1
|
Faria GNF, Karch CG, Chakraborty S, Gu T, Woodward A, Aissanou A, Lageshetty S, Silvy RP, Resasco D, Ballon JA, Harrison RG. Immunogenic Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer Using Targeted Carbon Nanotube Mediated Photothermal Therapy in Combination with Anti-Programmed Cell Death Protein-1. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 390:65-77. [PMID: 38772718 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence of breast cancer is a global health concern, compounded by the lack of safe or effective treatments for its advanced stages. These facts urge the development of novel treatment strategies. Annexin A5 (ANXA5) is a natural human protein that binds with high specificity to phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid tightly maintained in the inner leaflet of the cell membrane on most healthy cells but externalized in tumor cells and the tumor vasculature. Here, we have developed a targeted photosensitizer for photothermal therapy (PTT) of solid tumors through the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to ANXA5-the SWCNT-ANXA5 conjugate. The ablation of tumors through the SWCNT-ANXA5-mediated PTT synergizes with checkpoint inhibition, creating a systemic anticancer immune response. In vitro ablation of cells incubated with the conjugate promoted cell death in a dose-dependent and targeted manner. This treatment strategy was tested in vivo with the orthotopic EMT6 breast tumor model in female balb/cJ mice. Enhanced therapeutic effects were achieved by using intratumoral injection of the conjugate and treating tumors at a lower PTT temperature (45°C). Intratumoral injection prevented the accumulation of the SWCNTs in major clearance organs. When combined with checkpoint inhibition of anti-programmed cell death protein-1, SWCNT-ANXA5-mediated PTT increased survival and 80% of the mice survived for 100 days. Evidence of immune system activation by flow cytometry of splenic cells strengthens the hypothesis of an abscopal effect as a mechanism of prolonged survival. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study demonstrated a relatively high survival rate (80% at 100 days) of mice with aggressive breast cancer when treated with photothermal therapy using the SWCNT-ANXA5 conjugate injected intratumorally and combined with immune stimulation using the anti-programmed cell death protein-1 checkpoint inhibitor. Photothermal therapy was accomplished by maintaining the tumor temperature at a relatively low level of 45°C and avoiding accumulation of the nanotubes in the clearance organs by using intratumoral administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela N F Faria
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Clement G Karch
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Sampurna Chakraborty
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Tingting Gu
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Alexis Woodward
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Adam Aissanou
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Sathish Lageshetty
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Ricardo Prada Silvy
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Daniel Resasco
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Jorge Andres Ballon
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| | - Roger G Harrison
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering (G.N.F.F., R.P.S., D.R., R.G.H.), School of Biomedical Engineering (C.G.K., S.C., A.W., A.A.), and Samuel Roberts Noble Microscopy Laboratory and School of Biological Sciences (T.G.), University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; CHASM Advanced Materials, Inc, Norman, Oklahoma (S.L., R.P.S.); Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Nacional de San Agustin, Arequipa, Peru (J.A.B.); and Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (R.G.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Raboni S, Faggiano S, Bettati S, Mozzarelli A. Methionine gamma lyase: Structure-activity relationships and therapeutic applications. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:140991. [PMID: 38147934 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Methionine gamma lyase (MGL) is a bacterial and plant enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of methionine in methanthiol, 2-oxobutanoate and ammonia. The enzyme belongs to fold type I of the pyridoxal 5'-dependent family. The catalytic mechanism and the structure of wild type MGL and variants were determined in the presence of the natural substrate as well as of many sulfur-containing derivatives. Structure-function relationship studies were pivotal for MGL exploitation in the treatment of cancer, bacterial infections, and other diseases. MGL administration to cancer cells leads to methionine starvation, thus decreasing cells viability and increasing their vulnerability towards other drugs. In antibiotic therapy, MGL acts by transforming prodrugs in powerful drugs. Numerous strategies have been pursued for the delivering of MGL in vivo to prolong its bioavailability and decrease its immunogenicity. These include conjugation with polyethylene glycol and encapsulation in synthetic or natural vesicles, eventually decorated with tumor targeting molecules, such as the natural phytoestrogens daidzein and genistein. The scientific achievements in studying MGL structure, function and perspective therapeutic applications came from the efforts of many talented scientists, among which late Tatyana Demidkina to whom we dedicate this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samanta Raboni
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Serena Faggiano
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Bettati
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy; National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Mozzarelli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kur IM, Weigert A. Phosphatidylserine externalization as immune checkpoint in cancer. Pflugers Arch 2024:10.1007/s00424-024-02948-7. [PMID: 38573347 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02948-7] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite recent advances in cancer treatment including immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, new unconventional biomarkers and targets for the detection, prognosis, and treatment of cancer are still in high demand. Tumor cells are characterized by mutations that allow their unlimited growth, program their local microenvironment to support tumor growth, and spread towards distant sites. While a major focus has been on altered tumor genomes and proteomes, crucial signaling molecules such as lipids have been underappreciated. One of these molecules is the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) that is usually found at cytosolic surfaces of cellular membranes but can be rapidly and massively shuttled to the extracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane during apoptosis to serve as a limiting factor for immune responses. These immunosuppressive interactions are exploited by tumor cells to evade the immune system. In this review, we describe mechanisms of immune regulation in tumors, discuss if PS may constitute an inhibitory immune checkpoint, and describe current and future strategies for targeting PS to reactivate the tumor-associated immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan-Maximiliano Kur
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Cardiopulmonary Institute (CPI), 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dicks LMT, Vermeulen W. Do Bacteria Provide an Alternative to Cancer Treatment and What Role Does Lactic Acid Bacteria Play? Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091733. [PMID: 36144335 PMCID: PMC9501580 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. According to 2022 statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), close to 10 million deaths have been reported in 2020 and it is estimated that the number of cancer cases world-wide could increase to 21.6 million by 2030. Breast, lung, thyroid, pancreatic, liver, prostate, bladder, kidney, pelvis, colon, and rectum cancers are the most prevalent. Each year, approximately 400,000 children develop cancer. Treatment between countries vary, but usually includes either surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Modern treatments such as hormone-, immuno- and antibody-based therapies are becoming increasingly popular. Several recent reports have been published on toxins, antibiotics, bacteriocins, non-ribosomal peptides, polyketides, phenylpropanoids, phenylflavonoids, purine nucleosides, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enzymes with anticancer properties. Most of these molecules target cancer cells in a selective manner, either directly or indirectly through specific pathways. This review discusses the role of bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria, and their metabolites in the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
|
5
|
Annexin A5 as a targeting agent for cancer treatment. Cancer Lett 2022; 547:215857. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
6
|
Cioni P, Gabellieri E, Campanini B, Bettati S, Raboni S. Use of Exogenous Enzymes in Human Therapy: Approved Drugs and Potential Applications. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:411-452. [PMID: 34259137 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210713094722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of safe and efficacious enzyme-based human therapies has increased greatly in the last decades, thanks to remarkable advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for different diseases, and the characterization of the catalytic activity of relevant exogenous enzymes that may play a remedial effect in the treatment of such pathologies. Several enzyme-based biotherapeutics have been approved by FDA (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (the European Medicines Agency) and many are undergoing clinical trials. Apart from enzyme replacement therapy in human genetic diseases, which is not discussed in this review, approved enzymes for human therapy find applications in several fields, from cancer therapy to thrombolysis and the treatment, e.g., of clotting disorders, cystic fibrosis, lactose intolerance and collagen-based disorders. The majority of therapeutic enzymes are of microbial origin, the most convenient source due to fast, simple and cost-effective production and manipulation. The use of microbial recombinant enzymes has broadened prospects for human therapy but some hurdles such as high immunogenicity, protein instability, short half-life and low substrate affinity, still need to be tackled. Alternative sources of enzymes, with reduced side effects and improved activity, as well as genetic modification of the enzymes and novel delivery systems are constantly searched. Chemical modification strategies, targeted- and/or nanocarrier-mediated delivery, directed evolution and site-specific mutagenesis, fusion proteins generated by genetic manipulation are the most explored tools to reduce toxicity and improve bioavailability and cellular targeting. This review provides a description of exogenous enzymes that are presently employed for the therapeutic management of human diseases with their current FDA/EMA-approved status, along with those already experimented at the clinical level and potential promising candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Cioni
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa. Italy
| | - Edi Gabellieri
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa. Italy
| | - Barbara Campanini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 23/A, 43124 Parma. Italy
| | - Stefano Bettati
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa. Italy
| | - Samanta Raboni
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa. Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maggi M, Scotti C. Enzymes in Metabolic Anticancer Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1148:173-199. [PMID: 31482500 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7709-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer treatment has greatly improved over the last 50 years, but it remains challenging in several cases. Useful therapeutic targets are normally unique peculiarities of cancer cells that distinguish them from normal cells and that can be tackled with appropriate drugs. It is now known that cell metabolism is rewired during tumorigenesis and metastasis as a consequence of oncogene activation and oncosuppressors inactivation, leading to a new cellular homeostasis typically directed towards anabolism. Because of these modifications, cells can become strongly or absolutely dependent on specific substrates, like sugars, lipids or amino acids. Cancer addictions are a relevant target for therapy, as removal of an essential substrate can lead to their selective cell-cycle arrest or even to cell death, leaving normal cells untouched. Enzymes can act as powerful agents in this respect, as demonstrated by asparaginase, which has been included in the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia for half a century. In this review, a short outline of cancer addictions will be provided, focusing on the main cancer amino acid dependencies described so far. Therapeutic enzymes which have been already experimented at the clinical level will be discussed, along with novel potential candidates that we propose as new promising molecules. The intrinsic limitations of their present molecular forms, along with molecular engineering solutions to explore, will also be presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maristella Maggi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sharma B, Kanwar SS. Phosphatidylserine: A cancer cell targeting biomarker. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 52:17-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
9
|
Krais JJ, Virani N, McKernan PH, Nguyen Q, Fung KM, Sikavitsas VI, Kurkjian C, Harrison RG. Antitumor Synergism and Enhanced Survival with a Tumor Vasculature-Targeted Enzyme Prodrug System, Rapamycin, and Cyclophosphamide. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:1855-1865. [PMID: 28522586 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutant cystathionine gamma-lyase was targeted to phosphatidylserine exposed on tumor vasculature through fusion with Annexin A1 or Annexin A5. Cystathionine gamma-lyase E58N, R118L, and E338N mutations impart nonnative methionine gamma-lyase activity, resulting in tumor-localized generation of highly toxic methylselenol upon systemic administration of nontoxic selenomethionine. The described therapeutic system circumvents systemic toxicity issues using a novel drug delivery/generation approach and avoids the administration of nonnative proteins and/or DNA required with other enzyme prodrug systems. The enzyme fusion exhibits strong and stable in vitro binding with dissociation constants in the nanomolar range for both human and mouse breast cancer cells and in a cell model of tumor vascular endothelium. Daily administration of the therapy suppressed growth of highly aggressive triple-negative murine 4T1 mammary tumors in immunocompetent BALB/cJ mice and MDA-MB-231 tumors in SCID mice. Treatment did not result in the occurrence of negative side effects or the elicitation of neutralizing antibodies. On the basis of the vasculature-targeted nature of the therapy, combinations with rapamycin and cyclophosphamide were evaluated. Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, reduces the prosurvival signaling of cells in a hypoxic environment potentially exacerbated by a vasculature-targeted therapy. IHC revealed, unsurprisingly, a significant hypoxic response (increase in hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α subunit, HIF1A) in the enzyme prodrug-treated tumors and a dramatic reduction of HIF1A upon rapamycin treatment. Cyclophosphamide, an immunomodulator at low doses, was combined with the enzyme prodrug therapy and rapamycin; this combination synergistically reduced tumor volumes, inhibited metastatic progression, and enhanced survival. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(9); 1855-65. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John J Krais
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
| | - Needa Virani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
| | - Patrick H McKernan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
| | - Quang Nguyen
- School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
| | - Kar-Ming Fung
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Vassilios I Sikavitsas
- School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
| | - Carla Kurkjian
- Oncology/Hematology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Roger G Harrison
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. .,School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang H, Liu JJ, Zhou XL. Targeting assay of a fusion protein applied in enzyme prodrug therapy. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:2698-2702. [PMID: 28454453 PMCID: PMC5403369 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth and metastasis are dependent on angiogenesis. The overexpression of integrin αvβ3 on angiogenic vessels and on numerous malignant human tumor cells suggests that these labeled ligands of integrin are potentially suitable for molecular imaging and in targeted therapy of tumors. In previous studies, we added a β-lactamase variant with reduced immunogenicity to the cyclic peptide RGD4C, resulting in the fusion protein RGD4CβL, which is suitable for use in targeted enzyme prodrug therapy (TEPT), a promising treatment for tumors. The targeting of the aforementioned fusion protein serves an important role in TEPT. In the present study, RGD4CβL was labeled with 125I and the targeting effect on integrin-positive tumors was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the 125I-RGD4CβL protein exhibited high levels of accumulation at the tumor site and rapid renal clearance, which revealed the potency and efficiency of RGD4CβL in TEPT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Jian Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Liang Zhou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guillen KP, Ruben EA, Virani N, Harrison RG. Annexin-directed β-glucuronidase for the targeted treatment of solid tumors. Protein Eng Des Sel 2017; 30:85-94. [PMID: 27986920 PMCID: PMC5241760 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzw063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzyme prodrug therapy has the potential to remedy the lack of selectivity associated with the systemic administration of chemotherapy. However, most current systems are immunogenic and constrained to a monotherapeutic approach. We developed a new class of fusion proteins centered about the human enzyme β-glucuronidase (βG), capable of converting several innocuous prodrugs into chemotherapeutics. We targeted βG to phosphatidylserine on tumor cells, tumor vasculature and metastases via annexin A1/A5. Phosphatidylserine shows promise as a universal marker for solid tumors and allows for tumor type-independent targeting. To create fusion proteins, human annexin A1/A5 was genetically fused to the activity-enhancing 16a3 mutant of human βG, expressed in chemically defined, fed-batch suspension culture, and chromatographically purified. All fusion constructs achieved >95% purity with yields up to 740 μg/l. Fusion proteins displayed cancer selective cell-surface binding with cell line-dependent binding stability. One fusion protein in combination with the prodrug SN-38 glucuronide was as effective as the drug SN-38 on Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells and HAAE-1 endothelial cells, and demonstrated efficacy against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. βG fusion proteins effectively enable localized combination therapy that can be tailored to each patient via prodrug selection, with promising clinical potential based on their near fully human design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin P Guillen
- Biomedical Engineering Program and School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, 100 E. Boyd St., Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Eliza A Ruben
- Protein Production Core, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Needa Virani
- Biomedical Engineering Program and School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, 100 E. Boyd St., Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Roger G Harrison
- Biomedical Engineering Program and School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, 100 E. Boyd St., Norman, OK 73019, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Health Sciences Center, University of Oklahoma, 800 Northeast 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The bleak prognosis associated with pancreatic cancer (PDAC) drives the need for the development of novel treatment methodologies. Here, we evaluate the applicability of 3 enzyme prodrug therapies for PDAC, which are simultaneously targeted to the tumor, tumor vasculature, and metastases via annexin V. In these therapies, annexin V is fused to an enzyme, creating a fusion protein that converts nontoxic drug precursors, prodrugs, into anticancer compounds while bound to the tumor, therefore mitigating the risk of side effects. METHODS The binding strength of fusion proteins to the human PDAC cell lines Panc-1 and Capan-1 was measured via streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase binding to biotinylated fusion proteins. Cytotoxic efficacy was evaluated by treatment with saturating concentrations of fusion protein followed by varying concentrations of the corresponding prodrug plus docetaxel. RESULTS All fusion proteins exhibited strong binding to PDAC cells, with dissociation constants between 0.02 and 1.15 nM. Cytotoxic efficacy was determined to be very good for 2 of the systems, both of which achieved complete cell death on at least 1 cell line at physiologically attainable prodrug concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Strong binding of fusion proteins to PDAC cells and effective cytotoxicity demonstrate the potential applicability of enzyme prodrug therapy to the treatment of PDAC.
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang H, Zhou XL, Long W, Liu JJ, Fan FY. A Fusion Protein of RGD4C and β-Lactamase Has a Favorable Targeting Effect in Its Use in Antibody Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:9625-34. [PMID: 25927583 PMCID: PMC4463609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16059625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) utilizing β-lactamase is a promising treatment strategy to enhance the therapeutic effect and safety of cytotoxic agents. In this method, a conjugate (antibody-β-lactamase fusion protein) is employed to precisely activate nontoxic cephalosporin prodrugs at the tumor site. A major obstacle to the clinical translation of this method, however, is the low catalytic activity and high immunogenicity of the wild-type enzymes. To overcome this challenge, we fused a cyclic decapeptide (RGD4C) targeting to the integrin with a β-lactamase variant with reduced immunogenicity which retains acceptable catalytic activity for prodrug hydrolysis. Here, we made a further investigation on its targeting effect and pharmacokinetic properties, the results demonstrated that the fusion protein retains a targeting effect on integrin positive cells and has acceptable pharmacokinetic characteristics, which benefits its use in ADEPT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Tianjin Key Lab of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Xiao-Liang Zhou
- Tianjin Key Lab of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Wei Long
- Tianjin Key Lab of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Jin-Jian Liu
- Tianjin Key Lab of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Fei-Yue Fan
- Tianjin Key Lab of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Morozova EA, Revtovich SV, Anufrieva NV, Kulikova VV, Nikulin AD, Demidkina TV. Alliin is a suicide substrate ofCitrobacter freundiimethionine γ-lyase: structural bases of inactivation of the enzyme. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 70:3034-42. [DOI: 10.1107/s1399004714020938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The interaction ofCitrobacter freundiimethionine γ-lyase (MGL) and the mutant form in which Cys115 is replaced by Ala (MGL C115A) with the nonprotein amino acid (2R)-2-amino-3-[(S)-prop-2-enylsulfinyl]propanoic acid (alliin) was investigated. It was found that MGL catalyzes the β-elimination reaction of alliin to form 2-propenethiosulfinate (allicin), pyruvate and ammonia. The β-elimination reaction of alliin is followed by the inactivation and modification of SH groups of the wild-type and mutant enzymes. Three-dimensional structures of inactivated wild-type MGL (iMGL wild type) and a C115A mutant form (iMGL C115A) were determined at 1.85 and 1.45 Å resolution and allowed the identification of the SH groups that were oxidized by allicin. On this basis, the mechanism of the inactivation of MGL by alliin, a new suicide substrate of MGL, is proposed.
Collapse
|
15
|
L-methionase: a therapeutic enzyme to treat malignancies. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:506287. [PMID: 25250324 PMCID: PMC4164312 DOI: 10.1155/2014/506287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is an increasing cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. L-methionase has potential application against many types of cancers. L-Methionase is an intracellular enzyme in bacterial species, an extracellular enzyme in fungi, and absent in mammals. L-Methionase producing bacterial strain(s) can be isolated by 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) as a screening dye. L-Methionine plays an important role in tumour cells. These cells become methionine dependent and eventually follow apoptosis due to methionine limitation in cancer cells. L-Methionine also plays an indispensable role in gene activation and inactivation due to hypermethylation and/or hypomethylation. Membrane transporters such as GLUT1 and ion channels like Na2+, Ca2+, K+, and Cl− become overexpressed. Further, the α-subunit of ATP synthase plays a role in cancer cells growth and development by providing them enhanced nutritional requirements. Currently, selenomethionine is also used as a prodrug in cancer therapy along with enzyme methionase that converts prodrug into active toxic chemical(s) that causes death of cancerous cells/tissue. More recently, fusion protein (FP) consisting of L-methionase linked to annexin-V has been used in cancer therapy. The fusion proteins have advantage that they have specificity only for cancer cells and do not harm the normal cells.
Collapse
|
16
|
Romano B, Font M, Encío I, Palop JA, Sanmartín C. Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of novel methylselenocarbamates. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 83:674-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.06.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
17
|
Guillen KP, Kurkjian C, Harrison RG. Targeted enzyme prodrug therapy for metastatic prostate cancer - a comparative study of L-methioninase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, and cytosine deaminase. J Biomed Sci 2014; 21:65. [PMID: 25047949 PMCID: PMC4223417 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-014-0065-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enzyme prodrug therapy shows promise for the treatment of solid tumors, but current approaches lack effective/safe delivery strategies. To address this, we previously developed three enzyme-containing fusion proteins targeted via annexin V to phosphatidylserine exposed on the tumor vasculature and tumor cells, using the enzymes L-methioninase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, or cytosine deaminase. In enzyme prodrug therapy, the fusion protein is allowed to bind to the tumor before a nontoxic drug precursor, a prodrug, is introduced. Upon interaction of the prodrug with the bound enzyme, an anticancer compound is formed, but only in the direct vicinity of the tumor, thereby mitigating the risk of side effects while creating high intratumoral drug concentrations. The applicability of these enzyme prodrug systems to treating prostate cancer has remained unexplored. Additionally, target availability may increase with the addition of low dose docetaxel treatment to the enzyme prodrug treatment, but this effect has not been previously investigated. To this end, we examined the binding strength and the cytotoxic efficacy (with and without docetaxel treatment) of these enzyme prodrug systems on the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3. RESULTS All three fusion proteins exhibited strong binding; dissociation constants were 0.572 nM for L-methioninase-annexin V (MT-AV), 0.406 nM for purine nucleoside phosphorylase-annexin V (PNP-AV), and 0.061 nM for cytosine deaminase-annexin V (CD-AV). MT-AV produced up to 99% cell death (p < 0.001) with limited cytotoxicity of the prodrug alone. PNP-AV with docetaxel created up to 78% cell death (p < 0.001) with no cytotoxicity of the prodrug alone. CD-AV with docetaxel displayed up to 60% cell death (p < 0.001) with no cytotoxicity of the prodrug alone. Docetaxel treatment created significant increases in cytotoxicity for PNP-AV and CD-AV. CONCLUSIONS Strong binding of fusion proteins to the prostate cancer cells and effective cell killing suggest that the enzyme prodrug systems with MT-AV and PNP-AV may be effective treatment options. Additionally, low-dose docetaxel treatment was found to increase the cytotoxic effect of the annexin V-targeted therapeutics for the PNP-AV and CD-AV systems.
Collapse
|