1
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Jaiswal N, Mahata N, Chanda N. Nanogold-albumin conjugates: transformative approaches for next-generation cancer therapy and diagnostics. NANOSCALE 2025; 17:11191-11220. [PMID: 40237258 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr05279j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2025]
Abstract
Nanogold-albumin conjugates have garnered significant attention as a highly adaptable theranostic platform, capable of delivering a wide range of therapeutics, from small-molecule drugs to larger biomolecules, while offering promising applications for monitoring and managing cancer. The remarkable theranostic capabilities of these conjugates stem from the combined strengths of gold and albumin, which provide low toxicity, a large surface area, customizable surface chemistry, and unique optical properties, all contributing to their potential in cancer therapy. This review delves into the design and development of two primary types of nanogold-albumin conjugate: supramolecular albumin-coated gold nanoparticles (GNP-BSA/HSA) and albumin-templated ultra-small gold nanoclusters (GNC-BSA/HSA). Each strategy offers distinct advantages, enabling the fine-tuning of conjugate properties to optimize therapeutic delivery and facilitate cancer-specific bio-sensing. The integration of gold and albumin further improves biocompatibility, extends circulation time, and enhances tumor targeting, making these conjugates an attractive option for cancer treatment. The review also focuses on the refinement of surface chemistry to achieve precise targeting of cancer cells, as well as the challenges and future prospects for advancing nanogold-albumin systems in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Jaiswal
- Human Centered Robotics and Cybernetics Group, CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Durgapur, India
| | - Nibedita Mahata
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Durgapur, India
| | - Nripen Chanda
- Human Centered Robotics and Cybernetics Group, CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur, India.
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2
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Roser SM, Munarin F, Polucha C, Minor AJ, Choudhary G, Coulombe KLK. Customized Heparinized Alginate and Collagen Hydrogels for Tunable, Local Delivery of Angiogenic Proteins. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2025; 11:1612-1628. [PMID: 39945764 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c01823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2025]
Abstract
Therapeutic protein delivery has ushered in a promising new generation of disease treatment, garnering more recognition for its clinical potential than ever. However, proteins' limited stability, extremely short average half-lives, and evidenced toxicity following systemic delivery continue to undercut their efficacy. Biomaterial-based protein delivery, however, demonstrates the potential to overcome these obstacles. To this end, we have developed a heparinized alginate and collagen hydrogel for the local, sustained delivery of therapeutic proteins. In an effort to match this ubiquitous application of protein delivery to various disease states and target tissues with sufficient versatility, we identified three distinct delivery modes as design targets. A shear-thinning, low-viscosity injectable for minimal tissue damage, a higher-viscosity gel plug for subcutaneous injection, and a submillimeter-thickness film for solid-form implantation were optimized and characterized in this work. In vitro assessments confirmed feasible injection control, mechanical stability for up to 6 h of unsubmerged storage, and isotropic early collagen fibril assembly. Release kinetics were assessed both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating up to 14 days of functional vascular endothelial growth factor delivery. Rodent models of pulmonary hypertension, subcutaneous injection, and myocardial infarction, three promising applications of protein therapeutics, were used to assess the feasible delivery and biocompatibility of the injectable gel, gel plug, and film, respectively. Histological evaluation of the delivered materials and surrounding tissue showed high biocompatibility with cell and blood vessel infiltration, remodeling, and integration with the host tissue. Our successful customization of the biomaterial to heterogeneous delivery modes demonstrates its versatile capacity for the local, sustained delivery of therapeutic proteins for a diverse array of regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Roser
- School of Engineering, Institute for Biology, Engineering, and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Fabiola Munarin
- School of Engineering, Institute for Biology, Engineering, and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Collin Polucha
- School of Engineering, Institute for Biology, Engineering, and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Alicia J Minor
- School of Engineering, Institute for Biology, Engineering, and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Gaurav Choudhary
- Division of Cardiology, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, United States
| | - Kareen L K Coulombe
- School of Engineering, Institute for Biology, Engineering, and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, United States
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3
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Zhivkov AM, Hristova SH, Popov TT. Anticancer Nanoparticle Carriers of the Proapoptotic Protein Cytochrome c. Pharmaceutics 2025; 17:305. [PMID: 40142969 PMCID: PMC11945056 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17030305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2025] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the literature data on the synthesis, physicochemical properties, and cytotoxicity of composite nanoparticles bearing the mitochondrial protein cytochrome c (cytC), which can act as a proapoptotic mediator in addition to its main function as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain. The introduction of exogenous cytC via absorption of carrier particles, the phagocytosis of colloid particles of submicrometric size, or the receptor-mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles in cancer cells, initiates the process of apoptosis-a multistage cascade of biochemical reactions leading to complete destruction of the cells. CytC-carrier composite particles have the potential for use in the treatment of neoplasms with superficial localization: skin, mouth, stomach, colon, etc. This approach can solve the two main problems of anticancer therapy: selectivity and non-toxicity. Selectivity is based on the incapability of the normal cell to absorb (nano)particles, except for the cells of the immune system. The use of cytC as a protein that normally functions in mitochondria is harmless for the macroorganism. In this review, the factors limiting cytotoxicity and the ways to increase it are discussed from the point of view of the physicochemical properties of the cytC-carrier particles. The different techniques used for the preparation of cytC-bearing colloids and nanoparticles are discussed. Articles reporting the achievement of high cytotoxicity with each of the techniques are critically analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandar M. Zhivkov
- Scientific Research Center, “St. Kliment Ohridski” Sofia University, 8 Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Svetlana H. Hristova
- Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Medical University—Sofia, Zdrave Str. 2, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Faculty of Physics, Sofia University, 5 James Bourchier Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Trifon T. Popov
- Medical Faculty, Medical University—Sofia, Zdrave Str. 2, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
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4
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Young DJ, Edwards AJ, Quiroz Caceda KG, Liberzon E, Barrientos J, Hong SG, Turner J, Choyke PL, Arlauckas S, Lazorchak AS, Morgan RA, Sato N, Dunbar CE. In vivo tracking of ex-vivo-generated 89Zr-oxine-labeled plasma cells by PET in a non-human primate model. Mol Ther 2025; 33:580-594. [PMID: 39741408 PMCID: PMC11852699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.12.042] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 12/27/2024] [Indexed: 01/03/2025] Open
Abstract
B cells are an attractive platform for engineering to produce protein-based biologics absent in genetic disorders, and potentially for the treatment of metabolic diseases and cancer. As part of pre-clinical development of B cell medicines, we demonstrate a method to collect, ex vivo expand, differentiate, radioactively label, and track adoptively transferred non-human primate (NHP) B cells. These cells underwent 10- to 15-fold expansion, initiated IgG class switching, and differentiated into antibody-secreting cells. Zirconium-89-oxine-labeled cells were infused into autologous donors without any preconditioning and tracked by PET/CT imaging. Within 24 h of infusion, 20% of the initial dose homed to the bone marrow and spleen and distributed stably and equally between the two. Interestingly, approximately half of the dose homed to the liver. Image analysis of the bone marrow demonstrated inhomogeneous distribution of the cells. The subjects experienced no clinically significant side effects or laboratory abnormalities. A second infusion of B cells into one of the subjects resulted in an almost identical distribution of cells, suggesting possibly a non-limiting engraftment niche and feasibility of repeated infusions. This work supports the NHP as a valuable model to assess the potential of B cell medicines as potential treatment for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Young
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | | | - Kevin G Quiroz Caceda
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | - So Gun Hong
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Peter L Choyke
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | - Noriko Sato
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cynthia E Dunbar
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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5
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Shoari A, Ashja Ardalan A, Dimesa AM, Coban MA. Targeting Invasion: The Role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 Inhibition in Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2024; 15:35. [PMID: 39858430 PMCID: PMC11762759 DOI: 10.3390/biom15010035] [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: 12/09/2024] [Revised: 12/27/2024] [Accepted: 12/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide, prompting ongoing research into innovative therapeutic strategies. This review aims to systematically evaluate the role of gelatinases, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, as therapeutic targets in CRC, providing a critical analysis of their potential to improve patient outcomes. Gelatinases, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, play critical roles in the processes of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Their expression and activity are significantly elevated in CRC, correlating with poor prognosis and lower survival rates. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological roles of gelatinases in CRC, highlighting their contribution to tumor microenvironment modulation, angiogenesis, and the metastatic cascade. We also critically evaluate recent advancements in the development of gelatinase inhibitors, including small molecule inhibitors, natural compounds, and novel therapeutic approaches like gene silencing techniques. Challenges such as nonspecificity, adverse side effects, and resistance mechanisms are discussed. We explore the potential of gelatinase inhibition in combination therapies, particularly with conventional chemotherapy and emerging targeted treatments, to enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome resistance. The novelty of this review lies in its integration of recent findings on diverse inhibition strategies with insights into their clinical relevance, offering a roadmap for future research. By addressing the limitations of current approaches and proposing novel strategies, this review underscores the potential of gelatinase inhibitors in CRC prevention and therapy, inspiring further exploration in this promising area of oncological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shoari
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Arghavan Ashja Ardalan
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | | | - Mathew A. Coban
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
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6
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Han H, Santos HA. Nano- and Micro-Platforms in Therapeutic Proteins Delivery for Cancer Therapy: Materials and Strategies. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2409522. [PMID: 39263818 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202409522] [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] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Proteins have emerged as promising therapeutics in oncology due to their great specificity. Many treatment strategies are developed based on protein biologics, such as immunotherapy, starvation therapy, and pro-apoptosis therapy, while some protein biologics have entered the clinics. However, clinical translation is severely impeded by instability, short circulation time, poor transmembrane transportation, and immunogenicity. Micro- and nano-particles-based drug delivery platforms are designed to solve those problems and enhance protein therapeutic efficacy. This review first summarizes the different types of therapeutic proteins in clinical and research stages, highlighting their administration limitations. Next, various types of micro- and nano-particles are described to demonstrate how they can overcome those limitations. The potential of micro- and nano-particles are then explored to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of proteins by combinational therapies. Finally, the challenges and future directions of protein biologics carriers are discussed for optimized protein delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Han
- Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology, The Personalized Medicine Research Institute (PRECISION), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology, The Personalized Medicine Research Institute (PRECISION), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
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7
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Li Z, Song K, Chen Y, Huang Q, You L, Yu L, Chen B, Yuan Z, Xu Y, Su Y, Da L, Zhu X, Dong R. Sequence-encoded bioactive protein-multiblock polymer conjugates via quantitative one-pot iterative living polymerization. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6729. [PMID: 39112493 PMCID: PMC11306232 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein therapeutics are essential in treating various diseases, but their inherent biological instability and short circulatory half-lives in vivo pose challenges. Herein, a quantitative one-pot iterative living polymerization technique is reported towards precision control over the molecular structure and monomer sequence of protein-polymer conjugates, aiming to maximize physicochemical properties and biological functions of proteins. Using this quantitative one-pot iterative living polymerization technique, we successfully develop a series of sequence-controlled protein-multiblock polymer conjugates, enhancing their biostability, pharmacokinetics, cellular uptake, and in vivo biodistribution. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations are performed to disclose the definite sequence-function relationship of the bioconjugates, further demonstrating their sequence-encoded cellular uptake behavior and in vivo biodistribution in mice. Overall, this work provides a robust approach for creating precision protein-polymer conjugates with defined sequences and advanced functions as a promising candidate in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Li
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiyuan Song
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qijing Huang
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lujia You
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Yu
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baiyang Chen
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zihang Yuan
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Centre for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqin Xu
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Su
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Centre for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lintai Da
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinyuan Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Centre for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruijiao Dong
- Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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8
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Abstract
After cardiovascular disease, cancer is our biggest killer. The "war on cancer" officially launched in 1971; despite decades of research and development, our arsenal of drugs against cancer still comprises mainly small molecules. Protein drugs, however, are poised to become the foundation for next-generation drugs that target MYC, a proto-oncogene that encodes the MYC transcription factor involved in the majority of human cancers. Such protein drugs work inside the cell in the nucleus, where they interact directly with the genome or can partner with MYC to blunt its detrimental activities. No small-molecule drug has been successful against MYC, but protein drug Omomyc has successfully inhibited solid tumors in human trials. Although MYC is a key regulator of normal cellular processes, we need to develop new tactics to contain MYC when it goes rogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumi A Shin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
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9
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Young DJ, Edwards AJ, Quiroz Caceda KG, Liberzon E, Barrientos J, Hong S, Turner J, Choyke PL, Arlauckas S, Lazorchak AS, Morgan RA, Sato N, Dunbar CE. In vivo tracking of ex vivo generated 89 Zr-oxine labeled plasma cells by PET in a non-human primate model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595782. [PMID: 38903108 PMCID: PMC11188104 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
B cells are an attractive platform for engineering to produce protein-based biologics absent in genetic disorders, and potentially for the treatment of metabolic diseases and cancer. As part of pre-clinical development of B cell medicines, we demonstrate a method to collect, ex vivo expand, differentiate, radioactively label, and track adoptively transferred non-human primate (NHP) B cells. These cells underwent 10- to 15-fold expansion, initiated IgG class switching, and differentiated into antibody secreting cells. Zirconium-89-oxine labeled cells were infused into autologous donors without any preconditioning and tracked by PET/CT imaging. Within 24 hours of infusion, 20% of the initial dose homed to the bone marrow and spleen and distributed stably and equally between the two. Interestingly, approximately half of the dose homed to the liver. Image analysis of the bone marrow demonstrated inhomogeneous distribution of the cells. The subjects experienced no clinically significant side effects or laboratory abnormalities. A second infusion of B cells into one of the subjects resulted in an almost identical distribution of cells, suggesting a non-limiting engraftment niche and feasibility of repeated infusions. This work supports the NHP as a valuable model to assess the potential of B cell medicines as potential treatment for human diseases.
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10
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Beltrán JF, Herrera-Belén L, Parraguez-Contreras F, Farías JG, Machuca-Sepúlveda J, Short S. MultiToxPred 1.0: a novel comprehensive tool for predicting 27 classes of protein toxins using an ensemble machine learning approach. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:148. [PMID: 38609877 PMCID: PMC11010298 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05748-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein toxins are defense mechanisms and adaptations found in various organisms and microorganisms, and their use in scientific research as therapeutic candidates is gaining relevance due to their effectiveness and specificity against cellular targets. However, discovering these toxins is time-consuming and expensive. In silico tools, particularly those based on machine learning and deep learning, have emerged as valuable resources to address this challenge. Existing tools primarily focus on binary classification, determining whether a protein is a toxin or not, and occasionally identifying specific types of toxins. For the first time, we propose a novel approach capable of classifying protein toxins into 27 distinct categories based on their mode of action within cells. To accomplish this, we assessed multiple machine learning techniques and found that an ensemble model incorporating the Light Gradient Boosting Machine and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis algorithms exhibited the best performance. During the tenfold cross-validation on the training dataset, our model exhibited notable metrics: 0.840 accuracy, 0.827 F1 score, 0.836 precision, 0.840 sensitivity, and 0.989 AUC. In the testing stage, using an independent dataset, the model achieved 0.846 accuracy, 0.838 F1 score, 0.847 precision, 0.849 sensitivity, and 0.991 AUC. These results present a powerful next-generation tool called MultiToxPred 1.0, accessible through a web application. We believe that MultiToxPred 1.0 has the potential to become an indispensable resource for researchers, facilitating the efficient identification of protein toxins. By leveraging this tool, scientists can accelerate their search for these toxins and advance their understanding of their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge F Beltrán
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile.
| | - Lisandra Herrera-Belén
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fernanda Parraguez-Contreras
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jorge G Farías
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jorge Machuca-Sepúlveda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Stefania Short
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Ave. Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
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11
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Riccardi F, Tangredi C, Dal Bo M, Toffoli G. Targeted therapy for multiple myeloma: an overview on CD138-based strategies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1370854. [PMID: 38655136 PMCID: PMC11035824 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1370854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of plasma cells primarily in the bone marrow. Although its treatment consists of the administration of combined therapy regimens mainly based on immunomodulators and proteosome inhibitors, MM remains incurable, and most patients suffer from relapsed/refractory disease with poor prognosis and survival. The robust results achieved by immunotherapy targeting MM-associated antigens CD38 and CD319 (also known as SLAMF7) have drawn attention to the development of new immune-based strategies and different innovative compounds in the treatment of MM, including new monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, and adaptive cellular therapies. In this context, Syndecan1 (CD138 or SDC1), a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is upregulated in malignant plasma cells, has gained increasing attention in the panorama of MM target antigens, since its key role in MM tumorigenesis, progression and aggressiveness has been largely reported. Here, our aim is to provide an overview of the most important aspects of MM disease and to investigate the molecular functions of CD138 in physiologic and malignant cell states. In addition, we will shed light on the CD138-based therapeutic approaches currently being tested in preclinical and/or clinical phases in MM and discuss their properties, mechanisms of action and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Riccardi
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Carmela Tangredi
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Dal Bo
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
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12
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Bhardwaj R, Mishra P. Multiresponsive Nanoscale Self-Assembly of Azurin-Elastin-like Polypeptide Fusion Protein for Enhanced Prostate Cancer Therapy. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:508-521. [PMID: 38047916 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
A fusion protein composed of a bacterial protein, azurin, having antineoplastic properties and a thermally responsive structural cationic elastin-like protein (ELP), is designed, cloned, expressed, and purified. A simple method of inverse transition cycle (ITC) is employed to purify the fusion protein azurin-ELP diblock copolymer (d-bc). The molecular weight of the azurin-ELP fusion protein is ∼32 kDa. Further, its self-assembly properties are investigated. Interestingly, the engineered azurin-ELP d-bc in response to increasing temperature shows a dual-step phase separation into biofunctional nanostructures. Around the physiological temperature, azurin-ELP d-bc forms stable coacervates, which is dependent on the concentration and time of incubation. These coacervates are formed below the lower critical solubility temperature (LCST) of the ELP block at physiological temperature. Above LCST, i.e., 50-55°C, micelles of size ranging from 25 to 30 nm are formed. The cytotoxicity of azurin-ELP d-bc depends on the size of the coacervates formed and their cellular uptake at physiological temperature. Further, MTT assay of azurin-ELP d-bc in the cross-linked micelles prepared ex situ shows > six times higher killing of LNCaP cells than the unimeric form of azurin-ELP at 5 μM concentration. The flow cytometric results of these micelles at 20 μM concentration show ∼97% LNCaP cells in the apoptotic phase. Thus, azurin-ELP cross-linked micelles have enhanced potential for anticancer therapy due to their higher avidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Bhardwaj
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Prashant Mishra
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
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13
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Almalki WH. An Up-to-date Review on Protein-based Nanocarriers in the Management of Cancer. Curr Drug Deliv 2024; 21:509-524. [PMID: 37165498 DOI: 10.2174/1567201820666230509101020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A big health issue facing the world's population is cancer. An alarming increase in cancer patients was anticipated by worldwide demographic statistics, which showed that the number of patients with different malignancies was rapidly increasing. By 2025, probably 420 million cases were projected to be achieved. The most common cancers diagnosed are breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung. Conventional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, have been practiced. OBJECTIVE In recent years, the area of cancer therapy has changed dramatically with expanded studies on the molecular-level detection and treatment of cancer. Recent advances in cancer research have seen significant advances in therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, although both have limitations in effectiveness and toxicity. METHODS The development of nanotechnology for anticancer drug delivery has developed several potentials as nanocarriers, which may boost the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of the drug product and substantially reduce the side effects. RESULTS The advancement in non-viral to viral-based protein-based nanocarriers for treating cancer has earned further recognition in this respect. Many scientific breakthroughs have relied on protein-based nanocarriers, and proteins are essential organic macromolecules for life. It allows targeted delivery of passive or active tumors using non-viral-based protein-based nanocarriers to viral-based protein nanocarriers. When targeting cancer cells, both animal and plant proteins may be used in a formulation process to create self-assembled viruses and platforms that can successfully eradicate metastatic cancer cells. CONCLUSION This review, therefore, explores in depth the applications of non-viral to viral proteinbased noncarriers with a specific focus on intracellular drug delivery and anti-cancer drug targeting ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed H Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Aal-qura University, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Kulshrestha S, Goel A. Protein therapeutics as an emerging strategy to deal with skin cancer: A short review. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e14981. [PMID: 37983960 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14981] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has turned into a global menace with an exponential increase in the rate of death every year. Amongst all forms of cancers, skin cancer is the one becoming more common day by day because of the increased exposure to ultraviolet rays, chemicals, pollutants, etc. Skin cancer is of three types namely basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma which is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer with a low survival rate and easy relapse. Melanoma is also notorious for being multi-drug resistant which accounts for its low survival rates in it. Many kinds of therapeutics are been practiced in the contemporary world, but among them, protein therapeutics is been emerging as a promising field with multiple molecular pathway targets that have revolutionized the science of oncology. Proteins acts as small-molecule targets for cancer cells by binding to the cell surface receptors. Proteins including bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) and some toxin proteins are been tried on for dealing with melanoma targeting the major pathways including MAPK, NF-κB and PI3K/AKT. The protein therapeutics also targets the tumour microenvironment including myofibrils, lymphatic vessels etc., thus inducing tumour cell death. In the review, several kinds of proteins and their function toward cell death will be highlighted in the context of skin cancer. In addition to this, the review will look into the inhibition of the function of other inflammatory pathways by inflammasomes and cytokines, both of which have a role in preventing cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anjana Goel
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
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15
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Narayan G, Sen P, Nagotu S, Thummer RP. Biological activity of recombinant human PDX1 protein produced from Escherichia coli. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23511. [PMID: 37632262 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic and duodenum homeobox 1 (PDX1) is considered as a pivotal transcription factor that acts as a "master regulator" in pancreatogenesis and maintenance of β-cells. Earlier study has reported that PDX1 also functions as a tumor suppressor in human gastric cancer cells by inhibiting cell growth. Here, we report the bioactivity of the purified human PDX1 fusion protein using various assays like cell migration, proliferation, cell cycle analysis, and gene expression. In cancer cells, recombinant PDX1 protein reduced cell migration and proliferation, and arrested cell growth by inducing apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. In pancreatic ductal cancer cells, the application of the PDX1 protein resulted in the induction of insulin gene expression. The results of these experiments demonstrate the biological activity imparted by recombinant human PDX1 fusion protein on gastric and pancreatic cancer cells and its usefulness as a biological tool to elucidate its function in various cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Narayan
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Plaboni Sen
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Shirisha Nagotu
- Organelle Biology and Cellular Ageing Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Rajkumar P Thummer
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Gallo J, Villasante A. Recent Advances in Biomimetic Nanocarrier-Based Photothermal Therapy for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15484. [PMID: 37895165 PMCID: PMC10607206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanomedicine presents innovative solutions for cancer treatment, including photothermal therapy (PTT). PTT centers on the design of photoactivatable nanoparticles capable of absorbing non-toxic near-infrared light, generating heat within target cells to induce cell death. The successful transition from benchside to bedside application of PTT critically depends on the core properties of nanoparticles responsible for converting light into heat and the surface properties for precise cell-specific targeting. Precisely targeting the intended cells remains a primary challenge in PTT. In recent years, a groundbreaking approach has emerged to address this challenge by functionalizing nanocarriers and enhancing cell targeting. This strategy involves the creation of biomimetic nanoparticles that combine desired biocompatibility properties with the immune evasion mechanisms of natural materials. This review comprehensively outlines various strategies for designing biomimetic photoactivatable nanocarriers for PTT, with a primary focus on its application in cancer therapy. Additionally, we shed light on the hurdles involved in translating PTT from research to clinical practice, along with an overview of current clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gallo
- Advanced Magnetic Theranostic Nanostructures Lab, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), 4715-330 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Aranzazu Villasante
- Nanobioengineering Lab, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Voltà-Durán E, Alba-Castellón L, Serna N, Casanova I, López-Laguna H, Gallardo A, Sánchez-Chardi A, Villaverde A, Unzueta U, Vázquez E, Mangues R. High-precision targeting and destruction of cancer-associated PDGFR-β + stromal fibroblasts through self-assembling, protein-only nanoparticles. Acta Biomater 2023; 170:543-555. [PMID: 37683965 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The need for more effective and precision medicines for cancer has pushed the exploration of new materials appropriate for drug delivery and imaging, and alternative receptors for targeting. Among the most promising strategies, finding suitable cell surface receptors and targeting agents for cancer-associated platelet derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β)+ stromal fibroblasts is highly appealing. As a neglected target, this cell type mechanically and biologically supports the growth, progression, and infiltration of solid tumors in non-small cell lung, breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. We have developed a family of PDGFR-β-targeted nanoparticles based on biofabricated, self-assembling proteins, upon hierarchical and iterative selective processes starting from four initial candidates. The modular protein PDGFD-GFP-H6 is well produced in recombinant bacteria, resulting in structurally robust oligomeric particles that selectively penetrates into PDGFR-β+ stromal fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner, by means of the PDGFR-β ligand PDGFD. Upon in vivo administration, these GFP-carrying protein nanoparticles precisely accumulate in tumor tissues and enlighten them for IVIS observation. When GFP is replaced by a microbial toxin, selective tumor tissue destruction is observed associated with a significant reduction in tumor volume growth. The presented data validate the PDGFR-β/PDGFD pair as a promising toolbox for targeted drug delivery in the tumor microenvironment and oligomeric protein nanoparticles as a powerful instrument to mediate highly selective biosafe targeting in cancer through non-cancer cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We have developed a transversal platform for nanoparticle-based drug delivery into cancer-associated fibroblasts. This is based on the engineered modular protein PDGFD-GFP-H6 that spontaneously self-assemble and selectively penetrates into PDGFR-β+ stromal fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner, by means of the PDGFR-β ligand PDGFD. In vivo, these protein nanoparticles accumulate in tumor and when incorporating a microbial toxin, they destroy tumor tissues with a significant reduction in tumor volume, in absence of side toxicities. The data presented here validate the PDGFR-β/PDGFD pair as a fully versatile toolbox for targeted drug delivery in the tumor microenvironment intended as a synergistic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Voltà-Durán
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Lorena Alba-Castellón
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona 08041, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona 08025, Spain.
| | - Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Isolda Casanova
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona 08041, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona 08025, Spain
| | - Hèctor López-Laguna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Alberto Gallardo
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona 08041, Spain; Department of Pathology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona 08025, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-Chardi
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona 08041, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona 08025, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Ramón Mangues
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona 08041, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona 08025, Spain.
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18
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Martínez-Torró C, Alba-Castellón L, Carrasco-Díaz LM, Serna N, Imedio L, Gallardo A, Casanova I, Unzueta U, Vázquez E, Mangues R, Villaverde A. Lymphocyte infiltration and antitumoral effect promoted by cytotoxic inflammatory proteins formulated as self-assembling, protein-only nanoparticles. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114976. [PMID: 37276641 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Two human proteins involved in the inflammatory cell death, namely Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and the Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL) protein have been engineered to accommodate an efficient ligand of the tumoral cell marker CXCR4, and a set of additional peptide agents that allow their spontaneous self-assembling. Upon production in bacterial cells and further purification, both proteins organized as stable nanoparticles of 46 and 54 nm respectively, that show, in this form, a moderate but dose-dependent cytotoxicity in cell culture. In vivo, and when administered in mouse models of colorectal cancer through repeated doses, the nanoscale forms of tumor-targeted GSDMD and, at a lesser extent, of MLKL promoted CD8+ and CD20+ lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor and an important reduction of tumor size, in absence of systemic toxicity. The potential of these novel pharmacological agents as anticancer drugs is discussed in the context of synergistic approaches to more effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Torró
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lorena Alba-Castellón
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Carrasco-Díaz
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Imedio
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Alberto Gallardo
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Pathology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isolda Casanova
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ramón Mangues
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain.
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
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19
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Zhang Y, Fu H, Chen J, Xu L, An Y, Ma R, Zhu C, Liu Y, Ma F, Shi L. Holdase/Foldase Mimetic Nanochaperone Improves Antibody-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201051. [PMID: 36228110 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite unprecedented successes of antibody-based cancer immunotherapy, the serious side effects and rapid clearance following systemic administration remain big challenges to realize its full potential. At the same time, combination immunotherapy using multiple antibodies has shown particularly promising in cancer treatment. It is noticed that the working mechanisms of natural holdase and foldase chaperone are desirable to overcome the limitations of therapeutic antibodies. Holdase chaperone stabilizes unfolded client and prevents it from activation and degradation, while foldase chaperone assists unfolded client to its native state to function. Here a holdase/foldase mimetic nanochaperone (H/F-nChap) to co-delivery two types of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), αCD16 and αPDL1, and resiquimod (R848) is developed, which significantly improves cancer immunotherapy. The H/F-nChap presents holdase activity in blood and normal tissues that hides and protects mAbs from unnecessary targeted activation and degradation, thereby prolonging blood circulation and reducing immunotoxicity in vivo. Furthermore, H/F-nChap switches to foldase activity in the tumor microenvironment that exposes mAbs and releases R848 to enhance the engagement between NK cells and tumor cells and promote immune activation, respectively. The H/F-nChap represents a strategy for safe and spatiotemporal delivery of multiple mAbs, providing a promising platform for improved cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Hao Fu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Jiajing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Linlin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yingli An
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Rujiang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Chunlei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Feihe Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China
| | - Linqi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Institute of Polymer Chemistry and College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
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20
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Voltà-Durán E, Parladé E, Serna N, Villaverde A, Vazquez E, Unzueta U. Endosomal escape for cell-targeted proteins. Going out after going in. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 63:108103. [PMID: 36702197 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based nanocarriers are versatile and biocompatible drug delivery systems. They are of particular interest in nanomedicine as they can recruit multiple functions in a single modular polypeptide. Many cell-targeting peptides or protein domains can promote cell uptake when included in these nanoparticles through receptor-mediated endocytosis. In that way, targeting drugs to specific cell receptors allows a selective intracellular delivery process, avoiding potential side effects of the payload. However, once internalized, the endo-lysosomal route taken by the engulfed material usually results in full degradation, preventing their adequate subcellular localization, bioavailability and subsequent therapeutic effect. Thus, entrapment into endo-lysosomes is a main bottleneck in the efficacy of protein-drug nanomedicines. Promoting endosomal escape and preventing lysosomal degradation would make this therapeutic approach clinically plausible. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms intended to evade lysosomal degradation of proteins, with the most relevant examples and associated strategies, and the methods available to measure that effect. In addition, based on the increasing catalogue of peptide domains tailored to face this challenge as components of protein nanocarriers, we emphasize how their particular mechanisms of action can potentially alter the functionality of accompanying protein materials, especially in terms of targeting and specificity in the delivery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Voltà-Durán
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Eloi Parladé
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Esther Vazquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
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21
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Lores S, Gámez-Chiachio M, Cascallar M, Ramos-Nebot C, Hurtado P, Alijas S, López López R, Piñeiro R, Moreno-Bueno G, de la Fuente M. Effectiveness of a novel gene nanotherapy based on putrescine for cancer treatment. Biomater Sci 2023. [PMID: 36790445 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01456d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has long been proposed for cancer treatment. However, the use of therapeutic nucleic acids presents several limitations such as enzymatic degradation, rapid clearance, and poor cellular uptake and efficiency. In this work we propose the use of putrescine, a precursor for higher polyamine biosynthesis for the preparation of cationic nanosystems for cancer gene therapy. We have formulated and characterized putrescine-sphingomyelin nanosystems (PSN) and studied their endocytic pathway and intracellular trafficking in cancer cells. After loading a plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding the apoptotic Fas Ligand (FasL), we proved their therapeutic activity by measuring the cell death rate after treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells. We have also used xenografted zebrafish embryos as a first in vivo approach to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed PSN-pDNA formulation in a more complex model. Finally, intratumoral and intraperitoneal administration to mice-bearing MDA-MB-231 xenografts resulted in a significant decrease in tumour cell growth, highlighting the potential of the developed gene therapy nanoformulation for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saínza Lores
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, A Coruña, Spain. .,Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Praza do Obradoiro, s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Manuel Gámez-Chiachio
- Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Autonomous University of Madrid, School of Medicine, "Alberto Sols" Biomedical Research Institute CSIC-UAM, IdiPaz, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Biomedical Cancer Research Network (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Cascallar
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, A Coruña, Spain. .,Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Praza do Obradoiro, s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, A Coruña, Spain.,Biomedical Cancer Research Network (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ramos-Nebot
- Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Autonomous University of Madrid, School of Medicine, "Alberto Sols" Biomedical Research Institute CSIC-UAM, IdiPaz, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Biomedical Cancer Research Network (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Hurtado
- Biomedical Cancer Research Network (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Roche-CHUS Join Unit. Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Sandra Alijas
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, A Coruña, Spain. .,Roche-CHUS Join Unit. Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Rafael López López
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, A Coruña, Spain. .,Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Praza do Obradoiro, s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, A Coruña, Spain.,Biomedical Cancer Research Network (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Roche-CHUS Join Unit. Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Biomedical Cancer Research Network (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,Roche-CHUS Join Unit. Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Gema Moreno-Bueno
- Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Autonomous University of Madrid, School of Medicine, "Alberto Sols" Biomedical Research Institute CSIC-UAM, IdiPaz, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Biomedical Cancer Research Network (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,MD Anderson International Foundation, Gómez Hemans s/n, 28033 Madrid, Spain
| | - María de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15706, A Coruña, Spain. .,Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Praza do Obradoiro, s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, A Coruña, Spain.,Biomedical Cancer Research Network (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain.,DIVERSA Technologies SL, Edificio Emprendia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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22
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Gouveia MG, Wesseler JP, Ramaekers J, Weder C, Scholten PBV, Bruns N. Polymersome-based protein drug delivery - quo vadis? Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:728-778. [PMID: 36537575 PMCID: PMC9890519 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00106c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics are an attractive alternative to established therapeutic approaches and represent one of the fastest growing families of drugs. While many of these proteins can be delivered using established formulations, the intrinsic sensitivity of proteins to denaturation sometimes calls for a protective carrier to allow administration. Historically, lipid-based self-assembled structures, notably liposomes, have performed this function. After the discovery of polymersome-based targeted drug-delivery systems, which offer manifold advantages over lipid-based structures, the scientific community expected that such systems would take the therapeutic world by storm. However, no polymersome formulations have been commercialised. In this review article, we discuss key obstacles for the sluggish translation of polymersome-based protein nanocarriers into approved pharmaceuticals, which include limitations imparted by the use of non-degradable polymers, the intricacies of polymersome production methods, and the complexity of the in vivo journey of polymersomes across various biological barriers. Considering this complex subject from a polymer chemist's point of view, we highlight key areas that are worthy to explore in order to advance polymersomes to a level at which clinical trials become worthwhile and translation into pharmaceutical and nanomedical applications is realistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micael G Gouveia
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Justus P Wesseler
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Jobbe Ramaekers
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Philip B V Scholten
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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23
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Jagrosse M, Agredo P, Abraham BL, Toriki ES, Nilsson BL. Supramolecular Phenylalanine-Derived Hydrogels for the Sustained Release of Functional Proteins. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:784-796. [PMID: 36693219 PMCID: PMC9930093 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics have emerged as next-generation pharmaceutical agents for oncology, bone regeneration, autoimmune disorders, viral infections, and other diseases. The clinical application of protein therapeutics has been impeded by pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic challenges including off-target toxicity, rapid clearance, and drug stability. Strategies for the localized and sustained delivery of protein therapeutics have shown promise in addressing these challenges. Hydrogels are critical materials that enable these delivery strategies. Supramolecular hydrogels composed of self-assembled materials have demonstrated biocompatibility advantages over polymer hydrogels, with peptide and protein-based gels showing strong potential. However, cost is a significant drawback of peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels. Supramolecular hydrogels composed of inexpensive low-molecular-weight (LMW) gelators, including modified amino acid derivatives, have been reported as viable alternatives to peptide-based materials. Herein, we report the encapsulation and release of proteins from supramolecular hydrogels composed of perfluorinated fluorenylmethyloxcarbonyl-modified phenylalanine (Fmoc-F5-Phe-DAP). Specifically, we demonstrate release of four model proteins (ribonuclease A (RNase A), trypsin inhibitor (TI), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and human immunoglobulin G (IgG)) from these hydrogels. The emergent viscoelastic properties of these materials are characterized, and the functional and time-dependent release of proteins from the hydrogels is demonstrated. In addition, it is shown that the properties of the aqueous solution used for hydrogel formulation have a significant influence on the in vitro release profiles, as a function of the isoelectric point and molecular weight of the protein payloads. These studies collectively validate that this class of supramolecular LMW hydrogel possesses the requisite properties for the sustained and localized release of protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa
L. Jagrosse
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States
| | - Pamela Agredo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States
| | - Brittany L. Abraham
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States
| | - Ethan S. Toriki
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States
| | - Bradley L. Nilsson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States,Materials
Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States,. Tel: +1 585 276-3053
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24
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Voltà-Durán E, Sánchez JM, Parladé E, Serna N, Vazquez E, Unzueta U, Villaverde A. The Diphtheria Toxin Translocation Domain Impairs Receptor Selectivity in Cancer Cell-Targeted Protein Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122644. [PMID: 36559138 PMCID: PMC9781143 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-based materials intended as nanostructured drugs or drug carriers are progressively gaining interest in nanomedicine, since their structure, assembly and cellular interactivity can be tailored by recruiting functional domains. The main bottleneck in the development of deliverable protein materials is the lysosomal degradation that follows endosome maturation. This is especially disappointing in the case of receptor-targeted protein constructs, which, while being highly promising and in demand in precision medicines, enter cells via endosomal/lysosomal routes. In the search for suitable protein agents that might promote endosome escape, we have explored the translocation domain (TD) of the diphtheria toxin as a functional domain in CXCR4-targeted oligomeric nanoparticles designed for cancer therapies. The pharmacological interest of such protein materials could be largely enhanced by improving their proteolytic stability. The incorporation of TD into the building blocks enhances the amount of the material detected inside of exposed CXCR4+ cells up to around 25-fold, in absence of cytotoxicity. This rise cannot be accounted for by endosomal escape, since the lysosomal degradation of the new construct decreases only moderately. On the other hand, a significant loss in the specificity of the CXCR4-dependent cellular penetration indicates the unexpected role of the toxin segment as a cell-penetrating peptide in a dose-dependent and receptor-independent fashion. These data reveal that the diphtheria toxin TD displayed on receptor-targeted oligomeric nanoparticles partially abolishes the exquisite receptor specificity of the parental material and it induces nonspecific internalization in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Voltà-Durán
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julieta M. Sánchez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIBYT), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Velez Sarsfield 1611, Córdoba X5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Eloi Parladé
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vazquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (U.U.); (A.V.)
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (U.U.); (A.V.)
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25
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Zaman R, Islam RA, Chowdhury EH. Evolving therapeutic proteins to precisely kill cancer cells. J Control Release 2022; 351:779-804. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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26
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Ayvazyan N, Ghukasyan G, Ghulikyan L, Kirakosyan G, Sevoyan G, Voskanyan A, Karabekyan Z. The Contribution of Phospholipase A 2 and Metalloproteinases to the Synergistic Action of Viper Venom on the Bioenergetic Profile of Vero Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110724. [PMID: 36355974 PMCID: PMC9695613 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing concern about the use of animal models has stimulated the development of in vitro cell culture models for analysis of the biological effects of snake venoms. However, the complexity of animal venoms and the extreme synergy of the venom components during envenomation calls for critical review and analysis. The epithelium is a primary target for injected viper venom's toxic substances, and therefore, is a focus in modern toxinology. We used the Vero epithelial cell line as a model to compare the actions of a crude Macrovipera lebetina obtusa (Levantine viper) venom with the actions of the same venom with two key enzymatic components inhibited (specifically, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and metalloproteinases) in the bioenergetic cellular response, i.e., oxygen uptake and reactive oxygen species generation. In addition to the rate of free-radical oxidation and lipid peroxidation, we measured real-time mitochondrial respiration (based on the oxygen consumption rate) and glycolysis (based on the extracellular acidification rate) using a Seahorse analyzer. Our data show that viper venom drives an increase in both glycolysis and respiration in Vero cells, while the blockage of PLA2 or/and metalloproteinases affects only the rates of the oxidative phosphorylation. PLA2-blocking in venom also increases cytotoxic activity and the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. These data show that certain components of the venom may have a different effect within the venom cocktail other than the purified enzymes due to the synergy of the venom components.
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27
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Kondengadan SM, Bansal S, Yang C, Liu D, Fultz Z, Wang B. Click chemistry and drug delivery: A bird’s-eye view. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:1990-2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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28
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Liu Y, Bai X, Lyu C, Fang J, Zhang F, Wu WH, Wei W, Zhang WB. Mechano-bioconjugation Strategy Empowering Fusion Protein Therapeutics with Aggregation Resistance, Prolonged Circulation, and Enhanced Antitumor Efficacy. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:18387-18396. [PMID: 36178288 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bioconjugation is a powerful protein modification strategy to improve protein properties. Herein, we report mechano-bioconjugation as a novel approach to empower fusion protein therapeutics and demonstrate its utility by a protein heterocatenane (cat-IFN-ABD) containing interferon-α2b (IFN) mechanically interlocked with a consensus albumin-binding domain (ABD). The conjugate was selectively synthesized in cellulo following a cascade of post-translational events using a pair of heterodimerizing p53dim variants and two orthogonal split-intein reactions. The catenane topology was proven by combined techniques of LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, SEC, and controlled proteolytic digestion. Not only did cat-IFN-ABD retain activities comparable to those of the wild-type IFN and ABD, the conjugate also exhibited enhanced aggregation resistance and prolonged circulation time over the simple linear and cyclic fusions. Consequently, cat-IFN-ABD potently inhibited tumor growth in the mouse xenograft model. Therefore, mechano-bioconjugation by catenation accomplishes function integration with additional benefits, providing an alternative pathway for developing advanced protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R. China
| | - Xilin Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R. China
| | - Chengliang Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P.R. China
| | - Jing Fang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R. China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Hao Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R. China
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29
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Cano-Garrido O, Serna N, Unzueta U, Parladé E, Mangues R, Villaverde A, Vázquez E. Protein scaffolds in human clinics. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 61:108032. [PMID: 36089254 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental clinical areas such as drug delivery and regenerative medicine require biocompatible materials as mechanically stable scaffolds or as nanoscale drug carriers. Among the wide set of emerging biomaterials, polypeptides offer enticing properties over alternative polymers, including full biocompatibility, biodegradability, precise interactivity, structural stability and conformational and functional versatility, all of them tunable by conventional protein engineering. However, proteins from non-human sources elicit immunotoxicities that might bottleneck further development and narrow their clinical applicability. In this context, selecting human proteins or developing humanized protein versions as building blocks is a strict demand to design non-immunogenic protein materials. We review here the expanding catalogue of human or humanized proteins tailored to execute different levels of scaffolding functions and how they can be engineered as self-assembling materials in form of oligomers, polymers or complex networks. In particular, we emphasize those that are under clinical development, revising their fields of applicability and how they have been adapted to offer, apart from mere mechanical support, highly refined functions and precise molecular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Cano-Garrido
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, 08916 Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Eloi Parladé
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Ramón Mangues
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, 08916 Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain.
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain.
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30
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Song Q, Hu Y, Yin A, Wang H, Yin Q. DNA Holliday Junction: History, Regulation and Bioactivity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9730. [PMID: 36077130 PMCID: PMC9456528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA Holliday junction (HJ) is a four-way stranded DNA intermediate that formed in replication fork regression, homology-dependent repair and mitosis, performing a significant role in genomic stability. Failure to remove HJ can induce an acceptable replication fork stalling and DNA damage in normal cells, leading to a serious chromosomal aberration and even cell death in HJ nuclease-deficient tumor cells. Thus, HJ is becoming an attractive target in cancer therapy. However, the development of HJ-targeting ligand faces great challenges because of flexile cavities on the center of HJs. This review introduces the discovery history of HJ, elucidates the formation and dissociation procedures of HJ in corresponding bio-events, emphasizes the importance of prompt HJ-removing in genome stability, and summarizes recent advances in HJ-based ligand discovery. Our review indicate that target HJ is a promising approach in oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Song
- State/Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yuemiao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, 30 Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Anqi Yin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, 30 Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, 30 Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Qikun Yin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, 30 Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, China
- Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, 198 Binhai East Road, Yantai 264005, China
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31
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Bakare OO, Gokul A, Fadaka AO, Wu R, Niekerk LA, Barker AM, Keyster M, Klein A. Plant Antimicrobial Peptides (PAMPs): Features, Applications, Production, Expression, and Challenges. Molecules 2022; 27:3703. [PMID: 35744828 PMCID: PMC9229691 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The quest for an extraordinary array of defense strategies is imperative to reduce the challenges of microbial attacks on plants and animals. Plant antimicrobial peptides (PAMPs) are a subset of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). PAMPs elicit defense against microbial attacks and prevent drug resistance of pathogens given their wide spectrum activity, excellent structural stability, and diverse mechanism of action. This review aimed to identify the applications, features, production, expression, and challenges of PAMPs using its structure-activity relationship. The discovery techniques used to identify these peptides were also explored to provide insight into their significance in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and their expression against disease-causing pathogens. This review creates awareness for PAMPs as potential therapeutic agents in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, such as the sensitive treatment of bacterial and fungal diseases and others and their utilization in preserving crops using available transgenic methods in the agronomical field. PAMPs are also safe to handle and are easy to recycle with the use of proteases to convert them into more potent antimicrobial agents for sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan Olanrewaju Bakare
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (R.W.); (L.-A.N.); (A.M.B.); (M.K.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu 121001, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Arun Gokul
- Department of Plant Sciences, Qwaqwa Campus, University of the Free State, Phuthadithjaba 9866, South Africa;
| | - Adewale Oluwaseun Fadaka
- Department of Science and Innovation/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Bio labels Node, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Ruomou Wu
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (R.W.); (L.-A.N.); (A.M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Lee-Ann Niekerk
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (R.W.); (L.-A.N.); (A.M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Adele Mariska Barker
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (R.W.); (L.-A.N.); (A.M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Marshall Keyster
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (R.W.); (L.-A.N.); (A.M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Ashwil Klein
- Plant Omics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Self-assembling protein nanocarrier for selective delivery of cytotoxic polypeptides to CXCR4 + head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2578-2591. [PMID: 35646535 PMCID: PMC9136533 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Loco-regional recurrences and distant metastases represent the main cause of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) mortality. The overexpression of chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in HNSCC primary tumors associates with higher risk of developing loco-regional recurrences and distant metastases, thus making CXCR4 an ideal entry pathway for targeted drug delivery. In this context, our group has generated the self-assembling protein nanocarrier T22-GFP-H6, displaying multiple T22 peptidic ligands that specifically target CXCR4. This study aimed to validate T22-GFP-H6 as a suitable nanocarrier to selectively deliver cytotoxic agents to CXCR4+ tumors in a HNSCC model. Here we demonstrate that T22-GFP-H6 selectively internalizes in CXCR4+ HNSCC cells, achieving a high accumulation in CXCR4+ tumors in vivo, while showing negligible nanocarrier distribution in non-tumor bearing organs. Moreover, this T22-empowered nanocarrier can incorporate bacterial toxin domains to generate therapeutic nanotoxins that induce cell death in CXCR4-overexpressing tumors in the absence of histological alterations in normal organs. Altogether, these results show the potential use of this T22-empowered nanocarrier platform to incorporate polypeptidic domains of choice to selectively eliminate CXCR4+ cells in HNSCC. Remarkably, to our knowledge, this is the first study testing targeted protein-only nanoparticles in this cancer type, which may represent a novel treatment approach for HNSCC patients.
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Parladé E, Voltà-Durán E, Cano-Garrido O, Sánchez JM, Unzueta U, López-Laguna H, Serna N, Cano M, Rodríguez-Mariscal M, Vazquez E, Villaverde A. An In Silico Methodology That Facilitates Decision Making in the Engineering of Nanoscale Protein Materials. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4958. [PMID: 35563346 PMCID: PMC9099527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Under the need for new functional and biocompatible materials for biomedical applications, protein engineering allows the design of assemblable polypeptides, which, as convenient building blocks of supramolecular complexes, can be produced in recombinant cells by simple and scalable methodologies. However, the stability of such materials is often overlooked or disregarded, becoming a potential bottleneck in the development and viability of novel products. In this context, we propose a design strategy based on in silico tools to detect instability areas in protein materials and to facilitate the decision making in the rational mutagenesis aimed to increase their stability and solubility. As a case study, we demonstrate the potential of this methodology to improve the stability of a humanized scaffold protein (a domain of the human nidogen), with the ability to oligomerize into regular nanoparticles usable to deliver payload drugs to tumor cells. Several nidogen mutants suggested by the method showed important and measurable improvements in their structural stability while retaining the functionalities and production yields of the original protein. Then, we propose the procedure developed here as a cost-effective routine tool in the design and optimization of multimeric protein materials prior to any experimental testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloi Parladé
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.V.-D.); (J.M.S.); (U.U.); (H.L.-L.); (E.V.)
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Eric Voltà-Durán
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.V.-D.); (J.M.S.); (U.U.); (H.L.-L.); (E.V.)
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Olivia Cano-Garrido
- Nanoligent S.L., Eureka Building, Av. de Can Doménech s/n, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (O.C.-G.); (N.S.); (M.C.); (M.R.-M.)
| | - Julieta M. Sánchez
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.V.-D.); (J.M.S.); (U.U.); (H.L.-L.); (E.V.)
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departamento de Química, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, ICTA, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 1611, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.V.-D.); (J.M.S.); (U.U.); (H.L.-L.); (E.V.)
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hèctor López-Laguna
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.V.-D.); (J.M.S.); (U.U.); (H.L.-L.); (E.V.)
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Nanoligent S.L., Eureka Building, Av. de Can Doménech s/n, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (O.C.-G.); (N.S.); (M.C.); (M.R.-M.)
| | - Montserrat Cano
- Nanoligent S.L., Eureka Building, Av. de Can Doménech s/n, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (O.C.-G.); (N.S.); (M.C.); (M.R.-M.)
| | - Manuel Rodríguez-Mariscal
- Nanoligent S.L., Eureka Building, Av. de Can Doménech s/n, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (O.C.-G.); (N.S.); (M.C.); (M.R.-M.)
| | - Esther Vazquez
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.V.-D.); (J.M.S.); (U.U.); (H.L.-L.); (E.V.)
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (E.V.-D.); (J.M.S.); (U.U.); (H.L.-L.); (E.V.)
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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Liu N, Zhu L, Sun H, Zhou Z, Dong J, Sun M. Crosslinked Protein Delivery Strategy with Precise Activity Regulation Properties for Cancer Therapy and Gene Editing. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102329. [PMID: 35032155 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Protein drugs hold tremendous promise for therapeutic applications due to their direct and superior pharmacological effects. However, protein drugs can be degraded in blood stream and unable to cross many physical barriers to exert therapeutic effect. Degradable synthetic crosslinking is a versatile strategy to enhance the stability of the nanoparticle in a complex physiological medium and is helpful to get through physical barriers. Herein, crosslinked polypeptide (PABP) composed of poly-amino acids including cystine, tyrosine, lysine, ketal bridge, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) is modularly explored and synthesized for protein delivery. Notably, plasma membrane V-ATPase is the particular pathway which induces the macropinocytosis of the inner peptide analogous core (PAB/protein) after the outer PEG shell disassociation at tumor intercellular sites. In addition, PABP/protein achieves proteins' activity shielding in systemic circulation and recovery in tumor cytoplasm precisely. In application, PABP/RNase-A shows satisfying tumor accumulation and antineoplastic efficacy. More importantly, PABP/Cas9 + small guide RNA displays obvious gene editing efficiency. The crosslinked protein delivery strategy not only makes the accurate protein transport and activity regulation possible but also is promising in paving the way for clinical translation of protein drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Lianghan Zhu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Honghao Sun
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Zhanwei Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Jingwen Dong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Minjie Sun
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Department of Pharmaceutics China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
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Dominguez-Martinez I, Joaquin-Ovalle F, Ferrer-Acosta Y, Griebenow KH. Folate-Decorated Cross-Linked Cytochrome c Nanoparticles for Active Targeting of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC). Pharmaceutics 2022. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The folate receptor alpha (FR), which is overexpressed in solid tumors including NSCLC, can be utilized for active tumor targeting to afford more effective cancer therapies. In this context, cytochrome c (Cyt c) has drawn attention to cancer research because it is non-toxic, yet, when delivered to the cytoplasm of cancer cells, can kill them by inducing apoptosis. Cyt c nanoparticles (NPs, 169 ± 9 nm) were obtained by solvent precipitation with acetonitrile, and stabilized by reversible homo-bifunctional crosslinking to accomplish a Cyt-c-based drug delivery system that combines stimulus-responsive release and active targeting. Cyt c was released under intracellular redox conditions, due to an S–S bond in the NPs linker, while NPs remained intact without any release under extracellular conditions. The NP surface was decorated with a hydrophilic folic acid–polyethylene glycol (FA–PEG) polymer for active targeting. The FA-decorated NPs specifically recognized and killed cancer cells (IC50 = 47.46 µg/mL) that overexpressed FR, but showed no toxicity against FR-negative cells. Confocal microscopy confirmed the preferential uptake and apoptosis induction of our NPs by FR-positive cancer cells. In vivo experiments using a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) mouse model showed visible NP accumulation within the tumor and inhibited the growth of LLC tumors.
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Folate-Decorated Cross-Linked Cytochrome c Nanoparticles for Active Targeting of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC). Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030490. [PMID: 35335867 PMCID: PMC8951294 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The folate receptor alpha (FR), which is overexpressed in solid tumors including NSCLC, can be utilized for active tumor targeting to afford more effective cancer therapies. In this context, cytochrome c (Cyt c) has drawn attention to cancer research because it is non-toxic, yet, when delivered to the cytoplasm of cancer cells, can kill them by inducing apoptosis. Cyt c nanoparticles (NPs, 169 ± 9 nm) were obtained by solvent precipitation with acetonitrile, and stabilized by reversible homo-bifunctional crosslinking to accomplish a Cyt-c-based drug delivery system that combines stimulus-responsive release and active targeting. Cyt c was released under intracellular redox conditions, due to an S–S bond in the NPs linker, while NPs remained intact without any release under extracellular conditions. The NP surface was decorated with a hydrophilic folic acid–polyethylene glycol (FA–PEG) polymer for active targeting. The FA-decorated NPs specifically recognized and killed cancer cells (IC50 = 47.46 µg/mL) that overexpressed FR, but showed no toxicity against FR-negative cells. Confocal microscopy confirmed the preferential uptake and apoptosis induction of our NPs by FR-positive cancer cells. In vivo experiments using a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) mouse model showed visible NP accumulation within the tumor and inhibited the growth of LLC tumors.
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Dominguez-Martinez I, Joaquin-Ovalle F, Ferrer-Acosta Y, Griebenow KH. Folate-Decorated Cross-Linked Cytochrome c Nanoparticles for Active Targeting of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC). Pharmaceutics 2022. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14030490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The folate receptor alpha (FR), which is overexpressed in solid tumors including NSCLC, can be utilized for active tumor targeting to afford more effective cancer therapies. In this context, cytochrome c (Cyt c) has drawn attention to cancer research because it is non-toxic, yet, when delivered to the cytoplasm of cancer cells, can kill them by inducing apoptosis. Cyt c nanoparticles (NPs, 169 ± 9 nm) were obtained by solvent precipitation with acetonitrile, and stabilized by reversible homo-bifunctional crosslinking to accomplish a Cyt-c-based drug delivery system that combines stimulus-responsive release and active targeting. Cyt c was released under intracellular redox conditions, due to an S–S bond in the NPs linker, while NPs remained intact without any release under extracellular conditions. The NP surface was decorated with a hydrophilic folic acid–polyethylene glycol (FA–PEG) polymer for active targeting. The FA-decorated NPs specifically recognized and killed cancer cells (IC50 = 47.46 µg/mL) that overexpressed FR, but showed no toxicity against FR-negative cells. Confocal microscopy confirmed the preferential uptake and apoptosis induction of our NPs by FR-positive cancer cells. In vivo experiments using a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) mouse model showed visible NP accumulation within the tumor and inhibited the growth of LLC tumors.
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Oloomi M, Moazzezy N, Bouzari S. Protein kinase signaling by Shiga Toxin subunits. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SIGNALS & SENSORS 2022; 12:57-63. [PMID: 35265466 PMCID: PMC8804587 DOI: 10.4103/jmss.jmss_79_20] [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: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Escherichia coli produces Shiga toxin (Stx), a pentamer composed of one A subunit and four B subunits. The B subunit of Stx (StxB) mediated the attachment of the holotoxin to the cell surface while the A subunit (StxA) has N-glycosidase activity, resulting in protein synthesis and cell death inhibition. Stx-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis have been observed in various cell lines, although the signaling effectors are not precisely defined. Activated by protein kinases (PK), the signaling pathway in human tumors plays an oncogenic role. Tumor proliferation, survival, and metastasis are promoted by kinase receptors. In this regard, PK regulatory effects on the cellular constituents of the tumor microenvironment can affect immunosuppressive purposes. Methods: In this study, kinase inhibitors were used to evaluate the influence of Stx and its subunits on HeLa and Vero cells. Selective inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), CaM kinase (calmodulin kinase), protein kinase A (PKA), and protein kinase G (PKG) were used to compare the signaling activity of each subunit. Results: The ribotoxic activity in the target cells will lead to rapid protein synthesis inhibition and cell death in the mammalian host. The expression of Bcl2 family members was also assessed. Protein kinase signaling by Stx and its A and B subunits was induced by PKA, PKG, and PKC in HeLa cells. CaM kinase induction was significant in Vero cells. StxB significantly induced the pro-apoptotic Bax signaling factor in HeLa cells. Conclusion: The assessment of different signaling pathways utilized by Stx and its subunits could help in a better understanding of various cell death responses. The use of inhibitors can block cell damage and disease progression and create therapeutic compounds for targeted cancer therapy. Inhibition of these pathways is the primary clinical goal.
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Serna N, Carratalá JV, Conchillo-Solé O, Martínez-Torró C, Unzueta U, Mangues R, Ferrer-Miralles N, Daura X, Vázquez E, Villaverde A. Antibacterial Activity of T22, a Specific Peptidic Ligand of the Tumoral Marker CXCR4. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1922. [PMID: 34834337 PMCID: PMC8621837 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is a cytokine receptor used by HIV during cell attachment and infection. Overexpressed in the cancer stem cells of more than 20 human neoplasias, CXCR4 is a convenient antitumoral drug target. T22 is a polyphemusin-derived peptide and an effective CXCR4 ligand. Its highly selective CXCR4 binding can be exploited as an agent for the cell-targeted delivery and internalization of associated antitumor drugs. Sharing chemical and structural traits with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), the capability of T22 as an antibacterial agent remains unexplored. Here, we have detected T22-associated antimicrobial activity and biofilm formation inhibition over Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in a spectrum broader than the reference AMP GWH1. In contrast to GWH1, T22 shows neither cytotoxicity over mammalian cells nor hemolytic activity and is active when displayed on protein-only nanoparticles through genetic fusion. Under the pushing need for novel antimicrobial agents, the discovery of T22 as an AMP is particularly appealing, not only as its mere addition to the expanding catalogue of antibacterial drugs. The recognized clinical uses of T22 might allow its combined and multivalent application in complex clinical conditions, such as colorectal cancer, that might benefit from the synchronous destruction of cancer stem cells and local bacterial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (N.S.); (J.V.C.); (O.C.-S.); (C.M.-T.); (N.F.-M.); (E.V.)
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - José Vicente Carratalá
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (N.S.); (J.V.C.); (O.C.-S.); (C.M.-T.); (N.F.-M.); (E.V.)
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Oscar Conchillo-Solé
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (N.S.); (J.V.C.); (O.C.-S.); (C.M.-T.); (N.F.-M.); (E.V.)
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
| | - Carlos Martínez-Torró
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (N.S.); (J.V.C.); (O.C.-S.); (C.M.-T.); (N.F.-M.); (E.V.)
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Research Institute, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón Mangues
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Research Institute, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (N.S.); (J.V.C.); (O.C.-S.); (C.M.-T.); (N.F.-M.); (E.V.)
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Xavier Daura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (N.S.); (J.V.C.); (O.C.-S.); (C.M.-T.); (N.F.-M.); (E.V.)
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (N.S.); (J.V.C.); (O.C.-S.); (C.M.-T.); (N.F.-M.); (E.V.)
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (N.S.); (J.V.C.); (O.C.-S.); (C.M.-T.); (N.F.-M.); (E.V.)
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
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Delinois LJ, De León-Vélez O, Vázquez-Medina A, Vélez-Cabrera A, Marrero-Sánchez A, Nieves-Escobar C, Alfonso-Cano D, Caraballo-Rodríguez D, Rodriguez-Ortiz J, Acosta-Mercado J, Benjamín-Rivera JA, González-González K, Fernández-Adorno K, Santiago-Pagán L, Delgado-Vergara R, Torres-Ávila X, Maser-Figueroa A, Grajales-Avilés G, Miranda Méndez GI, Santiago-Pagán J, Nieves-Santiago M, Álvarez-Carrillo V, Griebenow K, Tinoco AD. Cytochrome c: Using Biological Insight toward Engineering an Optimized Anticancer Biodrug. INORGANICS 2021; 9:83. [PMID: 35978717 PMCID: PMC9380692 DOI: 10.3390/inorganics9110083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The heme protein cytochrome c (Cyt c) plays pivotal roles in cellular life and death processes. In the respiratory chain of mitochondria, it serves as an electron transfer protein, contributing to the proliferation of healthy cells. In the cell cytoplasm, it activates intrinsic apoptosis to terminate damaged cells. Insight into these mechanisms and the associated physicochemical properties and biomolecular interactions of Cyt c informs on the anticancer therapeutic potential of the protein, especially in its ability to subvert the current limitations of small molecule-based chemotherapy. In this review, we explore the development of Cyt c as an anticancer drug by identifying cancer types that would be receptive to the cytotoxicity of the protein and factors that can be finetuned to enhance its apoptotic potency. To this end, some information is obtained by characterizing known drugs that operate, in part, by triggering Cyt c induced apoptosis. The application of different smart drug delivery systems is surveyed to highlight important features for maintaining Cyt c stability and activity and improving its specificity for cancer cells and high drug payload release while recognizing the continuing limitations. This work serves to elucidate on the optimization of the strategies to translate Cyt c to the clinical market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J. Delinois
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Omar De León-Vélez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Adriana Vázquez-Medina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Alondra Vélez-Cabrera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Amanda Marrero-Sánchez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | | | - Daniela Alfonso-Cano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | | | - Jael Rodriguez-Ortiz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Jemily Acosta-Mercado
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Josué A. Benjamín-Rivera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Kiara González-González
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Kysha Fernández-Adorno
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Lisby Santiago-Pagán
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Rafael Delgado-Vergara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Xaiomy Torres-Ávila
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Andrea Maser-Figueroa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | | | | | - Javier Santiago-Pagán
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Miguel Nieves-Santiago
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Vanessa Álvarez-Carrillo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Kai Griebenow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
| | - Arthur D. Tinoco
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, PR 00931, USA
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Repurposing homeopathic drug Lachesis 200C as an anticancer activity: In vitro and in ovo study. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2021.100176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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López-Laguna H, Voltà-Durán E, Parladé E, Villaverde A, Vázquez E, Unzueta U. Insights on the emerging biotechnology of histidine-rich peptides. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 54:107817. [PMID: 34418503 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the late 70's, the discovery of the restriction enzymes made possible the biological production of functional proteins by recombinant DNA technologies, a fact that largely empowered both biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries. Short peptides or small protein domains, with specific molecular affinities, were developed as purification tags in downstream processes to separate the target protein from the culture media or cell debris, upon breaking the producing cells. Among these tags, and by exploiting the interactivity of the imidazole ring of histidine residues, the hexahistidine peptide (H6) became a gold standard. Although initially used almost exclusively in protein production, H6 and related His-rich peptides are progressively proving a broad applicability in novel utilities including enzymatic processes, advanced drug delivery systems and diagnosis, through a so far unsuspected adaptation of their binding capabilities. In this context, the coordination of histidine residues and metals confers intriguing functionalities to His-rich sequences useable in the forward-thinking design of protein-based nano- and micro-materials and devices, through strategies that are comprehensively presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hèctor López-Laguna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Eric Voltà-Durán
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Eloi Parladé
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain.
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Mª Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
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Ertas YN, Abedi Dorcheh K, Akbari A, Jabbari E. Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery to Cancer Stem Cells: A Review of Recent Advances. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11071755. [PMID: 34361141 PMCID: PMC8308126 DOI: 10.3390/nano11071755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cells that can initiate, self-renew, and sustain tumor growth. CSCs are responsible for tumor metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance in cancer therapy. CSCs reside within a niche maintained by multiple unique factors in the microenvironment. These factors include hypoxia, excessive levels of angiogenesis, a change of mitochondrial activity from aerobic aspiration to aerobic glycolysis, an upregulated expression of CSC biomarkers and stem cell signaling, and an elevated synthesis of the cytochromes P450 family of enzymes responsible for drug clearance. Antibodies and ligands targeting the unique factors that maintain the niche are utilized for the delivery of anticancer therapeutics to CSCs. In this regard, nanomaterials, specifically nanoparticles (NPs), are extremely useful as carriers for the delivery of anticancer agents to CSCs. This review covers the biology of CSCs and advances in the design and synthesis of NPs as a carrier in targeting cancer drugs to the CSC subpopulation of cancer cells. This review includes the development of synthetic and natural polymeric NPs, lipid NPs, inorganic NPs, self-assembling protein NPs, antibody-drug conjugates, and extracellular nanovesicles for CSC targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz Nuri Ertas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey;
- ERNAM—Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Keyvan Abedi Dorcheh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115, Iran;
| | - Ali Akbari
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Research Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 57147, Iran;
| | - Esmaiel Jabbari
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Correspondence:
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Cano-Garrido O, Álamo P, Sánchez-García L, Falgàs A, Sánchez-Chardi A, Serna N, Parladé E, Unzueta U, Roldán M, Voltà-Durán E, Casanova I, Villaverde A, Mangues R, Vázquez E. Biparatopic Protein Nanoparticles for the Precision Therapy of CXCR4 + Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2929. [PMID: 34208189 PMCID: PMC8230831 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulated molecular knowledge about human cancer enables the identification of multiple cell surface markers as highly specific therapeutic targets. A proper tumor targeting could significantly avoid drug exposure of healthy cells, minimizing side effects, but it is also expected to increase the therapeutic index. Specifically, colorectal cancer has a particularly poor prognosis in late stages, being drug targeting an appropriate strategy to substantially improve the therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we have explored the potential of the human albumin-derived peptide, EPI-X4, as a suitable ligand to target colorectal cancer via the cell surface protein CXCR4, a chemokine receptor overexpressed in cancer stem cells. To explore the potential use of this ligand, self-assembling protein nanoparticles have been generated displaying an engineered EPI-X4 version, which conferred a modest CXCR4 targeting and fast and high level of cell apoptosis in tumor CXCR4+ cells, in vitro and in vivo. In addition, when EPI-X4-based building blocks are combined with biologically inert polypeptides containing the CXCR4 ligand T22, the resulting biparatopic nanoparticles show a dramatically improved biodistribution in mouse models of CXCR4+ human cancer, faster cell internalization and enhanced target cell death when compared to the version based on a single ligand. The generation of biparatopic materials opens exciting possibilities in oncotherapies based on high precision drug delivery based on the receptor CXCR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Cano-Garrido
- Nanoligent SL, Edifici EUREKA, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Álamo
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-García
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aïda Falgàs
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-Chardi
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Servei de Microscòpia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Nanoligent SL, Edifici EUREKA, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eloi Parladé
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Roldán
- Unitat de Microscòpia Confocal i Imatge Cel·lular, Servei de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Institut Pediàtric de Malalties Rares (IPER), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric Voltà-Durán
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isolda Casanova
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón Mangues
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Jeoung NH, Jo AL, Park HS. The effect of autocrine motility factor alone and in combination with methyl jasmonate on liver cancer cell growth. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2021; 85:1711-1715. [PMID: 33988672 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbab087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Neoplastic cells secrete autocrine motility factor (AMF) to stimulate the motility of cancer cells. In this study, AMF secreted from HT-29 colorectal cancer cells selectively suppressed liver cancer cells by downregulating pAKT and β-catenin. In addition, HT-29 AMF significantly augmented the activity of methyl jasmonate against liver cancer cells and is a promising alternative for liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Ho Jeoung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan, Korea
| | - Ae Lim Jo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan, Korea
| | - Hee Sung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan, Korea
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46
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Shilova O, Shramova E, Proshkina G, Deyev S. Natural and Designed Toxins for Precise Therapy: Modern Approaches in Experimental Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094975. [PMID: 34067057 PMCID: PMC8124712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells frequently overexpress specific surface receptors providing tumor growth and survival which can be used for precise therapy. Targeting cancer cell receptors with protein toxins is an attractive approach widely used in contemporary experimental oncology and preclinical studies. Methods of targeted delivery of toxins to cancer cells, different drug carriers based on nanosized materials (liposomes, nanoparticles, polymers), the most promising designed light-activated toxins, as well as mechanisms of the cytotoxic action of the main natural toxins used in modern experimental oncology, are discussed in this review. The prospects of the combined therapy of tumors based on multimodal nanostructures are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Shilova
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (E.S.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence: (O.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Elena Shramova
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (E.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Galina Proshkina
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (E.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Sergey Deyev
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (E.S.); (G.P.)
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
- Correspondence: (O.S.); (S.D.)
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47
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Synergistic effects of autocrine motility factor and methyl jasmonate on human breast cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 558:22-28. [PMID: 33894674 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autocrine motility factor (AMF) stimulates the motility of cancer cells via an autocrine route and has been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis. Overexpression of AMF is correlated with the aggressive nature of breast cancer and is negatively associated with clinical outcomes. In contrast, AMF also has the ability to suppress cancer cells. In this study, AMFs from different cancer cells were demonstrated to have suppressive activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In a growth and colony formation assay, AMF from AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells (ASPC-1:AMF) was determined to be more suppressive compared to other AMFs. It was also demonstrated that AsPC-1:AMF could arrest breast cancer cells at the G0/G1 cell cycle phase. Quantified by Western blot analysis, AsPC-1:AMF lowered levels of the AMF receptor (AMFR) and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), concomitantly regulating the activation of the AKT and ERK signaling pathways. JAK/STAT activation was also decreased. These results were found in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 cells but not in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that AsPC-1:AMF could work through multiple pathways led to apoptosis. More importantly, AsPC-1:AMF and methyl jasmonate (MJ) cooperatively and synergistically acted against breast cancer cells. Thus, AMF alone or along with MJ may be a promising breast cancer treatment option.
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48
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Ibañez IL, Muñoz FF, Zoppi J, Abaurrea RA, Scandogliero EA, Durán H, Guevara MG. In vivo tumor growth inhibition by Solanum tuberosum aspartic protease 3 (StAP3) treatment. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 41:127959. [PMID: 33766772 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Solanum tuberosum aspartic Proteases (StAPs) show selective plasma membrane permeabilization, inducing cytotoxicity of cancer cells versus normal cells in vitro. Herein, we aimed to evaluate both StAP3 systemic toxicity and antitumoral activity against human melanoma in vivo. The toxicity of a single high dose of StAP3 (10 µg/g body weight, intraperitoneally) was assessed in a Balb/c mice model. Subcutaneous A375 human melanoma xenografts in athymic nude (nu/nu) mice were induced. Once tumors developed (mean larger dimension = 3.8 ± 0.09 mm), mice were StAP3-treated (6 µg/g body weight, subcutaneously under the tumor at a single dose). For both models, controls were treated with physiologic saline solution. StAP3-treated mice showed a significant inhibition of tumor growth (p < 0.05) compared with controls. No signs of toxicity were detected in StAP3-treated mice in both models. These results suggest the potential of these plant proteases as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene L Ibañez
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (INN), National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Constituyentes Node, Av. General Paz 1499, (B1650KNA) San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando F Muñoz
- Biological Research Institute, National Council of Scientific and Technique Research (IIB-CONICET), Funes 3250 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina; National University of Mar del Plata, School of Science, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Jorge Zoppi
- Hospital of Community. Laboratory of Pathology B7602CMB Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Ricardo A Abaurrea
- Laboratory of Clinical and Bacteriological Analysis (BAS), 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Eduardo A Scandogliero
- Laboratory of Clinical and Bacteriological Analysis (BAS), 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Hebe Durán
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (INN), National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Constituyentes Node, Av. General Paz 1499, (B1650KNA) San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Gabriela Guevara
- Biological Research Institute, National Council of Scientific and Technique Research (IIB-CONICET), Funes 3250 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina; National University of Mar del Plata, School of Science, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
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49
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Haridhasapavalan KK, Ranjan SH, Bhattacharyya S, Thummer RP. Soluble expression, purification, and secondary structure determination of human MESP1 transcription factor. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:2363-2376. [PMID: 33651130 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11194-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factor MESP1 is a crucial factor regulating cardiac, hematopoietic, and skeletal myogenic development. Besides, it also contributes to the generation of functional cardiomyocytes. Here, we report the soluble expression and purification of the full-length human MESP1 protein from the heterologous system, which can be delivered into the target mammalian cells. To generate this biological macromolecule, we cloned its codon-optimized gene sequence fused to a nuclear localization sequence, a cell-penetrating peptide, and a His-tag into the protein expression vector and expressed in the bacterial system (E. coli strain BL21(DE3)). Subsequently, we have screened and identified the optimal expression parameters to obtain this recombinant fusion protein in soluble form from E. coli and examined its expression concerning the placement of fusion tags at either terminal. Further, we have purified this recombinant fusion protein to homogeneity under native conditions. Notably, this purified fusion protein has maintained its secondary structure after purification, primarily comprising α-helices and random coils. This molecular tool can potentially replace its genetic and viral forms in the cardiac reprogramming of fibroblasts to induce a cardiac transcriptional profile in an integration-free manner and elucidating its role in various biological processes and diseases. KEY POINTS: • Screening of the suitable gene construct was performed and identified. • Screening of optimal expression conditions was performed and identified. • Native purification of recombinant human MESP1 protein from E. coli was performed. • Recombinant MESP1 protein has retained its secondary structure after purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Kumar Haridhasapavalan
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Sujal Harsh Ranjan
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Srirupa Bhattacharyya
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Rajkumar P Thummer
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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Generation of cell-permeant recombinant human transcription factor GATA4 from E. coli. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2021; 44:1131-1146. [PMID: 33559005 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-021-02516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor GATA4 is expressed during early embryogenesis and is vital for proper development. In addition, it is a crucial reprogramming factor for deriving functional cardiomyocytes and was recently identified as a tumor suppressor protein in various cancers. To generate a safe and effective molecular tool that can potentially be used in a cell reprogramming process and as an anti-cancer agent, we have identified optimal expression parameters to obtain soluble expression of human GATA4 in E. coli and purified the same to homogeneity under native conditions using immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. The identity of GATA4 protein was confirmed using western blotting and mass spectrometry. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy, it was demonstrated that the purified recombinant protein has maintained its secondary structure, primarily comprising of random coils and α-helices. Subsequently, this purified recombinant protein was applied to human cells and was found that it was non-toxic and able to enter the cells as well as translocate to the nucleus. Prospectively, this cell- and nuclear-permeant molecular tool is suitable for cell reprogramming experiments and can be a safe and effective therapeutic agent for cancer therapy.
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