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Bellavita R, Piccolo M, Leone L, Ferraro MG, Dardano P, De Stefano L, Nastri F, Irace C, Falanga A, Galdiero S. Tuning Peptide-Based Nanofibers for Achieving Selective Doxorubicin Delivery in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:6057-6084. [PMID: 38911501 PMCID: PMC11193445 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The design of delivery tools that efficiently transport drugs into cells remains a major challenge in drug development for most pathological conditions. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis and limited effective therapeutic options. Purpose In TNBC treatment, chemotherapy remains the milestone, and doxorubicin (Dox) represents the first-line systemic treatment; however, its non-selective distribution causes a cascade of side effects. To address these problems, we developed a delivery platform based on the self-assembly of amphiphilic peptides carrying several moieties on their surfaces, aimed at targeting, enhancing penetration, and therapy. Methods Through a single-step self-assembly process, we used amphiphilic peptides to obtain nanofibers decorated on their surfaces with the selected moieties. The surface of the nanofiber was decorated with a cell-penetrating peptide (gH625), an EGFR-targeting peptide (P22), and Dox bound to the cleavage sequence selectively recognized and cleaved by MMP-9 to obtain on-demand drug release. Detailed physicochemical and cellular analyses were performed. Results The obtained nanofiber (NF-Dox) had a length of 250 nm and a diameter of 10 nm, and it was stable under dilution, ionic strength, and different pH environments. The biological results showed that the presence of gH625 favored the complete internalization of NF-Dox after 1h in MDA-MB 231 cells, mainly through a translocation mechanism. Interestingly, we observed the absence of toxicity of the carrier (NF) on both healthy cells such as HaCaT and TNBC cancer lines, while a similar antiproliferative effect was observed on TNBC cells after the treatment with the free-Dox at 50 µM and NF-Dox carrying 7.5 µM of Dox. Discussion We envision that this platform is extremely versatile and can be used to efficiently carry and deliver diverse moieties. The knowledge acquired from this study will provide important guidelines for applications in basic research and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Piccolo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Linda Leone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ferraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Principia Dardano
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca De Stefano
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Nastri
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Irace
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples “Federico II”, Portici, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Napoli, Italy
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Falanga A, Bellavita R, Braccia S, Galdiero S. Hydrophobicity: The door to drug delivery. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3558. [PMID: 38115215 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3558] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The engineering of intracellular delivery systems with the goal of achieving personalized medicine has been encouraged by advances in nanomaterial science as well as a greater understanding of diseases and of the biochemical pathways implicated in many disorders. The development of vectors able to transport the drug to a target location and release it only on demand is undoubtedly the primary issue. From a molecular perspective, the topography of drug carrier surfaces is directly related to the design of an effective drug carrier because it provides a physical hint to modifying its interactions with biological systems. For instance, the initial ratio of hydrophilic to hydrophobic surfaces and the changes brought about by external factors enable the release or encapsulation of a therapeutic molecule and the ability of the nanosystem to cross biological barriers and reach its target without causing systemic toxicity. The first step in creating new materials with enhanced functionality is to comprehend and characterize the interplay between hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules at the molecular level. Therefore, the focus of this review is on the function of hydrophobicity, which is essential for matching the complexity of biological environments with the intended functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- CiRPEB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Braccia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- CiRPEB, Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides "Carlo Pedone", University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Hu M, Li X, You Z, Cai R, Chen C. Physiological Barriers and Strategies of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Drug Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303266. [PMID: 37792475 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are currently the most promising vehicles for nucleic acid drug (NAD) delivery. Although their clinical applications have achieved success, the NAD delivery efficiency and safety are still unsatisfactory, which are, to a large extent, due to the existence of multi-level physiological barriers in vivo. It is important to elucidate the interactions between these barriers and LBNPs, which will guide more rational design of efficient NAD vehicles with low adverse effects and facilitate broader applications of nucleic acid therapeutics. This review describes the obstacles and challenges of biological barriers to NAD delivery at systemic, organ, sub-organ, cellular, and subcellular levels. The strategies to overcome these barriers are comprehensively reviewed, mainly including physically/chemically engineering LBNPs and directly modifying physiological barriers by auxiliary treatments. Then the potentials and challenges for successful translation of these preclinical studies into the clinic are discussed. In the end, a forward look at the strategies on manipulating protein corona (PC) is addressed, which may pull off the trick of overcoming those physiological barriers and significantly improve the efficacy and safety of LBNP-based NADs delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhen You
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Rong Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
- The GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangzhou, 510700, China
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Recent advances in selective and targeted drug/gene delivery systems using cell-penetrating peptides. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:18-34. [PMID: 36593377 PMCID: PMC9807432 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01425-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Biological cell membranes are a natural barrier for living cells. In the last few decades, the cell membrane has been the main hurdle in the efficient delivery of bioactive and therapeutic agents. To increase the drug efficacy of these agents, additional mediators have been considered. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), a series of oligopeptides composed of mostly hydrophobic and/or positively charged side chains, can increase the interaction with the cell membrane. CPP-based delivery platforms have shown great potential for the efficient and direct cytosol delivery of various cargos, including genes, proteins, and small molecule drugs. Bypassing endocytosis allows the CPP-based delivery systems greater defense against the degradation of protein-based drugs than other drug delivery systems. However, the delivery of CPPs exhibits intrinsically non-specific targeting, which limits their medical applications. To endow CPPs with specific targeting ability, the conjugation of pH-sensitive, enzyme-specific cleavable, and multiple targeting ligands has been reported. Optimization of the length and sequence of CPPs is still needed for various drugs of different sizes and surface charges. Toxicity issues in CPP-based delivery systems should be addressed carefully before clinical use.
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Fan F, Liu Y, Liu Y, Lv R, Sun W, Ding W, Cai Y, Li W, Liu X, Qu W. Candida albicans biofilms: antifungal resistance, immune evasion, and emerging therapeutic strategies. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2022; 60:106673. [PMID: 36103915 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2022.106673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a fungal pathogen that can form biofilms on medical devices and host tissue, resulting in serious, life-threatening infections. These fungal biofilms are inherently resistant to traditional antifungal therapies and the host immune system; therefore, biofilm-associated infections are a huge clinical challenge. This review summarizes the most important insights into C. albicans biofilm-associated antifungal drug resistance mechanisms and immune evasion strategies. In addtion, this review also discusses the strategies for antifungal drug use to combat these processes, providing further evidence for novel drugs research and clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- FangMei Fan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - YiQing Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - RuiXue Lv
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - WenJing Ding
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - YanXing Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - WeiWei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guiyang Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Guiyang, 550003, China.
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Design and Validation of Nanofibers Made of Self-Assembled Peptides to Become Multifunctional Stimuli-Sensitive Nanovectors of Anticancer Drug Doxorubicin. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081544. [PMID: 35893800 PMCID: PMC9331957 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-assembled peptides possess remarkable potential as targeted drug delivery systems and key applications dwell anti-cancer therapy. Peptides can self-assemble into nanostructures of diverse sizes and shapes in response to changing environmental conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength). Herein, we investigated the development of self-assembled peptide-based nanofibers (NFs) with the inclusion of a cell-penetrating peptide (namely gH625) and a matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) responsive sequence, which proved to enhance respectively the penetration and tumor-triggered cleavage to release Doxorubicin in Triple Negative Breast Cancer cells where MMP-9 levels are elevated. The NFs formulation has been optimized via critical micelle concentration measurements, fluorescence, and circular dichroism. The final nanovectors were characterized for morphology (TEM), size (hydrodynamic diameter), and surface charge (zeta potential). The Doxo loading and release kinetics were studied in situ, by optical microspectroscopy (fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering–SERS). Confocal spectral imaging of the Doxo fluorescence was used to study the TNBC models in vitro, in cells with various MMP-9 levels, the drug delivery to cells as well as the resulting cytotoxicity profiles. The results confirm that these NFs are a promising platform to develop novel nanovectors of Doxo, namely in the framework of TNBC treatment.
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McDouall A, Zhou KQ, Bennet L, Green CR, Gunn AJ, Davidson JO. Connexins, Pannexins and Gap Junctions in Perinatal Brain Injury. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061445. [PMID: 35740466 PMCID: PMC9220888 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal brain injury secondary to hypoxia-ischemia and/or infection/inflammation remains a major cause of disability. Therapeutic hypothermia significantly improves outcomes, but in randomized controlled trials nearly half of infants still died or survived with disability, showing that additional interventions are needed. There is growing evidence that brain injury spreads over time from injured to previously uninjured regions of the brain. At least in part, this spread is related to opening of connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels, both of which are large conductance membrane channels found in many brain cells. Opening of these membrane channels releases adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and other neuroactive molecules, into the extracellular space. ATP has an important role in normal signaling, but pathologically can trigger the assembly of the multi-protein inflammasome complex. The inflammasome complex promotes activation of inflammatory caspases, and release of inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the connexin hemichannel appears to play a primary role in propagation of injury and chronic disease, and connexin hemichannel blockade has been shown to be neuroprotective in multiple animal models. Thus, there is potential for some blockers of connexin or pannexin channels to be developed into targeted interventions that could be used in conjunction with or separate to therapeutic hypothermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice McDouall
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Kelly Q. Zhou
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Laura Bennet
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Colin R. Green
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand;
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
| | - Joanne O. Davidson
- U1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (A.M.); (K.Q.Z.); (L.B.); (A.J.G.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Peptides to Overcome the Limitations of Current Anticancer and Antimicrobial Nanotherapies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061235. [PMID: 35745807 PMCID: PMC9230615 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomedical research devotes a huge effort to the development of efficient non-viral nanovectors (NV) to improve the effectiveness of standard therapies. NVs should be stable, sustainable and biocompatible and enable controlled and targeted delivery of drugs. With the aim to foster the advancements of such devices, this review reports some recent results applicable to treat two types of pathologies, cancer and microbial infections, aiming to provide guidance in the overall design of personalized nanomedicines and highlight the key role played by peptides in this field. Additionally, future challenges and potential perspectives are illustrated, in the hope of accelerating the translational advances of nanomedicine.
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Wang J, Chen G, Liu N, Han X, Zhao F, Zhang L, Chen P. Strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 302:102638. [PMID: 35299136 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, the striking development of cationic polypeptides and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) tailored for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery has been fuelled by the conception of nuclear acid therapy and precision medicine. Owing to their amino acid compositions, inherent secondary structures as well as diverse geometrical shapes, peptides or peptide-containing polymers exhibit good biodegradability, high flexibility, and bio-functional diversity as nonviral siRNA vectors. Also, a variety of noncovalent nanocomplexes could be built via self-assembling and electrostatic interactions between cationic peptides and siRNAs. Although the peptide/siRNA nanocomplex-based RNAi therapies, STP705 and MIR-19, are under clinical trials, a guideline addressing the current bottlenecks of peptide/siRNA nanocomplex delivery is in high demand for future research and development. In this review, we present strategies for improving the safety and RNAi efficacy of noncovalent peptide/siRNA nanocomplexes in the treatment of genetic disorders. Through thorough analysis of those RNAi formulations using different delivery strategies, we seek to shed light on the rationale of peptide design and modification in constructing robust siRNA delivery systems, including targeted and co-delivery systems. Based on this, we provide a timely and comprehensive understanding of how to engineer biocompatible and efficient peptide-based siRNA vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for China National Light Industry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Nan Liu
- Advanced Materials Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoxia Han
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - P Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada; Advanced Materials Institute, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250014, China.
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Roscetto E, Bellavita R, Paolillo R, Merlino F, Molfetta N, Grieco P, Buommino E, Catania MR. Antimicrobial Activity of a Lipidated Temporin L Analogue against Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111312. [PMID: 34827250 PMCID: PMC8614721 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the years, the increasing acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes has led to the emergence of highly resistant bacterial strains and the loss of standard antibiotics' efficacy, including β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations and the last line carbapenems. Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered one of the major exponents of a group of multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens responsible for serious healthcare-associated infections. In this study, we proved the antimicrobial activity of two analogues of Temporin L against twenty carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae clinical isolates. According to the antibiotic susceptibility assay, all the K. pneumoniae strains were resistant to at least one other class of antibiotics, in addition to beta-lactams. Peptides 1B and C showed activity on all test strains, but the lipidated analogue C expressed the greater antimicrobial properties, with MIC values ranging from 6.25 to 25 µM. Furthermore, the peptide C showed bactericidal activity at MIC values. The results clearly highlight the great potential of antimicrobial peptides both as a new treatment option for difficult-to-treat infections and as a new strategy of drug-resistance control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Roscetto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.R.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.B.); (F.M.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Rossella Paolillo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.R.); (R.P.)
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.B.); (F.M.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Nicola Molfetta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.B.); (F.M.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.B.); (F.M.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Elisabetta Buommino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.B.); (F.M.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Catania
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.R.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7464577
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Schlich M, Palomba R, Costabile G, Mizrahy S, Pannuzzo M, Peer D, Decuzzi P. Cytosolic delivery of nucleic acids: The case of ionizable lipid nanoparticles. Bioeng Transl Med 2021; 6:e10213. [PMID: 33786376 PMCID: PMC7995196 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most clinically advanced nano-delivery system for therapeutic nucleic acids. The great effort put in the development of ionizable lipids with increased in vivo potency brought LNPs from the laboratory benches to the FDA approval of patisiran in 2018 and the ongoing clinical trials for mRNA-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Despite these success stories, several challenges remain in RNA delivery, including what is known as "endosomal escape." Reaching the cytosol is mandatory for unleashing the therapeutic activity of RNA molecules, as their accumulation in other intracellular compartments would simply result in efficacy loss. In LNPs, the ability of ionizable lipids to form destabilizing non-bilayer structures at acidic pH is recognized as the key for endosomal escape and RNA cytosolic delivery. This is motivating a surge in studies aiming at designing novel ionizable lipids with improved biodegradation and safety profiles. In this work, we describe the journey of RNA-loaded LNPs across multiple intracellular barriers, from the extracellular space to the cytosol. In silico molecular dynamics modeling, in vitro high-resolution microscopy analyses, and in vivo imaging data are systematically reviewed to distill out the regulating mechanisms underlying the endosomal escape of RNA. Finally, a comparison with strategies employed by enveloped viruses to deliver their genetic material into cells is also presented. The combination of a multidisciplinary analytical toolkit for endosomal escape quantification and a nature-inspired design could foster the development of future LNPs with improved cytosolic delivery of nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Schlich
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaLaboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision MedicineGenoaItaly
- Department of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Roberto Palomba
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaLaboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision MedicineGenoaItaly
| | - Gabriella Costabile
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaLaboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision MedicineGenoaItaly
| | - Shoshy Mizrahy
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaLaboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision MedicineGenoaItaly
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of EngineeringTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Center for Nanoscience and NanotechnologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Cancer Biology Research CenterTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Martina Pannuzzo
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaLaboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision MedicineGenoaItaly
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of EngineeringTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Center for Nanoscience and NanotechnologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Cancer Biology Research CenterTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaLaboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision MedicineGenoaItaly
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Bellavita R, Falanga A, Buommino E, Merlino F, Casciaro B, Cappiello F, Mangoni ML, Novellino E, Catania MR, Paolillo R, Grieco P, Galdieroa S. Novel temporin L antimicrobial peptides: promoting self-assembling by lipidic tags to tackle superbugs. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 35:1751-1764. [PMID: 32957844 PMCID: PMC7534258 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1819258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of antimicrobial resistance is pushing the search in the discovering of novel antimicrobial molecules to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Self-assembling antimicrobial peptides, as the lipidated peptides, are a novel and promising class of molecules capable of meeting this need. Based on previous work on Temporin L analogs, several new molecules lipidated at the N- or and the C-terminus were synthesised. Our goal is to improve membrane interactions through finely tuning self-assembly to reduce oligomerisation in aqueous solution and enhance self-assembly in bacterial membranes while reducing toxicity against human cells. The results here reported show that the length of the aliphatic moiety is a key factor to control target cell specificity and the oligomeric state of peptides either in aqueous solution or in a membrane-mimicking environment. The results of this study pave the way for the design of novel molecules with enhanced activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Portici, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Institute Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Institute Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Catania
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Paolillo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdieroa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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13
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Maione A, de Alteriis E, Carraturo F, Galdiero S, Falanga A, Guida M, Di Cosmo A, Maselli V, Galdiero E. The Membranotropic Peptide gH625 to Combat Mixed Candida albicans/ Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilm: Correlation between In Vitro Anti-Biofilm Activity and In Vivo Antimicrobial Protection. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010026. [PMID: 33466540 PMCID: PMC7824901 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The antibiofilm activity of a gH625 analogue was investigated to determine the in vitro inhibition and eradication of a dual-species biofilm of Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae, two leading opportunistic pathogens responsible for several resistant infections. The possibility of effectively exploiting this peptide as an alternative anti-biofilm strategy in vivo was assessed by the investigation of its efficacy on the Galleria mellonella larvae model. Results on larvae survival demonstrate a prophylactic efficacy of the peptide towards the infection of each single microorganism but mainly towards the co-infection. The expression of biofilm-related genes in vivo showed a possible synergy in virulence when these two species co-exist in the host, which was effectively prevented by the peptide. These findings provide novel insights into the treatment of medically relevant bacterial–fungal interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Maione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta de Alteriis
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Carraturo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via dell'Università 100, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Cosmo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Maselli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
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14
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Surface-engineered nanoliposomes with lipidated and non-lipidated peptide-dendrimeric scaffold for efficient transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent: Development, characterization, toxicological and preclinical performance analyses. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 156:97-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Galdiero E, de Alteriis E, De Natale A, D'Alterio A, Siciliano A, Guida M, Lombardi L, Falanga A, Galdiero S. Eradication of Candida albicans persister cell biofilm by the membranotropic peptide gH625. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5780. [PMID: 32238858 PMCID: PMC7113253 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62746-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation poses an important clinical trouble due to resistance to antimicrobial agents; therefore, there is an urgent demand for new antibiofilm strategies that focus on the use of alternative compounds also in combination with conventional drugs. Drug-tolerant persisters are present in Candida albicans biofilms and are detected following treatment with high doses of amphotericin B. In this study, persisters were found in biofilms treated with amphotericin B of two clinical isolate strains, and were capable to form a new biofilm in situ. We investigated the possibility of eradicating persister-derived biofilms from these two Candida albicans strains, using the peptide gH625 analogue (gH625-M). Confocal microscopy studies allowed us to characterize the persister-derived biofilm and understand the mechanism of interaction of gH625-M with the biofilm. These findings confirm that persisters may be responsible for Candida biofilm survival, and prove that gH625-M was very effective in eradicating persister-derived biofilms both alone and in combination with conventional antifungals, mainly strengthening the antibiofilm activity of fluconazole and 5-flucytosine. Our strategy advances our insights into the development of effective antibiofilm therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta de Alteriis
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonino De Natale
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela D'Alterio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Siciliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Lombardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
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16
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Galdiero E, Siciliano A, Lombardi L, Falanga A, Galdiero S, Martucci F, Guida M. Quantum dots functionalized with gH625 attenuate QDs oxidative stress and lethality in Caenorhabditis elegans: a model system. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:156-162. [PMID: 31927676 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials have revolutionized many scientific fields and are widely applied to address environmental problems and to develop novel health care strategies. However, their mechanism of action is still poorly understood. Several nanomaterials for medical applications are based on quantum dots (QDs). Despite their amazing physico-chemical properties, quantum dots display significant adverse effects. In the present study, the effects of QDs on the motor nervous system of nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans have been investigated as a non-mammalian alternative model. We also explored the possibility of modifying the toxicity of QDs by coating with a cell-penetrating peptide gH625 and thus we analysed the effects determined by QDs-gH625 complexes on the nematodes. With this work, we have demonstrated, by in vivo experiments, that the peptide gH625 is able to reduce the side effects of metallic nanoparticle making them more suitable for medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II"- Monte Sant'Angelo, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Siciliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II"- Monte Sant'Angelo, 80126, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Lucia Lombardi
- Department of Pharmacy, CiRPEB-University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, CiRPEB-University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Martucci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II"- Monte Sant'Angelo, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II"- Monte Sant'Angelo, 80126, Napoli, Italy
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17
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Reid LM, Verma CS, Essex JW. The role of molecular simulations in understanding the mechanisms of cell-penetrating peptides. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1821-1835. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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18
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The Utilization of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in the Intracellular Delivery of Viral Nanoparticles. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12172671. [PMID: 31443361 PMCID: PMC6747576 DOI: 10.3390/ma12172671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Viral particles (VPs) have evolved so as to efficiently enter target cells and to deliver their genetic material. The current state of knowledge allows us to use VPs in the field of biomedicine as nanoparticles that are safe, easy to manipulate, inherently biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of transporting various cargoes into specific cells. Despite the fact that these virus-based nanoparticles constitute the most common vectors used in clinical practice, the need remains for further improvement in this area. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential for enhancing the efficiency and versatility of VPs via their functionalization with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), short peptides that are able to translocate across cellular membranes and to transport various substances with them. The review provides and describes various examples of and means of exploitation of CPPs in order to enhance the delivery of VPs into permissive cells and/or to allow them to enter a broad range of cell types. Moreover, it is possible that CPPs are capable of changing the immunogenic properties of VPs, which could lead to an improvement in their clinical application. The review also discusses strategies aimed at the modification of VPs by CPPs so as to create a useful cargo delivery tool.
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19
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Ben Djemaa S, Hervé-Aubert K, Lajoie L, Falanga A, Galdiero S, Nedellec S, Soucé M, Munnier E, Chourpa I, David S, Allard-Vannier E. gH625 Cell-Penetrating Peptide Promotes the Endosomal Escape of Nanovectorized siRNA in a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:3076-3086. [PMID: 31305991 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to regulate oncogenes appears as a promising strategy in the context of cancer therapy, especially if they are vectorized by a smart delivery system. In this study, we investigated the cellular trafficking of a siRNA nanovector (called CS-MSN) functionalized with the cell-penetrating peptide gH625 in a triple-negative breast cancer model. With complementary techniques, we showed that siRNA nanovectors were internalized by both clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis. The presence of gH625 at the surface of the siRNA nanovector did not modify the entry pathway of CS-MSN, but it increased the amount of siRNA found inside the cells. Results suggested an escape of siRNA from endosomes, which is enhanced by the presence of the peptide gH625, whereas nanoparticles continued their trafficking into lysosomes. The efficiency of CS-MSN to inhibit the GFP in MDA-MB-231 cells was 1.7-fold higher than that of the nanovectors without gH625.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa Ben Djemaa
- EA6295 Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes, University of Tours , 37200 Tours , France
| | - Katel Hervé-Aubert
- EA6295 Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes, University of Tours , 37200 Tours , France
| | - Laurie Lajoie
- EA7501 Groupe Innovation et Ciblage Cellulaire, Equipe Fc Récepteurs, Anticorps et MicroEnvironnement, University of Tours , 37032 Tours , France.,Plateforme Scientifique et Technique, Analyse des systèmes biologiques département des cytométries, University of Tours , 37032 Tours , France
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Sciences , University of Naples "Federico II" , Via Università 100 , 80055 Portici , Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy , CIRPEB-University of Naples "Federico II" , Via Mezzocannone 16 , 80134 Napoli , Italy
| | - Steven Nedellec
- Plateforme microPICell, SFR santé François Bonamy-IRSUN , 8 quai Moncousu , BP 70721, 44007 Nantes Cedex, France
| | - Martin Soucé
- EA6295 Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes, University of Tours , 37200 Tours , France
| | - Emilie Munnier
- EA6295 Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes, University of Tours , 37200 Tours , France
| | - Igor Chourpa
- EA6295 Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes, University of Tours , 37200 Tours , France
| | - Stéphanie David
- EA6295 Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes, University of Tours , 37200 Tours , France
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20
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Lépinoux-Chambaud C, Eyer J. The NFL-TBS.40–63 peptide targets and kills glioblastoma stem cells derived from human patients and also targets nanocapsules into these cells. Int J Pharm 2019; 566:218-228. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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21
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Iachetta G, Falanga A, Molino Y, Masse M, Jabès F, Mechioukhi Y, Laforgia V, Khrestchatisky M, Galdiero S, Valiante S. gH625-liposomes as tool for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide brain delivery. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9183. [PMID: 31235716 PMCID: PMC6591382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the traffic of molecules into the central nervous system (CNS) and also limits the drug delivery. Due to their flexible properties, liposomes are an attractive tool to deliver drugs across the BBB. We previously characterized gH625, a peptide derived from Herpes simplex virus 1. The present study investigates the efficiency of liposomes functionalized on their surface with gH625 to promote the brain uptake of neuroprotective peptide PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide). Using a rat in vitro BBB model, we showed that the liposomes preparations were non-toxic for the endothelial cells, as assessed by analysis of tight junction protein ZO1 organization and barrier integrity. Next, we found that gH625 improves the transfer of liposomes across endothelial cell monolayers, resulting in both low cellular uptake and increased transport of PACAP. Finally, in vivo results demonstrated that gH625 ameliorates the efficiency of liposomes to deliver PACAP to the mouse brain after intravenous administration. gH625-liposomes improve both PACAP reaching and crossing the BBB, as showed by the higher number of brain cells labelled with PACAP. gH625-liposomes represent a promising strategy to deliver therapeutic agents to CNS and to provide an effective imaging and diagnostic tool for the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Iachetta
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Università, 100, 80055, Portici, Italy.,CiRPEB- University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Vincenza Laforgia
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Galdiero
- CiRPEB- University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy - University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Salvatore Valiante
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy. .,National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), V. le Medaglie d'Oro, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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22
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Nguyen VP, Palanikumar L, Kennel SJ, Alves DS, Ye Y, Wall JS, Magzoub M, Barrera FN. Mechanistic insights into the pH-dependent membrane peptide ATRAM. J Control Release 2019; 298:142-153. [PMID: 30763623 PMCID: PMC6408977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
pH-responsive peptides are promising therapeutic molecules that can specifically target the plasma membrane in the acidified extracellular medium that bathes cells in tumors. We designed the acidity-triggered rational membrane (ATRAM) peptide to have a pH-responsive membrane interaction. At physiological pH, ATRAM binds to the membrane surface in a largely unstructured conformation, while in acidic conditions it inserts into lipid bilayers forming a transmembrane helix. However, the molecular mechanism ATRAM uses to target and insert into tumor cells remains poorly understood. Here, we determined that ATRAM inserts into cancer cells with a preferential membrane orientation, where the C-terminus of the peptide traverses the plasma membrane and explores the cytoplasm. Using biophysical techniques, we determined that the membrane interaction of ATRAM is contingent on the concentration of the peptide. Kinetic studies showed that membrane insertion occurs in at least three steps, where only the first step was affected by the membrane density of ATRAM. These observations, combined with membrane binding and leakage data, indicate that the interaction of ATRAM with lipid membranes is dependent on its oligomerization state. SPECT/CT imaging in mice revealed that ATRAM accumulates in the blood pool, where it has a prolonged circulation time (> 4 h). Since fast peptide clearance and degradation in circulation are major problems for clinical development, we studied the mechanism ATRAM uses to remain in the blood stream. Using binding and transfer assays, we determined that ATRAM binds reversibly to human serum albumin. We propose that ATRAM uses albumin as a carrier in the blood stream to evade clearance and proteolysis before interacting with the plasma membrane of cancer cells. We also show that ATRAM is able to be deliver liposomes to cells in a pH dependent way. Our data highlight the potential of ATRAM as a specific therapeutic agent for diseases that lead to acidic tissues, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa P Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Loganathan Palanikumar
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Stephen J Kennel
- Departments of Medicine & Radiology, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Daiane S Alves
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Yujie Ye
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Jonathan S Wall
- Departments of Medicine & Radiology, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Mazin Magzoub
- Biology Program, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Francisco N Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States.
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23
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Singh T, Murthy ASN, Yang HJ, Im J. Versatility of cell-penetrating peptides for intracellular delivery of siRNA. Drug Deliv 2018; 25:1996-2006. [PMID: 30799658 PMCID: PMC6319457 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2018.1543366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane is a large barrier to systemic drug delivery into cells, and it limits the efficacy of drug cargo. This issue has been overcome using cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs are short peptides (6-30 amino acid residues) that are potentially capable of intracellular penetration to deliver drug molecules. CPPs broadened biomedical applications and provide a means to deliver a range of biologically active molecules, such as small molecules, proteins, imaging agents, and pharmaceutical nanocarriers, across the plasma membrane with high efficacy and low toxicity. This review is focused on the versatility of CPPs and advanced approaches for siRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejinder Singh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Akula S. N. Murthy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungkyun Im
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
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24
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Gonzalez S, Gallier F, Kellouche S, Carreiras F, Novellino E, Carotenuto A, Chassaing G, Rovero P, Uziel J, Lubin-Germain N. Studies of membranotropic and fusogenic activity of two putative HCV fusion peptides. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1861:50-61. [PMID: 30343120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, membranotropic peptides such as positively charged cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) or amphipathic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have received increasing interest in order to improve therapeutic agent cellular uptake. As far as we are concerned, we were interested in studying HCV fusion peptides as putative anchors. Two peptides, HCV6 and HCV7, were identified and conjugated to a fluorescent tag NBD and tested for their interaction with liposomes as model membranes. DSC and spectrofluorescence analyses demonstrate HCV7 propensity to insert or internalize in vesicles containing anionic lipids DMPG whereas no activity was observed with zwitterionic DMPC. This behavior could be explained by the peptide sequence containing a cationic arginine residue. On the contrary, HCV6 did not exhibit any membranotropic activity but was the only sequence able to induce liposomes' fusion or aggregation monitored by spectrofluorescence and DLS. This two peptides mild activity was related to their inefficient structuration in contact with membrane mimetics, which was demonstrated by CD and NMR experiments. Altogether, our data allowed us to identify two promising membrane-active peptides from E1 and E2 HCV viral proteins, one fusogenic (HCV6) and the other membranotropic (HCV7). The latter was also confirmed by fluorescence microscopy with CHO cells, indicating that HCV7 could cross the plasma membrane via an endocytosis process. Therefore, this study provides new evidences supporting the identification of HCV6 as the HCV fusion peptide as well as insights on a novel membranotropic peptide from the HCV-E2 viral protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Gonzalez
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique, University of Cergy-Pontoise, 5 mail Gay-Lussac, Cergy-Pontoise, France
| | - Florian Gallier
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique, University of Cergy-Pontoise, 5 mail Gay-Lussac, Cergy-Pontoise, France
| | - Sabrina Kellouche
- Equipe de Recherche sur les Relations Matrice Extracellulaire-Cellules, ERRMECe (EA1391), Institut des Matériaux, I-MAT (FD4122), University of Cergy-Pontoise, MIR, rue Descartes, 95031, Neuville sur Oise Cedex, France
| | - Franck Carreiras
- Equipe de Recherche sur les Relations Matrice Extracellulaire-Cellules, ERRMECe (EA1391), Institut des Matériaux, I-MAT (FD4122), University of Cergy-Pontoise, MIR, rue Descartes, 95031, Neuville sur Oise Cedex, France
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Gérard Chassaing
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, LBM, 4 place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Paolo Rovero
- French-Italian Interdepartmental Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Jacques Uziel
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique, University of Cergy-Pontoise, 5 mail Gay-Lussac, Cergy-Pontoise, France
| | - Nadège Lubin-Germain
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique, University of Cergy-Pontoise, 5 mail Gay-Lussac, Cergy-Pontoise, France.
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25
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Carnevale KJF, Muroski ME, Vakil PN, Foley ME, Laufersky G, Kenworthy R, Zorio DAR, Morgan TJ, Levenson CW, Strouse GF. Selective Uptake Into Drug Resistant Mammalian Cancer by Cell Penetrating Peptide-Mediated Delivery. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3273-3284. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kate J. F. Carnevale
- Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
| | - Megan E. Muroski
- Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
| | - Parth N. Vakil
- Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
| | - Megan E. Foley
- Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
| | - Geoffry Laufersky
- Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
| | - Rachael Kenworthy
- Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
| | - Diego A. R. Zorio
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
| | - Thomas J. Morgan
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
| | - Cathy W. Levenson
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
| | - Geoffrey F. Strouse
- Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32304, United States
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26
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de Alteriis E, Lombardi L, Falanga A, Napolano M, Galdiero S, Siciliano A, Carotenuto R, Guida M, Galdiero E. Polymicrobial antibiofilm activity of the membranotropic peptide gH625 and its analogue. Microb Pathog 2018; 125:189-195. [PMID: 30227230 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This work illustrates a new role for the membranotropic peptide gH625 and its derivative gH625-GCGKKK in impairing formation of polymicrobial biofilms. Mixed biofilms composed of Candida and bacterial species cause frequently infections and failure of medical silicone devices and also show a major drug resistance than single-species biofilms. Inhibition and eradication of biofilms were evaluated by complementary methods: XTT-reduction, and crystal violet staining (CV). Our results indicate that gH625-GCGKKKK, better than the native peptide, strongly inhibited formation of mixed biofilms of clinical isolates of C. tropicalis/S. marcescens and C. tropicalis/S. aureus and reduced the biofilm architecture, interfering with cell adhesion and polymeric matrix, as well as eradicated the long-term polymicrobial biofilms on silicone surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- E de Alteriis
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - L Lombardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - A Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - M Napolano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - S Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - A Siciliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - R Carotenuto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - M Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - E Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy.
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27
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Falanga A, Galdiero M, Morelli G, Galdiero S. Membranotropic peptides mediating viral entry. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018; 110:e24040. [PMID: 32328541 PMCID: PMC7167733 DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The means used by enveloped viruses to bypass cellular membranes are well characterized; however, the mechanisms used by non-enveloped viruses to deliver their genome inside the cell remain unresolved and poorly defined. The discovery of short, membrane interacting, amphipathic or hydrophobic sequences (known as membranotropic peptides) in both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses suggests that these small peptides are strongly involved in breaching the host membrane and in the delivery of the viral genome into the host cell. Thus, in spite of noticeable differences in entry, this short stretches of membranotropic peptides are probably associated with similar entry-related events. This review will uncover the intrinsic features of viral membranotropic peptides involved in viral entry of both naked viruses and the ones encircled with a biological membrane with the objective to better elucidate their different functional properties and possible applications in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, School of MedicineNaples80134Italy
- CIRPEB University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- CIRPEB University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
- Department of Experimental MedicineUniversity of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Via de CrecchioNaples80134Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of MedicineNaples80134Italy
- CIRPEB University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, School of MedicineNaples80134Italy
- CIRPEB University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16Naples80134Italy
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28
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Intracellular oligonucleotide delivery using the cell penetrating peptide Xentry. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11256. [PMID: 30050146 PMCID: PMC6062516 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated the use of two cationic peptides, Xentry-KALA (XK) and Xentry-Protamine (XP), for intracellular delivery of Connexin43 antisense oligonucleotides (Cx43AsODN). The charge and size of Cx43AsODN:XK and Cx43AsODN:XP complexes was determined by Zetasizer analysis. The earliest positive zeta potential reading was obtained at a 1:2 and 1:1.2 charge ratio of Cx43AsODN:XK and Cx43AsODN:XP respectively, with Cx43AsODN:XK resulting in overall larger complexes than Cx43AsODN:XP. Gel shift mobility assays revealed complete complex formation at a 1:2.5 and 1:2.2 charge ratio of Cx43AsODN:XK and Cx43AsODN:XP, respectively. Cellular uptake studies were carried out in ARPE-19 cells. While both complexes were able to enter the cells, Cx43AsODN:XK uptake appeared punctate and circular indicative of endosomal containment. Cx43AsODN:XP uptake, in contrast, resulted in diffuse appearance inside the cell suggesting endosomal escape of the cargo. Finally, western blot analysis confirmed that Cx43AsODN:XP was able to knockdown Cx43 expression in these cells under normal and hypoxic conditions.
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29
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Vickerman BM, Anttila MM, Petersen BV, Allbritton NL, Lawrence DS. Design and Application of Sensors for Chemical Cytometry. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:1741-1751. [PMID: 29376326 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b01009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The bulk cell population response to a stimulus, be it a growth factor or a cytotoxic agent, neglects the cell-to-cell variability that can serve as a friend or as a foe in human biology. Biochemical variations among closely related cells furnish the basis for the adaptability of the immune system but also act as the root cause of resistance to chemotherapy by tumors. Consequently, the ability to probe for the presence of key biochemical variables at the single-cell level is now recognized to be of significant biological and biomedical impact. Chemical cytometry has emerged as an ultrasensitive single-cell platform with the flexibility to measure an array of cellular components, ranging from metabolite concentrations to enzyme activities. We briefly review the various chemical cytometry strategies, including recent advances in reporter design, probe and metabolite separation, and detection instrumentation. We also describe strategies for improving intracellular delivery, biochemical specificity, metabolic stability, and detection sensitivity of probes. Recent applications of these strategies to small molecules, lipids, proteins, and other analytes are discussed. Finally, we assess the current scope and limitations of chemical cytometry and discuss areas for future development to meet the needs of single-cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna M. Vickerman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Matthew M. Anttila
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Brae V. Petersen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Nancy L. Allbritton
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, and North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - David S. Lawrence
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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30
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Ma W, Jin GW, Gehret PM, Chada NC, Suh WH. A Novel Cell Penetrating Peptide for the Differentiation of Human Neural Stem Cells. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8030048. [PMID: 29987263 PMCID: PMC6163344 DOI: 10.3390/biom8030048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is a bioactive lipid that has been shown to promote neural stem cell differentiation. However, the highly hydrophobic molecule needs to first solubilize and translocate across the cell membrane in order to exert a biological response. The cell entry of RA can be aided by cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), which are short amino acid sequences that are able to carry bioactive cargo past the cell membrane. In this work, a novel cell penetrating peptide was developed to deliver RA to human neural stem cells and, subsequently, promote neuronal differentiation. The novel CPP consists of a repeating sequence, whose number of repeats is proportional to the efficiency of cell penetration. Using fluorescence microscopy, the mode of translocation was determined to be related to an endocytic pathway. The levels of β-III tubulin (Tubb3) and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) expression in neural stem cells treated with RA conjugated to the CPP were assessed by quantitative immunocytochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Ma
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Geun-Woo Jin
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Paul M Gehret
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Neil C Chada
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Won Hyuk Suh
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
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31
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Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Co-Polymers Decorated with Peptides for the Selective Nanoparticle Transport across the Cerebral Endothelium. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23071655. [PMID: 29986452 PMCID: PMC6100052 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of new strategies for enhancing drug delivery to the brain represents a major challenge in treating cerebral diseases. In this paper, we report on the synthesis and structural characterization of a biocompatible nanoparticle (NP) made up of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) co-polymer (namely PELGA) functionalized with the membranotropic peptide gH625 (gH) and the iron-mimicking peptide CRTIGPSVC (CRT) for transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). gH possesses a high translocation potency of the cell membrane. Conversely, CRT selectively recognizes the brain endothelium, which interacts with transferrin (Tf) and its receptor (TfR) through a non-canonical ligand-directed mechanism. We hypothesize that the delivery across the BBB of PELGA NPs should be efficiently enhanced by the NP functionalization with both gH and CRT. Synthesis of peptides and their conjugation to the PLGA as well as NP physical-chemical characterization are performed. Moreover, NP uptake, co-localization, adhesion under dynamic conditions, and permeation across in vitro BBB model are evaluated as a function of gH/CRT functionalization ratio. Results establish that the cooperative effect of CRT and gH may change the intra-cellular distribution of NPs and strengthen NP delivery across the BBB at the functionalization ratio 33% gH–66% CRT.
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32
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Chiper M, Niederreither K, Zuber G. Transduction Methods for Cytosolic Delivery of Proteins and Bioconjugates into Living Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1701040. [PMID: 29205903 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201701040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The human organism and its constituting cells rely on interplay between multiple proteins exerting specific functions. Progress in molecular biotechnologies has facilitated the production of recombinant proteins. When administrated to patients, recombinant proteins can provide important healthcare benefits. To date, most therapeutic proteins must act from the extracellular environment, with their targets being secreted modulators or extracellular receptors. This is because proteins cannot passively diffuse across the plasma membrane into the cytosol. To expand the scope of action of proteins for cytosolic targets (representing more than 40% of the genome) effective methods assisting protein cytosolic entry are being developed. To date, direct protein delivery is extremely tedious and inefficient in cultured cells, even more so in animal models of pathology. Novel techniques are changing this limitation, as recently developed in vitro methods can robustly convey large amount of proteins into cell cultures. Moreover, advances in protein formulation or protein conjugates are slowly, but surely demonstrating efficiency for targeted cytosolic entry of functional protein in vivo in tumor xenograft models. In this review, various methods and recently developed techniques for protein transport into cells are summarized. They are put into perspective to address the challenges encountered during delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Chiper
- Molecular and Pharmaceutical Engineering of Biologics CNRS—Université de Strasbourg UMR 7242 Boulevard Sebastien Brant F‐67412 Illkirch France
- Faculté de Pharmacie—Université de Strasbourg 74 Route du Rhin F‐67400 Illkirch France
| | - Karen Niederreither
- Developmental Biology and Stem Cells Department Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC) F‐67412 Illkirch France
- Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire Université de Strasbourg CNRS UMR 7104, INSERM U 964 F‐67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Guy Zuber
- Molecular and Pharmaceutical Engineering of Biologics CNRS—Université de Strasbourg UMR 7242 Boulevard Sebastien Brant F‐67412 Illkirch France
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33
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Galdiero S, Gomes PAC. Peptide-Based Drugs and Drug Delivery Systems. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22122185. [PMID: 29292757 PMCID: PMC6149859 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22122185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy.
- Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy.
| | - Paula A C Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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34
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Zhu H, Yan J, Xu Q, Wei L, Huang X, Chen S, Yi C. TRAIL mutant membrane penetrating peptide alike (TMPPA) TRAIL-Mu3 enhances the antitumor effects of TRAIL in vitro and in vivo. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:9607-9612. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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35
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Tan H, Huang Y, Xu J, Chen B, Zhang P, Ye Z, Liang S, Xiao L, Liu Z. Spider Toxin Peptide Lycosin-I Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for in vivo Tumor Targeting and Therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:3168-3178. [PMID: 28839471 PMCID: PMC5566113 DOI: 10.7150/thno.19780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are commonly utilized for intracellular delivery of functional materials to circumvent biomembrane barrier. However, further application of CPPs is hindered by lacking selectivity toward targeted cells. The spider venom peptide, lycosin-I, is a CPP with potent cytotoxicity to cancer cells, which might enable lycosin-I to deliver functional materials into cancer cells selectively. In this study, we demonstrated that the lycosin-I-conjugated spherical gold nanoparticles (LGNPs) not only exhibited efficient cellular internalization efficiency toward cancer cells but also displayed unprecedented selectivity over noncancerous cells. Although LGNPs were removed from the living circulatory system via reticuloendothelial system-dominant clearance modes without noticeable adverse effects to animals, they actually displayed active tumor-targeting effects and efficient accumulation in tumors in vivo. Furthermore, the potential application of this platform for cancer therapy was explored by lycosin-I-conjugated gold nanorods (LGNRs). LGNRs exhibited selective intracellular translocation towards cancer cells and efficient photothermal effect under near infrared (NIR, 808 nm) irradiation, which consequently killed cancer cells in vitro and in vivo effectively. Therefore, the established LGNPs and LGNRs possessed great potential in cancer-targeting delivery and photothermal therapy.
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36
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Zannella C, Mosca F, Mariani F, Franci G, Folliero V, Galdiero M, Tiscar PG, Galdiero M. Microbial Diseases of Bivalve Mollusks: Infections, Immunology and Antimicrobial Defense. Mar Drugs 2017. [PMID: 28629124 PMCID: PMC5484132 DOI: 10.3390/md15060182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of bivalve mollusks (phylum Mollusca, class Bivalvia) constitute a prominent commodity in fisheries and aquacultures, but are also crucial in order to preserve our ecosystem’s complexity and function. Bivalve mollusks, such as clams, mussels, oysters and scallops, are relevant bred species, and their global farming maintains a high incremental annual growth rate, representing a considerable proportion of the overall fishery activities. Bivalve mollusks are filter feeders; therefore by filtering a great quantity of water, they may bioaccumulate in their tissues a high number of microorganisms that can be considered infectious for humans and higher vertebrates. Moreover, since some pathogens are also able to infect bivalve mollusks, they are a threat for the entire mollusk farming industry. In consideration of the leading role in aquaculture and the growing financial importance of bivalve farming, much interest has been recently devoted to investigate the pathogenesis of infectious diseases of these mollusks in order to be prepared for public health emergencies and to avoid dreadful income losses. Several bacterial and viral pathogens will be described herein. Despite the minor complexity of the organization of the immune system of bivalves, compared to mammalian immune systems, a precise description of the different mechanisms that induce its activation and functioning is still missing. In the present review, a substantial consideration will be devoted in outlining the immune responses of bivalves and their repertoire of immune cells. Finally, we will focus on the description of antimicrobial peptides that have been identified and characterized in bivalve mollusks. Their structural and antimicrobial features are also of great interest for the biotechnology sector as antimicrobial templates to combat the increasing antibiotic-resistance of different pathogenic bacteria that plague the human population all over the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine-University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Francesco Mosca
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Francesca Mariani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Experimental Medicine-University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Veronica Folliero
- Department of Experimental Medicine-University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine-University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Pietro Giorgio Tiscar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine-University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
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37
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Li Y, Jiang H, Huang G. Protein Hydrolysates as Promoters of Non-Haem Iron Absorption. Nutrients 2017; 9:E609. [PMID: 28617327 PMCID: PMC5490588 DOI: 10.3390/nu9060609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for human growth and health. Organic iron is an excellent iron supplement due to its bioavailability. Both amino acids and peptides improve iron bioavailability and absorption and are therefore valuable components of iron supplements. This review focuses on protein hydrolysates as potential promoters of iron absorption. The ability of protein hydrolysates to chelate iron is thought to be a key attribute for the promotion of iron absorption. Iron-chelatable protein hydrolysates are categorized by their absorption forms: amino acids, di- and tri-peptides and polypeptides. Their structural characteristics, including their size and amino acid sequence, as well as the presence of special amino acids, influence their iron chelation abilities and bioavailabilities. Protein hydrolysates promote iron absorption by keeping iron soluble, reducing ferric iron to ferrous iron, and promoting transport across cell membranes into the gut. We also discuss the use and relative merits of protein hydrolysates as iron supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Han Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Guangrong Huang
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
- Key Lab of Marine Food Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310018, China.
- National and Local United Engineering Lab of Quality Controlling Technology and Instrument for Marine Food, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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38
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Perillo E, Hervé-Aubert K, Allard-Vannier E, Falanga A, Galdiero S, Chourpa I. Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of fluorescent and magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with a cell penetrating peptide for cancer theranosis. J Colloid Interface Sci 2017; 499:209-217. [PMID: 28388503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2017.03.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We synthesized rationally designed multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) composed of a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core, cyanine fluorescent dye emitting in far red, polyethylene glycol (PEG5000) coating, and the membranotropic peptide gH625, from the cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) family. The peptide sequence was enriched with an additional cysteine so it can be involved as a reactive moiety in a certain orientation- and sequence-specific coupling of the CPP to the PEG shell of the NPs. Our data indicate that the presence of approximately 23 peptide molecules per SPION coated with approximately 137 PEG chains minimally changes the overall NP characteristics. The final CPP-capped NP hydrodynamic diameter was 98nm, the polydispersity index was 0.192, and the zeta potential was 4.08mV. The in vitro evaluation, performed using an original technique fluorescence confocal spectral imaging, showed that after a short incubation duration (maximum 30min), SPIONs-PEG-CPP uptake was 3-fold higher than that for SPIONs-PEG. The CPP also drives the subcellular distribution of a higher NP fraction towards low polarity cytosolic locations. Therefore, the major cellular uptake mechanism for the peptide-conjugated NPs should be endocytosis. Enhancement/acceleration of this mechanism by gH625 appears promising because of potential applications of SPIONs-PEG-gH625 as a multifunctional nanoplatform for cancer theranosis involving magnetic resonance imaging, optical imaging in far red, drug delivery, and hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliana Perillo
- Department of Pharmacy, CIRPEB - University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Katel Hervé-Aubert
- Université François Rabelais, EA 6295 « Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes», Tours F-37200, France.
| | - Emilie Allard-Vannier
- Université François Rabelais, EA 6295 « Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes», Tours F-37200, France
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, CIRPEB - University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, CIRPEB - University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Igor Chourpa
- Université François Rabelais, EA 6295 « Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes», Tours F-37200, France
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39
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Peña MS, Cabral GC, Fotoran WL, Perez KR, Stolf BS. Metacaspase-binding peptide inhibits heat shock-induced death in Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2645. [PMID: 28252649 PMCID: PMC5386556 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis is an important agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil. This parasite faces cell death in some situations during transmission to the vertebrate host, and this process seems to be dependent on the activity of metacaspase (MCA), an enzyme bearing trypsin-like activity present in protozoans, plants and fungi. In fact, the association between MCA expression and cell death induced by different stimuli has been demonstrated for several Leishmania species. Regulators and natural substrates of MCA are poorly known. To fulfill this gap, we have employed phage display over recombinant L. (L.) amazonensis MCA to identify peptides that could interact with the enzyme and modulate its activity. Four peptides were selected for their capacity to specifically bind to MCA and interfere with its activity. One of these peptides, similar to ecotin-like ISP3 of L. (L.) major, decreases trypsin-like activity of promastigotes under heat shock, and significantly decreases parasite heat shock-induced death. These findings indicate that peptide ligands identified by phage display affect trypsin-like activity and parasite death, and that an endogenous peptidase inhibitor is a possible natural regulator of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio S Peña
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C Cabral
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wesley L Fotoran
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katia R Perez
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz S Stolf
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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40
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Lim SI, Lukianov CI, Champion JA. Self-assembled protein nanocarrier for intracellular delivery of antibody. J Control Release 2017; 249:1-10. [PMID: 28069555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite the great potential of antibodies as intracellular therapeutics, there is a significant, unmet challenge in delivering sufficient amounts of folded antibodies inside cells. We describe an all-protein self-assembled nanocarrier capable of delivering functional antibodies to the cytosol. By combining an α-helical peptide that self-assembles into a hexameric coiled-coil bundle and an Fc-binding Protein A fragment, we generated the Hex nanocarrier that is efficiently internalized by cells without cytotoxicity. Localization of multiple Fc-binding domains on the hexameric core allowed the Hex nanocarrier to tightly bind antibody with sub-nanomolar affinity regardless of pH and the antibody's originating species. The size of the Hex nanocarrier ranges from 25 to 35nm depending on the antibody loading ratio. We demonstrated the capacity of the Hex nanocarrier to deliver functional antibodies to the cytosol by employing anti-β-tubulin or anti-nuclear pore complex antibody as cargo. The design of the Hex nanocarrier is modular, which enables functionalization beyond Fc-binding. We exploited this feature to improve the cytosolic delivery efficiency of the Hex nanocarrier by addition of an endosomolytic motif to the core. The modified Hex nanocarrier exhibited similar antibody-binding behavior, but delivered more antibodies to their cytosolic targets at a faster rate. This work demonstrates an efficient intracellular antibody delivery platform with significant advantages over existing approaches as it does not require modification of the antibody, is biodegradable, and has an antibody to carrier mass ratio of 13, which is greater than other reported antibody carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung In Lim
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Cyril I Lukianov
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Julie A Champion
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States.
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41
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Falanga A, Lombardi L, Tarallo R, Franci G, Perillo E, Palomba L, Galdiero M, Pontoni D, Fragneto G, Weck M, Galdiero S. The intriguing journey of gH625-dendrimers. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra28405a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The knowledge of the mechanism used by vectors to gain access to cell interiors is key to the development of effective drug delivery tools for different pathologies.
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42
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Radchenko DS, Kattge S, Kara S, Ulrich AS, Afonin S. Does a methionine-to-norleucine substitution in PGLa influence peptide-membrane interactions? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:2019-2027. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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43
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Sugawara K, Shinohara H, Kadoya T, Kuramitz H. Sensing lymphoma cells based on a cell-penetrating/apoptosis-inducing/electron-transfer peptide probe. Anal Chim Acta 2016; 924:106-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2016.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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44
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Falanga A, Lombardi L, Franci G, Vitiello M, Iovene MR, Morelli G, Galdiero M, Galdiero S. Marine Antimicrobial Peptides: Nature Provides Templates for the Design of Novel Compounds against Pathogenic Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050785. [PMID: 27213366 PMCID: PMC4881601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections brought the idea that bacteria would no longer endanger human health. However, bacterial diseases still represent a worldwide treat. The ability of microorganisms to develop resistance, together with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, is mainly responsible for this situation; thus, resistance has compelled the scientific community to search for novel therapeutics. In this scenario, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide a promising strategy against a wide array of pathogenic microorganisms, being able to act directly as antimicrobial agents but also being important regulators of the innate immune system. This review is an attempt to explore marine AMPs as a rich source of molecules with antimicrobial activity. In fact, the sea is poorly explored in terms of AMPs, but it represents a resource with plentiful antibacterial agents performing their role in a harsh environment. For the application of AMPs in the medical field limitations correlated to their peptide nature, their inactivation by environmental pH, presence of salts, proteases, or other components have to be solved. Thus, these peptides may act as templates for the design of more potent and less toxic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, CIRPEB-University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Lucia Lombardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Mariateresa Vitiello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Maria Rosaria Iovene
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, CIRPEB-University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, CIRPEB-University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
- John Felice Rome Center, Loyola University Chicago, Via Massimi 114, 00136 Roma, Italy.
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45
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Dinca A, Chien WM, Chin MT. Intracellular Delivery of Proteins with Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Therapeutic Uses in Human Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:263. [PMID: 26907261 PMCID: PMC4783992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17020263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein therapy exhibits several advantages over small molecule drugs and is increasingly being developed for the treatment of disorders ranging from single enzyme deficiencies to cancer. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), a group of small peptides capable of promoting transport of molecular cargo across the plasma membrane, have become important tools in promoting the cellular uptake of exogenously delivered proteins. Although the molecular mechanisms of uptake are not firmly established, CPPs have been empirically shown to promote uptake of various molecules, including large proteins over 100 kiloDaltons (kDa). Recombinant proteins that include a CPP tag to promote intracellular delivery show promise as therapeutic agents with encouraging success rates in both animal and human trials. This review highlights recent advances in protein-CPP therapy and discusses optimization strategies and potential detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dinca
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Wei-Ming Chien
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Michael T Chin
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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Tomkuvienė M, Kriukienė E, Klimašauskas S. DNA Labeling Using DNA Methyltransferases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 945:511-535. [PMID: 27826850 PMCID: PMC11032744 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43624-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferases (MTases) uniquely combine the ability to recognize and covalently modify specific target sequences in DNA using the ubiquitous cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet). Although DNA methylation plays important roles in biological signaling, the transferred methyl group is a poor reporter and is highly inert to further biocompatible derivatization. To unlock the biotechnological power of these enzymes, two major types of cofactor AdoMet analogs were developed that permit targeted MTase-directed attachment of larger moieties containing functional or reporter groups onto DNA. One such approach (named sequence-specific methyltransferase-induced labeling, SMILing) uses reactive aziridine or N-mustard mimics of the cofactor AdoMet, which render targeted coupling of a whole cofactor molecule to the target DNA. The second approach (methyltransferase-directed transfer of activated groups, mTAG) uses AdoMet analogs with a sulfonium-bound extended side chain replacing the methyl group, which permits MTase-directed covalent transfer of the activated side chain alone. As the enlarged cofactors are not always compatible with the active sites of native MTases, steric engineering of the active site has been employed to optimize their alkyltransferase activity. In addition to the described cofactor analogs, recently discovered atypical reactions of DNA cytosine-5 MTases involving non-cofactor-like compounds can also be exploited for targeted derivatization and labeling of DNA. Altogether, these approaches offer new powerful tools for sequence-specific covalent DNA labeling, which not only pave the way to developing a variety of useful techniques in DNA research, diagnostics, and nanotechnologies but have already proven practical utility for optical DNA mapping and epigenome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miglė Tomkuvienė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, LT-10222, Lithuania
| | - Edita Kriukienė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, LT-10222, Lithuania
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