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Metrangolo V, Ploug M, Engelholm LH. The Urokinase Receptor (uPAR) as a "Trojan Horse" in Targeted Cancer Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215376. [PMID: 34771541 PMCID: PMC8582577 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Discovered more than three decades ago, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) has now firmly established itself as a versatile molecular target holding promise for the treatment of aggressive malignancies. The copious abundance of uPAR in virtually all human cancerous tissues versus their healthy counterparts has fostered a gradual shift in the therapeutic landscape targeting this receptor from function inhibition to cytotoxic approaches to selectively eradicate the uPAR-expressing cells by delivering a targeted cytotoxic insult. Multiple avenues are being explored in a preclinical setting, including the more innovative immune- or stroma targeting therapies. This review discusses the current state of these strategies, their potentialities, and challenges, along with future directions in the field of uPAR targeting. Abstract One of the largest challenges to the implementation of precision oncology is identifying and validating selective tumor-driving targets to enhance the therapeutic efficacy while limiting off-target toxicity. In this context, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) has progressively emerged as a promising therapeutic target in the management of aggressive malignancies. By focalizing the plasminogen activation cascade and subsequent extracellular proteolysis on the cell surface of migrating cells, uPAR endows malignant cells with a high proteolytic and migratory potential to dissolve the restraining extracellular matrix (ECM) barriers and metastasize to distant sites. uPAR is also assumed to choreograph multiple other neoplastic stages via a complex molecular interplay with distinct cancer-associated signaling pathways. Accordingly, high uPAR expression is observed in virtually all human cancers and is frequently associated with poor patient prognosis and survival. The promising therapeutic potential unveiled by the pleiotropic nature of this receptor has prompted the development of distinct targeted intervention strategies. The present review will focus on recently emerged cytotoxic approaches emphasizing the novel technologies and related limits hindering their application in the clinical setting. Finally, future research directions and emerging opportunities in the field of uPAR targeting are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Metrangolo
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (V.M.); (M.P.)
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Ploug
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (V.M.); (M.P.)
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars H. Engelholm
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (V.M.); (M.P.)
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-31-43-20-77
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Zuppone S, Assalini C, Minici C, Bertagnoli S, Branduardi P, Degano M, Fabbrini MS, Montorsi F, Salonia A, Vago R. The anti-tumoral potential of the saporin-based uPAR-targeting chimera ATF-SAP. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2521. [PMID: 32054892 PMCID: PMC7018701 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59313-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of personalized therapies represents an urgent need owing to the high rate of cancer recurrence and systemic toxicity of conventional drugs. So far, targeted toxins have shown promising results as potential therapeutic compounds. Specifically, toxins conjugated to antibodies or fused to growth factors/enzymes have been largely demonstrated to selectively address and kill cancer cells. We investigated the anti-tumor potential of a chimeric recombinant fusion protein formed by the Ribosome Inactivating Protein saporin (SAP) and the amino-terminal fragment (ATF) of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), whose receptor has been shown to be over-expressed on the surface of aggressive tumors. ATF-SAP was recombinantly produced by the P. pastoris yeast and its activity was assessed on a panel of bladder and breast cancer cell lines. ATF-SAP resulted to be highly active in vitro, as nano-molar concentrations were sufficient to impair viability on tumor cell lines. In contrast to untargeted toxins, the chimeric fusion protein displayed a significantly improved toxic effect in uPAR-expressing cells, demonstrating that the selective activity was due to the presence of the targeting moiety. Fibroblasts were not sensitive to ATF-SAP despite uPAR expression, indicating that cell-specific receptor-mediated internalization pathway(s) might be considered. The in vivo anti-tumor effect of the chimera was shown in a bladder cancer xenograft model. Current findings indicate ATF-SAP as a suitable anti-tumoral therapeutic option to cope with cancer aggressiveness, as a single treatment or in combination with traditional therapeutic approaches, to appropriately address the intra- and inter- tumor heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zuppone
- Urological Research Institute, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - C Assalini
- Urological Research Institute, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - C Minici
- Biocrystallography Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - S Bertagnoli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - P Branduardi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - M Degano
- Biocrystallography Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - M S Fabbrini
- MIUR, Italian Ministry of Instruction, University and Research, 20090, Monza, Italy
| | - F Montorsi
- Urological Research Institute, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - A Salonia
- Urological Research Institute, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - R Vago
- Urological Research Institute, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy. .,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy.
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Dang L, Van Damme EJM. Toxic proteins in plants. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2015; 117:51-64. [PMID: 26057229 PMCID: PMC7111729 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved to synthesize a variety of noxious compounds to cope with unfavorable circumstances, among which a large group of toxic proteins that play a critical role in plant defense against predators and microbes. Up to now, a wide range of harmful proteins have been discovered in different plants, including lectins, ribosome-inactivating proteins, protease inhibitors, ureases, arcelins, antimicrobial peptides and pore-forming toxins. To fulfill their role in plant defense, these proteins exhibit various degrees of toxicity towards animals, insects, bacteria or fungi. Numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the toxic effects and mode of action of these plant proteins in order to explore their possible applications. Indeed, because of their biological activities, toxic plant proteins are also considered as potentially useful tools in crop protection and in biomedical applications, such as cancer treatment. Genes encoding toxic plant proteins have been introduced into crop genomes using genetic engineering technology in order to increase the plant's resistance against pathogens and diseases. Despite the availability of ample information on toxic plant proteins, very few publications have attempted to summarize the research progress made during the last decades. This review focuses on the diversity of toxic plant proteins in view of their toxicity as well as their mode of action. Furthermore, an outlook towards the biological role(s) of these proteins and their potential applications is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyi Dang
- Ghent University, Dept. Molecular Biotechnology, Laboratory Biochemistry and Glycobiology, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Els J M Van Damme
- Ghent University, Dept. Molecular Biotechnology, Laboratory Biochemistry and Glycobiology, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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de Virgilio M, Lombardi A, Caliandro R, Fabbrini MS. Ribosome-inactivating proteins: from plant defense to tumor attack. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:2699-737. [PMID: 22069572 PMCID: PMC3153179 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2112699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are EC3.2.32.22 N-glycosidases that recognize a universally conserved stem-loop structure in 23S/25S/28S rRNA, depurinating a single adenine (A4324 in rat) and irreversibly blocking protein translation, leading finally to cell death of intoxicated mammalian cells. Ricin, the plant RIP prototype that comprises a catalytic A subunit linked to a galactose-binding lectin B subunit to allow cell surface binding and toxin entry in most mammalian cells, shows a potency in the picomolar range. The most promising way to exploit plant RIPs as weapons against cancer cells is either by designing molecules in which the toxic domains are linked to selective tumor targeting domains or directly delivered as suicide genes for cancer gene therapy. Here, we will provide a comprehensive picture of plant RIPs and discuss successful designs and features of chimeric molecules having therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessio Lombardi
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy;
| | - Rocco Caliandro
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy;
| | - Maria Serena Fabbrini
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy;
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Severino V, Chambery A, Di Maro A, Marasco D, Ruggiero A, Berisio R, Giansanti F, Ippoliti R, Parente A. The role of the glycan moiety on the structure–function relationships of PD-L1, type 1 ribosome-inactivating protein from P. dioica leaves. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2010; 6:570-9. [DOI: 10.1039/b919801f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Mekkawy AH, Morris DL, Pourgholami MH. Urokinase plasminogen activator system as a potential target for cancer therapy. Future Oncol 2009; 5:1487-99. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.09.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis of extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane is an essential mechanism used by cancer cells for their invasion and metastasis. The ECM proteinases are divided into three groups: metalloproteinases, cysteine proteinases and serine proteinases. The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system is one of the serine proteinase systems involved in ECM degradation. Members of this system, including uPA and its receptor (uPAR), are overexpressed in several malignant tumors. This system plays a major role in adhesion, migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, thus making it an important target for anticancer drug therapy. Several strategies, including the use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzyme, RNAi, uPA inhibitors, soluble uPAR, catalytically inactive uPA fragments, synthetic peptides and synthetic hybrids are under study, as they interfere with the expression and/or activity of uPA or uPAR in tumor cells. Herein, we discuss the various pharmaceutical strategies under investigation to combat the uPA activity in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad H Pourgholami
- Cancer Research Laboratories, University of New South Wales, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital (SESIAHS), Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
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Lai PS, Pai CL, Peng CL, Shieh MJ, Berg K, Lou PJ. Enhanced cytotoxicity of saporin by polyamidoamine dendrimer conjugation and photochemical internalization. J Biomed Mater Res A 2008; 87:147-55. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.31760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Rustamzadeh E, Hall WA, Todhunter DA, Vallera VD, Low WC, Liu H, Panoskaltsis-Mortari A, Vallera DA. Intracranial therapy of glioblastoma with the fusion protein DTAT in immunodeficient mice. Int J Cancer 2007; 120:411-9. [PMID: 17075792 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A gene splicing technique was used to create a hybrid fusion protein DTAT encoding the 390 amino acid portion of diphtheria toxin (DT(390)), a linker, and the downstream 135-amino terminal fragment portion of human urokinase plasminogen activator. DTAT was assembled to target human glioblastoma cell lines in a murine intracranial model. Previously published in vitro studies demonstrated that DTAT was highly selective and toxic to human glioblastoma cell lines in a flank tumor model. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity, specificity and possible therapeutic efficacy of DTAT in an intracranial model. Convection enhanced delivery of DTAT resulted in about a 16-fold increase in maximum tolerated dose. Intracranial administration of DTAT on an every-other-day basis in nude mice with established U87 MG brain tumors resulted in significant reductions in tumor volume and significantly prolonged survival (p < 0.0001). Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be a powerful tool in mice and rats for demonstrating tumor growth in a xenograft intracranial model, assessing the efficacy of DTAT in tumor volume reduction and detecting DTAT-associated intracranial toxicity and vascular damage. These results suggest that the DTAT recombinant fusion protein is highly effective in an intracranial model and DTAT might be an effective treatment for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Rustamzadeh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Vago R, Marsden CJ, Lord JM, Ippoliti R, Flavell DJ, Flavell SU, Ceriotti A, Fabbrini MS. Saporin and ricin A chain follow different intracellular routes to enter the cytosol of intoxicated cells. FEBS J 2005; 272:4983-95. [PMID: 16176271 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2005.04908.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Several protein toxins, such as the potent plant toxin ricin, enter mammalian cells by endocytosis and undergo retrograde transport via the Golgi complex to reach the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this compartment the catalytic moieties exploit the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway to reach their cytosolic targets. Bacterial toxins such as cholera toxin or Pseudomonas exotoxin A carry KDEL or KDEL-like C-terminal tetrapeptides for efficient delivery to the ER. Chimeric toxins containing monomeric plant ribosome-inactivating proteins linked to various targeting moieties are highly cytotoxic, but it remains unclear how these molecules travel within the target cell to reach cytosolic ribosomes. We investigated the intracellular pathways of saporin, a monomeric plant ribosome-inactivating protein that can enter cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Saporin toxicity was not affected by treatment with Brefeldin A or chloroquine, indicating that this toxin follows a Golgi-independent pathway to the cytosol and does not require a low pH for membrane translocation. In intoxicated Vero or HeLa cells, ricin but not saporin could be clearly visualized in the Golgi complex using immunofluorescence. The saporin signal was not evident in the Golgi, but was found to partially overlap with that of a late endosome/lysosome marker. Consistently, the toxicities of saporin or saporin-based targeted chimeric polypeptides were not enhanced by the addition of ER retrieval sequences. Thus, the intracellular movement of saporin differs from that followed by ricin and other protein toxins that rely on Golgi-mediated retrograde transport to reach their retrotranslocation site.
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Bagga S, Hosur MV, Batra JK. Cytotoxicity of ribosome-inactivating protein saporin is not mediated through alpha2-macroglobulin receptor. FEBS Lett 2003; 541:16-20. [PMID: 12706812 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Saporin is a single chain ribosome-inactivating protein produced by the plant Saponaria officinalis. Several isoforms of saporin have been isolated from various parts of the plant. In the present study recombinant saporin isoforms 5 and 6 were produced in Escherichia coli. Saporin-6 was found to be more active than saporin-5 in its N-glycosidase, cytotoxic, and genomic DNA fragmentation activities. Earlier, saporin has been shown to bind low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), however, in this study the sensitivities of LRP-negative and LRP-positive cell lines were found to be similar towards saporin-6 toxicity suggesting the internalization of saporin not to be solely dependent on the expression of LRP on eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shveta Bagga
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
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