Modular nanotransporters of anticancer drugs conferring cell specificity and higher efficiency

This review deals with artificial modular nanotransporters (MNT) of polypeptide nature for drug delivery into target cells and then into a specified cell compartment like the nucleus. The developed approach is based on the use of intra-cellular transport processes characteristic of practically all cells, including cancer cells. The first MNT module ligand carries out a double function: specific recognition of a cancer target cell and penetration into the cell via receptor-mediated endocytosis. The movement of the MNT within the cell along this path specifies the need to supply the MNT with an endosomolytic module making it possible to leave the endocytotic pathway before getting into lysosomes in order to have time for interaction with importins. For this purpose, a polypeptide fragment able to make defects in membranes only at the pH of endosomes is used as the second module. Delivery into the cell nucleus is provided by the third module containing an amino acid sequence of nuclear localization, “recognized” by importins located in the hyaloplasm. And finally, the fourth module, a carrier for joining the transported drug, is incorporated into the MNT. Depending on the type of ligand module, MNT for different target cell types have been produced. Each module retains its activity within the MNT, ligand modules bind target receptors with high affinity, while the module with the nuclear localization sequence binds importins. The endosomolytic module forms pores in lipid membranes through which MNT are able to leave acidifying cell compartments (endosomes). Modules within MNT can be replaced or transposed, which makes it possible to use them for delivery of different drugs into different target cells and their compartments. It was shown that photosensitizers and radionuclides used for cancer therapy acquire pronounced cell specificity as well as the 10-1000-fold higher efficiency resulting from their delivery into the most vulnerable compartment — the cell nucleus.     

Targeted intracellular site-specific drug delivery: photosensitizer targeting to melanoma cell nuclei

A number of drugs are regarded as possessing local activity because their effects take place at an extremely short distance from their location site in the cell. The response of different cellular compartments to these effects is different. Such substances as photosensitizers (PSs), which are used in photodynamic cancer therapy, should be targeted to the cell compartments where their effect is the most pronounced. This study describes the construction and properties of the chimeric modular recombinant transporters (MRTs) expressed in Escherichia coli and used for PS targeting. These constructs include (1) the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone as a ligand module, which is internalized by the target cells (mouse melanoma); (2) the optimized SV40 large T-antigen nuclear localization signal; (3) the hemoglobin-like protein from E. coli as a carrier module; (4) the endosomolytic module, the translocation domain of the diphtheria toxin. These MRTs were used for PS targeting to the mouse melanoma cell nuclei, the most PS-damaged intracellular compartment, which resulted in a PS photocytotoxic effect increase of several orders of magnitude. In our opinion, MRTs, which target locally active drugs into the desired cell compartment and thereby enhance the drug response, represent a new generation of the pharmacological agents.     

Targeted Intracellular Site-Specific Drug Delivery: Photosensitizer Targeting to Melanoma Cell Nuclei

A number of drugs are regarded as possessing local activity because their effects take place at an extremely short distance from their location site in the cell. The response of different cellular compartments to these effects is different. Such substances as photosensitizers (PSs), which are used in photodynamic cancer therapy, should be targeted to the cell compartments where their effect is the most pronounced. This study describes the construction and properties of the chimeric modular recombinant transporters (MRTs) expressed in Escherichia coli and used for PS targeting. These constructs include (1) the -melanocyte-stimulating hormone as a ligand module, which is internalized by the target cells (mouse melanoma); (2) the optimized SV40 large T-antigen nuclear localization signal; (3) the hemoglobin-like protein from E. coli as a carrier module; (4) the endosomolytic module, the translocation domain of the diphtheria toxin. These MRTs were used for PS targeting to the mouse melanoma cell nuclei, the most PS-damaged intracellular compartment, which resulted in a PS photocytotoxic effect increase of several orders of magnitude. In our opinion, MRTs, which target locally active drugs into the desired cell compartment and thereby enhance the drug response, represent a new generation of the pharmacological agents.     

Intracellular cargo delivery by an octaarginine transporter adapted to target prostate cancer cells through cell surface protease activation

Delivery of therapeutics and imaging agents to target tissues requires localization and activation strategies with molecular specificity. Cell-associated proteases can be used for these purposes in a number of pathologic conditions, and their enzymatic activities can be exploited for activation strategies. Here, molecules based on the d-arginine octamer (r8) protein-transduction domain (PTD, also referred to as molecular transporters) have been adapted for selective uptake into cells only after proteolytic cleavage of a PTD-attenuating sequence by the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an extracellular protease associated with the surface and microenvironment of certain prostate cancer cells. Convergent syntheses of these activatable PTDs (APTDs) are described, and the most effective r8 PTD-attenuating sequence is identified. The conjugates are shown to be stable in serum, cleaved by PSA, and taken up into Jurkat (human T cells) and PC3M prostate cancer cell lines only after cleavage by PSA. These APTD peptide-based molecules may facilitate targeted delivery of therapeutics or imaging agents to PSA-expressing prostate cancers.     

Modular transporters for subcellular cell-specific targeting of anti-tumor drugs

A major problem in the treatment of cancer is the specific targeting of anti-tumor drugs to these abnormal cells. Ideally, such a drug should act over short distances to minimize damage to healthy cells, and target subcellular compartments that have the highest sensitivity to the drug. Photosensitizers, alpha-emitting radionuclides and many other medicines could be considered as such drugs if they possessed cellular and subcellular specificity. The author describes a novel approach of using modular recombinant transporters to target photosensitizers and alpha-emitting radionuclides to the nucleus, where their action is most pronounced, of cancer cells. Photosensitizer-transporter conjugates have up to 3000 times greater efficacy than free photosensitizers and display cell specificity in contrast to free photosensitizers. Alpha-emitting radionuclides, conjugated with the modular transporters, acquired similar properties. The different modules of the transporters are interchangeable, meaning that they can be tailored for particular applications.     

Potentiation of chlorin e6 photodynamic activity in vitro with peptide-based intracellular vehicles

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a targeted treatment modality where photosensitizers accumulate into cells and are selectively activated by light leading to the production of toxic species and cell death. Focusing the action of photosensitizers to a unique intracellular target may enhance their cytotoxicity. In this study, we demonstrate that the routing of the porphyrin-based photosensitizer chlorin e(6), to the nucleus of cells can significantly alter its toxicity profile. The cellular localization of chlorin e(6) was achieved by coupling the chromophore during solid-phase synthesis to a nucleus-directed linear peptide (Ce6-peptide) or a branched peptide (Ce6-loligomer) composed of eight identical arms displaying the sequence of the Ce6-peptide. These constructs incorporated signals guiding their cytoplasmic uptake and nuclear localization. Ce6-peptide and Ce6-loligomer displayed an enhanced photodynamic activity compared to unconjugated chlorin e(6), lowering the observed CD(50) values for CHO and RIF-1 cells by 1 or more orders of magnitude. The intracellular accumulation of Ce6-peptide and Ce6-loligomer was assessed by electron and confocal microscopy as well as by flow cytometry. Constructs were internalized by cells within an hour and by 6 h, the release of active oxygen species could be observed within the nucleus of cells pretreated with Ce6-loligomer. These results highlight the utility of designing peptides as vehicles for regulating the intracellular distribution of photosensitizers such as chlorin e(6) in order to maximize their efficacy in PDT.     

Effect of substituents on photochemical and biological properties of 13,15-N-cycloimide derivatives of chlorin p6

The effect of electron-accepting substituents in position 3 of the chlorine p6 macrocycle in neutral and carboxyl-containing negatively charged cycloimide derivatives of chlorin p6 (CIC) on the photochemical and biological properties of these photosensitizers was studied. A relationship between the structure and properties of CICs was analyzed on the basis of information on their photoinduced cytotoxicity, efficiency of the generation of reactive oxygen species, photostability, intracellular localization, quantitative parameters of accumulation in cells, and cellular pharmacokinetics. It was shown that these compounds can be used for the development of photosensitizers with intense light absorption at 740 nm, controlled intracellular localization, and a high photodynamic activity toward tumor cells.     

Effect of Substituents on Photochemical and Biological Properties of 13,15-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-Cycloimide Derivatives of Chlorin p6

The effect of electron-accepting substituents in position 3 of the chlorine p6 macrocycle in neutral and carboxyl-containing negatively charged cycloimide derivatives of chlorin p6 (CIC) on the photochemical and biological properties of these photosensitizers was studied. The relationship between the structure and properties of CICs was analyzed on the basis of information on their photoinduced cytotoxicity, efficiency of generation of reactive oxygen species, photostability, intracellular localization, quantitative parameters of accumulation in cells, and cellular pharmakinetics. It was shown that these compounds can be used for the development of photosensitizers with intense light absorption at 740 nm, controlled intracellular localization, and a high photodynamic activity toward tumor cells.     

Cytotoxicity of targeted HER2-specific phototoxins based on flavoprotein miniSOG is determined by the rate of their internalization

The concept of targeted therapy implies the development of bifunctional agents complementing the therapeutic module with a targeting one. A promising target for the delivery of imaging and/or toxic modules is the HER2 (ErbB2) receptor. Earlier, we have functionally characterized the targeted photosensitizers 4D5scFv–miniSOG and DARPin–miniSOG, causing the death of HER2-overexpressing cells when irradiated with blue light. However, the cytotoxicity of targeted toxins 4D5scFv–miniSOG and DARPin–miniSOG (both having functionally active targeted and cytotoxic modules in recombinant proteins) against human breast adenocarcinoma cells differs 5 times. The study of the dynamics of internalization of 4D5scFv–miniSOG and DARPin–miniSOG proteins in the complex with HER2 in this work showed that the rate of internalization contributes most significantly to the toxicity of these photosensitizers, because it determines the duration of the presence of the phototoxin in the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, where its damaging effect is maximum.     

PDZ-mediated interactions retain the epithelial GABA transporter on the basolateral surface of polarized epithelial cells

The PDZ target motifs located in the C-terminal end of many receptors and ion channels mediate protein-protein interactions by binding to specific PDZ-containing proteins. These interactions are involved in the localization of surface proteins on specialized membrane domains of neuronal and epithelial cells. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for this PDZ protein-dependent polarized localization is still unclear. This study first demonstrated that the epithelial gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter (BGT-1) contains a PDZ target motif that mediates the interaction with the PDZ protein LIN-7 in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, and then investigated the role of this interaction in the basolateral localization of the transporter. It was found that although the transporters from which the PDZ target motif was deleted were still targeted to the basolateral surface, they were not retained but internalized in an endosomal recycling compartment. Furthermore, an interfering BGT peptide determined the intracellular relocation of the native transporter. These data indicate that interactions with PDZ proteins determine the polarized surface localization of target proteins by means of retention and not targeting mechanisms. PDZ proteins may, therefore, act as a sort of membrane protein sorting machinery which, by recognizing retention signals (the PDZ target sequences), prevents protein internalization.     

Targeted delivery of therapeutics to endothelium

The endothelium is a target for therapeutic and diagnostic interventions in a plethora of human disease conditions including ischemia, inflammation, edema, oxidative stress, thrombosis and hemorrhage, and metabolic and oncological diseases. Unfortunately, drugs have no affinity to the endothelium, thereby limiting the localization, timing, specificity, safety, and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Molecular determinants on the surface of resting and pathologically altered endothelial cells, including cell adhesion molecules, peptidases, and receptors involved in endocytosis, can be used for drug delivery to the endothelial surface and into intracellular compartments. Drug delivery platforms such as protein conjugates, recombinant fusion constructs, targeted liposomes, and stealth polymer carriers have been designed to target drugs and imaging agents to these determinants. We review endothelial target determinants and drug delivery systems, describe parameters that control the binding of drug carriers to the endothelium, and provide examples of the endothelial targeting of therapeutic enzymes designed for the treatment of acute vascular disorders including ischemia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and thrombosis. This work was supported by NIH grants HL71175, HL078785, HL087036, and HL73940 and by a pilot grant from TAPITMAT/PENN to V.M. and also by NIH HL007954 to E.S. and by AHA fellowships to E.S. and B.D.     

Protein damage by photo-activated Zn(II) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins

Destruction of unwanted cells and tissues in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is achieved by a combination of light, oxygen, and light-sensitive molecules. The advantages of PDT compared to other traditional treatment modalities, and the shortcomings of the currently used photosensitizers, have stimulated the search for new, more efficient photosensitizer candidates. Ability to inflict selective damage to particular proteins through photo-irradiation would significantly advance the design of highly specific photosensitizers. Achieving this objective requires comprehensive knowledge concerning the interactions of the particular photosensitizer with specific targets. Here, we summarize the effects of Zn(II) N-alkylpyridylporphyrin-based photosensitizers on intracellular (metabolic, antioxidant and mitochondrial enzymes) and membrane proteins. We emphasize how the structural modifications of the porphyrin side substituents affect their lipophilicity, which in turn influence their subcellular localization. Thus, Zn(II) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins target particular cellular sites and proteins of interest, and are more efficient than hematoporphyrin D, whose commercial preparation (Photofrin) has been clinically approved for PDT.     

聚合物纳米粒在肿瘤光动力治疗中的研究进展

光动力治疗创伤小,在恶性肿瘤治疗方面的应用已经得到了临床认可。治疗过程中需要给予光敏剂,在光照下产生分子氧对肿瘤细胞产生杀伤作用。但是,大多数光敏剂缺乏对肿瘤细胞的特异性,其在肿瘤中的富集主要与细胞高代谢有关,并且在水相媒介中溶解度比较差。纳米技术应用于光动力治疗提供了一种有效地体内运输光敏剂的方式。目前,聚合物纳米粒与光动力药物传递的研究越来越多,光敏剂通过纳米粒的运输为弥补光动力治疗的不足提供了可能,这是因为纳米载体可以将治疗浓度的光敏剂运送到肿瘤细胞而不造成非靶向组织的副损伤。本文将介绍对肿瘤光动力治疗中具有特异性的聚合物纳米粒的种类及在临床中的应用情况,为肿瘤靶向治疗提供新思路。     

A chemical strategy to manipulate the intracellular localization of drugs in resistant cancer cells

A number of multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells have been shown to have acquired an increased capacity to sequester weakly basic anticancer drugs in their lysosomes relative to drug-sensitive counterparts. In this report we have comparatively evaluated the concentrations of the anticancer agent daunorubicin (DNR) in intracellular compartments of drug-sensitive and MDR HL-60 cell lines, both of which do not express common efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein at the plasma membrane. Our results suggest that lysosomal sequestration plays a significant role in the emergence of MDR since it effectively limits the drug's ability to interact with target molecules located in the nucleus. Using a series of weakly basic structural isomers with variable basicity, we illustrate that the magnitude of the pKa value correlates with the degree of lysosomal sequestration. Accordingly, a series of structurally modified forms of DNR with reduced basicity were synthesized, and their intracellular distribution was evaluated. Consistent with model compounds, derivatives of DNR with lowered pKa values showed visibly reduced lysosomal sequestration in two separate MDR cell lines. Collectively, this work highlights the importance of understanding the intracellular localization of drugs and proposes a rational strategy to manipulate it.     

Synthesis of 2'-paclitaxel methyl 2-glucopyranosyl succinate for specific targeted delivery to cancer cells

A novel glucose-conjugated paclitaxel 5 was synthesized using succinic acid as linker between 2'-paclitaxel and methyl 2'-glucopyranose. 5 has not only improved the pharmaceutical properties of paclitaxel, such as solubility and stability, but also enhanced the specific target delivery to MCF-7 cells without the cytotoxicity against normal cells. Therefore, the glucose conjugation may be potentially used in the targeted delivery of other drugs into cells via glucose transporters (GLUTs) for cancer therapy.     

Functional analysis of the Arabidopsis PHT4 family of intracellular phosphate transporters

The transport of phosphate (Pi) between subcellular compartments is central to metabolic regulation. Although some of the transporters involved in controlling the intracellular distribution of Pi have been identified in plants, others are predicted from genetic, biochemical and bioinformatics studies. Heterologous expression in yeast, and gene expression and localization in plants were used to characterize all six members of an Arabidopsis thaliana membrane transporter family designated here as PHT4. PHT4 proteins share similarity with SLC17/type I Pi transporters, a diverse group of animal proteins involved in the transport of Pi, organic anions and chloride. All of the PHT4 proteins mediate Pi transport in yeast with high specificity. Bioinformatic analysis and localization of PHT4-GFP fusion proteins indicate that five of the proteins are targeted to the plastid envelope, and the sixth resides in the Golgi apparatus. PHT4 genes are expressed in both roots and leaves, although two of the genes are expressed predominantly in leaves and one mostly in roots. These expression patterns, together with Pi transport activities and subcellular locations, suggest roles for PHT4 proteins in the transport of Pi between the cytosol and chloroplasts, heterotrophic plastids and the Golgi apparatus.     

The PLAC1 protein localizes to membranous compartments in the apical region of the syncytiotrophoblast

PLAC1 is a trophoblast-specific gene that maps to a locus on the X-chromosome important to placental development. We have previously shown that PLAC1 gene expression is linked to trophoblast differentiation. The objective of this study was to define the localization of the PLAC1 polypeptide as a prerequisite to understanding its function. Polyclonal antibodies specific for the putative PLAC1 polypeptide were generated. The subcellular localization of PLAC1 in the trophoblast was examined by immunohistochemical analysis of human placenta complemented by immunoblot analysis of subcellular fractions. Brightfield immunohistochemical analysis of placental tissue indicated that the PLAC1 protein localizes to the differentiated syncytiotrophoblast in the apical region of the cell. Deconvlution immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed localization to the apical region of the syncytiotrophoblast. Its distribution included both intracellular compartments as well as loci in close association with the maternal-facing, microvillous brush border membrane (MVM). These findings were supported by immunoblot analysis of subcellular fractions. A 30 kDa band was associated with the microsomal fraction of placental lysates but not the mitochondrial, nuclear, or soluble fractions, suggesting PLAC1 is targeted to a membrane location. Plasma membranes were obtained from the fetal-facing, basal surface (BM) and the maternal-facing, MVM of the syncytiotrophoblast membrane. PLAC1 immunoreactivity was only detected in membrane fractions derived from the apical MVM consistent with immunohistochemical analyses. These data demonstrate that the PLAC1 protein is restricted primarily to the differentiated trophoblast, localizing to intracellular membranous compartment(s) in the apical region of the syncytiotrophoblast and associated with its apical, microvillous membrane surface.     

Development of an ON/OFF switchable fluorescent probe targeting His tag fused proteins in living cells

The fluorescent labeling of target proteins is useful for analyzing their functions and localization in cells, and several fluorescent probes have been developed. However, the fusion of tags such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) to target proteins occasionally affects their functions and/or localization in living cells. Therefore, an imaging method that uses short peptide tags such as hexa-histidine (the His tag) has been attracting increasing attention. Few studies have investigated ON/OFF switchable fluorescent probes for intracellular His-tagged proteins. We herein developed a novel ON/OFF switchable probe for imaging targeted intracellular proteins fused with a CH6 tag, which is composed of one cysteine residue and six histidine residues.     

Intracellular small interfering RNA delivery using genetically engineered double‐stranded RNA binding protein domain

Background

A variety of synthetic carriers, such as cationic polymers and lipids, have been used as nonviral carriers for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery. Although siRNA polyplexes and lipoplexes exhibited good gene silencing efficiencies, they often showed serious cytotoxicities, which are not useful for clinical applications. A double‐stranded RNA binding cellular protein with highly specific siRNA binding property and noncytotoxicity was used for siRNA delivery.

Methods

A double‐stranded RNA binding domain (dsRBD) of human double‐stranded RNA activated protein kinase R was genetically produced and utilized to complex siRNA for intracellular delivery. For characterization of the siRNA/dsRBD complexes, decomplexation assay and RNase protection assay were performed. Cytotoxicity and target gene inhibition ability were also examined using human carcinoma cell lines.

Results

The recombinantly produced polypeptide dsRBD exhibited its inherent binding activity for siRNA without sequence specificity, and the siRNA/dsRBD complexes protected siRNA from degradation by ribonucleases. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) siRNA/dsRBD complexes showed prominent down‐regulation of a target GFP gene, when an endosomal escape function was supplemented by addition of a fusogenic peptide, KALA, in the formulation.

Conclusions

The results suggest that dsRBD‐based protein carriers could be successfully applied for a wide range of therapeutic siRNAs for intracellular gene inhibition without showing any cytotoxicity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mutagenesis and selection of PDZ domains that bind new protein targets

PDZ domains are a recently characterized protein-recognition module. In most cases, PDZ domains bind to the C-terminal end of target proteins and are thought thereby to link these target proteins into functional signaling networks. We report the isolation of artificial PDZ domains selected via a mutagenesis screen in vivo, each recognizing a different C-terminal peptide. We demonstrate that the PDZ domains isolated can bind selectively to their target peptides in vitro and in vivo. Two of the target peptides chosen are the C-terminal ends of two cellular transmembrane proteins with which no known PDZ domains have been reported to interact. By targeting these artificial PDZ domains to the nucleus, interacting target peptides were efficiently transported to the same subcellular localization. One of the isolated PDZ domains was tested and shown to be efficiently directed to the plasma membrane when cotransfected with the full-length transmembrane protein in mammalian cells. Thus, artificial PDZ domains can be engineered and used to target intracellular proteins to different subcellular compartments.