Pant
- Molecular Genetics Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, Delhi-110067, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad-121001, India
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, PO box, Gurgaon Expressway, #04 Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India
| | - Tushar K Maiti
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad-121001, India
| | - Dinesh Mahajan
- Chemistry and Pharmacology Lab, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Bhabatosh Das
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, PO box, Gurgaon Expressway, #04 Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India.
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10
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Theranostic Small-Molecule Prodrug Conjugates for Targeted Delivery and Controlled Release of Toll-like Receptor 7 Agonists. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137160. [PMID: 35806163 PMCID: PMC9266369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported the design and synthesis of a small-molecule drug conjugate (SMDC) platform that demonstrated several advantages over antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) in terms of in vivo pharmacokinetics, solid tumor penetration, definitive chemical structure, and adaptability for modular synthesis. Constructed on a tri-modal SMDC platform derived from 1,3,5-triazine (TZ) that consists of a targeting moiety (Lys-Urea-Glu) for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), here we report a novel class of chemically identical theranostic small-molecule prodrug conjugates (T-SMPDCs), [18/19F]F-TZ(PSMA)-LEGU-TLR7, for PSMA-targeted delivery and controlled release of toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists to elicit de novo immune response for cancer immunotherapy. In vitro competitive binding assay of [19F]F-TZ(PSMA)-LEGU-TLR7 showed that the chemical modification of Lys-Urea-Glu did not compromise its binding affinity to PSMA. Receptor-mediated cell internalization upon the PSMA binding of [18F]F-TZ(PSMA)-LEGU-TLR7 showed a time-dependent increase, indicative of targeted intracellular delivery of the theranostic prodrug conjugate. The designed controlled release of gardiquimod, a TLR7 agonist, was realized by a legumain cleavable linker. We further performed an in vivo PET/CT imaging study that showed significantly higher uptake of [18F]F-TZ(PSMA)-LEGU-TLR7 in PSMA+ PC3-PIP tumors (1.9 ± 0.4% ID/g) than in PSMA− PC3-Flu tumors (0.8 ± 0.3% ID/g) at 1 h post-injection. In addition, the conjugate showed a one-compartment kinetic profile and in vivo stability. Taken together, our proof-of-concept biological evaluation demonstrated the potential of our T-SMPDCs for cancer immunomodulatory therapies.
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11
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Calugi L, Lenci E, Bianchini F, Contini A, Trabocchi A. Modular synthesis of 2,4-diaminoanilines as CNS drug-like non-covalent inhibitors of asparagine endopeptidase. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 63:116746. [PMID: 35430537 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Asparagine endopeptidase (AEP), also called legumain, is a pH-dependent endolysosomal cysteine protease that cleaves its substrates after asparagine residues. Recent studies showed that it possesses δ-secretase activity and that it is implicated in numerous neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Following evidence of aryl-morpholines as useful asparagine endopeptidase inhibitors, a series of morpholinoanilines with diverse substituents at ortho position were synthesized in view of improving the potency and scope of this molecular scaffold, allowing to identify ethyl 2-isonipecotate-4-morpholinoaniline possessing inhibition potency in the nanomolar range. CNS MPO (CNS MultiParameter Optimization) calculations revealed that most of the compounds developed in this work show physicochemical parameters in the desirable range for CNS drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Calugi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lenci
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences ''Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale 8 Morgagni 50, I-50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Contini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Venezian 21, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Trabocchi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
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12
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Identification of the Cysteine Protease Legumain as a Potential Chronic Hypoxia-Specific Multiple Myeloma Target Gene. Cells 2022; 11:cells11020292. [PMID: 35053409 PMCID: PMC8773999 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy, which is characterized by clonal proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells in the bone marrow. This microenvironment is characterized by low oxygen levels (1–6% O2), known as hypoxia. For MM cells, hypoxia is a physiologic feature that has been described to promote an aggressive phenotype and to confer drug resistance. However, studies on hypoxia are scarce and show little conformity. Here, we analyzed the mRNA expression of previously determined hypoxia markers to define the temporal adaptation of MM cells to chronic hypoxia. Subsequent analyses of the global proteome in MM cells and the stromal cell line HS-5 revealed hypoxia-dependent regulation of proteins, which directly or indirectly upregulate glycolysis. In addition, chronic hypoxia led to MM-specific regulation of nine distinct proteins. One of these proteins is the cysteine protease legumain (LGMN), the depletion of which led to a significant growth disadvantage of MM cell lines that is enhanced under hypoxia. Thus, herein, we report a methodologic strategy to examine MM cells under physiologic hypoxic conditions in vitro and to decipher and study previously masked hypoxia-specific therapeutic targets such as the cysteine protease LGMN.
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li X, Huo F, Zhang Y, Cheng F, Yin C. Enzyme-activated Prodrugs and Their Release Mechanisms for Treatment of Cancer. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:5504-5519. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00922f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Enzyme-activated prodrugs have received a lot of attention in recent years. These prodrugs have low toxicity to cells before they are activated, and when they interact with specific enzymes, they...
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14
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Li K, Li R, Zou P, Li L, Wang H, Kong D, Zheng G, Li LL. Glycopeptide-nanotransforrs eyedrops with enhanced permeability and retention for preventing fundus neovascularization. Biomaterials 2022; 281:121361. [PMID: 34991034 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and non-invasive drug delivery to the fundus has always been a medical difficulty. Here, a co-assembled glycopeptide nanotransforrs (GPNTs) named MRP@DOX as a drug delivery system is reported. The MRP@DOX co-assemble nanoparticles consisting of glycopeptide, cationic peptide, and doxorubicin (DOX). The nanoparticles are positively charged with the nano-size, which can be induced transformation by legumain cleavage. Once administrate to the eyes, MRP@DOX has a high penetration through the ocular surface to specifically targets M2 macrophages in the fundus. Then, the mannose receptor mediates phagocytosis and intracellular highly expressed legumain induces its nanofibrous transformation, which contributes to a 44.7% DOX retention in cells at 24 h than that of the non-transformed controls (MAP@DOX: 5.1%). The nanofiber transformation provides an inhibition of exocytosis, which explains the higher retention of the delivered drug. In the mouse OIR model, MRP@DOX completely restores the physiological angiogenesis and reduces pathological neovascularization. Pathological neovascularization branches and cell nuclei that break through the inner limiting membrane are reduced by 55% and 72%, respectively, which are 25% and 20% less than those in the non-transformed controls. In addition, MRP@DOX also has good histocompatibility, which provides a possible strategy for non-invasive treatment of fundus diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Hennan, 450052, China; Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Hennan, 450052, China
| | - Ruxiang Li
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No.11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Pengfei Zou
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No.11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Li Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Hennan, 450052, China
| | - Huajun Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Hennan, 450052, China
| | - Deqian Kong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Hennan, 450052, China; Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Hennan, 450052, China
| | - Guangying Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Hennan, 450052, China.
| | - Li-Li Li
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No.11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, China.
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15
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Miller JT, Vitro CN, Fang S, Benjamin SR, Tumey LN. Enzyme-Agnostic Lysosomal Screen Identifies New Legumain-Cleavable ADC Linkers. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:842-858. [PMID: 33788548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and small molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs) have widely employed valine-citruline and related cathepsin-cleavable linkers due to their stability in plasma and their rapid cleavage by lysosomal cathepsins. However, a number of recent studies have illustrated that these linkers are subject to cleavage by exogenous enzymes such as Ces1C and neutrophil elastase, thus resulting in off-target release of drug. As such, there is a need to diversify the portfolio of ADC linkers in order to overcome nonspecific drug release. Rather than targeting cathepsins, we began with an "enzyme agnostic" screen in which a panel of 75 peptide FRET pairs were screened for cleavage in lysosomal extracts and in plasma. Unexpectedly, a series of Asn-containing peptides emerged from this screen as being cleaved far more quickly than traditional ValCit-type linkers while retaining excellent stability in plasma. Catabolism studies demonstrated that these linkers were cleaved by legumain, an asparaginyl endopeptidase that is overexpressed in a variety of cancers and is known to be present in the lysosome. MMAE-containing ADCs that incorporated these new linkers were shown to exhibit highly potent and selective cytotoxicity, comparable to analogous ValCit ADCs. Importantly, the Asn-containing linkers were shown to be completely stable to human neutrophil elastase, an enzyme thought to be responsible for the neutropenia and thrombocytopenia associated with ValCitPABC-MMAE ADCs. The legumain-cleavable ADCs were shown to have excellent stability in both mouse and human serum, retaining >85% of the drug after 1 week of incubation. Moreover, the corresponding small molecule FRET pairs exhibited <10% cleavage after 18 h in mouse and human serum. On the basis of these results, we believe that these new linkers (AsnAsn in particular) have significant potential in both ADC and SMDC drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared T Miller
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Caitlin N Vitro
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Siteng Fang
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Samantha R Benjamin
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - L Nathan Tumey
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
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16
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Elsässer B, Goettig P. Mechanisms of Proteolytic Enzymes and Their Inhibition in QM/MM Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3232. [PMID: 33810118 PMCID: PMC8004986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence for enzymatic mechanisms is often scarce, and in many cases inadvertently biased by the employed methods. Thus, apparently contradictory model mechanisms can result in decade long discussions about the correct interpretation of data and the true theory behind it. However, often such opposing views turn out to be special cases of a more comprehensive and superior concept. Molecular dynamics (MD) and the more advanced molecular mechanical and quantum mechanical approach (QM/MM) provide a relatively consistent framework to treat enzymatic mechanisms, in particular, the activity of proteolytic enzymes. In line with this, computational chemistry based on experimental structures came up with studies on all major protease classes in recent years; examples of aspartic, metallo-, cysteine, serine, and threonine protease mechanisms are well founded on corresponding standards. In addition, experimental evidence from enzyme kinetics, structural research, and various other methods supports the described calculated mechanisms. One step beyond is the application of this information to the design of new and powerful inhibitors of disease-related enzymes, such as the HIV protease. In this overview, a few examples demonstrate the high potential of the QM/MM approach for sophisticated pharmaceutical compound design and supporting functions in the analysis of biomolecular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Goettig
- Structural Biology Group, Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
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17
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Qiu L, Li X, Lv G, Seimbille Y, Li K, Peng Y, Liu Q, Xie M, Lin J. Radiofluorinated Smart Probes for Noninvasive PET Imaging of Legumain Activity in Living Subjects. Anal Chem 2020; 92:11627-11634. [PMID: 32867490 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c01253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of legumain is closely associated with tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Because of its intrinsic properties, such as high sensitivity and resolution, positron emission tomography (PET) has become an effective imaging technique for early diagnosis, treatment response prediction, and monitoring. Herein, two legumain-targeting radiofluorinated smart probes (18F-2 and 18F-3) as well as a control probe (18F-1) were specifically designed for PET imaging of legumain activity in tumors. 18F-1, 18F-2, and 18F-3 were obtained with high radiochemical yield (RCY > 60%) and radiochemical purity (RCP > 99%) using a convenient "one-step" 18F-labeling method. The probes 18F-2 and 18F-3 exhibited high response to legumain activity and reductive environment and revealed comparable uptake in HCT116 cells (4.22% ± 0.14% and 4.64% ± 0.32% for 18F-2 and 18F-3, respectively; 8.46% ± 0.33% and 9.05% ± 0.24% for co-treatment of 18F-2 + 2 and 18F-3 + 3 at 1 h), while the control probe 18F-1 showed no response. PET imaging of tumor-bearing mice showed that the co-injection strategy (18F-2 + 2 and 18F-3 + 3) resulted in higher tumor uptake (3.57% ± 0.37% and 3.72% ± 0.19% ID/g at 10 min, respectively) than the single injection strategy (2.59% ± 0.19% and 2.60% ± 0.46% ID/g for 18F-2 and 18F-3, respectively). In addition, introduction of the trimeric histidine-glutamate (HEHEHE) tag to 18F-3 reduced the liver uptake by almost two-fold without any noticeable effect on the tumor uptake. All the results indicate that 18F-3 holds great potential applications in clinics for sensitive and specific PET imaging of legumain activity in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Qiu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China.,Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xi Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Gaochao Lv
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Yann Seimbille
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Life Sciences Division, TRIUMF, 4004 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T2A3, Canada
| | - Ke Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Ying Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Qingzhu Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Minhao Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China.,Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jianguo Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China.,Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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18
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Li J, Li L, Lv Y, Zou H, Wei Y, Nie F, Duan W, Sedike M, Xiao L, Wang M. The construction of the novel magnetic prodrug Fe 3O 4@DOX and its antagonistic effects on hepatocarcinoma with low toxicity. RSC Adv 2020; 10:28965-28974. [PMID: 35520056 PMCID: PMC9055880 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra01729a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent for liver cancer. However, its clinical applications are greatly restricted by its nonselective cytotoxicity. A novel magnetic prodrug, Fe3O4@DOX, was designed, synthesized and characterized, and Fe3O4 and DOX were connected by the peptide CGGAAN. The magnetic prodrug Fe3O4@DOX was successfully synthesized with average sizes of 95 nm and 322.5 nm by TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and Malvern Zetasizer instrument respectively. The maximum emission wavelength shifted from 594 nm for free DOX to 615 nm for conjugated DOX in the synthesized Fe3O4@DOX. Both free DOX and Fe3O4@DOX show strong cytotoxicity to legumain overexpressing PLC through apoptosis. Similarly, Fe3O4@DOX and DOX equally reduced tumor volume and induced cell apoptosis in tumor tissues, while the former significantly maintained body weight and extended the life of nude mice, therefore serving as a promising nanocarrier for liver cancer treatment. Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent for liver cancer.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University Wulumuqi 830011 China .,Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University) Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Liang Li
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China, International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200438 China
| | - Yang Lv
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University Wulumuqi 830011 China .,Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University) Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Hao Zou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University) Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Yanping Wei
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China, International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200438 China
| | - Fei Nie
- Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University) Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Wanli Duan
- Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University) Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Maidinamu Sedike
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University Wulumuqi 830011 China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University) Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Mei Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University Wulumuqi 830011 China
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19
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Poreba M. Protease-activated prodrugs: strategies, challenges, and future directions. FEBS J 2020; 287:1936-1969. [PMID: 31991521 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Proteases play critical roles in virtually all biological processes, including proliferation, cell death and survival, protein turnover, and migration. However, when dysregulated, these enzymes contribute to the progression of multiple diseases, with cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and blood disorders being the most prominent examples. For a long time, disease-associated proteases have been used for the activation of various prodrugs due to their well-characterized catalytic activity and ability to selectively cleave only those substrates that strictly correspond with their active site architecture. To date, versatile peptide sequences that are cleaved by proteases in a site-specific manner have been utilized as bioactive linkers for the targeted delivery of multiple types of cargo, including fluorescent dyes, photosensitizers, cytotoxic drugs, antibiotics, and pro-antibodies. This platform is highly adaptive, as multiple protease-labile conjugates have already been developed, some of which are currently in clinical use for cancer treatment. In this review, recent advancements in the development of novel protease-cleavable linkers for selective drug delivery are described. Moreover, the current limitations regarding the selectivity of linkers are discussed, and the future perspectives that rely on the application of unnatural amino acids for the development of highly selective peptide linkers are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Poreba
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
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20
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Manfredi JJ. Inactivation of Wild-Type p53 by Asparagine Endopeptidase in Glioblastoma: An Opportunity to Target the "Undruggable". J Natl Cancer Inst 2020; 112:327-329. [PMID: 31400198 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djz156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James J Manfredi
- Department of Oncological Sciences and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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21
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Sun IC, Yoon HY, Lim DK, Kim K. Recent Trends in In Situ Enzyme-Activatable Prodrugs for Targeted Cancer Therapy. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:1012-1024. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- In-Cheol Sun
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Yeol Yoon
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kwon Lim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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22
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Anderson BM, de Almeida LGN, Sekhon H, Young D, Dufour A, Edgington-Mitchell LE. N-Terminomics/TAILS Profiling of Macrophages after Chemical Inhibition of Legumain. Biochemistry 2019; 59:329-340. [PMID: 31774660 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Legumain (asparaginyl endopeptidase) is the only protease with a preference for cleavage after asparagine residues. Increased legumain activity is a hallmark of inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer, and legumain inhibitors have exhibited therapeutic effects in mouse models of these pathologies. Improved knowledge of its substrates and cellular functions is a requisite to further validation of legumain as a drug target. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the effects of legumain inhibition in macrophages using an unbiased and systematic approach. By shotgun proteomics, we identified 16 094 unique peptides in RAW264.7 cells. Among these, 326 unique peptides were upregulated in response to legumain inhibition, while 241 were downregulated. Many of these proteins were associated with mitochondria and metabolism, especially iron metabolism, indicating that legumain may have a previously unknown impact on related processes. Furthermore, we used N-terminomics/TAILS (terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates) to identify potential substrates of legumain. We identified three new proteins that are cleaved after asparagine residues, which may reflect legumain-dependent cleavage. We confirmed that frataxin, a mitochondrial protein associated with the formation of iron-sulfur clusters, can be cleaved by legumain. This further asserts a potential contribution of legumain to mitochondrial function and iron metabolism. Lastly, we also identified a potential new cleavage site within legumain itself that may give rise to a 25 kDa form of legumain that has previously been observed in multiple cell and tissue types. Collectively, these data shed new light on the potential functions of legumain and will be critical for understanding its contribution to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany M Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria 3052 , Australia
| | - Luiz G N de Almeida
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4N1 , Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4N1 , Canada
| | - Henna Sekhon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4N1 , Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4N1 , Canada
| | - Daniel Young
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4N1 , Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4N1 , Canada
| | - Antoine Dufour
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4N1 , Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta T2N 4N1 , Canada
| | - Laura E Edgington-Mitchell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria 3052 , Australia.,Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Monash University , Parkville , Victoria 3052 , Australia.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , New York University College of Dentistry, Bluestone Center for Clinical Research , New York , New York 10010 , United States
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