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Pegoraro C, Domingo-Ortí I, Conejos-Sánchez I, Vicent MJ. Unlocking the Mitochondria for Nanomedicine-based Treatments: Overcoming Biological Barriers, Improving Designs, and Selecting Verification Techniques. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115195. [PMID: 38325562 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Enhanced targeting approaches will support the treatment of diseases associated with dysfunctional mitochondria, which play critical roles in energy generation and cell survival. Obstacles to mitochondria-specific targeting include the presence of distinct biological barriers and the need to pass through (or avoid) various cell internalization mechanisms. A range of studies have reported the design of mitochondrially-targeted nanomedicines that navigate the complex routes required to influence mitochondrial function; nonetheless, a significant journey lies ahead before mitochondrially-targeted nanomedicines become suitable for clinical use. Moving swiftly forward will require safety studies, in vivo assays confirming effectiveness, and methodologies to validate mitochondria-targeted nanomedicines' subcellular location/activity. From a nanomedicine standpoint, we describe the biological routes involved (from administration to arrival within the mitochondria), the features influencing rational design, and the techniques used to identify/validate successful targeting. Overall, rationally-designed mitochondria-targeted-based nanomedicines hold great promise for precise subcellular therapeutic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pegoraro
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory and CIBERONC, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Inés Domingo-Ortí
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory and CIBERONC, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Conejos-Sánchez
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory and CIBERONC, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - María J Vicent
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory and CIBERONC, Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain.
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2
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Nehmé R, St-Pierre Y. Targeting intracellular galectins for cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269391. [PMID: 37753083 PMCID: PMC10518623 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although considerable attention has been paid to the role of extracellular galectins in modulating, positively or negatively, tumor growth and metastasis, we have witnessed a growing interest in the role of intracellular galectins in response to their environment. This is not surprising as many galectins preferentially exist in cytosolic and nuclear compartments, which is consistent with the fact that they are exported outside the cells via a yet undefined non-classical mechanism. This review summarizes our most recent knowledge of their intracellular functions in cancer cells and provides some directions for future strategies to inhibit their role in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yves St-Pierre
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
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3
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Leusmann S, Ménová P, Shanin E, Titz A, Rademacher C. Glycomimetics for the inhibition and modulation of lectins. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:3663-3740. [PMID: 37232696 PMCID: PMC10243309 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00954d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Carbohydrates are essential mediators of many processes in health and disease. They regulate self-/non-self- discrimination, are key elements of cellular communication, cancer, infection and inflammation, and determine protein folding, function and life-times. Moreover, they are integral to the cellular envelope for microorganisms and participate in biofilm formation. These diverse functions of carbohydrates are mediated by carbohydrate-binding proteins, lectins, and the more the knowledge about the biology of these proteins is advancing, the more interfering with carbohydrate recognition becomes a viable option for the development of novel therapeutics. In this respect, small molecules mimicking this recognition process become more and more available either as tools for fostering our basic understanding of glycobiology or as therapeutics. In this review, we outline the general design principles of glycomimetic inhibitors (Section 2). This section is then followed by highlighting three approaches to interfere with lectin function, i.e. with carbohydrate-derived glycomimetics (Section 3.1), novel glycomimetic scaffolds (Section 3.2) and allosteric modulators (Section 3.3). We summarize recent advances in design and application of glycomimetics for various classes of lectins of mammalian, viral and bacterial origin. Besides highlighting design principles in general, we showcase defined cases in which glycomimetics have been advanced to clinical trials or marketed. Additionally, emerging applications of glycomimetics for targeted protein degradation and targeted delivery purposes are reviewed in Section 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Leusmann
- Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates (CBCH), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Petra Ménová
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Shanin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Titz
- Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates (CBCH), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christoph Rademacher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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4
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The Synthesis and Preclinical Investigation of Lactosamine-Based Radiopharmaceuticals for the Detection of Galectin-3-Expressing Melanoma Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112504. [PMID: 36432695 PMCID: PMC9695418 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112504] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Given that galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding lectin promoting tumor growth and metastatis, it could be a valuable target for the treatment of Gal-3-expressing neoplasms. An aromatic group introduced to the C-3′ position of lactosamine increased its affinity for Gal-3. Herein, we aimed at developing a radiopharmaceutical for the detection of Gal-3 positive malignancies. To enhance tumor specificity, a heterodimeric radiotracer capable of binding to both Gal-3 and αvβ3 integrin was also synthetized. Arginine-glycine-asparagine (RGD) peptide is the ligand of angiogenesis- and metastasis-associated αvβ3 integrin. Following the synthesis of the chelator-conjugated (2-naphthyl)methylated lactosamine, the obtained compound was applied as a precursor for radiolabeling and was conjugated to the RGD peptide by click reaction as well. Both synthetized precursors were radiolabeled with 68Ga, resulting in high labeling yield (>97). The biological studies were carried out using B16F10 melanoma tumor-bearing C57BL6 mice. High tumor accumulation of both labeled lactosamine derivatives—detected by in vivo PET and ex vivo biodistribution studies—indicated their potential for melanoma detection. However, the heterodimer radiotracer showed high hepatic uptake, while low liver accumulation characterized chelator-conjugated lactosamine, resulting in PET images with excellent contrast. Therefore, this novel carbohydrate-based radiotracer is suitable for the highly selective determination of Gal-3-expressing melanoma cells.
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Niang DGM, Gaba FM, Diouf A, Hendricks J, Diallo RN, Niang MDS, Mbengue B, Dieye A. Galectin-3 as a biomarker in breast neoplasms: Mechanisms and applications in patient care. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:1041-1052. [PMID: 36125083 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr0822-673r] [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: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectin-3 is a member of the lectin family encoded by the LGALS3 gene on chromosome 14. It is secreted by a wide range of immune cells and mammary tumor cells. Through its activity on the tumor microenvironment, in particular on tumor-infiltrating leukocytes, galectin-3 improves the proliferation, survival, and colonizing ability of mammary neoplastic cells. Consequently, galectin-3 expression in the tumor microenvironment could worsen therapeutic outcomes of breast neoplasms and become a biomarker and a therapeutic target in combined immunotherapy in breast neoplasms. There is a limited amount of information that is available on galectin-3 in breast cancer in Africa. In this review, we analyze how galectin-3 influences the tumor microenvironment and its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in breast neoplasms. We aim to emphasize the significance of investigating galectin-3 in breast neoplasms in Africa based on the results of studies conducted elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doudou Georges Massar Niang
- Division of Immunology, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Folly Mawulolo Gaba
- Division of Immunology, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Adame Diouf
- Division of Immunology, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Jacobus Hendricks
- Department of Physiology and Environmental Health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Limpopo province, South Africa
| | - Rokhaya Ndiaye Diallo
- Division of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Maguette Deme Sylla Niang
- Division of Immunology, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Babacar Mbengue
- Division of Immunology, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Alioune Dieye
- Division of Immunology, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
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Mitochondria-Targeted Delivery of Camptothecin Based on HPMA Copolymer for Metastasis Suppression. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081534. [PMID: 35893790 PMCID: PMC9331251 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor anti-metastasis effects and side-effects remain a challenge for the clinical application of camptothecin (CPT). Mitochondria can be a promising target for the treatment of metastatic tumors due to their vital roles in providing energy supply, upregulating pro-metastatic factors, and controlling cell-death signaling. Thus, selectively delivering CPT to mitochondria appears to be a feasible way of improving the anti-metastasis effect and reducing adverse effects. Here, we established a 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DEA)-modified N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer–CPT conjugate (P-DEA-CPT) to mediate the mitochondrial accumulation of CPT. The mitochondria-targeted P-DEA-CPT could overcome multiple barriers by quickly internalizing into 4T1 cells, then escaping from lysosome, and sufficiently accumulating in mitochondria. Subsequently, P-DEA-CPT greatly damaged mitochondrial function, leading to the reactive oxide species (ROS) elevation, energy depletion, apoptosis amplification, and tumor metastasis suppression. Consequently, P-DEA-CPT successfully inhibited both primary tumor growth and distant metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, our studies revealed that the mechanism underlying the anti-metastasis capacity of P-DEA-CPT was partially via downregulation of various pro-metastatic proteins, such as hypoxia induction factor-1α (HIF-1α), matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study provided the proof of concept that escorting CPT to mitochondria via a mitochondrial targeting strategy could be a promising approach for anti-metastasis treatment.
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Biscaia SMP, Pires C, Lívero FAR, Bellan DL, Bini I, Bustos SO, Vasconcelos RO, Acco A, Iacomini M, Carbonero ER, Amstalden MK, Kubata FR, Cummings RD, Dias-Baruffi M, Simas FF, Oliveira CC, Freitas RA, Franco CRC, Chammas R, Trindade ES. MG-Pe: A Novel Galectin-3 Ligand with Antimelanoma Properties and Adjuvant Effects to Dacarbazine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147635. [PMID: 35886983 PMCID: PMC9317553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly metastatic and rapidly progressing cancer, a leading cause of mortality among skin cancers. The melanoma microenvironment, formed from the activity of malignant cells on the extracellular matrix and the recruitment of immune cells, plays an active role in the development of drug resistance and tumor recurrence, which are clinical challenges in cancer treatment. These tumoral metabolic processes are affected by proteins, including Galectin-3 (Gal-3), which is extensively involved in cancer development. Previously, we characterized a partially methylated mannogalactan (MG-Pe) with antimelanoma activities. In vivo models of melanoma were used to observe MG-Pe effects in survival, spontaneous, and experimental metastases and in tissue oxidative stress. Analytical assays for the molecular interaction of MG-Pe and Gal-3 were performed using a quartz crystal microbalance, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle tensiometer. MG-Pe exhibits an additive effect when administered together with the chemotherapeutic agent dacarbazine, leading to increased survival of treated mice, metastases reduction, and the modulation of oxidative stress. MG-Pe binds to galectin-3. Furthermore, MG-Pe antitumor effects were substantially reduced in Gal-3/KO mice. Our results showed that the novel Gal-3 ligand, MG-Pe, has both antitumor and antimetastatic effects, alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stellee M. P. Biscaia
- Department of Cellular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (S.M.P.B.); (D.L.B.); (I.B.); (F.F.S.); (C.C.O.); (C.R.C.F.)
| | - Cassiano Pires
- Department of Chemistry, Biopol, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (C.P.); (R.A.F.)
| | - Francislaine A. R. Lívero
- Post-Graduate Program in Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapics in Basic Attention, Parana University (UNIPAR), Umuarama 87502-210, Brazil;
| | - Daniel L. Bellan
- Department of Cellular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (S.M.P.B.); (D.L.B.); (I.B.); (F.F.S.); (C.C.O.); (C.R.C.F.)
| | - Israel Bini
- Department of Cellular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (S.M.P.B.); (D.L.B.); (I.B.); (F.F.S.); (C.C.O.); (C.R.C.F.)
| | - Silvina O. Bustos
- Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Oncology (CTO), Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (S.O.B.); (R.O.V.)
| | - Renata O. Vasconcelos
- Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Oncology (CTO), Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (S.O.B.); (R.O.V.)
| | - Alexandra Acco
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil;
| | - Marcello Iacomini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil;
| | - Elaine R. Carbonero
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Catalão (UFCAT), Catalão 75704-020, Brazil;
| | - Martin K. Amstalden
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, Brazil; (M.K.A.); (F.R.K.); (M.D.-B.)
| | - Fábio R. Kubata
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, Brazil; (M.K.A.); (F.R.K.); (M.D.-B.)
| | - Richard D. Cummings
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Marcelo Dias-Baruffi
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, Brazil; (M.K.A.); (F.R.K.); (M.D.-B.)
| | - Fernanda F. Simas
- Department of Cellular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (S.M.P.B.); (D.L.B.); (I.B.); (F.F.S.); (C.C.O.); (C.R.C.F.)
| | - Carolina C. Oliveira
- Department of Cellular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (S.M.P.B.); (D.L.B.); (I.B.); (F.F.S.); (C.C.O.); (C.R.C.F.)
| | - Rilton A. Freitas
- Department of Chemistry, Biopol, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (C.P.); (R.A.F.)
| | - Célia Regina Cavichiolo Franco
- Department of Cellular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (S.M.P.B.); (D.L.B.); (I.B.); (F.F.S.); (C.C.O.); (C.R.C.F.)
| | - Roger Chammas
- Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Translational Research in Oncology (CTO), Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil; (S.O.B.); (R.O.V.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (E.S.T.)
| | - Edvaldo S. Trindade
- Department of Cellular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil; (S.M.P.B.); (D.L.B.); (I.B.); (F.F.S.); (C.C.O.); (C.R.C.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (E.S.T.)
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8
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Taghipour YD, Zarebkohan A, Salehi R, Rahimi F, Torchilin VP, Hamblin MR, Seifalian A. An update on dual targeting strategy for cancer treatment. J Control Release 2022; 349:67-96. [PMID: 35779656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The key issue in the treatment of solid tumors is the lack of efficient strategies for the targeted delivery and accumulation of therapeutic cargoes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting approaches are designed for more efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer cells while minimizing drug toxicity to normal cells and off-targeting effects, while maximizing the eradication of cancer cells. The highly complicated interrelationship between the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, and the physiological and pathological barriers that are required to cross, dictates the need for the success of targeting strategies. Dual targeting is an approach that uses both purely biological strategies and physicochemical responsive smart delivery strategies to increase the accumulation of nanoparticles within the TME and improve targeting efficiency towards cancer cells. In both approaches, either one single ligand is used for targeting a single receptor on different cells, or two different ligands for targeting two different receptors on the same or different cells. Smart delivery strategies are able to respond to triggers that are typical of specific disease sites, such as pH, certain specific enzymes, or redox conditions. These strategies are expected to lead to more precise targeting and better accumulation of nano-therapeutics. This review describes the classification and principles of dual targeting approaches and critically reviews the efficiency of dual targeting strategies, and the rationale behind the choice of ligands. We focus on new approaches for smart drug delivery in which synthetic and/or biological moieties are attached to nanoparticles by TME-specific responsive linkers and advanced camouflaged nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasamin Davatgaran Taghipour
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Zarebkohan
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Roya Salehi
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Fariborz Rahimi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Bonab, Bonab, Iran
| | - Vladimir P Torchilin
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine and Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alexander Seifalian
- Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine Commercialization Centre (NanoRegMed Ltd), London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
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Martin-Saldaña S, Chevalier MT, Pandit A. Therapeutic potential of targeting galectins – A biomaterials-focused perspective. Biomaterials 2022; 286:121585. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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10
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Heine V, Dey C, Bojarová P, Křen V, Elling L. Methods of in vitro study of galectin-glycomaterial interaction. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 58:107928. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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11
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Casagrande V, Federici M, Menghini R. TIMP3 involvement and potentiality in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Acta Diabetol 2021; 58:1587-1594. [PMID: 34181080 PMCID: PMC8542557 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-021-01766-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease, one of the most severe complications associated with diabetes, is characterized by albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis and progressive loss of renal function. Loss of TIMP3, an Extracellular matrix-bound protein, is a hallmark of diabetic nephropathy in human and mouse models, suggesting its pivotal role in renal diseases associated to diabetes. There is currently no specific therapy for diabetic nephropathy, and the ability to restore high TIMP3 activity specifically in the kidney may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the amelioration of renal injury under conditions in which its reduction is directly related to the disease. Increasing evidence shows that diabetic nephropathy is also regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, including noncoding RNA. This review recapitulates the pathological, diagnostic and therapeutic potential roles of TIMP3 and the noncoding RNA (microRNA, long noncoding RNA) related to its expression, in the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Casagrande
- Departments of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Federici
- Departments of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
- Center for Atherosclerosis, Department of Medical Sciences, Policlinico Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Menghini
- Departments of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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12
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Galectins in Cancer and the Microenvironment: Functional Roles, Therapeutic Developments, and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091159. [PMID: 34572346 PMCID: PMC8465754 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in cell growth and metabolism are affected by the surrounding environmental factors to adapt to the cell’s most appropriate growth model. However, abnormal cell metabolism is correlated with the occurrence of many diseases and is accompanied by changes in galectin (Gal) performance. Gals were found to be some of the master regulators of cell–cell interactions that reconstruct the microenvironment, and disordered expression of Gals is associated with multiple human metabolic-related diseases including cancer development. Cancer cells can interact with surrounding cells through Gals to create more suitable conditions that promote cancer cell aggressiveness. In this review, we organize the current understanding of Gals in a systematic way to dissect Gals’ effect on human disease, including how Gals’ dysregulated expression affects the tumor microenvironment’s metabolism and elucidating the mechanisms involved in Gal-mediated diseases. This information may shed light on a more precise understanding of how Gals regulate cell biology and facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment by targeting the Gal family.
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13
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Heine V, Hovorková M, Vlachová M, Filipová M, Bumba L, Janoušková O, Hubálek M, Cvačka J, Petrásková L, Pelantová H, Křen V, Elling L, Bojarová P. Immunoprotective neo-glycoproteins: Chemoenzymatic synthesis of multivalent glycomimetics for inhibition of cancer-related galectin-3. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113500. [PMID: 33962190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Galectin-3 plays a crucial role in cancerogenesis; its targeting is a prospective pathway in cancer diagnostics and therapy. Multivalent presentation of glycans was shown to strongly increase the affinity of glycoconjugates to galectin-3. Further strengthening of interaction with galectin-3 may be accomplished using artificial glycomimetics with apt aryl substitutions. We established a new, as yet undescribed chemoenzymatic method to produce selective C-3-substituted N,N'-diacetyllactosamine glycomimetics and coupled them to human serum albumin. From a library of enzymes, only β-N-acetylhexosaminidase from Talaromyces flavus was able to efficiently synthesize the C-3-propargylated disaccharide. Various aryl residues were attached to the functionalized N,N'-diacetyllactosamine via click chemistry to assess the impact of the aromatic substitution. In ELISA-type assays with galectin-3, free glycomimetics exhibited up to 43-fold stronger inhibitory potency to Gal-3 than the lactose standard. Coupling to human serum albumin afforded multivalent neo-glycoproteins with up to 4209-fold increased inhibitory potency per glycan compared to the monovalent lactose standard. Surface plasmon resonance brought further information on the kinetics of galectin-3 inhibition. The potential of prepared neo-glycoproteins to target galectin-3 was demonstrated on colorectal adenocarcinoma DLD-1 cells. We investigated the uptake of neo-glycoproteins into cells and observed limited non-specific transport into the cytoplasm. Therefore, neo-glycoproteins primarily act as efficient scavengers of exogenous galectin-3 of cancer cells, inhibiting its interaction with the cell surface, and protecting T-lymphocytes against galectin-3-induced apoptosis. The present neo-glycoproteins combine the advantage of a straightforward synthesis, selectivity, non-toxicity, and high efficiency for targeting exogenous galectin-3, with possible application in the immunomodulatory treatment of galectin-3-overexpressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Heine
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic; Institute of Biotechnology and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelstr. 20, D-52079 Aachen, Germany
| | - Michaela Hovorková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, CZ-12843, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Miluše Vlachová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Marcela Filipová
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského Nám. 2, CZ-16206 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Bumba
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Janoušková
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského Nám. 2, CZ-16206 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hubálek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Cvačka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí 2, CZ-16610 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Petrásková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Pelantová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Křen
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Lothar Elling
- Institute of Biotechnology and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelstr. 20, D-52079 Aachen, Germany
| | - Pavla Bojarová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
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Carvalho IC, Mansur AAP, Carvalho SM, Mansur HS. Nanotheranostics through Mitochondria-targeted Delivery with Fluorescent Peptidomimetic Nanohybrids for Apoptosis Induction of Brain Cancer Cells. Nanotheranostics 2021; 5:213-239. [PMID: 33614399 PMCID: PMC7893535 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.54491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Overview: Malignant brain tumors remain one of the greatest challenges faced by health professionals and scientists among the utmost lethal forms of cancer. Nanotheranostics can play a pivotal role in developing revolutionary nanoarchitectures with multifunctional and multimodal capabilities to fight cancer. Mitochondria are vital organelles to eukaryotic cells, which have been recognized as a significant target in cancer therapy where, by damaging the mitochondria, it will cause irreparable cell death or apoptosis. Methods: We designed and produced novel hybrid nanostructures comprising a fluorescent semiconductor core (AgInS2, AIS) and cysteine-modified carboxymethylcellulose (termed thiomer, CMC_Cys) conjugated with mitochondria-targeting peptides (KLA) forming a macromolecular shell for combining bioimaging and for inducing brain cancer cell (U-87 MG) death. Results: The optical and physicochemical properties of the nanoconjugates demonstrated suitability as photoluminescent nanostructures for cell bioimaging and intracellular tracking. Additionally, the results proved a remarkable killing activity towards glioblastoma cells of cysteine-bearing CMC conjugates coupled with KLA peptides through the half-maximal effective concentration values, approximately 70-fold higher compared to the conjugate analogs without Cys residues. Moreover, these thiomer-based pro-apoptotic drug nanoconjugates displayed higher lethality against U-87 MG cancer cells than doxorubicin, a model drug in chemotherapy, although extremely toxic. Remarkably, these peptidomimetic nanohybrids demonstrated a relative "protective effect" regarding healthy cells while maintaining high killing activity towards malignant brain cells. Conclusion: These findings pave the way for developing hybrid nanoarchitectures applied as targeted multifunctional platforms for simultaneous imaging and therapy against cancer while minimizing the high systemic toxicity and side-effects of conventional drugs in anticancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Herman S. Mansur
- Center of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, and Innovation - CeNano2I, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Belo Horizonte/MG, Brazil
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15
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Liu D, Angelova A, Liu J, Garamus VM, Angelov B, Zhang X, Li Y, Feger G, Li N, Zou A. Self-assembly of mitochondria-specific peptide amphiphiles amplifying lung cancer cell death through targeting the VDAC1-hexokinase-II complex. J Mater Chem B 2020; 7:4706-4716. [PMID: 31364685 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb00629j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria-targeting peptides represent an emergent tool for cancer inhibition. Here supramolecular assemblies of novel amphiphilic cell-penetrating peptides for targeting cancer cell mitochondria are reported. The employed strategy aims at amplifying the apoptotic stimuli by weakening the mitochondrial VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel-1)-hexokinase-II (HK-II) interaction. Peptide engineering is performed with the N-terminus of the HK-II protein, which binds to VDAC1. First, a designed positively charged segment (pKV) is anchored to the specific 15 amino acid sequence (MIASHLLAYFFTELN) to yield a cell-penetrating peptide (pHK-pKV). Second, a lipid chain (Pal) is conjugated to the N-terminus of pHK-pKV in order to enhance the intracellular delivery of the HK-II scaffold. The self-assembly properties of these two synthetic peptides are investigated by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (BioSAXS) and cryogenic transmission electron (cryo-TEM) imaging, which evidence the formation of nanoassemblies of ellipsoid-like shapes. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy demonstrates the induction of partial α-helical structures in the amphiphilic peptides. Confocal microscopy reveals the specific mitochondrial location of Pal-pHK-pKV assemblies in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells. The cytotoxicity and apoptotic studies indicate the enhanced bioactivity of Pal-pHK-pKV self-assembled reservoirs, which cause massive A549 cell death with regard to pHK-pKV. Of significance, Pal-pHK-pKV treatment of non-cancerous NCM460 cells resulted in substantially lower cytotoxicity. The results demonstrate the potential of self-assembled lipo-peptide (HK-II-derived) conjugates as a promising strategy in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
| | - Angelina Angelova
- Institut Galien Paris-Sud, CNRS UMR 8612, LabEx LERMIT, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, F-92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Jianwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering & Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Vasil M Garamus
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, D-21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Borislav Angelov
- Institute of Physics, ELI Beamlines, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Na Slovance 2, CZ-18221 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Xinlei Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
| | - Yawen Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
| | - Guillaume Feger
- Institut Galien Paris-Sud, CNRS UMR 8612, LabEx LERMIT, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, F-92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Na Li
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai and Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai 200120, P. R. China.
| | - Aihua Zou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
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Kumar A, Ahmad A, Vyawahare A, Khan R. Membrane Trafficking and Subcellular Drug Targeting Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:629. [PMID: 32536862 PMCID: PMC7267071 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The movement of micro and macro molecules into and within a cell significantly governs several of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, thus regulating the cellular response to exogenous and endogenous stimuli. Trafficking of various pharmacological agents and other bioactive molecules throughout and within the cell is necessary for the fidelity of the cells but has been poorly investigated. Novel strategies against cancer and microbial infections need a deeper understanding of membrane as well as subcellular trafficking pathways and essentially regulate several aspects of the initiation and spread of anti-microbial and anti-cancer drug resistance. Furthermore, in order to avail the maximum possible bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy and to restrict the unwanted toxicity of pharmacological bioactives, these sometimes need to be functionalized with targeting ligands to regulate the subcellular trafficking and to enhance the localization. In the recent past the scenario drug targeting has primarily focused on targeting tissue components and cell vicinities, however, it is the membranous and subcellular trafficking system that directs the molecules to plausible locations. The effectiveness of the delivery platforms largely depends on their physicochemical nature, intracellular barriers, and biodistribution of the drugs, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic paradigms. Most subcellular organelles possess some peculiar characteristics by which membranous and subcellular targeting can be manipulated, such as negative transmembrane potential in mitochondria, intraluminal delta pH in a lysosome, and many others. Many specialized methods, which positively promote the subcellular targeting and restrict the off-targeting of the bioactive molecules, exist. Recent advancements in designing the carrier molecules enable the handling of membrane trafficking to facilitate the delivery of active compounds to subcellular localizations. This review aims to cover membrane trafficking pathways which promote the delivery of the active molecule in to the subcellular locations, the associated pathways of the subcellular drug delivery system, and the role of the carrier system in drug delivery techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Nano-Therapeutics, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
| | - Anas Ahmad
- Department of Nano-Therapeutics, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
| | - Akshay Vyawahare
- Department of Nano-Therapeutics, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
| | - Rehan Khan
- Department of Nano-Therapeutics, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
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Li Q, Huang Y. Mitochondrial targeted strategies and their
application for cancer and other diseases treatment. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-020-00481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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18
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Roles of galectin-3 in metabolic disorders and tumor cell metabolism. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 142:463-473. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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A Stable Pep2-proapoptotic Peptide Inducing Apoptosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells by Down-Regulating EZH2. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 13:165-177. [PMID: 32175029 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-019-00605-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Proapoptotic peptide, (KLAKLAK)2, exhibits strong anti-tumor effect with the help of cell-penetrating peptides such as Pep2, targeting TLR2 with high expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the applications are limited due to the peptide's instability and high cost of synthesis. Recombinant PP7 bacteriophage-like particles (VLPs) can protect the peptides from degradation by proteases, based on their ability to display foreign peptides. Methods Here, we evaluated the feasibility of PP7 VLPs carrying Pep2 and (KLAKLAK)2 (2PP7-Pep2-KLAK VLPs) expressed in E. coli. We further investigated the characteristics including size, toxicity, thermal stability, penetrating ability, anti-tumor activity, and potential anti-tumor mechanism of 2PP7-Pep2-KLAK VLPs. Results 2PP7-Pep2-KLAK VLPs was expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) successfully with high yield and thermal stability. They penetrated the AML cells THP-1 rapidly after 30 min of incubation. Moreover, 2PP7-Pep2-KLAK VLPs were non-replicative, non-infectious, and non-toxic against normal cells, but inhibited the proliferation of THP-1 cells by inducing cell apoptosis after 24 h of exposure. This effect extends through 120 h of exposure, indicating their anti-proliferation effect was superior to that of synthetic peptides. In addition to the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, the anti-tumor activity of 2PP7-Pep2-KLAK VLPs was also correlated with down-regulation of expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and trimethylation of histone H3K27. Conclusions We identified the feasibility to prepare the stable, active Pep2-KLAK peptide by using PP7 bacteriophage as the vehicle. We revealed this peptide was an inhibitor of EZH2. 2PP7-Pep2-KLAK VLPs may have significant clinical implications in the treatment of MLL-AF9 AML as an epigenetic modulator.
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Mo D, Tian W, Zhang HN, Feng YD, Sun Y, Quan W, Hao XW, Wang XY, Liu XX, Li C, Cao W, Liu WJ, Li XQ. Cardioprotective effects of galectin-3 inhibition against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 863:172701. [PMID: 31568784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury is caused by the restoration of the coronary blood flow following an ischemic episode. Accumulating evidence suggests that galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding lectin, acts as a biomarker in heart disease. However, it remains unclear whether manipulating galectin-3 affects the susceptibility of the heart to IR injury. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis identified that Lgals3 (galecin-3) plays an indispensable role in IR-induced cardiac damage. Immunostaining and immunoblot assays confirmed that the expression of galectin-3 was markedly increased in myocardial IR injury both in vivo and in vitro. Echocardiographic analysis showed that cardiac dysfunction in experimental IR injury was significantly attenuated by galectin-3 inhibitors including pectin (1%, i.p.) from citrus and binding peptide G3-C12 (5.0 mg/kg, i.p.). Galectin-3 inhibitor-treated mice exhibited smaller infarct sizes and decreased tissue injury. Furthermore, TUNEL staining showed that galectin-3 inhibition suppressed IR-mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) levels were well-preserved and IR-induced changes of mitochondrial cyto c, cytosol cyto c, caspase-9, caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax in the galectin-3 inhibitor-treated groups were observed. Our findings indicate that the pathological upregulation of galectin-3 contributes to IR-induced cardiac dysfunction and that galectin-3 inhibition ameliorates myocardial injury, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Mo
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wen Tian
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui-Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying-Da Feng
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Quan
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue-Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Li
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, School of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wen-Juan Liu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, School of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Liu Y, Zhou Z, Lin X, Xiong X, Zhou R, Zhou M, Huang Y. Enhanced Reactive Oxygen Species Generation by Mitochondria Targeting of Anticancer Drug To Overcome Tumor Multidrug Resistance. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:3755-3766. [PMID: 31465208 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As a major clinical tumor chemotherapeutic burden, multidrug resistance (MDR) is often a result of up-regulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which strongly enhances anticancer drug efflux. The excess mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) could not only inhibit the function of P-gp through insufficient adenosine triphosphate supply but also cause apoptosis in MDR cells. Here, we designed a mitochondria targeting nanoparticulate system (GNPs-P-Dox-GA) for overcoming MDR through enhanced ROS generation, where increased cellular uptake as well as mitochondria accumulation were both realized by glycyrrhetinic acid (GA). First, doxorubicin was conjugated with GA (GA-Dox) and then grafted onto a N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer backbone via hydrazone bond (P-Dox-GA). The obtained P-Dox-GA was subsequently attached to the surface of gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs). As gelatin is a substrate of tumor extracellular metal matrix protease-2 (MMP2), GNPs-P-Dox-GA nanoparticles could be degraded and release small size P-Dox-GA to facilitate tumor tissue penetration. After P-Dox-GA internalized by tumor cells under GA mediation, Dox-GA detached from HPMA copolymer through hydrolysis of hydrazone bond and then efficiently delivered to mitochondria. Compared to non-GA modified carriers, GNPs-P-Dox-GA exhibited increased cellular uptake nearly 4-fold and mitochondria distribution 8.8-fold, and increased ROS production level nearly 3-fold, significantly decreased efflux rate (55% compared with Dox group) in drug resistant HepG2/ADR cells, and then led to improved in vitro antitumor efficiency in HepG2/ADR cells (IC50 only 19.5% of unmodified ones) as well as exciting in vivo antitumor efficiency on HepG2/ADR heterotopic tumor nude mice (1.75-fold higher tumor growth inhibition rate than free drug).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road , Chengdu 610041 , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road , Chengdu 610041 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Lin
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road , Chengdu 610041 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road , Chengdu 610041 , People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road , Chengdu 610041 , People's Republic of China
| | - Minglu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road , Chengdu 610041 , People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy , Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road , Chengdu 610041 , People's Republic of China
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Chen K, Cai H, Zhang H, Zhu H, Gu Z, Gong Q, Luo K. Stimuli-responsive polymer-doxorubicin conjugate: Antitumor mechanism and potential as nano-prodrug. Acta Biomater 2019; 84:339-355. [PMID: 30503561 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Polymer-drug conjugates has significantly improved the anti-tumor efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs and alleviated their side effects. N-(1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-yl) methacrylamide (DHPMA) copolymer was synthesized via RAFT polymerization and polymer-doxorubicin (DOX) (diblock pDHPMA-DOX) were formed by conjugation, resulting in a self-aggregation-induced nanoprodrug with a favorable size of 21 nm and great stability. The nanoprodrug with a molecular weight (MW) of 95 kDa released drugs in response to tumor microenvironmental pH variations and they were enzymatically hydrolyzed into low MW segments (45 kDa). The nanoprodrug was transported through the endolysosomal pathway, released the drug into the cytoplasm and some was localized in the mitochondria, resulting in disruption of the cellular actin cytoskeleton. Cellular apoptosis was also associated with reduction in the mitochondrial potential caused by the nanoprodrug. Notably, the nanoprodrug had a significantly prolonged blood circulation time with an elimination half time of 9.8 h, displayed high accumulation within tumors, and improved the in vivo therapeutic efficacy against 4T1 xenograft tumors compared to free DOX. The tumor xenograft immunohistochemistry study clearly indicated tumor inhibition was through the inhibition of cell proliferation and antiangiogenic effects. Our studies demonstrated that the diblock pDHPMA-DOX nanoprodrug with a controlled molecular structure is promising to alleviate adverse effects of free DOX and have a great potential as an efficient anticancer agent. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this work, we prepared a biodegradable diblock DHPMA polymer-doxorubicin conjugate via one-pot of RAFT polymerization and conjugate chemistry. The conjugate-based nanoprodrug was internalized by endocytosis to intracellularly release DOX and further induce disruption of mitochondrial functions, actin cytoskeleton alterations and cellular apoptosis. The nanoprodrug with a high molecular weight (MW) (95 kDa) showed a long blood circulation time and achieved high accumulation into tumors. The nanoprodrug was degraded into low MW (∼45 kDa) products below the renal threshold, which ensured its biosafety. Additionally, the multi-stimuli-responsive nanoprodrug demonstrated an enhanced antitumor efficacy against 4T1 breast tumors and alleviated side effects, showing a great potential as an efficient and safe anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hao Cai
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Hu Zhang
- Amgen Bioprocess Centre, Keck Graduate Institute, CA 91711, USA
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Kui Luo
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Chakraborty A, Dalal C, Jana NR. Colloidal Nanobioconjugate with Complementary Surface Chemistry for Cellular and Subcellular Targeting. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:13461-13471. [PMID: 29699394 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Chemically and biochemically functionalized colloidal nanoparticles with appropriate surface chemistry are essential for various biomedical applications. Although a variety of approaches are now available in making such functional nanoparticles and nanobioconjugates, the lack of complementary surface chemistry often leads to poor performance with respect to intended biomedical applications. This feature article will focus on our efforts to make colloidal nanobioconjugates with appropriate/complementary surface chemistry for better performance of a designed nanoprobe with respect to cellular and subcellular targeting applications. In particular, we emphasize polyacrylate-based coating chemistry followed by a conjugation strategy for transforming <10 nm inorganic nanoparticle to colloidal nanoprobe of 20-50 nm hydrodynamic size. We show that a colloidal nanoprobe can be chemically designed to control the cell-nanoparticle interaction, cellular endocytosis, and targeting/labeling of subcellular compartments. Further study should be directed to adapt this surface chemistry to different nanoparticles, fine tune the surface chemistry for targeting/imaging on the subcellular/molecular length scale, and develop a delivery nanocarrier for subcellular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atanu Chakraborty
- Centre for Advanced Materials , Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science , Kolkata - 700032 , India
| | - Chumki Dalal
- Centre for Advanced Materials , Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science , Kolkata - 700032 , India
| | - Nikhil R Jana
- Centre for Advanced Materials , Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science , Kolkata - 700032 , India
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Battogtokh G, Cho YY, Lee JY, Lee HS, Kang HC. Mitochondrial-Targeting Anticancer Agent Conjugates and Nanocarrier Systems for Cancer Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:922. [PMID: 30174604 PMCID: PMC6107715 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrion is an important intracellular organelle for drug targeting due to its key roles and functions in cellular proliferation and death. In the last few decades, several studies have revealed mitochondrial functions, attracting the focus of many researchers to work in this field over nuclear targeting. Mitochondrial targeting was initiated in 1995 with a triphenylphosphonium-thiobutyl conjugate as an antioxidant agent. The major driving force for mitochondrial targeting in cancer cells is the higher mitochondrial membrane potential compared with that of the cytosol, which allows some molecules to selectively target mitochondria. In this review, we discuss mitochondria-targeting ligand-conjugated anticancer agents and their in vitro and in vivo behaviors. In addition, we describe a mitochondria-targeting nanocarrier system for anticancer drug delivery. As previously reported, several agents have been known to have mitochondrial targeting potential; however, they are not sufficient for direct application for cancer therapy. Thus, many studies have focused on direct conjugation of targeting ligands to therapeutic agents to improve their efficacy. There are many variables for optimal mitochondria-targeted agent development, such as choosing a correct targeting ligand and linker. However, using the nanocarrier system could solve some issues related to solubility and selectivity. Thus, this review focuses on mitochondria-targeting drug conjugates and mitochondria-targeted nanocarrier systems for anticancer agent delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Han Chang Kang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, South Korea
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Tumor target amplification: Implications for nano drug delivery systems. J Control Release 2018; 275:142-161. [PMID: 29454742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells overexpress surface markers which are absent from normal cells. These tumor-restricted antigenic signatures are a fundamental basis for distinguishing on-target from off-target cells for ligand-directed targeting of cancer cells. Unfortunately, tumor heterogeneity impedes the establishment of a solid expression pattern for a given target marker, leading to drastic changes in quality (availability) and quantity (number) of the target. Consequently, a subset of cancer cells remains untargeted during the course of treatment, which subsequently promotes drug-resistance and cancer relapse. Since target inefficiency is only problematic for cancer treatment and not for treatment of other pathological conditions such as viral/bacterial infections, target amplification or the generation of novel targets is key to providing eligible antigenic markers for effective targeted therapy. This review summarizes the limitations of current ligand-directed targeting strategies and provides a comprehensive overview of tumor target amplification strategies, including self-amplifying systems, dual targeting, artificial markers and peptide modification. We also discuss the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of these approaches, the underlying mechanism(s) and established methodologies, mostly in the context of different nanodelivery systems, to facilitate more effective ligand-directed cancer cell monitoring and targeting.
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Hu C, Chen X, Huang Y, Chen Y. Co-administration of iRGD with peptide HPRP-A1 to improve anticancer activity and membrane penetrability. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2274. [PMID: 29396568 PMCID: PMC5797073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20715-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve the specificity and penetration of anticancer peptides against tumors, in this study, we examined the effects of co-administration of the membrane-active peptide HPRP-A1 and the tumor homing/penetrating peptide iRGD. iRGD peptide is widely recognized as an efficient cell membrane penetration peptide targeting to αvβ3 integrins and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) receptors, which show high expression in many tumor cells. The anticancer activity, cancer specificity and penetration activity in vitro and in vivo of the co-administered peptides were examined on 2D monolayer cells, 3D multi-cellular spheroids (MCS) and xenograft nude mice. Co-administration of iRGD and HPRP-A1 exhibited stronger anticancer activity and tumor specificity against A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells with NRP-1 receptor overexpression compared with HPRP-A1 alone. A549 cells showed uptake of the peptide combination and destruction of the integrity of the cell membrane, as well as adherence to the mitochondrial net, resulting in induction of apoptosis by a caspase-dependent pathway. The iRGD peptide dramatically increased the penetration depth of HPRP-A1 on A549 MCS and anticancer efficacy in an A549 xenograft mouse model. Our results suggest that the co-administration strategy of anticancer and penetrating peptides could be a potential therapeutic approach for cancer treatment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihua Hu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yibing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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Wang F, Sun W, Li L, Li L, Liu Y, Zhang ZR, Huang Y. Charge-Reversible Multifunctional HPMA Copolymers for Mitochondrial Targeting. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:27563-27574. [PMID: 28762267 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b09693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial-oriented delivery of anticancer drugs has been considered as a promising strategy to improve the antitumor efficiency of chemotherapeutics. However, the physiological and biological barriers from the injection site to the final mitochondrial action site remain great challenges. Herein, a novel mitochondrial-targeted multifunctional nanocomplex based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers (MPC) is designed to enhance drug accumulation in mitochondria. MPC possesses various functions such as extracellular pH response, superior cellular uptake, lysosomal escape, and mitochondrial targeting. In detail, MPC was formed by two oppositely charged HPMA copolymers, that is, positively charged mitochondrial-targeting guanidine group-modified copolymers and charge-reversible 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA)-modified copolymers (P-DMA). It was validated that MPC could remain stable in the blood circulation (pH 7.4) but could be cleaved to expose the positive charge of the guanidine group immediately in response to the mild acidity of tumor tissues (pH 6.5). The gradual exposure of positively charged guanidine will simultaneously facilitate endocytosis, endosomal/lysosomal escape, and mitochondrial targeting. The in vitro experiments showed that compared with copolymers without guanidine modification, the cellular uptake and mitochondrial-targeting ability of MPC in the simulated tumor environment (MPC@pH6.5) separately increased 4.3- and 23.8-fold, respectively. The in vivo experiments were processed on B16F10 tumor-bearing C57 mice, and MPC showed the highest accumulation in the tumor site and a peak tumor inhibition rate of 82.9%. In conclusion, multifunctional mitochondrial-targeting HPMA copolymers provide a novel and versatile approach for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lian Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lijia Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhi-Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University , No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, China
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Abstract
Peptides have been used as drugs to treat various health conditions, and they are also being developed as diagnostic agents. Due to their receptor selectivity, peptides have recently been utilized for drug delivery to target drug molecules to specific types of cells (i.e. cancer cells, immune cells) to lower the side effects of the drugs. In this case, the drug is conjugated to the carrier peptide for directing the drug to the target cells (e.g. cancer cells) with higher expression of a specific receptor that recognizes the carrier peptide. As a result, the drug is directed to the target diseased cells without affecting the normal cells. Peptides are also being developed for improving drug delivery through the intestinal mucosa barrier (IMB) and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). These peptides were derived from intercellular junction proteins such as occludins, claudins, and cadherins and improve drug delivery through the IMB and BBB via the paracellular pathways. It is hypothesized that the peptides modulate protein-protein interactions in the intercellular junctions of the IMB and BBB to increase the porosity of paracellular pathways of the barriers. These modulator peptides have been shown to enhance brain delivery of small molecules and medium-sized peptides as well as a large protein such as 65 kDa albumin. In the future, this method has the potential to improve oral and brain delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic peptides and proteins.
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