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Pirhaghi M, Mamashli F, Moosavi-Movahedi F, Arghavani P, Amiri A, Davaeil B, Mohammad-Zaheri M, Mousavi-Jarrahi Z, Sharma D, Langel Ü, Otzen DE, Saboury AA. Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Promising Therapeutics and Drug-Delivery Systems for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2097-2117. [PMID: 38440998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Currently, one of the most significant and rapidly growing unmet medical challenges is the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). This challenge encompasses the imperative development of efficacious therapeutic agents and overcoming the intricacies of the blood-brain barrier for successful drug delivery. Here we focus on the delivery aspect with particular emphasis on cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), widely used in basic and translational research as they enhance drug delivery to challenging targets such as tissue and cellular compartments and thus increase therapeutic efficacy. The combination of CPPs with nanomaterials such as nanoparticles (NPs) improves the performance, accuracy, and stability of drug delivery and enables higher drug loads. Our review presents and discusses research that utilizes CPPs, either alone or in conjugation with NPs, to mitigate the pathogenic effects of neurodegenerative diseases with particular reference to AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Pirhaghi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 6673145137, Iran
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614335, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mamashli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614335, Iran
| | | | - Payam Arghavani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614335, Iran
| | - Ahmad Amiri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614335, Iran
| | - Bagher Davaeil
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614335, Iran
| | - Mahya Mohammad-Zaheri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614335, Iran
| | - Zahra Mousavi-Jarrahi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614335, Iran
| | - Deepak Sharma
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden
| | - Daniel Erik Otzen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C 1592-224, Denmark
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614335, Iran
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2
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Dowaidar M. Uptake pathways of cell-penetrating peptides in the context of drug delivery, gene therapy, and vaccine development. Cell Signal 2024; 117:111116. [PMID: 38408550 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111116] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides have been extensively utilized for the purpose of facilitating the intracellular delivery of cargo that is impermeable to the cell membrane. The researchers have exhibited proficient delivery capabilities for oligonucleotides, thereby establishing cell-penetrating peptides as a potent instrument in the field of gene therapy. Furthermore, they have demonstrated a high level of efficiency in delivering several additional payloads. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) possess the capability to efficiently transport therapeutic molecules to specific cells, hence offering potential remedies for many illnesses. Hence, their utilization is imperative for the improvement of therapeutic vaccines. In contemporary studies, a plethora of cell-penetrating peptides have been unveiled, each characterized by its own distinct structural attributes and associated mechanisms. Although it is widely acknowledged that there are multiple pathways through which particles might be internalized, a comprehensive understanding of the specific mechanisms by which these particles enter cells has to be fully elucidated. The absorption of cell-penetrating peptides can occur through either direct translocation or endocytosis. However, it is worth noting that categories of cell-penetrating peptides are not commonly linked to specific entrance mechanisms. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) possess the capacity to enhance antigen uptake by cells and facilitate the traversal of various biological barriers. The primary objective of this work is to examine the mechanisms by which cell-penetrating peptides are internalized by cells and their significance in facilitating the administration of drugs, particularly in the context of gene therapy and vaccine development. The current study investigates the immunostimulatory properties of numerous vaccine components administered using different cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). This study encompassed a comprehensive discussion on various topics, including the uptake pathways and mechanisms of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), the utilization of CPPs as innovative vectors for gene therapy, the role of CPPs in vaccine development, and the potential of CPPs for antigen delivery in the context of vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moataz Dowaidar
- Bioengineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia; Biosystems and Machines Research Center, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
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Lifshits LA, Breuer Y, Sova M, Gupta S, Kadosh D, Weinberg E, Hayouka Z, Bar DZ, Gal M. Nature-inspired peptide of MtDef4 C-terminus tail enables protein delivery in mammalian cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4604. [PMID: 38409451 PMCID: PMC10897151 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55274-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides show promise as versatile tools for intracellular delivery of therapeutic agents. Various peptides have originated from natural proteins with antimicrobial activity. We investigated the mammalian cell-penetrating properties of a 16-residue peptide with the sequence GRCRGFRRRCFCTTHC from the C-terminus tail of the Medicago truncatula defensin MtDef4. We evaluated the peptide's ability to penetrate multiple cell types. Our results demonstrate that the peptide efficiently penetrates mammalian cells within minutes and at a micromolar concentration. Moreover, upon N-terminal fusion to the fluorescent protein GFP, the peptide efficiently delivers GFP into the cells. Despite its remarkable cellular permeability, the peptide has only a minor effect on cellular viability, making it a promising candidate for developing a cell-penetrating peptide with potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Adriana Lifshits
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoav Breuer
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marina Sova
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sumit Gupta
- BLAVATNIK CENTER for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dar Kadosh
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Evgeny Weinberg
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zvi Hayouka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daniel Z Bar
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maayan Gal
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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4
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Komarova T, Ilina I, Taliansky M, Ershova N. Nanoplatforms for the Delivery of Nucleic Acids into Plant Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16665. [PMID: 38068987 PMCID: PMC10706211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanocarriers are widely used for efficient delivery of different cargo into mammalian cells; however, delivery into plant cells remains a challenging issue due to physical and mechanical barriers such as the cuticle and cell wall. Here, we discuss recent progress on biodegradable and biosafe nanomaterials that were demonstrated to be applicable to the delivery of nucleic acids into plant cells. This review covers studies the object of which is the plant cell and the cargo for the nanocarrier is either DNA or RNA. The following nanoplatforms that could be potentially used for nucleic acid foliar delivery via spraying are discussed: mesoporous silica nanoparticles, layered double hydroxides (nanoclay), carbon-based materials (carbon dots and single-walled nanotubes), chitosan and, finally, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). Hybrid nanomaterials, for example, chitosan- or CPP-functionalized carbon nanotubes, are taken into account. The selected nanocarriers are analyzed according to the following aspects: biosafety, adjustability for the particular cargo and task (e.g., organelle targeting), penetration efficiency and ability to protect nucleic acid from environmental and cellular factors (pH, UV, nucleases, etc.) and to mediate the gradual and timely release of cargo. In addition, we discuss the method of application, experimental system and approaches that are used to assess the efficiency of the tested formulation in the overviewed studies. This review presents recent progress in developing the most promising nanoparticle-based materials that are applicable to both laboratory experiments and field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Komarova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.I.); (M.T.); (N.E.)
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119333 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Ilina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.I.); (M.T.); (N.E.)
| | - Michael Taliansky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.I.); (M.T.); (N.E.)
| | - Natalia Ershova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.I.); (M.T.); (N.E.)
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119333 Moscow, Russia
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5
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Ivánczi M, Balogh B, Kis L, Mándity I. Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Drug-Conjugated Cell-Penetrating Peptides. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1251. [PMID: 37765059 PMCID: PMC10535489 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are small peptides capable of translocating through biological membranes carrying various attached cargo into cells and even into the nucleus. They may also participate in transcellular transport. Our in silico study intends to model several peptides and their conjugates. We have selected three CPPs with a linear backbone, including penetratin, a naturally occurring oligopeptide; two of its modified sequence analogues (6,14-Phe-penetratin and dodeca-penetratin); and three natural CPPs with a cyclic backbone: Kalata B1, the Sunflower trypsin inhibitor 1 (SFT1), and Momordica cochinchinensis trypsin inhibitor II (MCoTI-II). We have also built conjugates with the small-molecule drug compounds doxorubicin, zidovudine, and rasagiline for each peptide. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out with explicit membrane models. The analysis of the trajectories showed that the interaction of penetratin with the membrane led to spectacular rearrangements in the secondary structure of the peptide, while cyclic peptides remained unchanged due to their high conformational stability. Membrane-peptide and membrane-conjugate interactions have been identified and compared. Taking into account well-known examples from the literature, our simulations demonstrated the utility of computational methods for CPP complexes, and they may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of penetration, which could serve as the basis for delivering conjugated drug molecules to their intracellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márton Ivánczi
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Utca 7., H-1092 Budapest, Hungary (L.K.)
| | - Balázs Balogh
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Utca 7., H-1092 Budapest, Hungary (L.K.)
| | - Loretta Kis
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Utca 7., H-1092 Budapest, Hungary (L.K.)
| | - István Mándity
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Utca 7., H-1092 Budapest, Hungary (L.K.)
- Artificial Transporters Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2., H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
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Vogel E, Santos D, Huygens C, Peeters P, Van den Brande S, Wynant N, Vanden Broeck J. The Study of Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Deliver dsRNA and siRNA by Feeding in the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria. INSECTS 2023; 14:597. [PMID: 37504603 PMCID: PMC10380834 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
RNA(i) interference is a gene silencing mechanism triggered by double-stranded (ds)RNA, which promises to contribute to species-specific insect pest control strategies. The first step toward the application of RNAi as an insecticide is to enable efficient gene silencing upon dsRNA oral delivery. The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria is a devastating agricultural pest. While this species is responsive to dsRNA delivered by intra-hemocoelic injection, it is refractory to orally delivered dsRNA. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of five cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to bind long dsRNA and protect it from the locust midgut environment. We then selected the CPP EB1 for further in vivo studies. EB1:dsRNA complexes failed to induce RNAi by feeding. Interestingly, we observed that intra-hemocoelic injection of small-interfering (si)RNAs does not result in a silencing response, but that this response can be obtained by injecting EB1:siRNA complexes. EB1 also protected siRNAs from midgut degradation activity. However, EB1:siRNA complexes failed as well in triggering RNAi when fed. Our findings highlight the complexity of the dsRNA/siRNA-triggered RNAi in this species and emphasize the multifactorial nature of the RNAi response in insects. Our study also stresses the importance of in vivo studies when it comes to dsRNA/siRNA delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Vogel
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cissy Huygens
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stijn Van den Brande
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels Wynant
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Kotwal SB, Orekondey N, Saradadevi GP, Priyadarshini N, Puppala NV, Bhushan M, Motamarry S, Kumar R, Mohannath G, Dey RJ. Multidimensional futuristic approaches to address the pandemics beyond COVID-19. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17148. [PMID: 37325452 PMCID: PMC10257889 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been enormous and unrelenting with ∼6.9 million deaths and ∼765 million infections. This review mainly focuses on the recent advances and potentially novel molecular tools for viral diagnostics and therapeutics with far-reaching implications in managing the future pandemics. In addition to briefly highlighting the existing and recent methods of viral diagnostics, we propose a couple of potentially novel non-PCR-based methods for rapid, cost-effective, and single-step detection of nucleic acids of viruses using RNA mimics of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and nuclease-based approaches. We also highlight key innovations in miniaturized Lab-on-Chip (LoC) devices, which in combination with cyber-physical systems, could serve as ideal futuristic platforms for viral diagnosis and disease management. We also discuss underexplored and underutilized antiviral strategies, including ribozyme-mediated RNA-cleaving tools for targeting viral RNA, and recent advances in plant-based platforms for rapid, low-cost, and large-scale production and oral delivery of antiviral agents/vaccines. Lastly, we propose repurposing of the existing vaccines for newer applications with a major emphasis on Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-based vaccine engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifa Bushra Kotwal
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Nidhi Orekondey
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | | | - Neha Priyadarshini
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Navinchandra V Puppala
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Mahak Bhushan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, West Bengal 741246, India
| | - Snehasri Motamarry
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Gireesha Mohannath
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Ruchi Jain Dey
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
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8
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Ghanam RH, Eastep GN, Saad JS. Structural Insights into the Mechanism of HIV-1 Tat Secretion from the Plasma Membrane. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167880. [PMID: 36370804 PMCID: PMC9822876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) trans-activator of transcription (Tat) is a small, intrinsically disordered basic protein that plays diverse roles in the HIV-1 replication cycle, including promotion of efficient viral RNA transcription. Tat is released by infected cells and subsequently absorbed by healthy cells, thereby contributing to HIV-1 pathogenesis including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. It has been shown that, in HIV-1-infected primary CD4 T-cells, Tat accumulates at the plasma membrane (PM) for secretion, a mechanism mediated by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2). However, the structural basis for Tat interaction with the PM and thereby secretion is lacking. Herein, we employed NMR and biophysical methods to characterize Tat86 (86 amino acids) interactions with PI(4,5)P2 and lipid nanodiscs (NDs). Our data revealed that Arg49, Lys50 and Lys51 (RKK motif) constitute the PI(4,5)P2 binding site, that Tat86 interaction with lipid NDs is dependent on PI(4,5)P2 and phosphatidylserine (PS), and that the arginine-rich motif (RRQRRR) preferentially interacts with PS. Furthermore, we show that Trp11, previously implicated in Tat secretion, penetrates deeply in the membrane; substitution of Trp11 severely reduced Tat86 interaction with membranes. Deletion of the entire highly basic region and Trp11 completely abolished Tat86 binding to lipid NDs. Our data support a mechanism by which HIV-1 Tat secretion from the PM is mediated by a tripartite signal consisting of binding of the RKK motif to PI(4,5)P2, arginine-rich motif to PS, and penetration of Trp11 in the membrane. Altogether, these findings provide new insights into the molecular requirements for Tat binding to membranes during secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruba H Ghanam
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Gunnar N Eastep
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Jamil S Saad
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
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Rajapaksha SP, Nawagamuwage SU. Anticorrelated position fluctuation of lipids in forming membrane water pores: molecular dynamics simulations study with dengue virus capsid protein. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11395-11404. [PMID: 34343444 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1958698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The traffic of molecules into or out of cells is regulated by many membrane-associated mechanisms. Membrane pores are considered as one of the major passage mechanisms, although molecular-level understanding of pore formation is still vague. The opening of a membrane pore depends on many factors, including the influence of some proteins. The ability of the cell-penetrating peptides and supercharged proteins to form membrane pores has been reported. We studied pore formation through dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayers by supercharged dengue virus capsid (C) protein. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the formation of membrane pores by a combined effect of the C protein and the membrane electric field. Analyses of simulated trajectories showed highly correlated vertical position fluctuations between the Cα atom of the membrane-anchored arginine residues and the phosphorus atoms of the surrounding DPPC lipids. Certain regions of the bilayer were negatively correlated while the others were positively correlated with respect to the fluctuations of the Cα atom of the anchored arginine residues. When positively correlated lipids in one leaflet vertically aligned with the negatively correlated lipids in the other leaflet, a local anticorrelated region was generated by weakening the bilayer. The membrane pore was always formed close to this anticorrelated region. Once formed, the C protein followed the hydrated pathway provided by the water-filled pores to cross the membrane.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneth P Rajapaksha
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Sithara U Nawagamuwage
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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Das PK, Panda G, Patra K, Jena N, Dash M. The role of polyplexes in developing a green sustainable approach in agriculture. RSC Adv 2022; 12:34463-34481. [PMID: 36545618 PMCID: PMC9709925 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06541j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Rise in global population has increased the food demands and thus the competition among farmers to produce more and more. In the race to obtain higher productivity, farmers have resorted to injudicious farming practices that include the reckless use of nitrogenous fertilizers and intensive cropping on farmlands. Such practices have paved the path for large scale infestations of crops and plants by pests thus affecting the plant productivity and crop vigour. There are several traditional techniques to control pest infestations in plants such as the use of chemical or bio-pesticides, and integrated pest management practices which face several drawbacks. Delivery of gene/nucleic acid in plants through genetic engineering approaches is a more sustainable and effective method of protection against pests. The technology of RNA interference (RNAi) provides a sustainable solution to counter pest control problems faced by other traditional techniques. The RNAi technique involves delivery of dsDNA/dsRNA or other forms of nucleic acids into target organisms thereby bringing about gene silencing. However, RNAi is also limited to its use because of their susceptibility to degradation wherein the use of cationic polymers can provide a tangible solution. Cationic polymers form stable complexes with the nucleic acids known as "polyplexes", which may be attributed to their high positive charge densities thus protecting the exogenous nucleic acids from extracellular degradation. The current paper focuses on the utility of nucleic acids as a sustainable tool for pest control in crops and the use of cationic polymers for the efficient delivery of nucleic acids in pests thus protecting the plant from infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nivedita Jena
- Institute of Life Sciences, DBT-ILSBhubaneswarOdishaIndia
| | - Mamoni Dash
- Institute of Life Sciences, DBT-ILSBhubaneswarOdishaIndia
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11
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Blanco S, Martínez-Lara E, Siles E, Peinado MÁ. New Strategies for Stroke Therapy: Nanoencapsulated Neuroglobin. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081737. [PMID: 36015363 PMCID: PMC9412405 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a global health and socio-economic problem. However, no efficient preventive and/or palliative treatments have yet been found. Neuroglobin (Ngb) is an endogen neuroprotective protein, but it only exerts its beneficial action against stroke after increasing its basal levels. Therefore, its systemic administration appears to be an efficient therapy applicable to stroke and other neurodegenerative pathologies. Unfortunately, Ngb cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making its direct pharmacological use unfeasible. Thus, the association of Ngb with a drug delivery system (DDS), such as nanoparticles (NPs), appears to be a good strategy for overcoming this handicap. NPs are a type of DDS which efficiently transport Ngb and increase its bioavailability in the infarcted area. Hence, we previously built hyaluronate NPS linked to Ngb (Ngb-NPs) as a therapeutic tool against stroke. This nanoformulation induced an improvement of the cerebral infarct prognosis. However, this innovative therapy is still in development, and a more in-depth study focusing on its long-lasting neuroprotectant and neuroregenerative capabilities is needed. In short, this review aims to update the state-of-the-art of stroke therapies based on Ngb, paying special attention to the use of nanotechnological drug-delivering tools.
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12
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Yang W, Wang B, Lei G, Chen G, Liu D. Advances in nanocarriers to improve the stability of dsRNA in the environment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:974646. [PMID: 36051593 PMCID: PMC9424858 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.974646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAi technology, known as a revolutionary technology in the history of pesticides, has been identified as a very promising novel approach for crop protection, which is of great significance for achieving the sustainable agricultural development of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Although many studies have shown that RNA biopesticides have strong application prospects, its stability seriously restricts the commercial use. As the core component of RNAi, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is unstable in its natural form. Therefore, how to ensure the stability of dsRNA is one of the most significant challenges in realizing the commercial use of RNA biopesticides. Nanomaterials such as cationic polymers and lipofectamine can improve the stability of dsRNA in the environment, which has been proved. This paper reviews the recent research progress of nanomaterials that can be used to improve the environmental stability of dsRNA, and discusses the advantages and limitations of different nanomaterials combined with dsRNA, which provides reference for the selection of dsRNA nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dehai Liu
- *Correspondence: Dehai Liu, ; Guocan Chen,
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13
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Zhou M, Zou X, Cheng K, Zhong S, Su Y, Wu T, Tao Y, Cong L, Yan B, Jiang Y. The role of cell-penetrating peptides in potential anti-cancer therapy. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e822. [PMID: 35593206 PMCID: PMC9121317 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the complex physiological structure, microenvironment and multiple physiological barriers, traditional anti-cancer drugs are severely restricted from reaching the tumour site. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are typically made up of 5-30 amino acids, and can be utilised as molecular transporters to facilitate the passage of therapeutic drugs across physiological barriers. Up to now, CPPs have widely been used in many anti-cancer treatment strategies, serving as an excellent potential choice for oncology treatment. However, their drawbacks, such as the lack of cell specificity, short duration of action, poor stability in vivo, compatibility problems (i.e. immunogenicity), poor therapeutic efficacy and formation of unwanted metabolites, have limited their further application in cancer treatment. The cellular uptake mechanisms of CPPs involve mainly endocytosis and direct penetration, but still remain highly controversial in academia. The CPPs-based drug delivery strategy could be improved by clever design or chemical modifications to develop the next-generation CPPs with enhanced cell penetration capability, stability and selectivity. In addition, some recent advances in targeted cell penetration that involve CPPs provide some new ideas to optimise CPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kexin Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Suye Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yangzhou Su
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiqun Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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14
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Mucha P, Sikorska E, Rekowski P, Ruczyński J. Interaction of Arginine-Rich Cell-Penetrating Peptides with an Artificial Neuronal Membrane. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101638. [PMID: 35626677 PMCID: PMC9139471 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides (RRCPPs) exhibit intrinsic neuroprotective effects on neurons injured by acute ischemic stroke. Conformational properties, interaction, and the ability to penetrate the neural membrane are critical for the neuroprotective effects of RRCCPs. In this study, we applied circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG MD) simulations to investigate the interactions of two RRCPPs, Tat(49–57)-NH2 (arginine-rich motif of Tat HIV-1 protein) and PTD4 (a less basic Ala-scan analog of the Tat peptide), with an artificial neuronal membrane (ANM). CD spectra showed that in an aqueous environment, such as phosphate-buffered saline, the peptides mostly adopted a random coil (PTD4) or a polyproline type II helical (Tat(49–57)-NH2) conformation. On the other hand, in the hydrophobic environment of the ANM liposomes, the peptides showed moderate conformational changes, especially around 200 nm, as indicated by CD curves. The changes induced by the liposomes were slightly more significant in the PTD4 peptide. However, the nature of the conformational changes could not be clearly defined. CG MD simulations showed that the peptides are quickly attracted to the neuronal lipid bilayer and bind preferentially to monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (DPG1) molecules. However, the peptides did not penetrate the membrane even at increasing concentrations. This suggests that the energy barrier required to break the strong peptide–lipid electrostatic interactions was not exceeded in the simulated models. The obtained results show a correlation between the potential of mean force parameter and a peptide’s cell membrane-penetrating ability and neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Mucha
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
- Environmental Nucleic Acid Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (P.M.); (J.R.); Tel.: +48-58-5235432 (P.M.); +48-58-5235235 (J.R.)
| | - Emilia Sikorska
- Laboratory of Structural Research of Biopolymers, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rekowski
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
- Environmental Nucleic Acid Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jarosław Ruczyński
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Biologically Active Compounds, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
- Correspondence: (P.M.); (J.R.); Tel.: +48-58-5235432 (P.M.); +48-58-5235235 (J.R.)
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15
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Song SJ, Choi JS. Enzyme-Responsive Amphiphilic Peptide Nanoparticles for Biocompatible and Efficient Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14010143. [PMID: 35057039 PMCID: PMC8779831 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-assembled peptide nanostructures recently have gained much attention as drug delivery systems. As biomolecules, peptides have enhanced biocompatibility and biodegradability compared to polymer-based carriers. We introduce a peptide nanoparticle system containing arginine, histidine, and an enzyme-responsive core of repeating GLFG oligopeptides. GLFG oligopeptides exhibit specific sensitivity towards the enzyme cathepsin B that helps effective controlled release of cargo molecules in the cytoplasm. Arginine can induce cell penetration, and histidine facilitates lysosomal escape by its buffering capacity. Herein, we propose an enzyme-responsive amphiphilic peptide delivery system (Arg-His-(Gly-Phe-Lue-Gly)3, RH-(GFLG)3). The self-assembled RH-(GFLG)3 globular nanoparticle structure exhibited a positive charge and formulation stability for 35 days. Nile Red-tagged RH-(GFLG)3 nanoparticles showed good cellular uptake compared to the non-enzyme-responsive control groups with d-form peptides (LD (LRH-D(GFLG)3), DL (DRH-L(GFLG)3), and DD (DRH-D(GFLG)3). The RH-(GFLG)3 nanoparticles showed negligible cytotoxicity in HeLa cells and human RBCs. To determine the drug delivery efficacy, we introduced the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) in the RH-(GFLG)3 nanoparticle system. LL-Dox exhibited formulation stability, maintaining the physical properties of the nanostructure, as well as a robust anticancer effect in HeLa cells compared to DD-Dox. These results indicate that the enzyme-sensitive RH-(GFLG)3 peptide nanoparticles are promising candidates as drug delivery carriers for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jeong Song
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea;
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Joon Sig Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-(42)-821-5489
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16
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Rusiecka I, Gągało I, Kocić I. Cell-penetrating peptides improve pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anticancer drugs. Tissue Barriers 2022; 10:1965418. [PMID: 34402743 PMCID: PMC8794253 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1965418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review concentrates on the research concerning conjugates of anticancer drugs with versatile cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). For a better insight into the relationship between the components of the constructs, it starts with the characteristic of the peptides and considers its following aspects: mechanisms of cellular internalization, interaction with cancer-modified membranes, selectivity against tumor tissue. Also, CPPs with anticancer activity have been distinguished and summarized with their mechanisms of action. With respect to the conjugates, the preclinical studies (in vitro, in vivo) indicated that they possess several merits in comparison to the parent drugs. They concerned not only better cellular internalization but also other improvements in pharmacokinetics (e.g. access to the brain tissue) and pharmacodynamics (e.g. overcoming drug resistance). The anticancer activity of the conjugates was usually superior to that of the unconjugated drug. Certain anticancer CPPs and conjugates entered clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Rusiecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Iwona Gągało
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ivan Kocić
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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17
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Amiss AS, Henriques ST, Lawrence N. Antimicrobial peptides provide wider coverage for targeting drug‐resistant bacterial pathogens. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna S. Amiss
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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18
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Live Cell Imaging of Peptide Uptake Using a Microfluidic Platform. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10228-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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Hejtmánková A, Váňová J, Španielová H. Cell-penetrating peptides in the intracellular delivery of viral nanoparticles. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 117:47-76. [PMID: 34420585 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a promising tool for the intracellular delivery of cargo. Due to their ability to cross membranes while also cotransporting various cargoes, they offer great potential for biomedical applications. Several CPPs have been derived from viral proteins with natural roles in the viral replication cycle that require them to breach or fuse to cellular membranes. Additionally, the ability of viruses to cross membranes makes viruses and virus-based particles a convenient model for research on nanoparticle delivery and nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy. In this chapter, we aim to characterize CPPs derived from both structural and nonstructural viral proteins. Their function as enhancers of viral infection and transduction by viral nanoparticles as well as the main features of viral CPPs employed in intracellular cargo delivery are summarized to emphasize their potential use in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alžběta Hejtmánková
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Váňová
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Španielová
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Prague, Czech Republic.
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20
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Ide K, Takahashi S, Sakai K, Taga Y, Ueno T, Dickens D, Jenkins R, Falciani F, Sasaki T, Ooi K, Kawashiri S, Mizuno K, Hattori S, Sakai T. The dipeptide prolyl-hydroxyproline promotes cellular homeostasis and lamellipodia-driven motility via active β1-integrin in adult tendon cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100819. [PMID: 34029590 PMCID: PMC8239475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen-derived hydroxyproline (Hyp)-containing peptides have a variety of biological effects on cells. These bioactive collagen peptides are locally generated by the degradation of endogenous collagen in response to injury. However, no comprehensive study has yet explored the functional links between Hyp-containing peptides and cellular behavior. Here, we show that the dipeptide prolyl-4-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp) exhibits pronounced effects on mouse tendon cells. Pro-Hyp promotes differentiation/maturation of tendon cells with modulation of lineage-specific factors and induces significant chemotactic activity in vitro. In addition, Pro-Hyp has profound effects on cell proliferation, with significantly upregulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and extracellular matrix production and increased type I collagen network organization. Using proteomics, we have predicted molecular transport, cellular assembly and organization, and cellular movement as potential linked-network pathways that could be altered in response to Pro-Hyp. Mechanistically, cells treated with Pro-Hyp demonstrate increased directional persistence and significantly increased directed motility and migration velocity. They are accompanied by elongated lamellipodial protrusions with increased levels of active β1-integrin-containing focal contacts, as well as reorganization of thicker peripheral F-actin fibrils. Pro-Hyp-mediated chemotactic activity is significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in cells treated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 inhibitor PD98059 or the α5β1-integrin antagonist ATN-161. Furthermore, ATN-161 significantly inhibits uptake of Pro-Hyp into adult tenocytes. Thus, our findings document the molecular basis of the functional benefits of the Pro-Hyp dipeptide in cellular behavior. These dynamic properties of collagen-derived Pro-Hyp dipeptide could lead the way to its application in translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Ide
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sanai Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Keiko Sakai
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Yuki Taga
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomonori Ueno
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - David Dickens
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rosalind Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Francesco Falciani
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ooi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Shuichi Kawashiri
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kazunori Mizuno
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shunji Hattori
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takao Sakai
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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21
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Wang H, Dawber RS, Zhang P, Walko M, Wilson AJ, Wang X. Peptide-based inhibitors of protein-protein interactions: biophysical, structural and cellular consequences of introducing a constraint. Chem Sci 2021; 12:5977-5993. [PMID: 33995995 PMCID: PMC8098664 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc00165e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are implicated in the majority of cellular processes by enabling and regulating the function of individual proteins. Thus, PPIs represent high-value, but challenging targets for therapeutic intervention. The development of constrained peptides represents an emerging strategy to generate peptide-based PPI inhibitors, typically mediated by α-helices. The approach can confer significant benefits including enhanced affinity, stability and cellular penetration and is ingrained in the premise that pre-organization simultaneously pays the entropic cost of binding, prevents a peptide from adopting a protease compliant β-strand conformation and shields the hydrophilic amides from the hydrophobic membrane. This conceptual blueprint for the empirical design of peptide-based PPI inhibitors is an exciting and potentially lucrative way to effect successful PPI inhibitor drug-discovery. However, a plethora of more subtle effects may arise from the introduction of a constraint that include changes to binding dynamics, the mode of recognition and molecular properties. In this review, we summarise the influence of inserting constraints on biophysical, conformational, structural and cellular behaviour across a range of constraining chemistries and targets, to highlight the tremendous success that has been achieved with constrained peptides alongside emerging design opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuang Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences 5625 Renmin St. Changchun 130022 Jilin China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 Jiangsu China
| | - Robert S Dawber
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Peiyu Zhang
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Martin Walko
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Andrew J Wilson
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences 5625 Renmin St. Changchun 130022 Jilin China
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
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22
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Gayraud F, Klußmann M, Neundorf I. Recent Advances and Trends in Chemical CPP-Drug Conjugation Techniques. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061591. [PMID: 33805680 PMCID: PMC7998868 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes recent developments in conjugation techniques for the synthesis of cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)–drug conjugates targeting cancer cells. We will focus on small organic molecules as well as metal complexes that were used as cytostatic payloads. Moreover, two principle ways of coupling chemistry will be discussed direct conjugation as well as the use of bifunctional linkers. While direct conjugation of the drug to the CPP is still popular, the use of bifunctional linkers seems to gain increasing attention as it offers more advantages related to the linker chemistry. Thus, three main categories of linkers will be highlighted, forming either disulfide acid-sensitive or stimuli-sensitive bonds. All techniques will be thoroughly discussed by their pros and cons with the aim to help the reader in the choice of the optimal conjugation technique that might be used for the synthesis of a given CPP–drug conjugate
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23
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Porosk L, Gaidutšik I, Langel Ü. Approaches for the discovery of new cell-penetrating peptides. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:553-565. [PMID: 33874824 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1851187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The capability of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP), also known as protein transduction domains (PTD), to enter into cells possibly with an attached cargo, makes their application as delivery vectors or as direct therapeutics compelling. They are generally biocompatible, nontoxic, and easy to synthesize and modify. Three decades after the discovery of the first CPPs, ~2,000 CPP sequences have been identified, and many more predicted. Nevertheless, the field has a strong commitment to authenticate new, more efficient, and specific CPPs.Areas covered: Although a scattering of CPPs have been found by chance, various systematic approaches have been developed and refined over the years to directly aid the identification and depiction of new peptide-based delivery vectors or therapeutics. Here, the authors give an overview of CPPs, and review various approaches of discovering new ones. An emphasis is placed on in silico methods, as these have advanced rapidly in recent years.Expert opinion: Although there are many known CPPs, there is a need to find more efficient and specific CPPs. Several approaches are used to identify such sequences. The success of these approaches depends on the advancement of others and the successful prediction of CPP sequences relies on experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ly Porosk
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ilja Gaidutšik
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- Department Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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Fenton D, Phillips D, Maddison A, H George C, Ryves J, D Jones H. Cupid, a cell permeable peptide derived from amoeba, capable of delivering GFP into a diverse range of species. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13725. [PMID: 32792509 PMCID: PMC7426420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell permeating peptides (CPPs) are attracting great interest for use as molecular delivery vehicles for the transport of biologically active cargo across the cell membrane. The sequence of a novel CPP sequence, termed ‘Cupid’, was identified from the genome of Dictyostelium discoideum. A Cupid-Green Fluorescent Protein (Cupid-GFP) fusion protein was tested on mammalian, whole plant cells, plant leaf protoplast and fungal cell cultures and observed using confocal microscopy. GFP fluorescence builds up within the cell cytosol in 60 min, demonstrating Cupid-GFP has permeated them and folded correctly into its fluorescent form. Our combined data suggest Cupid can act as a molecular vehicle capable of delivering proteins, such as GFP, into the cytosol of a variety of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fenton
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, Wales, UK
| | - Dylan Phillips
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, Wales, UK
| | - Anne Maddison
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, Wales, UK
| | - Christopher H George
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Jonathan Ryves
- Cupid Peptides, Cardiff Medicentre, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4UJ, Wales, UK.
| | - Huw D Jones
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, Wales, UK.
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25
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Chiongson JBV, Sabido EM, Lin KG, Alea GV, Dalisay DS, Wu SH, Saludes JP. Multimeric TAT peptides are effective in vitro inhibitors of Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 96:1348-1354. [PMID: 32562357 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13706] [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: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
TAT (48-60) is a tridecapeptide from the envelope protein of HIV that was previously shown to possess cell-penetrating properties and antibacterial activity, making it a potential drug delivery agent for anticancer drugs and as antibacterial compound. Previous reports indicated that dimerization enhances the desired bioactivity of TAT; hence, we sought to synthesize multimeric TAT peptides. Herein, we describe the effects of multimerization on the antibacterial activity and secondary structure of the peptide. Terminal modifications such as N-acetylation and C-amidation were employed in the design. TATp monomer, dimer, and tetramer were synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis, purified by reversed-phase HPLC, and then characterized by mass spectrometry. Multimerization of the peptide did not change the secondary structure conformation. The CD analysis revealed a polyproline-II conformation for all peptide designs. Thus, this study provides a method of increasing the biological activity of the peptide by multimerization while retaining the secondary conformation of its monomeric unit. Furthermore, the bacteria Staphylococcus saprophyticus was found to be susceptible to the dimer and tetramer, with MIC50 of 12.50 μm and <1.56 μm, respectively. This suggests a structure-activity relationship whereby the antibacterial activity increases with increase in valency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Brian V Chiongson
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines.,Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
| | - Edna M Sabido
- Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3), University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
| | - Kuo-Ging Lin
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Glenn V Alea
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
| | - Doralyn S Dalisay
- Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2), University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
| | - Shih-Hsiung Wu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jonel P Saludes
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines.,Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3), University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines
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Uğurlu Ö, Barlas FB, Evran S, Timur S. The cell-penetrating YopM protein-functionalized quantum dot-plasmid DNA conjugate as a novel gene delivery vector. Plasmid 2020; 110:102513. [PMID: 32502501 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2020.102513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-viral gene delivery systems have great potential for safe and efficient gene therapy, while inefficient cellular and nuclear uptake remain as the major hurdles. Novel approaches are needed to enhance the transfection efficiency of non-viral vectors. In accordance with this need, the objective of this study was to construct a non-viral vector that could achieve gene delivery without using additional lipid-based transfection agent. We aimed to impart self-delivery property to a non-viral vector by using the cell and nucleus penetrating properties of YopM proteins from the three Yersinia spp. (Y. pestis, Y. enterocolotica and Y. pseudotuberculosis). Plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) was labeled with quantum dots (QDs) via peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) recognition site. Recombinant YopM protein was then attached to the conjugate via a second PNA recognition site. The YopM ̶ QDs ̶ pDNA conjugate was transfected into HeLa cells without using additional transfection reagent. All three conjugates produced GFP fluorescence, indicating that the plasmid was successfully delivered to the nucleus. As control, naked pDNA was transfected into the cells by using a commercial transfection reagent. The Y. pseudotuberculosis YopM-functionalized conjugate achieved the highest GFP expression, compared to other two YopM proteins and the transfection reagent. To the best of our knowledge, YopM protein was used for the first time in a non-viral gene delivery vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Uğurlu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100, Bornov, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fırat Barış Barlas
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100, Bornov, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serap Evran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100, Bornov, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Suna Timur
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100, Bornov, Izmir, Turkey; Central Research Testing and Analysis Laboratory Research and Application Center, Ege University, 35100, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
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Namazi F, Bolhassani A, Sadat SM, Irani S. Delivery of HIV-1 Polyepitope Constructs Using Cationic and Amphipathic Cell Penetrating Peptides into Mammalian Cells. Curr HIV Res 2020; 17:408-428. [DOI: 10.2174/1570162x17666191121114522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background:
An effective vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) is
an important global health priority. Despite many efforts in the development of the HIV-1 vaccine,
no effective vaccine has been approved yet. Recently, polyepitope vaccines including several immunogenic
and conserved epitopes of HIV-1 proteins have received special attention.
Methods:
In this study, HIV-1 Nef, Tat, Gp160 and P24 proteins were considered for selection of
immunodominant and conserved epitopes due to their critical roles in the viral life cycle and pathogenesis.
At first, the Nef60-84-Nef126-144-Tat29-49-Gp16030-53-Gp160308-323-P248-151 DNA construct was
designed using in silico studies. Then, the DNA construct was subcloned in pEGFP-N1 and pET-
24a (+) expression vectors and the rNef-Tat-Gp160-P24 polyepitope peptide was generated in E.coli
expression system for in vitro delivery using novel cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), LDP-NLS and
CyLoP-1, in a non-covalent manner. Also, the HR9 and MPG CPPs were used to transfer the DNA
construct.
Results:
Our results showed that the recombinant polyepitope peptide generated in Rosetta strain
migrated as a clear band of ~31 kDa in SDS-PAGE. The SEM data confirmed the formation of stable
nanoparticles with a size below 250 nm. MTT assay revealed that the complexes did not represent
any considerable cytotoxic effect compared to untreated cells. The results of fluorescence microscopy,
flow cytometry and western blotting indicated that these CPPs successfully delivered polyepitope
constructs into HEK-293T cell line.
Conclusion:
These data suggested that these CPPs can be used as a promising approach for the development
of the HIV-1 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Namazi
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Jahed V, Vasheghani-Farahani E, Bagheri F, Zarrabi A, Fink T, Lambertsen Larsen K. Enhanced Cellular Uptake Of Phenamil Through Inclusion Complex With Histidine Functionalized β-Cyclodextrin As Penetrative Osteoinductive Agent. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:8221-8234. [PMID: 31632029 PMCID: PMC6794949 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s221669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phenamil (PH) is a small molecule that induces bone formation through upregulation of the TRB3 gene in the bone-regeneration process. β-Cyclodextrins (βCDs) with hydrophilic surfaces and a relatively hydrophobic cavity can form inclusion complexes with primarily hydrophobic small molecules such as PH, and increase their apparent solubility and dissolution rate. The hydrophilic surface of βCDs prevents their interaction with the hydrophobic lipids of the cell membrane for penetration. Therefore, binding of penetrative groups, such as lysine, arginine, and histidine (His), to βCDs for cell penetration is required. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of His-conjugated βCD on cellular uptake of PH for bone differentiation. Methods In this study, His-βCDs were synthesized and used to prepare an inclusion complex of His-βCD-PH. A hydroxypropyl-βCD-PH (HP-βCD-PH) inclusion complex for increasing PH solubility without a penetrative group was prepared for comparison. 3-D geometry of βCD derivatives and PH-inclusion complexes was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular docking. Alizarin red staining and real-time PCR were performed to compare bone differentiation of His-βCD-PH and HP-βCD-PH. Results The results suggested that the benzene ring of PH was inserted into the wide side of both His-βCD and HP-βCD. Alizarin red staining at 14 days postculture in the presence of His-βCD-PH at total concentration of 50 μM for PH showed that bone-matrix mineralization increased significantly compared with free PH and HP-βCD-PH. Real-time PCR confirmed this result, and showed gene expression increased significantly (OPN 1.84-fold, OCN 1.69-fold) when stem cells were cultured with His-βCD-PH. Conclusion The overall results indicated that His-βCD-PH is a promising carrier for osteoinductive PH with possible penetration ability and sustained release that reduces BMP2 consumption for differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to bone tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Jahed
- Biomedical Engineering Division, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Bagheri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Trine Fink
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Health, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kim Lambertsen Larsen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Faculty of Chemistry, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Namazi F, Bolhassani A, Sadat SM, Irani S. In vitro Delivery of HIV-1 Nef Antigen by Histidine-rich nona-arginine and Latarcin 1 peptide. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019. [DOI: 10.29252/jommid.7.4.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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The Utilization of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in the Intracellular Delivery of Viral Nanoparticles. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12172671. [PMID: 31443361 PMCID: PMC6747576 DOI: 10.3390/ma12172671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Viral particles (VPs) have evolved so as to efficiently enter target cells and to deliver their genetic material. The current state of knowledge allows us to use VPs in the field of biomedicine as nanoparticles that are safe, easy to manipulate, inherently biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of transporting various cargoes into specific cells. Despite the fact that these virus-based nanoparticles constitute the most common vectors used in clinical practice, the need remains for further improvement in this area. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential for enhancing the efficiency and versatility of VPs via their functionalization with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), short peptides that are able to translocate across cellular membranes and to transport various substances with them. The review provides and describes various examples of and means of exploitation of CPPs in order to enhance the delivery of VPs into permissive cells and/or to allow them to enter a broad range of cell types. Moreover, it is possible that CPPs are capable of changing the immunogenic properties of VPs, which could lead to an improvement in their clinical application. The review also discusses strategies aimed at the modification of VPs by CPPs so as to create a useful cargo delivery tool.
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Rusiecka I, Ruczyński J, Kozłowska A, Backtrog E, Mucha P, Kocić I, Rekowski P. TP10-Dopamine Conjugate as a Potential Therapeutic Agent in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:760-774. [PMID: 30653302 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which the current treatment is not fully satisfactory. One of the major drawbacks of current PD therapy is poor penetration of drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In recent years, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) such as Tat, SynB, or TP10 have gained great interest due to their ability to penetrate cell membranes and to deliver different cargos to their targets including the central nervous system (CNS). However, there is no data with respect to the use of CPPs as drug carriers to the brain for the treatment of PD. In the presented research, the covalent TP10-dopamine conjugate was synthesized and its pharmacological properties were characterized in terms of its ability to penetrate the BBB and anti-parkinsonian activity. The results showed that dopamine (DA) in the form of a conjugate with TP10 evidently gained access to the brain tissue, exhibited low susceptibility to O-methylation reaction by catechol- O-methyltransferase (lower than that of DA), possessed a relatively high affinity to both dopamine D1 and D2 receptors (in the case of D1, a much higher than that of DA), and showed anti-parkinsonian activity (higher than that of l-DOPA) in the MPTP-induced preclinical animal model of PD. The presented results prove that the conjugation of TP10 with DA may be a good starting point for the development of a new strategy for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Rusiecka
- Department of Pharmacology , Medical University of Gdańsk , Dębowa 23 , 80-204 Gdańsk , Poland
| | - Jarosław Ruczyński
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Gdańsk , Wita Stwosza 63 , 80-308 Gdańsk , Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kozłowska
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Gdańsk , Wita Stwosza 63 , 80-308 Gdańsk , Poland
| | - Ewelina Backtrog
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Gdańsk , Wita Stwosza 63 , 80-308 Gdańsk , Poland
| | - Piotr Mucha
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Gdańsk , Wita Stwosza 63 , 80-308 Gdańsk , Poland
| | - Ivan Kocić
- Department of Pharmacology , Medical University of Gdańsk , Dębowa 23 , 80-204 Gdańsk , Poland
| | - Piotr Rekowski
- Faculty of Chemistry , University of Gdańsk , Wita Stwosza 63 , 80-308 Gdańsk , Poland
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Vogel E, Santos D, Mingels L, Verdonckt TW, Broeck JV. RNA Interference in Insects: Protecting Beneficials and Controlling Pests. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1912. [PMID: 30687124 PMCID: PMC6336832 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects constitute the largest and most diverse group of animals on Earth with an equally diverse virome. The main antiviral immune system of these animals is the post-transcriptional gene-silencing mechanism known as RNA(i) interference. Furthermore, this process can be artificially triggered via delivery of gene-specific double-stranded RNA molecules, leading to specific endogenous gene silencing. This is called RNAi technology and has important applications in several fields. In this paper, we review RNAi mechanisms in insects as well as the potential of RNAi technology to contribute to species-specific insecticidal strategies. Regarding this aspect, we cover the range of strategies considered and investigated so far, as well as their limitations and the most promising approaches to overcome them. Additionally, we discuss patterns of viral infection, specifically persistent and acute insect viral infections. In the latter case, we focus on infections affecting economically relevant species. Within this scope, we review the use of insect-specific viruses as bio-insecticides. Last, we discuss RNAi-based strategies to protect beneficial insects from harmful viral infections and their potential practical application. As a whole, this manuscript stresses the impact of insect viruses and RNAi technology in human life, highlighting clear lines of investigation within an exciting and promising field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Vogel
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dulce Santos
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lina Mingels
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Gallo M, Defaus S, Andreu D. 1988-2018: Thirty years of drug smuggling at the nano scale. Challenges and opportunities of cell-penetrating peptides in biomedical research. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 661:74-86. [PMID: 30447207 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In 1988, two unrelated papers reported the discovery of peptide vectors with innate cell translocation properties, setting the ground for a new area of research that over the years has grown into considerable therapeutic potential. The vectors, named cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), constitute a now large and diversified family, sharing the extraordinary ability to diffuse unaltered across cell membranes while ferrying diverse associated cargos. Such properties have made CPPs ideal tools for delivery of nucleic acids, proteins and other therapeutic/diagnostic molecules to cells and tissues via covalent conjugation or complexation. This year 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of a peptide research landmark opening new perspectives in drug delivery. Given its vastness, exhaustive coverage of the main features and accomplishments in the CPP field is virtually impossible. Hence this manuscript, after saluting the above 30th jubilee, focuses by necessity on the most recent contributions, providing a comprehensive list of recognized CPPs and their latest-reported applications over the last two years. In addition, it thoroughly reviews three areas of peptide vector research of particular interest to us, namely (i) efficient transport of low-bioavailability drugs into the brain; (ii) CPP-delivered disruptors of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) heteromers related to several disorders, and (iii) CPP-mediated delivery of useful but poorly internalized drugs into parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gallo
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sira Defaus
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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Tansi FL, Filatova MP, Koroev DO, Volpina OM, Lange S, Schumann C, Teichgräber UK, Reissmann S, Hilger I. New generation CPPs show distinct selectivity for cancer and noncancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:6528-6541. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felista L. Tansi
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Jena University Hospital Jena Germany
| | - Margarita P. Filatova
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
| | - Dmitri O. Koroev
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
| | - Olga M. Volpina
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russia
| | | | | | - Ulf K. Teichgräber
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Jena University Hospital Jena Germany
| | - Siegmund Reissmann
- Jena Bioscience GmbH Jena Germany
- Centrum of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich‐Schiller‐University Jena Germany
| | - Ingrid Hilger
- Department of Experimental Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Jena University Hospital Jena Germany
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Gonzalez S, Gallier F, Kellouche S, Carreiras F, Novellino E, Carotenuto A, Chassaing G, Rovero P, Uziel J, Lubin-Germain N. Studies of membranotropic and fusogenic activity of two putative HCV fusion peptides. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1861:50-61. [PMID: 30343120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, membranotropic peptides such as positively charged cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) or amphipathic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have received increasing interest in order to improve therapeutic agent cellular uptake. As far as we are concerned, we were interested in studying HCV fusion peptides as putative anchors. Two peptides, HCV6 and HCV7, were identified and conjugated to a fluorescent tag NBD and tested for their interaction with liposomes as model membranes. DSC and spectrofluorescence analyses demonstrate HCV7 propensity to insert or internalize in vesicles containing anionic lipids DMPG whereas no activity was observed with zwitterionic DMPC. This behavior could be explained by the peptide sequence containing a cationic arginine residue. On the contrary, HCV6 did not exhibit any membranotropic activity but was the only sequence able to induce liposomes' fusion or aggregation monitored by spectrofluorescence and DLS. This two peptides mild activity was related to their inefficient structuration in contact with membrane mimetics, which was demonstrated by CD and NMR experiments. Altogether, our data allowed us to identify two promising membrane-active peptides from E1 and E2 HCV viral proteins, one fusogenic (HCV6) and the other membranotropic (HCV7). The latter was also confirmed by fluorescence microscopy with CHO cells, indicating that HCV7 could cross the plasma membrane via an endocytosis process. Therefore, this study provides new evidences supporting the identification of HCV6 as the HCV fusion peptide as well as insights on a novel membranotropic peptide from the HCV-E2 viral protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Gonzalez
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique, University of Cergy-Pontoise, 5 mail Gay-Lussac, Cergy-Pontoise, France
| | - Florian Gallier
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique, University of Cergy-Pontoise, 5 mail Gay-Lussac, Cergy-Pontoise, France
| | - Sabrina Kellouche
- Equipe de Recherche sur les Relations Matrice Extracellulaire-Cellules, ERRMECe (EA1391), Institut des Matériaux, I-MAT (FD4122), University of Cergy-Pontoise, MIR, rue Descartes, 95031, Neuville sur Oise Cedex, France
| | - Franck Carreiras
- Equipe de Recherche sur les Relations Matrice Extracellulaire-Cellules, ERRMECe (EA1391), Institut des Matériaux, I-MAT (FD4122), University of Cergy-Pontoise, MIR, rue Descartes, 95031, Neuville sur Oise Cedex, France
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Gérard Chassaing
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, LBM, 4 place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Paolo Rovero
- French-Italian Interdepartmental Laboratory of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Jacques Uziel
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique, University of Cergy-Pontoise, 5 mail Gay-Lussac, Cergy-Pontoise, France
| | - Nadège Lubin-Germain
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique, University of Cergy-Pontoise, 5 mail Gay-Lussac, Cergy-Pontoise, France.
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Bolhassani A, Shahbazi S, Milani A, Nadji SA. Small Heat Shock Proteins B1 and B6: Which One is the Most Effective Adjuvant in Therapeutic HPV Vaccine? IUBMB Life 2018; 70:1002-1011. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - Sepideh Shahbazi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - Alireza Milani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - Seyed Alireza Nadji
- Virology Research Center (VRC); National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
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A platform for discovery of functional cell-penetrating peptides for efficient multi-cargo intracellular delivery. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12538. [PMID: 30135446 PMCID: PMC6105642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) offer great potential to deliver therapeutic molecules to previously inaccessible intracellular targets. However, many CPPs are inefficient and often leave their attached cargo stranded in the cell’s endosome. We report a versatile platform for the isolation of peptides delivering a wide range of cargos into the cytoplasm of cells. We used this screening platform to identify multiple “Phylomer” CPPs, derived from bacterial and viral genomes. These peptides are amenable to conventional sequence optimization and engineering approaches for cell targeting and half-life extension. We demonstrate potent, functional delivery of protein, peptide, and nucleic acid analog cargos into cells using Phylomer CPPs. We validate in vivo activity in the cytoplasm, through successful transport of an oligonucleotide therapeutic fused to a Phylomer CPP in a disease model for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. This report thus establishes a discovery platform for identifying novel, functional CPPs to expand the delivery landscape of druggable intracellular targets for biological therapeutics.
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Shahbazi S, Bolhassani A. Comparison of six cell penetrating peptides with different properties for in vitro and in vivo delivery of HPV16 E7 antigen in therapeutic vaccines. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 62:170-180. [PMID: 30015237 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are globally linked to >50% and 20% of all cervical cancers, respectively. The HPV E7 oncoprotein was determined as a therapeutic vaccine target due to its constitutive expression by HPV-infected cells. The findings demonstrated the efficiency of therapeutic HPV DNA- and protein-based vaccines in preclinical and clinical trials. However, there are limitations for penetration of DNA and protein constructs into the cells without a suitable delivery system. Recently, several cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been suggested for delivery of nucleic acids and proteins into cells through covalent or non-covalent fashion. In this study, we determined highly efficient CPPs for the controlled delivery of HPV16 E7 antigen, in vitro and in vivo. Our data indicated the effective delivery of E7 protein by Pep-1, Cady-2, P28 and hPP10, and E7 DNA by MPG and +36 GFP CPPs in HEK-293T cell line at certain ratios. Moreover, immunization with the heterologous MPG + E7 DNA prime/P28 + rE7 protein boost elicited a higher Th1 cellular immune response with a predominant IFN-γ profile and strong Granzyme B secretion than those induced by other groups in a murine tumor model. Indeed, the groups vaccinated with rE7+ P28/rE7+ P28, MPG+ E7 DNA/P28+ rE7, and E7 DNA+ MPG/E7 DNA+ MPG nanovaccines displayed complete protection and remained tumor-free >60 days after treatment. These data suggest P28 and MPG as promising protein and gene delivery systems for development of HPV therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Shahbazi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Mele AR, Marino J, Chen K, Pirrone V, Janetopoulos C, Wigdahl B, Klase Z, Nonnemacher MR. Defining the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 Tat secretion: PtdIns(4,5)P 2 at the epicenter. Traffic 2018; 19:10.1111/tra.12578. [PMID: 29708629 PMCID: PMC6207469 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein functions both intracellularly and extracellularly. Intracellularly, the main function is to enhance transcription of the viral promoter. However, this process only requires a small amount of intracellular Tat. The majority of Tat is secreted through an unconventional mechanism by binding to phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2 ), a phospholipid in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane that is required for secretion. This interaction is mediated by the basic domain of Tat (residues 48-57) and a conserved tryptophan (residue 11). After binding to PtdIns(4,5)P2 , Tat secretion diverges into multiple pathways, which we categorized as oligomerization-mediated pore formation, spontaneous translocation and incorporation into exosomes. Extracellular Tat has been shown to be neurotoxic and toxic to other cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and periphery, able to recruit immune cells to the CNS and cerebrospinal fluid, and alter the gene expression and morphology of uninfected cells. The effects of extracellular Tat have been examined in HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND); however, only a small number of studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying Tat secretion. In this review, the molecular mechanisms of Tat secretion will be examined in a variety of biologically relevant cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Mele
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jamie Marino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth Chen
- Department of Biology, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vanessa Pirrone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chris Janetopoulos
- Department of Biology, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Zachary Klase
- Department of Biology, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael R Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Kebebe D, Liu Y, Wu Y, Vilakhamxay M, Liu Z, Li J. Tumor-targeting delivery of herb-based drugs with cell-penetrating/tumor-targeting peptide-modified nanocarriers. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:1425-1442. [PMID: 29563797 PMCID: PMC5849936 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s156616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become one of the leading causes of mortality globally. The major challenges of conventional cancer therapy are the failure of most chemotherapeutic agents to accumulate selectively in tumor cells and their severe systemic side effects. In the past three decades, a number of drug delivery approaches have been discovered to overwhelm the obstacles. Among these, nanocarriers have gained much attention for their excellent and efficient drug delivery systems to improve specific tissue/organ/cell targeting. In order to enhance targeting efficiency further and reduce limitations of nanocarriers, nanoparticle surfaces are functionalized with different ligands. Several kinds of ligand-modified nanomedicines have been reported. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are promising ligands, attracting the attention of researchers due to their efficiency to transport bioactive molecules intracellularly. However, their lack of specificity and in vivo degradation led to the development of newer types of CPP. Currently, activable CPP and tumor-targeting peptide (TTP)-modified nanocarriers have shown dramatically superior cellular specific uptake, cytotoxicity, and tumor growth inhibition. In this review, we discuss recent advances in tumor-targeting strategies using CPPs and their limitations in tumor delivery systems. Special emphasis is given to activable CPPs and TTPs. Finally, we address the application of CPPs and/or TTPs in the delivery of plant-derived chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dereje Kebebe
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yumei Wu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Maikhone Vilakhamxay
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhidong Liu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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41
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Cell-penetrating peptide-based non-invasive topical delivery systems. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-017-0373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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42
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Mohammadi S, Zakeri-Milani P, Golkar N, Farkhani SM, Shirani A, Shahbazi Mojarrad J, Nokhodchi A, Valizadeh H. Synthesis and cellular characterization of various nano-assemblies of cell penetrating peptide-epirubicin-polyglutamate conjugates for the enhancement of antitumor activity. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 46:1572-1585. [PMID: 28933182 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2017.1379016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A new class of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) named peptide amphiphile was designed to improve the intracellular uptake and the antitumor activity of epirubicin (EPR). Various amphiphilic CPPs were synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis method and were chemically conjugated to EPR. Their corresponding nanoparticles (CPPs-E4 and CPPs-E8) were prepared via non-covalent binding of the peptides and polyanions. Cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative activity were evaluated by MTT assay. Cellular uptake was examined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The CPPs exhibited slight cytotoxicity. Binding of polyglutamate to CPPs (CPPs-E4 and CPPs-E8 nanoparticles) decreased their cytotoxicity. CPPs-E8 nanoparticles showed lower cytotoxicity than CPPs-E4 nanoparticles. Cellular uptake of K3W4K3-E8, K2W4K2-E8 and W3K4W3-E8 reached 100% with no difference between each of the mentioned CPPs and its nanoparticles at 50 µM. The anti-proliferative activity of EPR was enhanced following conjugation to peptides and nanoparticles at 25 µM. CPPs-EPR-E4 and CPPs-E8-EPR nanoparticles displayed higher anti-proliferative activity than CPPs-EPR at 25 µM. CPPs-E8-EPR nanoparticles showed higher anti-proliferative activity than CPPs-E4-EPR. K3W4K3-E8-EPR nanoparticles exhibited the highest anti-proliferative activity at 25 µM. The synthesized peptide nanoparticles are proposed as suitable carriers for improving the intracellular delivery of EPR into tumor cells with low cytotoxicity and high antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Mohammadi
- a Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Parvin Zakeri-Milani
- b Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Nasim Golkar
- c Pharmaceutics Department, School of Pharmacy , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran
| | - Samad Mussa Farkhani
- a Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,d Student Research Committee , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Ali Shirani
- a Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran.,d Student Research Committee , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Javid Shahbazi Mojarrad
- b Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
| | - Ali Nokhodchi
- e Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK
| | - Hadi Valizadeh
- f Drug Applied Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy , Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Tabriz , Iran
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43
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Uptake Mechanism of Cell-Penetrating Peptides. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1030:255-264. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66095-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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44
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Feni L, Neundorf I. The Current Role of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Cancer Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1030:279-295. [PMID: 29081059 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66095-0_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a heterogeneous class of peptides with the ability to translocate across the plasma membrane and to carry attached cargos inside the cell. Two main entry pathways are discussed, as direct translocation and endocytosis , whereas the latter is often favored when bulky cargos are added to the CPP. Attachment to the CPP can be achieved by means of covalent coupling or non-covalent complex formation, depending on the chemical nature of the cargo. Owing to their striking abilities the further development and application of CPP-based delivery strategies has steadily emerged during the past years. However, one main pitfall when using CPPs is their non-selective uptake in nearly all types of cells. Thus, one particular interest lies in the design of targeting strategies that help to circumvent this drawback but still benefit from the potent delivery abilities of CPPs. The following review aims to summarize some of these very recent concepts and to highlight the current role of CPPs in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Feni
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Zuelpicherstr. 47a, D-50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Zuelpicherstr. 47a, D-50674, Cologne, Germany.
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45
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Zhao X, Wang J, Tao S, Ye T, Kong X, Ren L. In Vivo Bio-distribution and Efficient Tumor Targeting of Gelatin/Silica Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2016; 11:195. [PMID: 27071682 PMCID: PMC4829570 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-016-1409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The non-viral gene delivery system is an attractive alternative to cancer therapy. The clinical success of non-viral gene delivery is hampered by transfection efficiency and tumor targeting, which can be individually overcome by addition of functional modules such as cell penetration or targeting. Here, we first engineered the multifunctional gelatin/silica (GS) nanovectors with separately controllable modules, including tumor-targeting aptamer AGRO100, membrane-destabilizing peptide HA2, and polyethylene glycol (PEG), and then studied their bio-distribution and in vivo transfection efficiencies by contrast resonance imaging (CRI). The results suggest that the sizes and zeta potentials of multifunctional gelatin/silica nanovectors were 203-217 nm and 2-8 mV, respectively. Functional GS-PEG nanoparticles mainly accumulated in the liver and tumor, with the lowest uptake by the heart and brain. Moreover, the synergistic effects of tumor-targeting aptamer AGRO100 and fusogenic peptide HA2 promoted the efficient cellular internalization in the tumor site. More importantly, the combined use of AGRO100 and PEG enhanced tumor gene expression specificity and effectively reduced toxicity in reticuloendothelial system (RES) organs after intravenous injection. Additionally, low accumulation of GS-PEG was observed in the heart tissues with high gene expression levels, which could provide opportunities for non-invasive gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, People's Republic of China
| | - SiJie Tao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, People's Republic of China.
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, People's Republic of China.
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46
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Bruni N, Capucchio MT, Biasibetti E, Pessione E, Cirrincione S, Giraudo L, Corona A, Dosio F. Antimicrobial Activity of Lactoferrin-Related Peptides and Applications in Human and Veterinary Medicine. Molecules 2016; 21:E752. [PMID: 27294909 PMCID: PMC6273662 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21060752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a vast array of molecules produced by virtually all living organisms as natural barriers against infection. Among AMP sources, an interesting class regards the food-derived bioactive agents. The whey protein lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein that plays a significant role in the innate immune system, and is considered as an important host defense molecule. In search for novel antimicrobial agents, Lf offers a new source with potential pharmaceutical applications. The Lf-derived peptides Lf(1-11), lactoferricin (Lfcin) and lactoferrampin exhibit interesting and more potent antimicrobial actions than intact protein. Particularly, Lfcin has demonstrated strong antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiparasitic activity with promising applications both in human and veterinary diseases (from ocular infections to osteo-articular, gastrointestinal and dermatological diseases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Bruni
- Istituto Farmaceutico Candioli, Beinasco (To) 10092, Italy.
| | | | - Elena Biasibetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10095, Italy.
| | - Enrica Pessione
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino 10123, Italy.
| | - Simona Cirrincione
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino 10123, Italy.
| | | | | | - Franco Dosio
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Torino 10125, Italy.
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47
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Kwon KC, Daniell H. Oral Delivery of Protein Drugs Bioencapsulated in Plant Cells. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1342-50. [PMID: 27378236 PMCID: PMC5023392 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants cells are now approved by the FDA for cost-effective production of protein drugs (PDs) in large-scale current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) hydroponic growth facilities. In lyophilized plant cells, PDs are stable at ambient temperature for several years, maintaining their folding and efficacy. Upon oral delivery, PDs bioencapsulated in plant cells are protected in the stomach from acids and enzymes but are subsequently released into the gut lumen by microbes that digest the plant cell wall. The large mucosal area of the human intestine offers an ideal system for oral drug delivery. When tags (receptor-binding proteins or cell-penetrating peptides) are fused to PDs, they efficiently cross the intestinal epithelium and are delivered to the circulatory or immune system. Unique tags to deliver PDs to human immune or nonimmune cells have been developed recently. After crossing the epithelium, ubiquitous proteases cleave off tags at engineered sites. PDs are also delivered to the brain or retina by crossing the blood–brain or retinal barriers. This review highlights recent advances in PD delivery to treat Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, hypertension, Gaucher's or ocular diseases, as well as the development of affordable drugs by eliminating prohibitively expensive purification, cold chain and sterile delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Chul Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Przysiecka Ł, Michalska M, Nowaczyk G, Peplińska B, Jesionowski T, Schneider R, Jurga S. iRGD peptide as effective transporter of CuInZnxS2+x quantum dots into human cancer cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 146:9-18. [PMID: 27244046 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, iRGD peptide-mediated quantum dots (QDs) delivery was studied. In the first step, dodecanethiol-capped CuInZnxS2+x (ZCIS) QDs were prepared and subsequently transferred into water using a standard and facile ligand exchange approach involving 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). ZCIS@MPA nanocrystals possess a photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) of 25%, a PL emission centered at ca. 640nm and low distributions in size and shape. Next, the iRGD peptide was electrostatically associated to ZCIS@MPA QDs. After cytotoxicity evaluation, the tumor-targeting and penetrating activities of the iRGD/QD assembly were investigated by confocal microscopy. The experiments performed on various cancer cell lines revealed a high penetration ability of the assembly, while the bare QDs were not internalized. Additionally, imaging experiments were conducted on three-dimensional multicellular tumor spheroids in order to mimic the tumor microenvironment in vivo. iRGD/QD assemblies were found to be evenly distributed throughout the whole HeLa spheroid contrary to normal cells where they were not present. Therefore, iRGD/QD assemblies have a great potential to be used as targeted imaging agents and/or nanocarriers specific to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łucja Przysiecka
- NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Martyna Michalska
- NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Nowaczyk
- NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Barbara Peplińska
- NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Teofil Jesionowski
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-695 Poznań, Poland
| | - Raphaël Schneider
- Université de Lorraine, Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (LRGP), UMR 7274, CNRS, 1 rue Grandville, BP 20451, 54001 Nancy, Cedex, France
| | - Stefan Jurga
- NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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49
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Izabela R, Jarosław R, Magdalena A, Piotr R, Ivan K. Transportan 10 improves the anticancer activity of cisplatin. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2016. [PMID: 26899863 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-016-1219-5/figures/8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to examine whether cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) such as transportan 10 (TP10) or protein transduction domain (PTD4) may improve the anticancer activity of cisplatin (cPt). The complexes of TP10 or PTD4 with cPt were used in the experiments. They were carried out on two non-cancer (HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) and HEL299 (human embryo lung)) and two cancer (HeLa (human cervical cancer) and OS143B (human osteosarcoma 143B)) cell lines. Both complexes were tested (MTT assay) with respect to their anticancer or cytotoxic actions. TAMRA (fluorescent dye)-stained preparations were visualized in a fluorescence microscope. The long-term effect of TP10 + cPt and its components on non-cancer and cancer cell lines was observed in inverted phase contrast microscopy. In the MTT test (cell viability assay), the complex of TP10 + cPt produced a more potent effect on the cancer cell lines (HeLa, OS143B) in comparison to that observed after separate treatment with TP10 or cPt. At the same time, the action of the complex and its components was rather small on non-cancer cell lines. On the other hand, a complex of another CPP with cPt, i.e., PTD4 + cPt, was without a significant effect on the cancer cell line (OS143B). The images of the fluorescent microscopy showed TAMRA-TP10 or TAMRA-TP10 + cPt in the interior of the HeLa cells. In the case of TAMRA-PTD4 or TAMRA-PTD4 + cPt, only the first compound was found inside the cancer cell line. In contrast, none of the tested compounds gained access to the interior of the non-cancer cells (HEK293, HEL299). Long-term incubation with the TP10 + cPt (estimated by inverted phase contrast microscopy) lead to an enhanced action of the complex on cell viability (decrease in the number of cells and change in their morphology) as compared with that produced by each single agent. With regard to the tested CPPs, only TP10 improved the anticancer activity of cisplatin if both compounds were used in the form of a complex. Additionally, the complex was relatively safe for non-cancer cells. What is more, TP10 also produced an anticancer effect on HeLa and OS143B cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rusiecka Izabela
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | | | - Rekowski Piotr
- Department of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Kocić Ivan
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.
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50
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Pan R, Xu W, Ding Y, Lu S, Chen P. Uptake Mechanism and Direct Translocation of a New CPP for siRNA Delivery. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:1366-74. [PMID: 26937821 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Since their development, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been used as delivery vehicles for various genetic or therapeutic agents; however, the uptake mechanisms of CPPs and the delivery details are still unclear. Understanding the mechanisms of cellular internalization of CPPs facilitate their development of CPPs as gene delivery vectors. In the present study, we evaluated the internalization process of a previously designed CPP, STR-KV, complexed with small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting at the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene. Using heparin treatment and chemical endocytic inhibitors, we elucidated that the electrostatic interaction of STR-KV/siRNA complex with heparin sulfate proteoglycans at the cell membrane surface triggered the energy-independent uptake of the majority of the complexes, which most likely through a direct translocation pathway. The intracellular trafficking and internalization kinetics observed by confocal microscopy also confirmed that the complex was uptaken through a nonendocytic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Pan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.,Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.,Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Yong Ding
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.,Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Sheng Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.,Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - P Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.,Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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