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Cresti L, Cappello G, Vailati S, Melloni E, Brunetti J, Falciani C, Bracci L, Pini A. In Vivo Efficacy and Toxicity of an Antimicrobial Peptide in a Model of Endotoxin-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097967. [PMID: 37175674 PMCID: PMC10178222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
SET-M33 is a synthetic peptide that is being developed as a new antibiotic against major Gram-negative bacteria. Here we report two in vivo studies to assess the toxicity and efficacy of the peptide in a murine model of pulmonary inflammation. First, we present the toxicity study in which SET-M33 was administered to CD-1 mice by snout inhalation exposure for 1 h/day for 7 days at doses of 5 and 20 mg/kg/day. The results showed adverse clinical signs and effects on body weight at the higher dose, as well as some treatment-related histopathology findings (lungs and bronchi, nose/turbinates, larynx and tracheal bifurcation). On this basis, the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) was considered to be 5 mg/kg/day. We then report an efficacy study of the peptide in an endotoxin (LPS)-induced pulmonary inflammation model. Intratracheal administration of SET-M33 at 0.5, 2 and 5 mg/kg significantly inhibited BAL neutrophil cell counts after an LPS challenge. A significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, KC, MIP-1α, IP-10, MCP-1 and TNF-α was also recorded after SET-M33 administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cresti
- U.O.C. Clinical Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Via M. Bracci, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cappello
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
- SetLance srl, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Elsa Melloni
- Zambon spa, Via A. Meucci 3, 20091 Bresso, Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- U.O.C. Clinical Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Via M. Bracci, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- U.O.C. Clinical Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Via M. Bracci, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Cresti L, Conte G, Cappello G, Brunetti J, Falciani C, Bracci L, Quaglia F, Ungaro F, d’Angelo I, Pini A. Inhalable Polymeric Nanoparticles for Pulmonary Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptide SET-M33: Antibacterial Activity and Toxicity In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010003. [PMID: 36678633 PMCID: PMC9863998 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of inhalable formulations for delivering peptides to the conductive airways and shielding their interactions with airway barriers, thus enhancing peptide/bacteria interactions, is an important part of peptide-based drug development for lung applications. Here, we report the construction of a biocompatible nanosystem where the antimicrobial peptide SET-M33 is encapsulated within polymeric nanoparticles of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). This system was conceived for better delivery of the peptide to the lungs by aerosol. The encapsulated peptide showed prolonged antibacterial activity, due to its controlled release, and much lower toxicity than the free molecule. The peptide-based nanosystem killed Pseudomonas aeruginosa in planktonic and sessile forms in a dose-dependent manner, remaining active up to 72 h after application. The encapsulated peptide showed no cytotoxicity when incubated with human bronchial epithelial cells from healthy individuals and from cystic fibrosis patients, unlike the free peptide, which showed an EC50 of about 22 µM. In vivo acute toxicity studies in experimental animals showed that the peptide nanosystem did not cause any appreciable side effects, and confirmed its ability to mitigate the toxic and lethal effects of free SET-M33.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cresti
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle Scotte University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
- SetLance srl, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gemma Conte
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cappello
- SetLance srl, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle Scotte University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Fabiana Quaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Ungaro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ivana d’Angelo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.d.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle Scotte University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.d.); (A.P.)
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Andreano E, Nicastri E, Paciello I, Pileri P, Manganaro N, Piccini G, Manenti A, Pantano E, Kabanova A, Troisi M, Vacca F, Cardamone D, De Santi C, Torres JL, Ozorowski G, Benincasa L, Jang H, Di Genova C, Depau L, Brunetti J, Agrati C, Capobianchi MR, Castilletti C, Emiliozzi A, Fabbiani M, Montagnani F, Bracci L, Sautto G, Ross TM, Montomoli E, Temperton N, Ward AB, Sala C, Ippolito G, Rappuoli R. Extremely potent human monoclonal antibodies from COVID-19 convalescent patients. Cell 2021; 184:1821-1835.e16. [PMID: 33667349 PMCID: PMC7901298 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Human monoclonal antibodies are safe, preventive, and therapeutic tools that can be rapidly developed to help restore the massive health and economic disruption caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. By single-cell sorting 4,277 SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific memory B cells from 14 COVID-19 survivors, 453 neutralizing antibodies were identified. The most potent neutralizing antibodies recognized the spike protein receptor-binding domain, followed in potency by antibodies that recognize the S1 domain, the spike protein trimer, and the S2 subunit. Only 1.4% of them neutralized the authentic virus with a potency of 1–10 ng/mL. The most potent monoclonal antibody, engineered to reduce the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement and prolong half-life, neutralized the authentic wild-type virus and emerging variants containing D614G, E484K, and N501Y substitutions. Prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in the hamster model was observed at 0.25 and 4 mg/kg respectively in absence of Fc functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Andreano
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Paciello
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Piero Pileri
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Noemi Manganaro
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Pantano
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Kabanova
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy; Tumour Immunology Unit, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Troisi
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy; Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabiola Vacca
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy; Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Dario Cardamone
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy; University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Concetta De Santi
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Jonathan L Torres
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gabriel Ozorowski
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Hyesun Jang
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Cecilia Di Genova
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Chatham, UK
| | - Lorenzo Depau
- MedBiotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- MedBiotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Agrati
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Concetta Castilletti
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Emiliozzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Fabbiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Montagnani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- MedBiotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sautto
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ted M Ross
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- VisMederi S.r.l, Siena, Italy; VisMederi Research S.r.l., Siena, Italy; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Chatham, UK
| | - Andrew B Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Claudia Sala
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rino Rappuoli
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK.
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Depau L, Brunetti J, Falciani C, Mandarini E, Riolo G, Zanchi M, Karousou E, Passi A, Pini A, Bracci L. Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Can Promote Opposite Effects on Adhesion and Directional Migration of Different Cancer Cells. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15997-16011. [PMID: 33284606 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans take part in crucial events of cancer progression, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and cell invasion. Through sulfated groups on their glycosaminoglycan chains, heparan sulfate proteoglycans interact with growth factors, morphogens, chemokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The amount and position of sulfated groups are highly variable, thus allowing differentiated ligand binding and activity of heparan sulfate proteoglycans. This variability and the lack of specific ligands have delayed comprehension of the molecular basis of heparan sulfate proteoglycan functions. Exploiting a tumor-targeting peptide tool that specifically recognizes sulfated glycosaminoglycans, we analyzed the role of membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the adhesion and migration of cancer cell lines. Starting from the observation that the sulfated glycosaminoglycan-specific peptide exerts a different effect on adhesion, migration, and invasiveness of different cancer cell lines, we identified and characterized three cell migration phenotypes, where different syndecans are associated with alternative signaling for directional cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Depau
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Riolo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marta Zanchi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Evgenia Karousou
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Alberto Passi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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5
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Brunetti J, Carnicelli V, Ponzi A, Di Giulio A, Lizzi AR, Cristiano L, Cresti L, Cappello G, Pollini S, Mosconi L, Rossolini GM, Bracci L, Falciani C, Pini A. Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of an Antimicrobial Peptide Synthesized with D Amino Acids. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9120840. [PMID: 33255172 PMCID: PMC7760307 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide SET-M33 is a molecule synthesized in tetra-branched form which is being developed as a new antibiotic against Gram-negative bacteria. Its isomeric form with D amino acids instead of the L version (SET-M33D) is also able to kill Gram-positive bacteria because of its higher resistance to bacterial proteases (Falciani et al., PLoS ONE, 2012, 7, e46259). Here we report the strong in vitro activity of SET-M33D (MIC range 0.7-6.0 µM) against multiresistant pathogens of clinical interest, including Gram-positives Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis, and various Gram-negative enterobacteriaceae. SET-M33D antibacterial activity is also confirmed in vivo against a MRSA strain of S. aureus with doses perfectly compatible with clinical use (5 and 2.5 mg/Kg). Moreover, SET-M33D strongly neutralized lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), thus exerting a strong anti-inflammatory effect, reducing expression of cytokines, enzymes, and transcription factors (TNF-α, IL6, COX-2, KC, MIP-1, IP10, iNOS, NF-κB) involved in the onset and evolution of the inflammatory process. These results, along with in vitro and in vivo toxicity data and the low frequency of resistance selection reported here, make SET-M33D a strong candidate for the development of a new broad spectrum antibiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (C.F.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Veronica Carnicelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (A.P.); (A.D.G.); (A.R.L.)
| | - Alessia Ponzi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (A.P.); (A.D.G.); (A.R.L.)
| | - Antonio Di Giulio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (A.P.); (A.D.G.); (A.R.L.)
| | - Anna Rita Lizzi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (A.P.); (A.D.G.); (A.R.L.)
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Laura Cresti
- SetLance srl, Toscana Life Sciences, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Cappello
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (C.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Simona Pollini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.P.); (L.M.); (G.M.R.)
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Mosconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.P.); (L.M.); (G.M.R.)
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.P.); (L.M.); (G.M.R.)
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (C.F.); (A.P.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (C.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (C.F.); (A.P.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Brunetti J, Falciani C, Bernini A, Scali S, Bracci L, Lozzi L. Molecular definition of the interaction between a tumor-specific tetrabranched peptide and LRP6 receptor. Amino Acids 2020; 52:915-924. [PMID: 32556741 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-020-02860-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The tumor-specific tetrabranched peptide NT4 binds membrane sulfate glycosaminoglycans and receptors belonging to the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) family, like LRP6, which are overexpressed in cancer. The binding occurs through a multimeric positively-charged motif of NT4 that interacts with negatively charged motives in both glycosaminoglycans and LRP receptors. LRP6 has an essential function in canonical Wnt signaling, acting together with receptors of the Frizzled family as coreceptor for Wnt ligands. The extracellular domain of LRP6 contains four YWTD β-propellers, which are fundamental for interactions with ligands, such as Wnt and Wnt inhibitors. To investigate the molecular interactions between the NT4 peptide and LRP6 receptor, we synthesized a library of epitope mapping peptides reproducing the YWTD β-propeller 3 and 4 of LRP6. The peptides that showed to bind NT4 represented the portion of LRP6 located on the top face of β-propeller 3 and contained negatively charged residues, including glutamic acid-708 which is known to be involved in Wnt3a interaction. The results pave the way for a possible development of peptide inhibitors of Wnt3a pathway to be used as drugs in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Bernini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Scali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Lozzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Falciani C, Zevolini F, Brunetti J, Riolo G, Gracia R, Marradi M, Loinaz I, Ziemann C, Cossío U, Llop J, Bracci L, Pini A. Antimicrobial Peptide-Loaded Nanoparticles as Inhalation Therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:1117-1128. [PMID: 32110011 PMCID: PMC7034994 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s218966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antibiotic-resistant bacteria kill 25,000 people every year in the EU. Patients subject to recurrent lung infections are the most vulnerable to severe or even lethal infections. For these patients, pulmonary delivery of antibiotics would be advantageous, since inhalation can achieve higher concentration in the lungs than iv administration and can provide a faster onset of action. This would allow for the delivery of higher doses and hence reduce the number of treatments required. We report here about a new nanosystem (M33-NS) obtained by capturing SET-M33 peptide on single-chain dextran nanoparticles. SET-M33 is a non-natural antimicrobial peptide synthesized in branched form. This form gives the peptide resistance to degradation in biological fluids. SET-M33 has previously shown efficacy in vitro against about one hundred of Gram-negative multidrug and extensively drug-resistant clinical isolates and was also active in preclinical infection models of pneumonia, sepsis and skin infections. METHODS The new nanosystem was evaluated for its efficacy in bacteria cells and in a mouse model of pneumonia. Toxicity and genotoxicity were also tested in vitro. Biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies in healthy rats were carried out using a radiolabeled derivative of the nanosystem. RESULTS The M33-nanosystem, studied here, showed to be effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in time-kill kinetic experiments. Cytotoxicity towards different animal cell lines was acceptable. Lung residence time of the antimicrobial peptide, administered via aerosol in healthy rats, was markedly improved by capturing SET-M33 on dextran nanoparticles. M33-NS was also efficient in eradicating pulmonary infection in a BALB/c mouse model of pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa. DISCUSSION This study revealed that the encapsulation of the antimicrobial peptide in dextran nanoparticles markedly improved lung residence time of the peptide administered via aerosol. The result has to be considered among the aims of the development of a new therapeutic option for patients suffering recurrent infections, that will benefit from high local doses of persistent antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Zevolini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Raquel Gracia
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Marco Marradi
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Iraida Loinaz
- CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Christina Ziemann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Hannover, Germany
| | - Unai Cossío
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jordi Llop
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastian, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red Enfermedades Respiratorias – CIBERES, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Quercini L, Brunetti J, Riolo G, Bindi S, Scali S, Lampronti I, D'Aversa E, Wronski S, Pollini S, Gentile M, Lupetti P, Rossolini GM, Falciani C, Bracci L, Pini A. An antimicrobial molecule mitigates signs of sepsis in vivo and eradicates infections from lung tissue. FASEB J 2019; 34:192-207. [PMID: 31914681 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901896rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The peptide sequence KKIRVRLSA was synthesized in a dimeric structure (SET-M33DIM) and evaluated as a candidate drug for infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative pathogens. SET-M33DIM showed significant antibacterial activity against MDR strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Escherichia coli (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration [MICs], 1.5-11 µM), and less activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MICs, 11-22 µM). It showed very low toxicity in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo; in cytotoxicity tests, its EC50 was as much as 22 times better than that of SET-M33, a peptide with the same amino-acid sequence, but synthesized in tetra-branched form (638 vs 28 µM). In in vivo and ex vivo experiments, SET-M33DIM cleared P. aeruginosa infection, significantly reducing signs of sepsis in animals, and restoring cell viability in lung tissue after bacterial challenge. It also quelled inflammation triggered by LPS and live bacterial cells, inhibiting expression of inflammatory mediators in lung tissue, cultured macrophages, and bronchial cells from a cystic fibrosis patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Riolo
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Bindi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Scali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta D'Aversa
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabine Wronski
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Member of Fraunhofer international Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
| | - Simona Pollini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Lupetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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9
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Brunetti J, Riolo G, Depau L, Mandarini E, Bernini A, Karousou E, Passi A, Pini A, Bracci L, Falciani C. Unraveling Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Binding Motif for Cancer Cell Selectivity. Front Oncol 2019; 9:843. [PMID: 31620357 PMCID: PMC6759624 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) regulate cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and are therefore considered key players in cancer cell development processes. Here, we used the NT4 peptide to investigate how the sulfation pattern of HSPG on cells drives binding specificity. NT4 is a branched peptide that binds the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains of HSPG. It has already been shown to inhibit growth factor-induced migration and invasiveness of cancer cells, implying antagonist binding of HSPG. The binding affinity of NT4 with recombinant HSPG showed that NT4 bound glypican-3 and -4 and, with lower affinity, syndecan-4. NT4 binding to the cancer cell membrane was inversely correlated with sulfatase expression. NT4 binding was higher in cell lines with lower expression of SULF-1 and SULF-2, which confirms the determinant role of sulfate groups for recognition by NT4. Using 8-mer and 9-mer heparan sulfate (HS) oligosaccharides with analog disaccharide composition and different sulfation sites, a possible recognition motif was identified that includes repeated 6-O-sulfates alternating with N- and/or 2-O-sulfates. Molecular modeling provided a fully descriptive picture of binding architecture, showing that sulfate groups on opposite sides of the oligosaccharide can interact with positive residues on two peptide sequences of the branched structure, thus favoring multivalent binding and explaining the high affinity and selectivity of NT4 for highly sulfated GAGs. NT4 and possibly newly selected branched peptides will be essential probes for reconstructing and unraveling binding sites for cancer-involved ligands on GAGs and will pave the way for new cancer detection and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Riolo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Depau
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Bernini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Evgenia Karousou
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Alberto Passi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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10
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Pillozzi S, Bernini A, Spiga O, Lelli B, Petroni G, Bracci L, Niccolai N, Arcangeli A. Peptides and small molecules blocking the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis overcome bone marrow‑induced chemoresistance in acute leukemias. Oncol Rep 2018; 41:312-324. [PMID: 30365110 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Notable advances in treatment have been made and increases in the cure rates of pediatric leukemia have been achieved. However, the majority of children with relapsed disease are not expected to survive, with chemotherapy resistance acting as the principal cause of treatment failure. Interaction between leukemic cells and the bone marrow microenvironment is the primary cause of relapse. It was identified that a multi‑protein membrane complex, formed by potassium voltage‑gated channel subfamily H member 2 (hERG1) channels, the β1 integrin subunit and the stromal cell‑derived factor 12 (CXCL12) receptor, C‑X‑C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), exerts a role in mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)‑mediated chemoresistance in pediatric leukemias. hERG1 blockade was able to overcome chemoresistance in vitro and in vivo. As an alternative strategy to overcome chemoresistance, the present study evaluated the effects of novel tools targeting the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis. The analysis of CXCL12 structural dynamics was used for the selection of a peptide (4‑1‑17) and a small molecule (8673), which interact with a transient hot spot, identified by a dynamic drug design approach. The present findings indicated that peptide 4‑1‑17 and small molecule 8673 inhibited leukemia cell proliferation and induced a pro‑apoptotic effect, which was not reduced by the presence of MSCs. The combined treatment with 4‑1‑17 and 8673 had a stronger pro‑apoptotic effect, particularly on cells cultured on MSCs in normoxic and hypoxic conditions, and was able to overcome MSC‑induced resistance to cytarabine. Overall, the targeting of CXCL12 and the ensuing inhibition of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis may be proposed as an alternative strategy to overcome chemoresistance in leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Pillozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, I‑50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Bernini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I‑53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ottavia Spiga
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I‑53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Lelli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, I‑53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Petroni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, I‑50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, I‑53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Neri Niccolai
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I‑53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, I‑50134 Florence, Italy
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical BiotechnologiesUniversity of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical BiotechnologiesUniversity of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical BiotechnologiesUniversity of Siena Siena Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical BiotechnologiesUniversity of Siena Siena Italy
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12
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Bracci L, Mandarini E, Brunetti J, Depau L, Pini A, Terzuoli L, Scali S, Falciani C. The GAG-specific branched peptide NT4 reduces angiogenesis and invasiveness of tumor cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194744. [PMID: 29566097 PMCID: PMC5864057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans, HSPGs, modulate major transformations of cancer cells, leading to tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. HSPGs also regulate neo-angiogenesis which prompts cancer progression and metastatic spread. A different aspect of heparin and analogs is their prominent role in the coagulation of blood. The interplay between coagulation and metastasis is being actively studied: anticoagulants such as heparin-derivatives have anticancer activity and procoagulants, such as thrombin, positively modulate proliferation, migration and invasion. The branched peptide NT4 binds to HSPGs and targets selectively cancer cells and tissues. For this, it had been extensively investigated in the last years and it proved to be efficient as chemotherapeutic and tumor tracer in in vivo models of cancer. We investigated the effects of the branched peptide in terms of modulation of angiogenesis and invasiveness of cancer cells. NT4 proved to have a major impact on endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation, particularly when induced by FGF2 and thrombin. In addition, NT4 had important effects on aggressive tumor cells migration and invasion and it also had an anticoagulant profile.The peptide showed very interesting evidence of interference with tumor invasion pathways, offering a cue for its development as a tumor-targeting drug, and also for its use in the study of links between coagulation and tumor progression involving HSPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Depau
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Terzuoli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Scali
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- * E-mail:
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13
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Ciabattini A, Pettini E, Fiorino F, Lucchesi S, Pastore G, Brunetti J, Santoro F, Andersen P, Bracci L, Pozzi G, Medaglini D. Heterologous Prime-Boost Combinations Highlight the Crucial Role of Adjuvant in Priming the Immune System. Front Immunol 2018; 9:380. [PMID: 29593710 PMCID: PMC5857569 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The induction and modulation of the immune response to vaccination can be rationally designed by combining different vaccine formulations for priming and boosting. Here, we investigated the impact of heterologous prime-boost approaches on the vaccine-specific cellular and humoral responses specific for a mycobacterial vaccine antigen. C57BL/6 mice were primed with the chimeric vaccine antigen H56 administered alone or with the CAF01 adjuvant, and boosted with H56 alone, or combined with CAF01 or with the squalene-based oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant (o/w squalene). A strong secondary H56-specific CD4+ T cell response was recalled by all the booster vaccine formulations when mice had been primed with H56 and CAF01, but not with H56 alone. The polyfunctional nature of T helper cells was analyzed and visualized with the multidimensional flow cytometry FlowSOM software, implemented as a package of the R environment. A similar cytokine profile was detected in groups primed with H56 + CAF01 and boosted with or without adjuvant, except for some clusters of cells expressing high level of IL-17 together with TNF-α, IL-2, and IFN-γ, that were significantly upregulated only in groups boosted with the adjuvants. On the contrary, the comparison between groups primed with or without the adjuvant showed a completely different clusterization of cells, strengthening the impact of the formulation used for primary immunization on the profiling of responding cells. The presence of the CAF01 adjuvant in the priming formulation deeply affected also the secondary humoral response, especially in groups boosted with H56 alone or o/w squalene. In conclusion, the presence of CAF01 adjuvant in the primary immunization is crucial for promoting primary T and B cell responses that can be efficiently reactivated by booster immunization also performed with antigen alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Ciabattini
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Pettini
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabio Fiorino
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Lucchesi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabiria Pastore
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- U&E PreMed Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Santoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Peter Andersen
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luisa Bracci
- U&E PreMed Laboratory, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianni Pozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Donata Medaglini
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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14
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Brunetti J, Riolo G, Gentile M, Bernini A, Paccagnini E, Falciani C, Lozzi L, Scali S, Depau L, Pini A, Lupetti P, Bracci L. Near-infrared quantum dots labelled with a tumor selective tetrabranched peptide for in vivo imaging. J Nanobiotechnology 2018; 16:21. [PMID: 29501065 PMCID: PMC5834876 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-018-0346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Near-infrared quantum dots (NIR QDs) are a new class of fluorescent labels with excellent bioimaging features, such as high fluorescence intensity, good fluorescence stability, sufficient electron density, and strong tissue-penetrating ability. For all such features, NIR QDs have great potential for early cancer diagnosis, in vivo tumor imaging and high resolution electron microscopy studies on cancer cells. Results In the present study we constructed NIR QDs functionalized with the NT4 cancer-selective tetrabranched peptides (NT4-QDs). We observed specific uptake of NT4-QDs in human cancer cells in in vitro experiments and a much higher selective accumulation and retention of targeted QDs at the tumor site, compared to not targeted QDs, in a colon cancer mouse model. Conclusions NIR QDs labelled with the tetrabranched NT4 peptide have very promising performance for selective addressing of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, proving rising features of NT4-QDs as theranostics. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12951-018-0346-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Giulia Riolo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Bernini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Lozzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Scali
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Depau
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Lupetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
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15
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Falciani C, Brunetti J, Depau L, Pini A, Riolo G, Mandarini E, Bracci L. Abstract 1153: Heparan sulfate proteoglycans as novel target in cancer precise therapy. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2017-1153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) have crucial regulatory roles in tumor onset and progression. HSPGs
are composed of a core protein and glycan chains characterized by repeated disaccharide units which can
be sulfated at different amount and position. HSPG have enormous structural diversity due to the different
possible modifications of the single saccharide units within the polysaccharide, such as position, sulphation
and acetylation. As a result HSPG can bind and modulate their binding to signaling molecules such as
growth factors, morphogens and chemokines1 .
HSPG proved to be important in mediating cancer development and progression by enhancing the binding
of growth factors, morphogens and cytokines to their cognate receptors, thus activating signaling pathways
that give rise to angiogensis, cell growth and proliferation, together with invasion and metastasis 2-3.
NT4 is a branched peptides that targets HSPGs. NT4 specifically binds to sulfated glycosaminoglycans on
cancer cells and tissues. NT4 can be conjugated to many different cytotoxic units and tracers. NT4
conjugated to paclitaxel produced tumor regression in a breast cancer orthotopic mouse model 4. NT4
conjugated to tracers can discriminate between tumor and healthy tissue in different human cancer
specimen5.
We will show the ability of NT4 to drive tracers onto tumor lesions by means of Qdots and in vivo imaging,
proving their promising features as theranostics. We will also show NT4 ability to interfere with HSPG-
modulated activities such as: tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion of matrix; as well as
endothelial cells proliferation, migration and tube formation. NT4-HSPG interactions and consequent
modulation of signaling pathways will prove the importance of this versatile tool, NT4, in addressing tumor
cells and interfering in their cell-cell and cell-matrix communications.
Bibliography
1. Gharbaran R. et al. Tumour Biol. 2016; 37:11573-11588.
2. Purushothaman A et al. Blood. 2010; 115:2449-57.
3. Lee JH et al. J Biol Chem. 2009; 284:27167-75.
4. Brunetti, J. et al. Scientific Reports. DOI:10.1038/srep17736
5. Falciani C. et al. J Med Chem. 2013; 56:5009-18.
Citation Format: Chiara Falciani, Jlenia Brunetti, Lorenzo Depau, Alessandro Pini, Giulia Riolo, Elisabetta Mandarini, Luisa Bracci. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans as novel target in cancer precise therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1153. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1153
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16
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van der Weide H, Brunetti J, Pini A, Bracci L, Ambrosini C, Lupetti P, Paccagnini E, Gentile M, Bernini A, Niccolai N, Jongh DVD, Bakker-Woudenberg IAJM, Goessens WHF, Hays JP, Falciani C. Investigations into the killing activity of an antimicrobial peptide active against extensively antibiotic-resistant K. pneumon iae and P. aeruginosa. Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr 2017; 1859:1796-1804. [PMID: 28583831 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
SET-M33 is a multimeric antimicrobial peptide active against Gram-negative bacteria in vitro and in vivo. Insights into its killing mechanism could elucidate correlations with selectivity. SET-M33 showed concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against colistin-susceptible and resistant isolates of P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae. Scanning and transmission microscopy studies showed that SET-M33 generated cell blisters, blebs, membrane stacks and deep craters in K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa cells. NMR analysis and CD spectra in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles showed a transition from an unstructured state to a stable α-helix, driving the peptide to arrange itself on the surface of micelles. SET-M33 kills Gram-negative bacteria after an initial interaction with bacterial LPS. The molecule becomes then embedded in the outer membrane surface, thereby impairing cell function. This activity of SET-M33, in contrast to other similar antimicrobial peptides such as colistin, does not generate resistant mutants after 24h of exposure, non-specific interactions or toxicity against eukaryotic cell membranes, suggesting that SET-M33 is a promising new option for the treatment of Gram-negative antibiotic-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hessel van der Weide
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Bernini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Neri Niccolai
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Denise Vermeulen-de Jongh
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irma A J M Bakker-Woudenberg
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wil H F Goessens
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John P Hays
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Italy; Setlance srl, Research and Development Department, Siena, Italy.
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17
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Brunetti J, Falciani C, Bracci L, Pini A. Models of In-Vivo Bacterial Infections for the Development of Antimicrobial Peptide-based Drugs. Curr Top Med Chem 2017; 17:613-619. [PMID: 27411321 DOI: 10.2174/1568026616666160713143017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The increasing frequency of multi-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and a long-term decreasing trend in the development of new antimicrobial molecules prompts research for new anti-infective agents with new modes of action. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered an interesting class of antibacterial molecules. Many new AMPs have been discovered and some are being evaluated for the development of new antibacterial therapeutics. Since the development of new antibacterial drugs has been neglected for decades, we are now faced with extreme medical need combined with a lack of technical experimental progress in setting up efficient models of antibacterial activity in animals. Here we review experiments with AMPs in animal models of sepsis, pneumonia and skin infection caused by bacteria. Animal models of infection have been of enormous predictive value in antibacterial drug discovery, both for elucidating AMP efficacy in the treatment of experimentally induced infection and for comparing the effectiveness of two or more antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Setlance srl, Department of Research and Development, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Pollini S, Brunetti J, Sennati S, Rossolini GM, Bracci L, Pini A, Falciani C. Synergistic activity profile of an antimicrobial peptide against multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:329-333. [PMID: 28176481 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Infection sustained by multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant bacterial pathogens is often untreatable with the standard of care antibiotics, and the combination of anti-infective compounds often represents the only therapeutic strategy to face this major clinical treat. SET-M33 is a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that has demonstrated in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and has shown interesting features in preclinical evaluations. Particularly, it showed efficacy against a number of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant clinical strains of Gram-negative pathogens, in in vitro and in vivo assessments. Here, we explored the potential synergistic activity of SET-M33 in combination with different standard of care antibiotics by the checkerboard method against a panel of six strains of Gram-negative pathogens including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. SET-M33 showed synergistic activity with antibiotics of different families against these clinically relevant strains. A synergistic effect was observed for SET-M33 in combination with rifampin, meropenem, aztreonam, and tobramycin mostly on K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii strains, while the SET-M33 plus ciprofloxacin combination was additive with all tested strains. Synergy was not apparently linked to the bacterial species or phenotype but was rather strain-specific, highlighting the need for individual strain testing for synergistic antimicrobial combinations. These findings extend current knowledge on synergistic activity of AMPs in combination with conventional agents and support the potential role of SET-M33 as a novel therapeutic agent against antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pollini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Samanta Sennati
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Setlance srl, Siena, Italy
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19
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Brunetti J, Roscia G, Lampronti I, Gambari R, Quercini L, Falciani C, Bracci L, Pini A. Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Activity in Vitro and in Vivo of a Novel Antimicrobial Candidate. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:25742-25748. [PMID: 27758868 PMCID: PMC5207269 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.750257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The synthetic antimicrobial peptide SET-M33 has strong activity against bacterial infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. It is currently in preclinical development as a new drug to treat lung infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Here we report its strong anti-inflammatory activity in terms of reduced expression of a number of cytokines, enzymes, and signal transduction factors involved in inflammation triggered by LPS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. Sixteen cytokines and other major agents involved in inflammation were analyzed in macrophages and bronchial cells after stimulation with LPS and incubation with SET-M33. The bronchial cells were obtained from a cystic fibrosis patient. A number of these proteins showed up to 100% reduction in expression as measured by RT-PCR, Western blotting, or Luminex technology. LPS neutralization was also demonstrated in vivo by challenging bronchoalveolar lavage of SET-M33-treated mice with LPS, which led to a sharp reduction in TNF-α with respect to non-SET-M33-treated animals. We also describe a strong activity of SET-M33 in stimulating cell migration of keratinocytes in wound healing experiments in vitro, demonstrating a powerful immunomodulatory action generally characteristic of molecules taking part in innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jlenia Brunetti
- From the Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Roscia
- From the Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- the Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy, and
| | - Roberto Gambari
- the Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy, and
| | - Leila Quercini
- From the Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Bracci
- From the Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- From the Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy,
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20
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Demitri M, Velucchi M, Bracci L, Rustici A, Porro M, Villa P, Ghezzi P. Inhibition of LPS-induced systemic and local TNF production by a synthetic anti-endotoxin peptide (SAEP-2). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/096805199600300602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exerts its biological activity through the lipid A moiety. We tested the efficiency in inhibiting TNF production in sera and in tissues of mice and in the derma of rabbits challenged with LPS, of a synthetic anti-LPS peptide (SAEP-2) previously shown to specifically detoxify the lipid A region of LPS on the basis of structural similarities with the antibiotic polymyxin B (PMXB). In mice, SAEP-2 (100 μg/mouse, i.v.) injected with various schedules ('-30 to +10 min from LPS at 50 ng/mouse, i.v.) significantly inhibited serum TNF as well as liver, spleen and lung-associated TNF. In rabbits, SAEP-2 significantly inhibited TNF produced in dermal tissue and the resulting local hemorrhagic necrosis. The amount of tissue-associated TNF released by LPS challenge in the mouse was up to 6 times that present in the serum and inhibition by SAEP-2 or PMXB accounted for 75% of the total. Direct measurement of the binding kinetics by surface plasmon resonance and molecular filtration at equilibrium revealed that SAEP-2 and PMXB bind to LPS only in the presence of a significant amount of water but that they are unable to bind LPS in undiluted serum. Altogether these findings strongly suggest that inhibition of LPS-induced TNF by SAEP-2 and PMXB may occur in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.T. Demitri
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Milano, Italy
| | | | - L. Bracci
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - A. Rustici
- Bios Ynth srl, Rapolano Terme, Siena, Italy
| | - M. Porro
- Bios Ynth srl, Rapolano Terme, Siena, Italy
| | - P. Villa
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Milano, Italy, CNR Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Center, Milano, Italy
| | - P. Ghezzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Milano, Italy
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21
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Formichi P, Radi E, Branca C, Battisti C, Brunetti J, Da Pozzo P, Giannini F, Dotti MT, Bracci L, Federico A. Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with POLG-related disorders. J Neurol Sci 2016; 368:359-68. [PMID: 27538665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND POLG-related disorders are a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by an overlapping clinical presentations and associated with mutations in the POLG gene. POLG codes for the catalytic subunit of mitochondrial polymerase gamma (POLG), essential for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and repair. Studies on mutator POLG mice showed an increase in oxidative stress and apoptosis. In this regard we analysed the involvement of POLG mutations in the apoptotic regulation, evaluating apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from patients with POLG-related diseases. METHODS Cells were cultured under basal conditions and with 2-deoxy-d-ribose (dRib), a reducing sugar that induces apoptosis by oxidative stress. Apoptosis rate was assessed by flow cytometry. Phosphatidylserine translocation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and caspase 3 activation were also analysed. RESULTS Our data showed higher percentages of apoptosis after dRib treatment in patients with POLG mutations than in controls, while under basal culture conditions, apoptosis levels were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Cells with POLG mutations are more sensitive than control cells to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, confirming that mtDNA mutations may have a role in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. We also suggest that redox state homeostasis may play a crucial role in phenotypic expression of POLG-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Formichi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Radi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Branca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Carla Battisti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Da Pozzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabio Giannini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Dotti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Federico
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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22
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Brunetti J, Depau L, Falciani C, Riolo G, Mandarini E, Pini A, Bracci L. Abstract 3899: Preclinical development of tetra-branched NT4 peptide theranostics. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-3899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The tetra-branched peptide NT4 is a potential cancer theranostic, which very selectively binds to human cancer tissues in different malignancies and can efficiently and selectively deliver drugs or liposomes for cancer cell imaging or therapy, in vitro and in vivo. By using NT4 conjugated to methotrexate or 5FdU we obtained significant reduction of tumor growth in xenografted nude mice. Very recently we reported that conjugation of paclitaxel to NT4 leads to increased therapeutic activity of the drug in an orthotopic model of breast cancer in mice and produces tumor regression which is not achieved with unconjugated paclitaxel in identical experimental conditions. We demonstrated that NT4 specifically binds to sulfated glycosaminoglycans and LRP receptors on cancer cells and tissues.
Considering the role of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in cancer cell interaction with the extracellular matrix, we have analyzed the effect of NT4 in cancer cell adhesion and migration on different supports. NT4 inhibits adhesion and migration of different human cancer cell lines, strongly affecting directionality of cell movement.
We have also constructed and validated a novel theranostics nanodevices, by conjugation of NT4 to quantum dots, for selective diagnosis and imaging of different human carcinomas.
Thanks to their high cancer selectivity and versatile chemical conformation, NT4 peptides can be exploited for constructing cancer theranostics, which may also reduce tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential by inhibiting cancer cell migration.
References:
Falciani, C. et al. Cancer selectivity of tetrabranched neurotensin peptides is generated by simultaneous binding to sulfated glycosaminoglycans and protein receptors. J Med Chem. 2013, 56, 5009-18.
Brunetti, J. et al. Tumor-selective peptide-carrier delivery of Paclitaxel increases in vivo activity of the drug. Scientific Reports. DOI:10.1038/srep17736.
Citation Format: Jlenia Brunetti, Lorenzo Depau, Chiara Falciani, Giulia Riolo, Elisabetta Mandarini, Alessandro Pini, Luisa Bracci. Preclinical development of tetra-branched NT4 peptide theranostics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3899.
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23
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Brunetti J, Falciani C, Roscia G, Pollini S, Bindi S, Scali S, Arrieta UC, Gómez-Vallejo V, Quercini L, Ibba E, Prato M, Rossolini GM, Llop J, Bracci L, Pini A. In vitro and in vivo efficacy, toxicity, bio-distribution and resistance selection of a novel antibacterial drug candidate. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26077. [PMID: 27169671 PMCID: PMC4864329 DOI: 10.1038/srep26077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A synthetic antimicrobial peptide was identified as a possible candidate for the development of a new antibacterial drug. The peptide, SET-M33L, showed a MIC90 below 1.5 μM and 3 μM for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. In in vivo models of P. aeruginosa infections, the peptide and its pegylated form (SET-M33L-PEG) enabled a survival percentage of 60–80% in sepsis and lung infections when injected twice i.v. at 5 mg/Kg, and completely healed skin infections when administered topically. Plasma clearance showed different kinetics for SET-M33L and SET-M33L-PEG, the latter having greater persistence two hours after injection. Bio-distribution in organs did not show significant differences in uptake of the two peptides. Unlike colistin, SET-M33L did not select resistant mutants in bacterial cultures and also proved non genotoxic and to have much lower in vivo toxicity than antimicrobial peptides already used in clinical practice. The characterizations reported here are part of a preclinical development plan that should bring the molecule to clinical trial in the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Roscia
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Pollini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Bindi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, viale Bracci, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Scali
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Unai Cossio Arrieta
- Radiochemistry and Nuclear Imaging Group CIC biomaGUNE, San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | - Leila Quercini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Ibba
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Prato
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.,Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation I.R.C.C.S., Florence, Italy
| | - Jordi Llop
- Radiochemistry and Nuclear Imaging Group CIC biomaGUNE, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, viale Bracci, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, viale Bracci, Siena, Italy
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24
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Russo S, Callegari D, Incerti M, Pala D, Giorgio C, Brunetti J, Bracci L, Vicini P, Barocelli E, Capoferri L, Rivara S, Tognolini M, Mor M, Lodola A. Exploiting Free-Energy Minima to Design Novel EphA2 Protein-Protein Antagonists: From Simulation to Experiment and Return. Chemistry 2016; 22:8048-52. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201600993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Russo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Donatella Callegari
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Matteo Incerti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Daniele Pala
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Carmine Giorgio
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche; Università degli Studi di Siena; Via Fiorentina 1 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche; Università degli Studi di Siena; Via Fiorentina 1 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Paola Vicini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barocelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Luigi Capoferri
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences; VU University; De Boelelaan 1083 1081 HV Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Massimiliano Tognolini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Farmacia; Università degli Studi di Parma; Viale delle Scienze 27A 43124 Parma Italy
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25
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Rossi A, Donati S, Fontana L, Porcaro F, Battocchio C, Proietti E, Venditti I, Bracci L, Fratoddi I. Negatively charged gold nanoparticles as a dexamethasone carrier: stability in biological media and bioactivity assessment in vitro. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra19561j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AuNP and AuNP/DXM stability and drug release kinetics in different biological media.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Rossi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità
- 00161 Rome
- Italy
| | - S. Donati
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità
- 00161 Rome
- Italy
| | - L. Fontana
- Department of Chemistry
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome
- Italy
| | - F. Porcaro
- Department of Sciences
- University “Roma Tre”
- Rome
- Italy
| | - C. Battocchio
- Department of Sciences
- University “Roma Tre”
- Rome
- Italy
| | - E. Proietti
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità
- 00161 Rome
- Italy
| | - I. Venditti
- Department of Chemistry
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome
- Italy
| | - L. Bracci
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità
- 00161 Rome
- Italy
| | - I. Fratoddi
- Department of Chemistry
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome
- Italy
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26
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Ceccherini F, Falciani C, Onori M, Scali S, Pollini S, Rossolini GM, Bracci L, Pini A. Antimicrobial activity of levofloxacin – M33 peptide conjugation or combination. Med Chem Commun 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5md00392j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
M33 is a branched antimicrobial peptide against Gram-negative bacteria. We reported its conjugation with levofloxacin and its antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Silvia Scali
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies
- University of Siena
- Italy
| | - Simona Pollini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies
- University of Siena
- Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies
- University of Siena
- Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine
- University of Florence
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies
- University of Siena
- Italy
- Clinical Pathology Unit
- Siena University Hospital
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies
- University of Siena
- Italy
- Clinical Pathology Unit
- Siena University Hospital
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27
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Formichi P, Radi E, Giorgi E, Gallus GN, Brunetti J, Battisti C, Rufa A, Dotti MT, Franceschini R, Bracci L, Federico A. Analysis of opa1 isoforms expression and apoptosis regulation in autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) patients with mutations in the opa1 gene. J Neurol Sci 2015; 351:99-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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28
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Roscia G, Falciani C, Bracci L, Pini A. The development of antimicrobial peptides as new antibacterial drugs. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2014; 14:641-9. [PMID: 24384032 DOI: 10.2174/138920371408131227155308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The increasing frequency of multidrug-resistant bacteria and a recent slowing in the development of new antimicrobial agents place mankind in a state of emergency with regard to the threat of new bacterial infections. Antibacterial peptides (AMPs) are considered an important class of molecules to develop against bacteria. AMPs have been known for many years but very few have yet been extensively used in clinical practice, mainly because of their general toxicity and manufacturing cost. Now, thanks to new technologies for screening and development, interest in these molecules has grown. Many new AMPs have been discovered and some are under evaluation for the development of new antibacterial therapeutics. Here we review the major AMPs currently used in clinical practice and others in the phase of preclinical and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Italy.
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29
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Falciani C, Lozzi L, Scali S, Brunetti J, Bracci L, Pini A. Site-specific pegylation of an antimicrobial peptide increases resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase. Amino Acids 2014; 46:1403-7. [PMID: 24510250 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1686-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
M33 is a branched peptide currently under preclinical characterization for the development of a new antibacterial drug against gram-negative bacteria. Here, we report its pegylation at the C-terminus of the three-lysine-branching core and the resulting increase in stability to Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase. This protease is a virulence factor that acts by destroying peptides of the native immune system. Peptide resistance to this protease is an important feature for M33-Peg activity against Pseudomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Falciani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Siena, Siena, Italy
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30
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Minervini A, Siena G, Falciani C, Carini M, Bracci L. Branched peptides as novel tumor-targeting agents for bladder cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 12:699-701. [DOI: 10.1586/era.12.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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31
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Bracci L, Schiavoni G, Sistigu A, Belardelli F. Immune-based mechanisms of cytotoxic chemotherapy: implications for the design of novel and rationale-based combined treatments against cancer. Cell Death Differ 2014; 21:15-25. [PMID: 23787994 PMCID: PMC3857622 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2013.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 631] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional anticancer chemotherapy has been historically thought to act through direct killing of tumor cells. This concept stems from the fact that cytotoxic drugs interfere with DNA synthesis and replication. Accumulating evidence, however, indicates that the antitumor activities of chemotherapy also rely on several off-target effects, especially directed to the host immune system, that cooperate for successful tumor eradication. Chemotherapeutic agents stimulate both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system through several modalities: (i) by promoting specific rearrangements on dying tumor cells, which render them visible to the immune system; (ii) by influencing the homeostasis of the hematopoietic compartment through transient lymphodepletion followed by rebound replenishment of immune cell pools; (iii) by subverting tumor-induced immunosuppressive mechanisms and (iv) by exerting direct or indirect stimulatory effects on immune effectors. Among the indirect ways of immune cell stimulation, some cytotoxic drugs have been shown to induce an immunogenic type of cell death in tumor cells, resulting in the emission of specific signals that trigger phagocytosis of cell debris and promote the maturation of dendritic cells, ultimately resulting in the induction of potent antitumor responses. Here, we provide an extensive overview of the multiple immune-based mechanisms exploited by the most commonly employed cytotoxic drugs, with the final aim of identifying prerequisites for optimal combination with immunotherapy strategies for the development of more effective treatments against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bracci
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Schiavoni
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Sistigu
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - F Belardelli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Falciani C, Brunetti J, Lelli B, Ravenni N, Lozzi L, Depau L, Scali S, Bernini A, Pini A, Bracci L. Cancer Selectivity of Tetrabranched Neurotensin Peptides Is Generated by Simultaneous Binding to Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans and Protein Receptors. J Med Chem 2013; 56:5009-18. [DOI: 10.1021/jm400329p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
- Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Barbara Lelli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Niccolò Ravenni
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Luisa Lozzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Lorenzo Depau
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Silvia Scali
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Andrea Bernini
- Department of Biotechnology,
Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
- Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena,
Italy
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Bracci L, Falciani C, Brunetti J, Lelli B, Ravenni N, Lozzi L, Depau L, Pini A. Abstract 5625: Targeting different LRP receptors and sulfated proteoglycan by branched neurotensin provide high cancer selectivity. Cancer Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2013-5625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In previous paper we reported on the much higher selectivity toward cancer cells and tissues of tetra-branched neurotensin peptides (NT4) compared to monomeric NT peptide. We also demonstrated that NT4 can be coupled to many different functional units for cancer cell tracing and drug delivery and can induce tumor growth reduction in animal studies. We then proposed NT4 as promising cancer selective theranostics for different human cancers, including CRC, pancreas adenocarcinoma and urinary bladder cancer. Nonetheless, multimeric binding of tetrabranched peptides, together with the chemical modification produced by coupling to the branched core, might have modified receptor selectivity of NT4 with respect to native monomeric NT and actually we had no conclusive indication on which receptor our branched NT4 peptides were binding to.
Data reported in the present paper demonstrate that synthesis of neurotensin sequence in a tetra-branched form induce a switching of receptor selectivity, by decreasing affinity to the NT high affinity receptor NTR1 and contemporarily acquiring binding to additional receptors, which produces a much higher cancer cell selectivity of NT4 with respect to monomeric NT peptides. We demonstrate here that NT4 binds sortilin and SorLa and also acquire the ability to bind different receptors belonging to the Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Related Protein (LRP) family as well as heparin and other Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPG).
The much higher binding of NT4 in respect to native NT to either cancel cell lines or human cancer surgical samples, as well as the higher selectivity toward human cancer tissues of NT4 is due to binding to different membrane receptors, which are very selectively expressed by many different human cancers. Moreover, our results confirm that sulfated proteoglycan can mimic the ligand binding site of different LRP receptors and indicate that targeting of multiple LRP receptors together with sulfated proteoglycans produce an extremely high selectivity towards many different human cancers.
Citation Format: Luisa Bracci, Chiara Falciani, Jlenia Brunetti, Barbara Lelli, Niccolò Ravenni, Luisa Lozzi, Lorenzo Depau, Alessandro Pini. Targeting different LRP receptors and sulfated proteoglycan by branched neurotensin provide high cancer selectivity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5625. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5625
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Falciani C, Brunetti J, Lelli B, Accardo A, Tesauro D, Morelli G, Bracci L. Nanoparticles exposing neurotensin tumor-specific drivers. J Pept Sci 2013; 19:198-204. [PMID: 23436714 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles have attracted much attention for their potential application as in vivo carriers of drugs. Labeling of nanoparticles with bioactive markers that are able to direct them toward specific biological target receptors has led to a new generation of drug delivery systems. In particular, low molecular weight peptides that remain stable in vivo could be promising tools to selectively drive nanoparticles loaded with active components to tumor cells. We reported, recently, that tetrabranched neurotensin peptides (NT4) may be used to selectively target tumor cells with liposomes. Liposomes functionalized with tetrabranched neurotensin peptide, NT4, and loaded with doxorubicin showed clear advantages in cell binding, anthracyclin internalization, and cytotoxicity in respect of not functionalized liposomes. In this study, we compare branched (NT4) versus linear (NT) peptides in the ability to drive liposomes to target cells and deliver their toxic cargo. We showed here that the more densely decorated liposomes had a better activity profile in terms of drug delivery. Presentation of peptides to the cell membranes in the grouped shape provided by branched structure facilitates liposome cell binding and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Falciani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Falciani C, Lozzi L, Pollini S, Luca V, Carnicelli V, Brunetti J, Lelli B, Bindi S, Scali S, Di Giulio A, Rossolini GM, Mangoni ML, Bracci L, Pini A. Isomerization of an antimicrobial peptide broadens antimicrobial spectrum to gram-positive bacterial pathogens. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46259. [PMID: 23056272 PMCID: PMC3462775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The branched M33 antimicrobial peptide was previously shown to be very active against Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, including multidrug-resistant strains. In an attempt to produce back-up molecules, we synthesized an M33 peptide isomer consisting of D-aminoacids (M33-D). This isomeric version showed 4 to 16-fold higher activity against Gram-positive pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, than the original peptide, while retaining strong activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of both peptides was influenced by their differential sensitivity to bacterial proteases. The better activity shown by M33-D against S. aureus compared to M33-L was confirmed in biofilm eradication experiments where M33-L showed 12% activity with respect to M33-D, and in vivo models where Balb-c mice infected with S. aureus showed 100% and 0% survival when treated with M33-D and M33-L, respectively. M33-D appears to be an interesting candidate for the development of novel broad-spectrum antimicrobials active against bacterial pathogens of clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Falciani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Lozzi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Pollini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Luca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Fanelli, Università di Roma, La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Veronica Carnicelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università di L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Lelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Bindi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Scali
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Giulio
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università di L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche A. Fanelli, Università di Roma, La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Tognolini M, Incerti M, Mohamed IH, Giorgio C, Russo S, Bruni R, Lelli B, Bracci L, Noberini R, Pasquale EB, Barocelli E, Vicini P, Mor M, Lodola A. Structure-activity relationships and mechanism of action of Eph-ephrin antagonists: interaction of cholanic acid with the EphA2 receptor. ChemMedChem 2012; 7:1071-83. [PMID: 22529030 PMCID: PMC3677030 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201200102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The Eph-ephrin system, including the EphA2 receptor and the ephrinA1 ligand, plays a critical role in tumor and vascular functions during carcinogenesis. We previously identified (3α,5β)-3-hydroxycholan-24-oic acid (lithocholic acid) as an Eph-ephrin antagonist that is able to inhibit EphA2 receptor activation; it is therefore potentially useful as a novel EphA2 receptor-targeting agent. Herein we explore the structure-activity relationships of a focused set of lithocholic acid derivatives based on molecular modeling investigations and displacement binding assays. Our exploration shows that while the 3-α-hydroxy group of lithocholic acid has a negligible role in recognition of the EphA2 receptor, its carboxylate group is critical for disrupting the binding of ephrinA1 to EphA2. As a result of our investigation, we identified (5β)-cholan-24-oic acid (cholanic acid) as a novel compound that competitively inhibits the EphA2-ephrinA1 interaction with higher potency than lithocholic acid. Surface plasmon resonance analysis indicates that cholanic acid binds specifically and reversibly to the ligand binding domain of EphA2, with a steady-state dissociation constant (K(D) ) in the low micromolar range. Furthermore, cholanic acid blocks the phosphorylation of EphA2 as well as cell retraction and rounding in PC3 prostate cancer cells, two effects that depend on EphA2 activation by the ephrinA1 ligand. These findings suggest that cholanic acid can be used as a template structure for the design of effective EphA2 antagonists, and may have potential impact in the elucidation of the role played by this receptor in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Tognolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche, Biologiche e Chimiche applicate, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Incerti
- Dipartimento Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Iftiin Hassan Mohamed
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche, Biologiche e Chimiche applicate, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Carmine Giorgio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche, Biologiche e Chimiche applicate, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Simonetta Russo
- Dipartimento Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Renato Bruni
- Dipartimento di Biologia Evolutiva e Funzionale, Viale delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Università degli Studi di Parma, Italy
| | - Barbara Lelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Università degli Studi di Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Università degli Studi di Siena, Italy
| | - Roberta Noberini
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Elisabetta Barocelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche, Biologiche e Chimiche applicate, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Vicini
- Dipartimento Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Iozzi S, Remelli R, Lelli B, Diamanti D, Pileri S, Bracci L, Roncarati R, Caricasole A, Bernocco S. Functional Characterization of a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of the DKK1-LRP6 Interaction. ISRN Mol Biol 2012; 2012:823875. [PMID: 27398238 PMCID: PMC4908242 DOI: 10.5402/2012/823875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. DKK1 antagonizes canonical Wnt signalling through high-affinity binding to LRP5/6, an essential component of the Wnt receptor complex responsible for mediating downstream canonical Wnt signalling. DKK1 overexpression is known for its pathological implications in osteoporosis, cancer, and neurodegeneration, suggesting the interaction with LRP5/6 as a potential therapeutic target. Results. We show that the small-molecule NCI8642 can efficiently displace DKK1 from LRP6 and block DKK1 inhibitory activity on canonical Wnt signalling, as shown in binding and cellular assays, respectively. We further characterize NCI8642 binding activity on LRP6 by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the DKK1-LRP6 interaction can be the target of small molecules and unlocks the possibility of new therapeutic tools for diseases associated with DKK1 dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Iozzi
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Rosaria Remelli
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Lelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Diamanti
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Pileri
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Renza Roncarati
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy; High-throughput Screening Unit, Center for Genomic Regulation, Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Caricasole
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Bernocco
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Galeotti CL, Bove E, Pezzicoli A, Nogarotto R, Norais N, Pileri S, Lelli B, Falugi F, Balloni S, Tedde V, Chiarot E, Bombaci M, Soriani M, Bracci L, Grandi G, Grifantini R. Surface interactome in Streptococcus pyogenes. Mol Cell Proteomics 2011; 11:M111.015206. [PMID: 22199230 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m111.015206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Very few studies have so far been dedicated to the systematic analysis of protein interactions occurring between surface and/or secreted proteins in bacteria. Such interactions are expected to play pivotal biological roles that deserve investigation. Taking advantage of the availability of a detailed map of surface and secreted proteins in Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus (GAS)), we used protein array technology to define the "surface interactome" in this important human pathogen. Eighty-three proteins were spotted on glass slides in high density format, and each of the spotted proteins was probed for its capacity to interact with any of the immobilized proteins. A total of 146 interactions were identified, 25 of which classified as "reciprocal," namely, interactions that occur irrespective of which of the two partners was immobilized on the chip or in solution. Several of these interactions were validated by surface plasmon resonance and supported by confocal microscopy analysis of whole bacterial cells. By this approach, a number of interesting interactions have been discovered, including those occurring between OppA, DppA, PrsA, and TlpA, proteins known to be involved in protein folding and transport. These proteins, all localizing at the septum, might be part, together with HtrA, of the recently described ExPortal complex of GAS. Furthermore, SpeI was found to strongly interact with the metal transporters AdcA and Lmb. Because SpeI strictly requires zinc to exert its function, this finding provides evidence on how this superantigen, a major player in GAS pathogenesis, can acquire the metal in the host environment, where it is largely sequestered by carrier proteins. We believe that the approach proposed herein can lead to a deeper knowledge of the mechanisms underlying bacterial invasion, colonization, and pathogenesis.
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Tognolini M, Incerti M, Mohamed IH, Giorgio C, Barocelli E, Russo S, Lelli B, Bracci L, Lodola A. Abstract A126: Structure activity relationships of new EphA2 ligands. Mol Cancer Ther 2011. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.targ-11-a126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Eph-ephrin system plays a central role in a large variety of human cancers. In fact, alterated expression and/or deregulated function of Eph-ephrin system promotes tumorigenesis and development of a more aggressive and metastatic tumor phenotype. In particular EphA2 upregulation is correlated with tumor stage and progression and the expression of EphA2 in non-transformed cells induces malignant transformation and confers tumorigenic potential.
We recently identified lithocholic acid (LCA) as a competitive and reversible antagonist inhibiting Eph kinases-ephrins binding and functionality. In order to investigate the Structure Activity Relationship at Eph-ephrin system we synthesized a series of new derivatives exploring the positions 6,7,12 and the opposite ends of LCA, represented by the hydroxyl group in position 3 and by the carboxyl moiety.
Methods: The ability of the compounds to interfere with Ephephrin system was tested both in an ELISA-like binding assay and in functional cellular assays (EphA2 phosphorylation, cytotoxicity, proliferation). Surface Plasmon Resonance was used to clarify whether the compounds bound to Eph kinase or to ephrin.
Results: LCA derivatives resulted to bind to Eph kinase (by SPR) and they were particularly sensitive to the modulation of the steroidal scaffold. The introduction of an -hydroxyl or keto group in position 6, 7 or 12 resulted detrimental for binding affinity. The oxidation of the -hydroxyl group in position 3 as well as its acetylation led to compounds characterized by a reduced affinity compared to LCA. By contrast, the inversion of the chiral centre in position 3 or its removal, led to compounds endowed with higher affinity and efficacy. However, when the beta hydroxyl group of isoLCA was replaced by a hindered substituent, the compound became inactive. Esterification or conjugation with amine derivatives of the carboxylic group of LCA, also gave inactive compounds. Finally, the reduction of LCA carboxyl group to the corresponding alcohol derivative gave a compound, which retained some affinity for EphA2 binding site. The crystal structure of EphA2 combined to molecular docking and dynamics simulations suggested the compounds occupy the space of the ephrin-A1 G-H loop domain, inserting its cyclopenta[a]perhydro phenanthrene scaffold into a hydrophobic Eph receptor channel. The pentanoic acid fragment, emerging from position 17 of the LCA core, forms a salt bridge with Arg103, mimicking the interaction undertaken by ephrin-A1 Glu119. Finally, LCA 3-hydroyxl group interacts with Arg159, usually involved in a hydrogen bond with Asp86 of ephrin-A1.
Conclusions: All together, these findings indicate that the hydrophobic core of LCA can mimic the G-H loop in its interaction with EphA2 binding site. SAR data and computational results also suggest that the hydroxyl group in position 3 is not essential for the activity, representing an interesting point for a further expansion of the series.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A126.
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Pini A, Lozzi L, Bernini A, Brunetti J, Falciani C, Scali S, Bindi S, Di Maggio T, Rossolini GM, Niccolai N, Bracci L. Efficacy and toxicity of the antimicrobial peptide M33 produced with different counter-ions. Amino Acids 2011; 43:467-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-1103-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Falciani C, Lelli B, Brunetti J, Pileri S, Cappelli A, Pini A, Pagliuca C, Ravenni N, Bencini L, Menichetti S, Moretti R, De Prizio M, Scatizzi M, Bracci L. Modular branched neurotensin peptides for tumor target tracing and receptor-mediated therapy: a proof-of-concept. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2011; 10:695-704. [PMID: 20578987 DOI: 10.2174/156800910793605875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2009] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to demonstrate that oligo-branched peptides can be effective either for spotlighting tumor cells that overexpress peptide receptors, or for killing them, simply by exchanging the functional moiety coupled to the conserved receptor-targeting core. Tetra-branched peptides containing neurotensin (NT) sequence are described here as selective targeting agents for human colon, pancreas and prostate cancer. Fluorophore-conjugated peptides were used to measure tumor versus healthy tissue binding in human surgical samples, resulting in validation of neurotensin receptors as highly promising tumor-biomarkers. Drug-armed branched peptides were synthesized with different conjugation methods, resulting in uncleavable adducts or drug-releasing molecules. Cytotoxicity on human cell lines from colon (HT-29), pancreas (PANC-1) or prostate (PC-3) carcinoma indicated branched NT conjugated with MTX and 5-FdU as the most active agents on PANC-1 (EC(50) 4.4e-007 M) and HT-29 (1.1e-007 M), respectively. Tetra-branched NT armed with 5-FdU was used for in vivo experiments in HT-29-xenografted mice and produced a 50% reduction in tumor growth with respect to animals treated with the free drug. An unrelated branched peptide carrying the same drug was completely ineffective. In vitro and in vivo results indicated that branched peptides are valuable tools for tumor selective targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Falciani
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Bracci L, Falciani C, Pini A, Brunetti J, Lelli B, Accardo A, Tesauro D, Morelli G. Abstract 2319: Target selective drug delivery through liposomes labeled with tetra-branched neurotensin peptides. Cancer Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2011-2319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aim of the study was to construct and test liposomes labeled with tetra-branched receptor-specific peptides for target selective drug delivery.
Membrane receptors for endogenous peptides, like neurotensin (NT), are over-expressed by different human cancers and can be targeted as tumor-specific antigens. We found that peptide sequences, when synthesized in an oligo-branched form, become resistant to proteolysis and thanks to their multimericity are more efficient than corresponding monomers in binding cellular antigens (1).
In previous works we developed tetra-branched NT peptides (NT4), which can be used as ‘theranostics’, by addition of different functional units to the tumor targeting sequence (2-4).
Here we describe the synthesis of liposomes filled with the cytotoxic drug doxorubicin (Doxo) and functionalized on the external surface with a tetra-branched neurotensin peptide. The new functionalized liposomes, DOPC/NT4Lys(C18)2 (NT4-liposomes), are obtained by co-aggregation of the DOPC phospholipid with a new synthetic amphiphilic molecule, NT4Lys(C18)2, containing a lysine scaffold derivatized with a lypophilic moiety and the tetrabranched hydrophilic NT peptide. Selective internalization and cytotoxicity of NT4-liposomes and DOPC nude liposome, both loaded with doxorubicin, were tested in different human cancer cell lines. Peptide-functionalized liposomes showed a clear advantage with respect to DOPC nude liposomes in drug internalization, as followed either by confocal microscopy or cytofluorimetry. Cytotoxicity of NT4-Doxo-liposomes is increased with respect to DOPC-Doxo liposomes. The higher rate of internalization of NT4-Doxo-liposomes, might be due to a lower dissociation constant of the NT4-liposomes that bind the membrane onto a specific protein, differently to the DOPC liposomes that approach the plasma membrane unselectively.
These results are highly encouraging for an in vivo use of NT4-liposomes, considering that we already proved that, thanks to their cell selectivity, drug armed NT4 are much more effective in mice cancer models than in in vitro cytotocity experiments.
References.
1. Bracci et al. J Biol Chem. 2003, 278, 46590-5.
2. Falciani et al. Mol. Cancer Ther. 2007, 6, 2441-8.
3. Falciani et al. Curr. Cancer Drug Targets, 2010, 10, 695-04.
4. Falciani et al. ChemMedChem 2010, 5, 567-74.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2319. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2319
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Sistigu A, Bracci L, Valentini M, Proietti E, Bona R, Negri DRM, Ciccaglione AR, Tritarelli E, Nisini R, Equestre M, Costantino A, Marcantonio C, Santini SM, Lapenta C, Donati S, Tataseo P, Miceli M, Cara A, Federico M. Strong CD8+ T cell antigenicity and immunogenicity of large foreign proteins incorporated in HIV-1 VLPs able to induce a Nef-dependent activation/maturation of dendritic cells. Vaccine 2011; 29:3465-75. [PMID: 21382480 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are excellent tools for vaccines against pathogens and tumors. They can accommodate foreign polypeptides whose incorporation efficiency and immunogenicity however decrease strongly with the increase of their size. We recently described the CD8(+) T cell immune response against a small foreign antigen (i.e., the 98 amino acid long human papilloma virus E7 protein) incorporated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 based VLPs as product of fusion with an HIV-1 Nef mutant (Nef(mut)). Here, we extended our previous investigations by testing the antigenic/immunogenic properties of Nef(mut)-based VLPs incorporating much larger heterologous products, i.e., human hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 and influenza virus NP proteins, which are composed of 630 and 498 amino acids, respectively. We observed a remarkable cross-presentation of HCV NS3 in dendritic cells challenged with Nef(mut)-NS3 VLPs, as detected using a NS3 specific CD8(+) T cell clone as well as PBMCs from HCV infected patients. On the other hand, when injected in mice, Nef(mut)-NP VLPs elicited strong anti-NP CD8(+) T cell and CTL immune responses. In addition, we revealed the ability of Nef(mut) incorporated in VLPs to activate and mature primary human immature dendritic cells (iDCs). This phenomenon correlated with the activation of Src tyrosine kinase-related intracellular signaling, and can be transmitted from VLP-challenged to bystander iDCs. Overall, these results prove that Nef(mut)-based VLPs represent a rather flexible platform for the design of innovative CD8(+) T cell vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sistigu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Falciani C, Accardo A, Brunetti J, Tesauro D, Lelli B, Pini A, Bracci L, Morelli G. Target-selective drug delivery through liposomes labeled with oligobranched neurotensin peptides. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:678-85. [PMID: 21370475 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201000463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The structure and the in vitro behavior of liposomes filled with the cytotoxic drug doxorubicin (Doxo) and functionalized on the external surface with a branched moiety containing four copies of the 8-13 neurotensin (NT) peptide is reported. The new functionalized liposomes, DOPC-NT₄Lys(C₁₈)₂, are obtained by co-aggregation of the DOPC phospholipid with a new synthetic amphiphilic molecule, NT₄ Lys(C₁₈)₂, which contains a lysine scaffold derivatized with a lipophilic moiety and a tetrabranched hydrophilic peptide, NT8-13, a neurotensin peptide fragment well known for its ability to mimic the neurotensin peptide in receptor binding ability. Dynamic light scattering measurements indicate a value for the hydrodynamic radius (RH) of 88.3±4.4 nm. The selective internalization and cytotoxicity of DOPC-NT₄ Lys(C₁₈)₂ liposomes containing Doxo, as compared to pure DOPC liposomes, were tested in HT29 human colon adenocarcinoma and TE671 human rhabdomyosarcoma cells, both of which express neurotensin receptors. Peptide-functionalized liposomes show a clear advantage in comparison to pure DOPC liposomes with regard to drug internalization in both HT29 and TE671 tumor cells: FACS analysis indicates an increase in fluorescence signal of the NT₄-liposomes, compared to the DOPC pure analogues, in both cell lines; cytotoxicity of DOPC-NT₄ Lys(C₁₈)₂-Doxo liposomes is increased four-fold with respect to DOPC-Doxo liposomes in both HT29 and TE671 cell lines. These effects could to be ascribed to the higher rate of internalization for DOPC-NT₄ Lys(C₁₈)₂-Doxo liposomes, due to stronger binding driven by a lower dissociation constant of the NT₄-liposomes that bind the membrane onto a specific protein, in contrast to DOPC liposomes, which approach the plasma membrane unselectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Falciani
- Laboratory of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Caldinelli L, Molla G, Bracci L, Lelli B, Pileri S, Cappelletti P, Sacchi S, Pollegioni L. Effect of ligand binding on human D-amino acid oxidase: implications for the development of new drugs for schizophrenia treatment. Protein Sci 2010; 19:1500-12. [PMID: 20521334 DOI: 10.1002/pro.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In human brain the flavoprotein D-amino acid oxidase (hDAAO) is responsible for the degradation of the neuromodulator D-serine, an important effector of NMDA-receptor mediated neurotransmission. Experimental evidence supports the concept that D-serine concentration increase by hDAAO inhibition may represent a valuable therapeutic approach to improve the symptoms in schizophrenia patients. This study investigated the effects on hDAAO conformation and stability of the substrate D-serine (or of the pseudo-substrate trifluoro-D-alanine), the FAD cofactor, and two inhibitors (benzoate, a classical substrate-competitive inhibitor and the drug chlorpromazine (CPZ), which competes with the cofactor). We demonstrated that all these compounds do not alter the interaction of hDAAO with its physiological partner pLG72. The ligands used affect the tertiary structure of hDAAO differently: benzoate or trifluoro-D-alanine binding increases the amount of the holoenzyme form in solution and stabilizes the flavoprotein, while CPZ binding favors a protein conformation resembling that of the apoprotein, which is more sensitive to degradation. Interestingly, the apoprotein form of hDAAO binds the substrate D-serine: this interaction increases FAD binding thus increasing the amount of active holoenzyme in solution. Benzoate and CPZ similarly modify the short-term cellular D-serine concentration but affect the cellular concentration of hDAAO differently. In conclusion, the different alteration of hDAAO conformation and stability by the ligands used represents a further parameter to take into consideration during the development of new drugs to cope schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Caldinelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze Molecolari, Università degli studi dell'Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese
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Brunetti J, Falciani C, Lelli B, Ravenni N, Pini A, Depau L, Lozzi L, Lapo B, Moretti R, Bracci L. 80 Branched peptides as targeting agents for tumor imaging and therapy. EJC Suppl 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(10)71785-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Falciani C, Lelli B, Brunetti J, Pileri S, Cappelli A, Pini A, Pagliuca C, Ravenni N, Bencini L, Menichetti S, Moretti R, De Prizio M, Scatizzi M, Bracci L. Modular Branched Neurotensin Peptides for Tumor Target Tracing and Receptor-Mediated Therapy: A Proof-of-Concept. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2010. [DOI: 10.2174/1568210205789870096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Bracci L, Falciani C, Lelli B, Brunetti J, Lozzi L, Pini A, Pagliuca C, Ravenni N, Bencini L, Menichetti S, Moretti R. Abstract 2582: Branched neurotensin peptides for the selective targeting of human colon and pancreas carcinoma. Cancer Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am10-2582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study was to validate oligo-branched peptides as selective targeting agents that might be effective either for spotlighting tumor cells that over-express peptide receptors, or for killing them, simply by exchanging the functional moiety coupled to the conserved receptor-targeting core. Tetra-branched peptides containing neurotensin (NT) sequence are described here for selective targeting of human colon, pancreas and prostate cancer. Fluorophore-conjugated peptides were used to measure tumor versus healthy tissue binding in human surgical samples, resulting in validation of neurotensin receptors as highly promising tumor-biomarkers. Drug-armed branched peptides were synthesized with different conjugation methods, resulting in uncleavable adducts or drug-releasing molecules. Cytotoxicity on human cell lines from colon (HT-29), pancreas (PANC-1) or prostate (PC-3) carcinoma indicated branched NT conjugated with MTX and 5-FdU as the most active agents on PANC-1 (EC50 4.4e-007 M) and HT-29 (1.1e-007 M), respectively. Tetra-branched NT armed with 5-FdU was used for in vivo experiments in HT-29-xenografted mice and produced a 50% reduction in tumor growth with respect to animals treated with the same amount of free drug. An unrelated branched peptide carrying the same drug was completely ineffective. In vitro and in vivo results indicated that branched peptides are valuable new tools for tumor selective targeting.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2582.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lapo Bencini
- 3Careggi Regional and University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Renato Moretti
- 3Careggi Regional and University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Falciani C, Brunetti J, Pagliuca C, Menichetti S, Vitellozzi L, Lelli B, Pini A, Bracci L. Design and In vitro Evaluation of Branched Peptide Conjugates: Turning Nonspecific Cytotoxic Drugs into Tumor-Selective Agents. ChemMedChem 2010; 5:567-74. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.200900527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Falciani C, Brunetti J, Lelli B, Lozzi L, Pini A, Ravenni N, Bencini L, Menichetti S, Moretti R, Bracci L. Abstract A20: Tumor selective delivery of chemotherapeutics via branched peptides. Clin Cancer Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.tcme10-a20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Oligo-branched peptides, containing the sequence of the human regulatory peptide neurotensin (NT), have been used as specific tumor targeting agents, able to selectively and specifically deliver effector units for cell imaging or killing, to tumor cells that over-express NT receptors.
Tetra-branched peptides containing neurotensin (NT) sequence are described here as selective targeting agents for human colon, pancreas and prostate cancer. Fluorophore-conjugated peptides were used to measure tumor versus healthy tissue binding in human surgical samples, resulting in validation of neurotensin receptors as highly promising tumor-biomarkers. Drug-armed branched peptides were synthesized with different conjugation methods, resulting in uncleavable adducts or drug-releasing molecules. Human cell lines from colon (HT-29), pancreas (PANC-1) or prostate (PC-3) carcinoma were challenged with branched NT conjugated with 6-mercaptopurin, combretastain A-4, monastrol and 5-fluoro-deoxyuridine. Results indicated that branched NT conjugated with combretastain A-4 and 5-fluoro-deoxyuridine are the most active agents on HT-29 (EC50 1.1e-007 M) and PANC-1 (EC50 5.0e-007 M) respectively.
Tetra-branched NT armed with 5-FdU was used for in vivo experiments in HT-29-xenografted mice and produced a 50% reduction in tumor growth with respect to animals treated with the free drug. An unrelated branched peptide carrying the same drug was completely ineffective. In vitro and in vivo results indicated that branched peptides are valuable tools for tumor selective targeting.
The results reported in this presentation tell that branched-armed peptides are very promising pharmacodelivery options.
Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(7 Suppl):A20
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lapo Bencini
- 2 Careggi Regional and University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Renato Moretti
- 2 Careggi Regional and University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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