1
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Rosenkranz AA, Slastnikova TA. Prospects of Using Protein Engineering for Selective Drug Delivery into a Specific Compartment of Target Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030987. [PMID: 36986848 PMCID: PMC10055131 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of proteins are successfully used to treat various diseases. These include natural polypeptide hormones, their synthetic analogues, antibodies, antibody mimetics, enzymes, and other drugs based on them. Many of them are demanded in clinical settings and commercially successful, mainly for cancer treatment. The targets for most of the aforementioned drugs are located at the cell surface. Meanwhile, the vast majority of therapeutic targets, which are usually regulatory macromolecules, are located inside the cell. Traditional low molecular weight drugs freely penetrate all cells, causing side effects in non-target cells. In addition, it is often difficult to elaborate a small molecule that can specifically affect protein interactions. Modern technologies make it possible to obtain proteins capable of interacting with almost any target. However, proteins, like other macromolecules, cannot, as a rule, freely penetrate into the desired cellular compartment. Recent studies allow us to design multifunctional proteins that solve these problems. This review considers the scope of application of such artificial constructs for the targeted delivery of both protein-based and traditional low molecular weight drugs, the obstacles met on the way of their transport to the specified intracellular compartment of the target cells after their systemic bloodstream administration, and the means to overcome those difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey A Rosenkranz
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Slastnikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia
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2
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Rosenkranz AA, Slastnikova TA, Durymanov MO, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Exploiting active nuclear import for efficient delivery of Auger electron emitters into the cell nucleus. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:28-38. [PMID: 32856963 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1815889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most attractive features of Auger electrons (AEs) in cancer therapy are their extremely short range and sufficiently high linear energy transfer (LET) for a majority of them. The cytotoxic effects of AE emitters can be realized only in close vicinity to sensitive cellular targets and they are negligible if the emitters are located outside the cell. The nucleus is considered the compartment most sensitive to high LET particles. Therefore, the use of AE emitters could be most useful in specific recognition of a cancer cell and delivery of AE emitters into its nucleus. PURPOSE This review describes the studies aimed at developing effective anticancer agents for the delivery of AE emitters to the nuclei of target cancer cells. The use of peptide-based conjugates, nanoparticles, recombinant proteins, and other constructs for AE emitter targeted intranuclear delivery as well as their advantages and limitations are discussed. CONCLUSION Transport from the cytoplasm to the nucleus along with binding to the cancer cell is one of the key stages in the delivery of AE emitters; therefore, several constructs for exploitation of this transport have been developed. The transport is carried out through a nuclear pore complex (NPC) with the use of specific amino acid nuclear localization sequences (NLS) and carrier proteins named importins, which are located in the cytosol. Therefore, the effectiveness of NLS-containing delivery constructs designed to provide energy-dependent transport of AE emitter into the nuclei of cancer cells also depends on their efficient entry into the cytosol of the target cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey A Rosenkranz
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Alexander S Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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3
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Rosenkranz AA, Slastnikova TA. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor: Key to Selective Intracellular Delivery. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:967-1092. [PMID: 33050847 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920090011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an integral surface protein mediating cellular response to a number of growth factors. Its overexpression and increased activation due to mutations is one of the most common traits of many types of cancer. Development and clinical use of the agents, which block EGFR activation, became a prime example of the personalized targeted medicine. However, despite the obvious success in this area, cancer cure remains unattainable in most cases. Because of that, as well as the result of the search for possible ways to overcome the difficulties of treatment, a huge number of new treatment methods relying on the use of EGFR overexpression and its changes to destroy cancer cells. Modern data on the structure, functioning, and intracellular transport of EGFR, its natural ligands, as well as signaling cascades triggered by the EGFR activation, peculiarities of the EGFR expression and activation in oncological disorders, as well as applied therapeutic approaches aimed at blocking EGFR signaling pathway are summarized and analyzed in this review. Approaches to the targeted delivery of various chemotherapeutic agents, radionuclides, immunotoxins, photosensitizers, as well as the prospects for gene therapy aimed at cancer cells with EGFR overexpression are reviewed in detail. It should be noted that increasing attention is being paid nowadays to the development of multifunctional systems, either carrying several different active agents, or possessing several environment-dependent transport functions. Potentials of the systems based on receptor-mediated endocytosis of EGFR and their possible advantages and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Rosenkranz
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia. .,Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - T A Slastnikova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
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4
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Khramtsov YV, Vlasova AD, Vlasov AV, Rosenkranz AA, Ulasov AV, Ryzhykau YL, Kuklin AI, Orekhov AS, Eydlin IB, Georgiev GP, Gordeliy VI, Sobolev AS. Low-resolution structures of modular nanotransporters shed light on their functional activity. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 76:1270-1279. [PMID: 33263332 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798320013765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Modular nanotransporters (MNTs) are multifunctional chimeric polypeptides for the multistep transport of locally acting cytotoxic agents into the nuclei of cancer target cells. MNTs consist of several polypeptide domains (functional modules) for the recognition of a cell-surface internalizable receptor, pH-dependent endosomal escape and subsequent transport into the nucleus through the nuclear pores. MNTs are a promising means for cancer treatment. As has been shown previously, all of the modules of MNTs retain their functionalities. Despite their importance, there is no structural information available about these chimeric polypeptides, which hampers the creation of new MNT variants. Here, a low-resolution 3D structure of an MNT is presented which was obtained by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering coupled to size-exclusion chromatography. The data suggest that the MNT can adopt two main conformations, but in both conformations the protein N- and C-termini are distanced and do not influence each other. The change in the MNT conformation during acidification of the medium was also studied. It was shown that the fraction of the elongated conformation increases upon acidification. The results of this work will be useful for the development of MNTs that are suitable for clinical trials and possible therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri V Khramtsov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Anastasiia D Vlasova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Alexey V Vlasov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey A Rosenkranz
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Alexey V Ulasov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Yury L Ryzhykau
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander I Kuklin
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russian Federation
| | - Anton S Orekhov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russian Federation
| | - Ilia B Eydlin
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russian Federation
| | - Georgii P Georgiev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
| | - Valentin I Gordeliy
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander S Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russian Federation
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5
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Howell RW. Advancements in the use of Auger electrons in science and medicine during the period 2015-2019. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 99:2-27. [PMID: 33021416 PMCID: PMC8062591 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1831706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Auger electrons can be highly radiotoxic when they are used to irradiate specific molecular sites. This has spurred basic science investigations of their radiobiological effects and clinical investigations of their potential for therapy. Focused symposia on the biophysical aspects of Auger processes have been held quadrennially. This 9th International Symposium on Physical, Molecular, Cellular, and Medical Aspects of Auger Processes at Oxford University brought together scientists from many different fields to review past findings, discuss the latest studies, and plot the future work to be done. This review article examines the research in this field that was published during the years 2015-2019 which corresponds to the period since the last meeting in Japan. In addition, this article points to future work yet to be done. There have been a plethora of advancements in our understanding of Auger processes. These advancements range from basic atomic and molecular physics to new ways to implement Auger electron emitters in radiopharmaceutical therapy. The highly localized doses of radiation that are deposited within a 10 nm of the decay site make them precision tools for discovery across the physical, chemical, biological, and medical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger W Howell
- Division of Radiation Research, Department of Radiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
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6
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Sobolev AS. The Delivery of Biologically Active Agents into the Nuclei of Target Cells for the Purposes of Translational Medicine. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:47-56. [PMID: 33456977 PMCID: PMC7800601 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of vehicles for the subcellular targeted delivery of biologically active agents is very promising for the purposes of translational medicine. This review summarizes the results obtained by researchers from the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, which allowed them to design the core technology: modular nanotransporters. This approach ensures high efficacy and cell specificity for different anti-cancer agents, as they are delivered into the most vulnerable subcellular compartment within the cells of interest and makes it possible for antibody mimetics to penetrate into a compartment of interest within the target cells ("diving antibodies"). Furthermore, polyplexes, complexes of polycationic block copolymers of DNA, have been developed and characterized. These complexes are efficient both in vitro and in vivo and demonstrate predominant transfection of actively dividing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. S. Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow,119334 Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234 Russia
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7
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Karyagina TS, Ulasov AV, Rosenkranz AA, Slastnikova TA, Khramtsov YV, Lupanova TN, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. New Recombinant Carriers Binding Specifically to the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2020; 490:22-24. [PMID: 32342307 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672920010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
New recombinant carriers-modular nanotransporters (MNTs)-with N-terminal ligand module to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were developed and characterized. Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) and antibody-like protein Z1907 were used as a ligand module. We demonstrated that MNTs are able to internalize in a receptor-specific manner into the target cancer cells and to accumulate in the target cell nuclei. Conjugation of MNTs with the Auger electron emitter 111In significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effect of 111In on the target cells. It was found that the transfer of EGF from the C-terminus to the N-terminus of the MNT enhanced the proliferation of target cells, whereas the use of Z1907 did not have a similar effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Karyagina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Ulasov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Rosenkranz
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - T A Slastnikova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Y V Khramtsov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - T N Lupanova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - G P Georgiev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia. .,Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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8
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Khramtsov YV, Ulasov AV, Rosenkranz AA, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Stabilization of Modular Nanotransporters by Embedding Hemin in Them in a New Strain with Heme Receptor Expression. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2020; 490:47-49. [PMID: 32342313 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672920010093] [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: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
It was found that the use of a new strain-producer Escherichia coli, expressing the heme receptor ChuA, enables obtaining a hemin-containing modular nanotransporter (MNT) for drug delivery into the nuclei of target cells. The hemin-containing MNT becomes stabilized, which leads to an increase in its thermal stability and prevents aggregation of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu V Khramtsov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Ulasov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Rosenkranz
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - G P Georgiev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia. .,Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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9
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Karyagina TS, Ulasov AV, Slastnikova TA, Rosenkranz AA, Lupanova TN, Khramtsov YV, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Targeted Delivery of 111In Into the Nuclei of EGFR Overexpressing Cells via Modular Nanotransporters With Anti-EGFR Affibody. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:176. [PMID: 32194412 PMCID: PMC7064642 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since cell nucleus is one of the most vulnerable compartments, the maximum therapeutic effect from a variety of locally acting agents, such as photosensitizers, alfa-emitters, Auger electron emitters, will be expected when they get there. Therefore, the targeted delivery of these agents into the nuclei of target tumor cells is necessary for their anticancer effects and minimization of side effects. Modular nanotransporters (MNT) are artificial polypeptides comprising several predefined modules that recognize target cell, launching their subsequent internalization, escape from endosomes, and transport the drug load to the nucleus. This technology significantly enhances the cytotoxicity of locally acting drugs in vitro and in vivo. Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) are useful molecular targets as they are overexpressed in glioblastoma, head-and-neck cancer, bladder cancer, and other malignancies. Here, we examined the possibility of using internalizable anti-EGFR affibody as an EGFR-targeting MNT module for drug transport into the cancer cell nuclei. It binds to both murine and human EGFR facilitating preclinical studies. We showed that MNT with affibody on the N-terminus (MNTN-affibody) effectively delivered the Auger electron emitter 111In to target cell nuclei and had pronounced cytotoxic efficacy against EGFR-overexpressing human A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells. Using EGFR-expressing human adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells, we demonstrated that in contrast to MNT with N-terminal epidermal growth factor (EGF), MNTN-affibody and MNT with EGF on the C-terminus did not stimulate cancer cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana S Karyagina
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V Ulasov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Slastnikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Rosenkranz
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana N Lupanova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri V Khramtsov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgii P Georgiev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Sobolev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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10
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Delivery systems exploiting natural cell transport processes of macromolecules for intracellular targeting of Auger electron emitters. Nucl Med Biol 2019; 80-81:45-56. [PMID: 31810828 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The presence of Auger electrons (AE) among the decay products of a number of radionuclides makes these radionuclides an attractive means for treating cancer because these short-range electrons can cause significant damage in the immediate vicinity of the decomposition site. Moreover, the extreme locality of the effect provides a potential for selective eradication of cancer cells with minimal damage to adjacent normal cells provided that the delivery of the AE emitter to the most vulnerable parts of the cell can be achieved. Few cellular compartments have been regarded as the desired target site for AE emitters, with the cell nucleus generally recognized as the preferred site for AE decay due to the extreme sensitivity of nuclear DNA to direct damage by radiation of high linear energy transfer. Thus, the advantages of AE emitters for cancer therapy are most likely to be realized by their selective delivery into the nucleus of the malignant cells. To achieve this goal, delivery systems must combine a challenging complex of properties that not only provide cancer cell preferential recognition but also cell entry followed by transport into the cell nucleus. A promising strategy for achieving this is the recruitment of natural cell transport processes of macromolecules, involved in each of the aforementioned steps. To date, a number of constructs exploiting intracellular transport systems have been proposed for AE emitter delivery to the nucleus of a targeted cell. An example of such a multifunctional vehicle that provides smart step-by-step delivery is the so-called modular nanotransporter, which accomplishes selective recognition, binding, internalization, and endosomal escape followed by nuclear import of the delivered radionuclide. The current review will focus on delivery systems utilizing various intracellular transport pathways and their combinations in order to provide efficient targeting of AE to the cancer cell nucleus.
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Kobayashi M, Kato T, Washiyama K, Ihara M, Mizutani A, Nishi K, Flores LG, Nishii R, Kawai K. The pharmacological properties of 3-arm or 4-arm DOTA constructs for conjugation to α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues for melanoma imaging. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213397. [PMID: 30901323 PMCID: PMC6430397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although a 3-arm DOTA construct, which has three carboxylic acids, h has been applied for conjugation to many peptides, we investigated if a 4-arm DOTA construct conjugated to peptides improves chemical properties for melanoma imaging of the melanocortin 1 receptor compared to 3-arm DOTA-conjugated peptides. Methods Specific activities, radiolabeling efficiencies, and partition coefficients were evaluated using 111In-labeled 3-arm and 4-arm DOTA-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). For assessment of MC1-R affinity and accumulation in tumor cells in vitro, B16-F1 melanoma and/or 4T1 breast cancer cells were incubated with 111In-labeled 3-arm and 4-arm DOTA-α-MSH with and without α-MSH as a substrate. The stability was evaluated using mouse liver homogenates and plasma. Biological distribution and whole-body single photon emission computed tomography imaging of 111In-labeled 3-arm and 4-arm DOTA-α-MSH were obtained using B16-F1 melanoma-bearing mice. Results Specific activities and radiolabeling efficiencies of both radiotracers were about 1.2 MBq/nM and 90–95%, respectively. The partition coefficients were −0.28 ± 0.03 for 111In-labeled 3-arm DOTA-α-MSH and −0.13 ± 0.04 for 111In-labeled 4-arm DOTA-α-MSH. Although accumulation was significantly inhibited by α-MSH in B16-F1 cells, the inhibition rate of 111In-labeled 4-arm DOTA-α-MSH was lower than that of 111In-labeled 3-arm DOTA-α-MSH. 111In-labeled 4-arm DOTA-α-MSH was taken up early into B16-F1 cells and showed higher accumulation than 111In-labeled 3-arm DOTA-α-MSH after 10 min of incubation. Although these stabilities were relatively high, the stability of 111In-labeled 4-arm DOTA-α-MSH was higher than that of 111In-labeled 3-arm DOTA-α-MSH. Regarding biological distribution, 111In-labeled 4-arm DOTA-α-MSH showed significantly lower average renal accumulation (1.38-fold) and significantly higher average melanoma accumulation (1.32-fold) than 111In-labeled 3-arm DOTA-α-MSH at all acquisition times. 111In-labeled 4-arm DOTA-α-MSH showed significantly higher melanoma-to-kidney, melanoma-to-blood, and melanoma-to-muscle ratios than 111In-labeled 3-arm DOTA-α-MSH. Conclusions The 4-arm DOTA construct has better chemical properties for peptide radiotracers than the 3-arm DOTA construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Kobayashi
- Wellness Promotion Science Center, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Toshitaka Kato
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kohshin Washiyama
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Advanced Clinical Research Center, Fukushima Global Medical Science Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaaki Ihara
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Asuka Mizutani
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kodai Nishi
- Department of Radioisotope Medicine, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Leo G. Flores
- Department of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ryuichi Nishii
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kawai
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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12
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Rosenkranz AA, Slastnikova TA, Karmakova TA, Vorontsova MS, Morozova NB, Petriev VM, Abrosimov AS, Khramtsov YV, Lupanova TN, Ulasov AV, Yakubovskaya RI, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Antitumor Activity of Auger Electron Emitter 111In Delivered by Modular Nanotransporter for Treatment of Bladder Cancer With EGFR Overexpression. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1331. [PMID: 30510514 PMCID: PMC6252321 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-ray emitting 111In, which is extensively used for imaging, is also a source of short-range Auger electrons (AE). While exhibiting negligible effect outside cells, these AE become highly toxic near DNA within the cell nucleus. Therefore, these radionuclides can be used as a therapeutic anticancer agent if delivered precisely into the nuclei of tumor target cells. Modular nanotransporters (MNTs) designed to provide receptor-targeted delivery of short-range therapeutic cargoes into the nuclei of target cells are perspective candidates for specific intracellular delivery of AE emitters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of 111In attached MNTs to kill human bladder cancer cells overexpressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The cytotoxicity of 111In delivered by the EGFR-targeted MNT (111In-MNT) was greatly enhanced on EJ-, HT-1376-, and 5637-expressing EGFR bladder cancer cell lines compared with 111In non-targeted control. In vivo microSPECT/CT imaging and antitumor efficacy studies revealed prolonged intratumoral retention of 111In-MNT with t½ = 4.1 ± 0.5 days as well as significant dose-dependent tumor growth delay (up to 90% growth inhibition) after local infusion of 111In-MNT in EJ xenograft-bearing mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey A Rosenkranz
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Tatiana A Karmakova
- National Medical Research Radiology Center of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria S Vorontsova
- National Medical Research Radiology Center of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia B Morozova
- National Medical Research Radiology Center of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vasiliy M Petriev
- National Medical Research Radiology Center of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Yuri V Khramtsov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alexey V Ulasov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Raisa I Yakubovskaya
- National Medical Research Radiology Center of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Alexander S Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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Slastnikova TA, Ulasov AV, Rosenkranz AA, Sobolev AS. Targeted Intracellular Delivery of Antibodies: The State of the Art. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1208. [PMID: 30405420 PMCID: PMC6207587 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A dominant area of antibody research is the extension of the use of this mighty experimental and therapeutic tool for the specific detection of molecules for diagnostics, visualization, and activity blocking. Despite the ability to raise antibodies against different proteins, numerous applications of antibodies in basic research fields, clinical practice, and biotechnology are restricted to permeabilized cells or extracellular antigens, such as membrane or secreted proteins. With the exception of small groups of autoantibodies, natural antibodies to intracellular targets cannot be used within living cells. This excludes the scope of a major class of intracellular targets, including some infamous cancer-associated molecules. Some of these targets are still not druggable via small molecules because of large flat contact areas and the absence of deep hydrophobic pockets in which small molecules can insert and perturb their activity. Thus, the development of technologies for the targeted intracellular delivery of antibodies, their fragments, or antibody-like molecules is extremely important. Various strategies for intracellular targeting of antibodies via protein-transduction domains or their mimics, liposomes, polymer vesicles, and viral envelopes, are reviewed in this article. The pitfalls, challenges, and perspectives of these technologies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A. Slastnikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A. V. Ulasov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A. A. Rosenkranz
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A. S. Sobolev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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Bavelaar BM, Lee BQ, Gill MR, Falzone N, Vallis KA. Subcellular Targeting of Theranostic Radionuclides. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:996. [PMID: 30233374 PMCID: PMC6131480 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen rapid growth in the use of theranostic radionuclides for the treatment and imaging of a wide range of cancers. Radionuclide therapy and imaging rely on a radiolabeled vector to specifically target cancer cells. Radionuclides that emit β particles have thus far dominated the field of targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT), mainly because the longer range (μm-mm track length) of these particles offsets the heterogeneous expression of the molecular target. Shorter range (nm-μm track length) α- and Auger electron (AE)-emitting radionuclides on the other hand provide high ionization densities at the site of decay which could overcome much of the toxicity associated with β-emitters. Given that there is a growing body of evidence that other sensitive sites besides the DNA, such as the cell membrane and mitochondria, could be critical targets in TRT, improved techniques in detecting the subcellular distribution of these radionuclides are necessary, especially since many β-emitting radionuclides also emit AE. The successful development of TRT agents capable of homing to targets with subcellular precision demands the parallel development of quantitative assays for evaluation of spatial distribution of radionuclides in the nm-μm range. In this review, the status of research directed at subcellular targeting of radionuclide theranostics and the methods for imaging and quantification of radionuclide localization at the nanoscale are described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Katherine A. Vallis
- CR-UK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Sobolev AS. Modular Nanotransporters for Nuclear-Targeted Delivery of Auger Electron Emitters. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:952. [PMID: 30210340 PMCID: PMC6119715 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review describes artificial modular nanotransporters (MNTs) delivering their cargos into target cells and then into the nuclei – the most vulnerable cell compartment for most anticancer agents and especially for radionuclides emitting short-range particles. The MNT strategy uses natural subcellular transport processes inherent in practically all cells including cancer cells. The MNTs use these processes just as a passenger who purchased tickets for a multiple-transfer trip making use of different kinds of public transport to reach the desired destination. The MNTs are fusion polypeptides consisting of several parts, replaceable modules, accomplishing binding to a specific receptor on the cell and subsequent internalization, endosomal escape and transport into the cell nucleus. Radionuclides emitting short-range particles, like Auger electron emitters, acquire cell specificity and significantly higher cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo when delivered by the MNTs into the nuclei of cancer cells. MNT modules are interchangeable, allowing replacement of receptor recognition modules, which permits their use for different types of cancer cells and, as a cocktail of several MNTs, for targeting several tumor-specific molecules for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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17
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Kamaletdinova TR, Rosenkranz AA, Ulasov AV, Khramtsov YV, Tsvetkova AD, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Modular Nanotransporter with P21 Fragment Inhibits DNA Repair after Bleomycin Treatment. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2018; 479:95-97. [DOI: 10.1134/s1607672918020114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Ulasov AV, Khramtsov YV, Lupanova TN, Tsvetkova AD, Rosenkranz AA, Slastnikova TA, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. MNT Optimization for Intracellular Delivery of Antibody Fragments. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2018; 479:62-65. [PMID: 29779097 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672918020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We studied the possibility of optimizing modular nanotransporters (MNTs) for the intracellular delivery of antibody fragments into the nuclei of cells of a specified type. Basic MNT with a reduced size retaining the desired functions was obtained, and the principal possibility of obtaining an MNT carrying an antibody fragment by microbiological synthesis was shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Ulasov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Y V Khramtsov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - T N Lupanova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - A D Tsvetkova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - A A Rosenkranz
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - T A Slastnikova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - G P Georgiev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - A S Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia. .,Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia.
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Khramtsov YV, Ulasov AV, Rosenkranz AA, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Study of Biodistribution of the Modular Nanotransporters after Systemic Administration in Murine Cloudman S91 Melanoma Model. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1607672918010131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ulasov AV, Rosenkranz AA, Sobolev AS. Transcription factors: Time to deliver. J Control Release 2017; 269:24-35. [PMID: 29113792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are at the center of the broad regulatory network orchestrating gene expression programs that elicit different biological responses. For a long time, TFs have been considered as potent drug targets due to their implications in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. At the same time, TFs, located at convergence points of cellular regulatory pathways, are powerful tools providing opportunities both for cell type change and for managing the state of cells. This task formulation requires the TF modulation problem to come to the fore. We review several ways to manage TF activity (small molecules, transfection, nanocarriers, protein-based approaches), analyzing their limitations and the possibilities to overcome them. Delivery of TFs could revolutionize the biomedical field. Whether this forecast comes true will depend on the ability to develop convenient technologies for targeted delivery of TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Ulasov
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Rosenkranz
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskiye Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Sobolev
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskiye Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia.
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Slastnikova TA, Rosenkranz AA, Khramtsov YV, Karyagina TS, Ovechko SA, Sobolev AS. Development and evaluation of a new modular nanotransporter for drug delivery into nuclei of pathological cells expressing folate receptors. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:1315-1334. [PMID: 28490863 PMCID: PMC5413543 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s127270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Modular nanotransporters (MNTs) are artificial multifunctional systems designed to facilitate receptor-specific transport from the cell surface into the cell nucleus through inclusion of polypeptide domains for accomplishing receptor binding and internalization, as well as sequential endosomal escape and nuclear translocation. The objective of this study was to develop a new MNT targeted at folate receptors (FRs) for precise delivery of therapeutic cargo to the nuclei of FR-positive cells and to evaluate its potential, particularly for delivery of therapeutic agents (eg, the Auger electron emitter 111In) into the nuclei of target cancer cells. METHODS A FR-targeted MNT was developed by site-specific derivatization of ligand-free MNT with maleimide-polyethylene glycol-folic acid. The ability of FR-targeted MNT to accumulate in target FR-expressing cells was evaluated using flow cytometry, and intracellular localization of this MNT was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy of cells. The cytotoxicity of the 111In-labeled FR-targeted MNT was evaluated on HeLa and U87MG cancer cell lines expressing FR. In vivo micro-single-photon emission computed tomography/CT imaging and antitumor efficacy studies were performed with intratumoral injection of 111In-labeled FR-targeted MNT in HeLa xenograft-bearing mice. RESULTS The resulting FR-targeted MNT accumulated in FR-positive HeLa cancer cell lines specifically and demonstrated the ability to reach its target destination - the cell nuclei. 111In-labeled FR-targeted MNT demonstrated efficient and specific FR-positive cancer cell eradication. A HeLa xenograft in vivo model revealed prolonged retention of 111In delivered by FR-targeted MNT and significant tumor growth delay (up to 80% growth inhibition). CONCLUSION The FR-targeted MNT met expectations of its ability to deliver active cargo into the nuclei of target FR-positive cells efficiently and specifically. As a result of this finding the new FR-targeted MNT approach warrants broad evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A Slastnikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - Andrey A Rosenkranz
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences.,Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri V Khramtsov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - Tatiana S Karyagina
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - Sergey A Ovechko
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Sobolev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences.,Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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