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Ghaemi B, Tanwar S, Singh A, Arifin DR, McMahon MT, Barman I, Bulte JWM. Cell-Penetrating and Enzyme-Responsive Peptides for Targeted Cancer Therapy: Role of Arginine Residue Length on Cell Penetration and In Vivo Systemic Toxicity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:11159-11171. [PMID: 38385360 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
For the improved delivery of cancer therapeutics and imaging agents, the conjugation of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) increases the cellular uptake and water solubility of agents. Among the various CPPs, arginine-rich peptides have been the most widely used. Combining CPPs with enzyme-responsive peptides presents an innovative strategy to target specific intracellular enzymes in cancer cells and when combined with the appropriate click chemistry can enhance theranostic drug delivery through the formation of intracellular self-assembled nanostructures. However, one drawback of CPPs is their high positive charge which can cause nonspecific binding, leading to off-target accumulation and potential toxicity. Hence, balancing cell-specific penetration, toxicity, and biocompatibility is essential for future clinical efficacy. We synthesized six cancer-specific, legumain-responsive RnAANCK peptides containing one to six arginine residues, with legumain being an asparaginyl endopeptidase that is overexpressed in aggressive prostate tumors. When conjugated to Alexa Fluor 488, R1-R6AANCK peptides exhibited a concentration- and time-dependent cell penetration in prostate cancer cells, which was higher for peptides with higher R values, reaching a plateau after approximately 120 min. Highly aggressive DU145 prostate tumor cells, but not less aggressive LNCaP cells, self-assembled nanoparticles in the cytosol after the cleavage of the legumain-specific peptide. The in vivo biocompatibility was assessed in mice after the intravenous injection of R1-R6AANCK peptides, with concentrations ranging from 0.0125 to 0.4 mmol/kg. The higher arginine content in R4-6 peptides showed blood and urine indicators for the impairment of bone marrow, liver, and kidney function in a dose-dependent manner, with instant hemolysis and morbidity in extreme cases. These findings underscore the importance of designing peptides with the optimal arginine residue length for a proper balance of cell-specific penetration, toxicity, and in vivo biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Ghaemi
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Swati Tanwar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Aruna Singh
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Dian R Arifin
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Michael T McMahon
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Ishan Barman
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Jeff W M Bulte
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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Aki K, Okamura E. Real-Time 1H NMR reveals position and sequence dependences of amino acid isomerization in amyloid beta fragments in situ. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.120050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Tryptophan, more than just an interfacial amino acid in the membrane activity of cationic cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides. Q Rev Biophys 2022; 55:e10. [PMID: 35979810 DOI: 10.1017/s0033583522000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Trp is unique among the amino acids since it is involved in many different types of noncovalent interactions such as electrostatic and hydrophobic ones, but also in π-π, π-cation, π-anion and π-ion pair interactions. In membranotropic peptides and proteins, Trp locates preferentially at the water-membrane interface. In antimicrobial or cell-penetrating peptides (AMPs and CPPs respectively), Trp is well-known for its strong role in the capacity of these peptides to interact and affect the membrane organisation of both bacteria and animal cells at the level of the lipid bilayer. This essential amino acid can however be involved in other types of interactions, not only with lipids, but also with other membrane partners, that are crucial to understand the functional roles of membranotropic peptides. This review is focused on this latter less known role of Trp and describes in details, both in qualitative and quantitative ways: (i) the physico-chemical properties of Trp; (ii) its effect in CPP internalisation; (iii) its importance in AMP activity; (iv) its role in the interaction of AMPs with glycoconjugates or lipids in bacteria membranes and the consequences on the activity of the peptides; (v) its role in the interaction of CPPs with negatively charged polysaccharides or lipids of animal membranes and the consequences on the activity of the peptides. We intend to bring highlights of the physico-chemical properties of Trp and describe its extensive possibilities of interactions, not only at the well-known level of the lipid bilayer, but with other less considered cell membrane components, such as carbohydrates and the extracellular matrix. The focus on these interactions will allow the reader to reevaluate reported studies. Altogether, our review gathers dedicated studies to show how unique are Trp properties, which should be taken into account to design future membranotropic peptides with expected antimicrobial or cell-penetrating activity.
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Hao M, Zhang L, Chen P. Membrane Internalization Mechanisms and Design Strategies of Arginine-Rich Cell-Penetrating Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169038. [PMID: 36012300 PMCID: PMC9409441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been discovered to deliver chemical drugs, nucleic acids, and macromolecules to permeate cell membranes, creating a novel route for exogenous substances to enter cells. Up until now, various sequence structures and fundamental action mechanisms of CPPs have been established. Among them, arginine-rich peptides with unique cell penetration properties have attracted substantial scientific attention. Due to the positively charged essential amino acids of the arginine-rich peptides, they can interact with negatively charged drug molecules and cell membranes through non-covalent interaction, including electrostatic interactions. Significantly, the sequence design and the penetrating mechanisms are critical. In this brief synopsis, we summarize the transmembrane processes and mechanisms of arginine-rich peptides; and outline the relationship between the function of arginine-rich peptides and the number of arginine residues, arginine optical isomers, primary sequence, secondary and ternary structures, etc. Taking advantage of the penetration ability, biomedical applications of arginine-rich peptides have been refreshed, including drug/RNA delivery systems, biosensors, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Understanding the membrane internalization mechanisms and design strategies of CPPs will expand their potential applications in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglu Hao
- Advanced Materials Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1, Canada
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (P.C.)
| | - Pu Chen
- Advanced Materials Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L3G1, Canada
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (P.C.)
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Luther DC, Lee YW, Nagaraj H, Clark V, Jeon T, Goswami R, Gopalakrishnan S, Fedeli S, Jerome W, Elia JL, Rotello VM. Cytosolic Protein Delivery Using Modular Biotin-Streptavidin Assembly of Nanocomposites. ACS NANO 2022; 16:7323-7330. [PMID: 35435664 PMCID: PMC10586328 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c06768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Current strategies for the delivery of proteins into cells face general challenges of endosomal entrapment and concomitant degradation of protein cargo. Efficient delivery directly to the cytosol overcomes this obstacle: we report here the use of biotin-streptavidin tethering to provide a modular approach to the generation of nanovectors capable of a cytosolic delivery of biotinylated proteins. This strategy uses streptavidin to organize biotinylated protein and biotinylated oligo(glutamate) peptide into modular complexes that are then electrostatically self-assembled with a cationic guanidinium-functionalized polymer. The resulting polymer-protein nanocomposites demonstrate efficient cytosolic delivery of six biotinylated protein cargos of varying size, charge, and quaternary structure. Retention of protein function was established through efficient cell killing via delivery of the chemotherapeutic enzyme granzyme A. This platform represents a versatile and modular approach to intracellular delivery through the noncovalent tethering of multiple components into a single delivery vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Luther
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - Yi-Wei Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - Harini Nagaraj
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - Vincent Clark
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - Taewon Jeon
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - Ritabrita Goswami
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - Sanjana Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - Stefano Fedeli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - William Jerome
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - James L. Elia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - Vincent M. Rotello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
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Ohgita T, Takechi-Haraya Y, Okada K, Matsui S, Takeuchi M, Saito C, Nishitsuji K, Uchimura K, Kawano R, Hasegawa K, Sakai-Kato K, Akaji K, Izutsu KI, Saito H. Enhancement of direct membrane penetration of arginine-rich peptides by polyproline II helix structure. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Okamura E, Aki K. Real-time in-situ 1H NMR of reactions in peptide solution: preaggregation of amyloid-β fragments prior to fibril formation. PURE APPL CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2019-1201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In-situ analytical methods are essential for the reliable observation of peptide reactions without perturbation of the system. In this work, a real-time in-situ NMR analysis was performed to gain insight into the initial stage of the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) 8–25 monomers, S8GY10EVHHQKLVFF20AEDVG25, in solution prior to the fibril formation. NMR chemical shift and intensity changes in combination with the CD spectra revealed no changes in Aβ secondary structure, but the presence of soluble, oligomeric intermediates followed by the appearance of insoluble and non-structured aggregates before β-fibril formation. Molecular views of intermediates and aggregation mechanisms were proposed in comparison with NMR spectral changes in wild-type Aβ 8–25 and its two mutants, A21G and E22G. The mutation of just one amino acid modified the aggregation properties of Aβ 8–25; it slowed or accelerated the fibril formation by controlling the progress of conversion from monomer to aggregate via a soluble, small oligomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Okamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Himeji Dokkyo University , 7-2-1, Kamiohno , Himeji 670-8524, Japan
| | - Kenzo Aki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Himeji Dokkyo University , 7-2-1, Kamiohno , Himeji 670-8524, Japan
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Luca S, Seal P, Parekh HS, Tupally KR, Smith SC. Cell Membrane Penetration without Pore Formation: Chameleonic Properties of Dendrimers in Response to Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Environments. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.201900152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Luca
- Integrated Materials Design LaboratoryDepartment of Applied MathematicsResearch School of PhysicsAustralian National University Acton ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Prasenjit Seal
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Helsinki P.O. Box 55 (A.I. Virtasen aukio 1) Helsinki 00014 Finland
| | - Harendra S. Parekh
- School of PharmacyThe University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | | | - Sean C. Smith
- Integrated Materials Design LaboratoryDepartment of Applied MathematicsResearch School of PhysicsAustralian National University Acton ACT 2601 Australia
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Abstract
Approximately 75% of all disease-relevant human proteins, including those involved in intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs), are undruggable with the current drug modalities (i.e., small molecules and biologics). Macrocyclic peptides provide a potential solution to these undruggable targets because their larger sizes (relative to conventional small molecules) endow them the capability of binding to flat PPI interfaces with antibody-like affinity and specificity. Powerful combinatorial library technologies have been developed to routinely identify cyclic peptides as potent, specific inhibitors against proteins including PPI targets. However, with the exception of a very small set of sequences, the vast majority of cyclic peptides are impermeable to the cell membrane, preventing their application against intracellular targets. This Review examines common structural features that render most cyclic peptides membrane impermeable, as well as the unique features that allow the minority of sequences to enter the cell interior by passive diffusion, endocytosis/endosomal escape, or other mechanisms. We also present the current state of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of cell penetration, the various strategies for designing cell-permeable, biologically active cyclic peptides against intracellular targets, and the assay methods available to quantify their cell-permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick G. Dougherty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ashweta Sahni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12 Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Okamura E. Solution NMR to Quantify Mobility in Membranes: Diffusion, Protrusion, and Drug Transport Processes. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2019; 67:308-315. [DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c18-00946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Okamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Himeji Dokkyo University
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Ohgita T, Takechi-Haraya Y, Nadai R, Kotani M, Tamura Y, Nishikiori K, Nishitsuji K, Uchimura K, Hasegawa K, Sakai-Kato K, Akaji K, Saito H. A novel amphipathic cell-penetrating peptide based on the N-terminal glycosaminoglycan binding region of human apolipoprotein E. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:541-549. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Pomin VH, Mulloy B. Glycosaminoglycans and Proteoglycans. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11010027. [PMID: 29495527 PMCID: PMC5874723 DOI: 10.3390/ph11010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In this editorial to MDPI Pharmaceuticals special issue “Glycosaminoglycans and Proteoglycans” we describe in outline the common structural features of glycosaminoglycans and the characteristics of proteoglycans, including the intracellular proteoglycan, serglycin, cell-surface proteoglycans, like syndecans and glypicans, and the extracellular matrix proteoglycans, like aggrecan, perlecan, and small leucine-rich proteoglycans. The context in which the pharmaceutical uses of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans are presented in this special issue is given at the very end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor H Pomin
- Program of Glycobiology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis and University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-913, Brazil.
| | - Barbara Mulloy
- Glycosciences Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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Application of Heteronuclear NMR Spectroscopy to Bioinorganic and Medicinal Chemistry ☆. REFERENCE MODULE IN CHEMISTRY, MOLECULAR SCIENCES AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2018. [PMCID: PMC7157447 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-409547-2.10947-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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