scholarly journals Peptibody Based on FGFR1-Binding Peptides From the FGF4 Sequence as a Cancer-Targeting Agent

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Jendryczko ◽  
Jakub Rzeszotko ◽  
Mateusz Adam Krzyscik ◽  
Jakub Szymczyk ◽  
Jacek Otlewski ◽  
...  

Targeted therapies are a promising alternative to conventional chemotherapy, with an increasing number of therapeutics targeting specific molecular aberrancies in cancer cells. One of the emerging targets for directed cancer treatments is fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), which are known to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple cancer types, specially in lung, bladder, and breast cancers. Here, we are demonstrating the development of the FGFR1-targeting agent based on the interactome screening approach, based on the isolation of binding regions from ligands interacting with the receptor. The parallel analysis by FGFR1 pull-down of chymotryptic peptides coupled with MS analysis, and PepSpot analysis yielded equivalent peptide sequences from FGF4, one of the FGFR1 ligands. Three sequences served as a basis for peptibody (Fc-fusion) generation, to overcome clinical limitations of peptidic agents, and two of them showed favorable FGFR1-binding in vitro and FGFR1-dependent internalization into cells. To validate if developed FGFR1-targeting peptibodies can be used for drug delivery, similar to the well-established concept of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), peptibodyF4_1 was successfully conjugated with monomethylauristatin E (MMAE), and has shown significant and specific toxicity toward FGFR1-expressing lung cancer cell lines, with nanomolar EC50 values. Essentially, the development of new effective FGFR1 binders that comprise the naturally occurring FGFR-recognition peptides and Fc region ensuring high plasma stability, and long bloodstream circulation is an interesting strategy expanding targeted anticancer agents’ portfolio. Furthermore, identifying peptides effectively binding the receptor from sequences of its ligands is not limited to FGFRs and is an approach versatile enough to be a basis for a new peptide/peptibodies development strategy.

Author(s):  
Sahil Kumar ◽  
Bandna Sharma ◽  
Tilak R. Bhardwaj ◽  
Rajesh K. Singh

Aims: In the present study, polymer-drug conjugates were synthesized based on azo-bond cleavage drug delivery approach for targeting erlotinib as anticancer drug specifically to the colon for the proficient treatment of colon cancer. Background: Colon cancer (CC) is the third commonly detected tumor worldwide and it make up about 10 % of all cases of cancers. Most of the chemotherapeutic drugs available for treating colon cancer are not only toxic to cancerous cells but also to the normal healthy cells. Among the various approaches to get rid of the adverse effects of anticancer agents, prodrugs are one of the most imperative approaches. Objective: The objective of the study is to chemically modify the erlotinib drug through azo-bond linkage and suitable spacer which will be finally linked to polymeric backbone to give desired polymer linked prodrug. The azo reductase enzyme present in colon is supposed to cleave the azo-bond specifically and augment the drug release at the colon. Methods: The synthesized conjugates were characterized by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The cleavage of aromatic azobond resulted in a potential colon-specific liberation of drug from conjugate studied in rat fecal contents. In vitro release profiles of polyphosphazene-linked conjugates of erlotinib have been studied at pH 1.2, pH 6.8 and pH 7.4. The stability study was designed to exhibit that free drug was released proficiently and unmodified from polyphosphazene-erlotinib conjugates having aromatic azo-bond in artificial colon conditions. Results: The synthesized conjugates were demonstrated to be stable in simulated upper gastro-intestinal tract conditions. The drug release kinetics shows that all the polymer-drug conjugates of erlotinib follow zero-order release kinetics which indicates that the drug release from the polymeric backbone is independent of its concentration. Kinetic study of conjugates with slope (n) shows the anomalous type of release with an exponent (n) > 0.89 indicating a super case II type of release. Conclusion: These studies indicate that polyphosphazene linked drug conjugates of erlotinib could be the promising candidates for the site-specific treatment of colon cancer with least detrimental side-effects.


2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S189-S199 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Duncan ◽  
M J Vicent ◽  
F Greco ◽  
R I Nicholson

The last decade has seen successful clinical application of polymer–protein conjugates (e.g. Oncaspar, Neulasta) and promising results in clinical trials with polymer–anticancer drug conjugates. This, together with the realisation that nanomedicines may play an important future role in cancer diagnosis and treatment, has increased interest in this emerging field. More than 10 anticancer conjugates have now entered clinical development. Phase I/II clinical trials involving N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-doxorubicin (PK1; FCE28068) showed a four- to fivefold reduction in anthracycline-related toxicity, and, despite cumulative doses up to 1680 mg/m2 (doxorubicin equivalent), no cardiotoxicity was observed. Antitumour activity in chemotherapy-resistant/refractory patients (including breast cancer) was also seen at doxorubicin doses of 80–320 mg/m2, consistent with tumour targeting by the enhanced permeability (EPR) effect. Hints, preclinical and clinical, that polymer anthracycline conjugation can bypass multidrug resistance (MDR) reinforce our hope that polymer drugs will prove useful in improving treatment of endocrine-related cancers. These promising early clinical results open the possibility of using the water-soluble polymers as platforms for delivery of a cocktail of pendant drugs. In particular, we have recently described the first conjugates to combine endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. Their markedly enhanced in vitro activity encourages further development of such novel, polymer-based combination therapies. This review briefly describes the current status of polymer therapeutics as anticancer agents, and discusses the opportunities for design of second-generation, polymer-based combination therapy, including the cocktail of agents that will be needed to treat resistant metastatic cancer.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 832
Author(s):  
Md. Kamrul Islam ◽  
Ah-Rum Baek ◽  
Bokyung Sung ◽  
Byeong-Woo Yang ◽  
Garam Choi ◽  
...  

We describe the synthesis, characterization, molecular modeling, and in vitro anticancer activity of three benzothiazole aniline (BTA) ligands and their corresponding platinum (II) complexes. We designed the compounds based on the selective antitumor properties of BTA, along with three types of metallic centers, aiming to take advantage of the distinctive and synergistic activity of the complexes to develop anticancer agents. The compounds were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and tested for antiproliferative activity against multiple normal and cancerous cell lines. L1, L2, and L1Pt had better cytotoxicity in the liver, breast, lung, prostate, kidney, and brain cells than clinically used cisplatin. Especially, L1 and L1Pt demonstrated selective inhibitory activities against liver cancer cells. Therefore, these compounds can be a promising alternative to the present chemotherapy drugs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 655-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feifei Yang ◽  
Lina Han ◽  
Na Zhao ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Di Ge ◽  
...  

Aim:   Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are one of the validated targets for cancer treatments. In our previous work, we designed a series of bis-substituted aromatic amide HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), among which compounds 7 and 8 showed promising anticancer effects. However, the low solubilities prevented their subsequent developments. We developed additional thiophene-based hydroxamate HDACis in order to improve their physicochemical properties. Materials & methods: In vitro biological evaluations of these analogs revealed potent antiproliferative and antimigrated activities. More importantly, compound 10h exhibited excellent in vivo antitumor activities in MDA-MB-231 xenograft model mice. Furthermore, 10h showed better anticancer activities and drug-like properties than 7. Results & conclusion: Our results proved that thiophene-based hydroxamate HDACis can serve as a promising framework for developing potential anticancer agents.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (284) ◽  
pp. 284ra58-284ra58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Klinghoffer ◽  
S. Bahram Bahrami ◽  
Beryl A. Hatton ◽  
Jason P. Frazier ◽  
Alicia Moreno-Gonzalez ◽  
...  

A fundamental problem in cancer drug development is that antitumor efficacy in preclinical cancer models does not translate faithfully to patient outcomes. Much of early cancer drug discovery is performed under in vitro conditions in cell-based models that poorly represent actual malignancies. To address this inconsistency, we have developed a technology platform called CIVO, which enables simultaneous assessment of up to eight drugs or drug combinations within a single solid tumor in vivo. The platform is currently designed for use in animal models of cancer and patients with superficial tumors but can be modified for investigation of deeper-seated malignancies. In xenograft lymphoma models, CIVO microinjection of well-characterized anticancer agents (vincristine, doxorubicin, mafosfamide, and prednisolone) induced spatially defined cellular changes around sites of drug exposure, specific to the known mechanisms of action of each drug. The observed localized responses predicted responses to systemically delivered drugs in animals. In pair-matched lymphoma models, CIVO correctly demonstrated tumor resistance to doxorubicin and vincristine and an unexpected enhanced sensitivity to mafosfamide in multidrug-resistant lymphomas compared with chemotherapy-naïve lymphomas. A CIVO-enabled in vivo screen of 97 approved oncology agents revealed a novel mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway inhibitor that exhibits significantly increased tumor-killing activity in the drug-resistant setting compared with chemotherapy-naïve tumors. Finally, feasibility studies to assess the use of CIVO in human and canine patients demonstrated that microinjection of drugs is toxicity-sparing while inducing robust, easily tracked, drug-specific responses in autochthonous tumors, setting the stage for further application of this technology in clinical trials.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (01) ◽  
pp. 25-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Shan Cheng ◽  
Jie Chen ◽  
Hor-Yue Tan ◽  
Ning Wang ◽  
Zhen Chen ◽  
...  

Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin in Chinese) is a major traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb, which has a long history of use in the treatment of a variety of symptoms correlated with cancer. In the past decade, the potential of S. baicalensis and single compounds derived from it as anticancer agents targeting various pathways has received extensive research attention. Specifically, the proliferation and metastases inhibiting properties of the single compounds in cancer have been studied; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This review summarizes the various mechanisms, pathways and molecular targets involved in the anticancer activity of S. baicalensis and its single compounds. However, the aim of this review is to provide a more thorough view of the last 10 years to link traditional use with modern research and to highlight recently discovered molecular mechanisms. Extracts and major flavonoids derived from S. baicalensis have been found to possess anticancer effects in multiple cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Further investigation is warranted to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to discover novel targets and cancer therapeutic drugs that may improve both the survival and quality of life of cancer patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyothi R ◽  
Srinivasa Murthy K M ◽  
Hossein . ◽  
Veena .

Colocasia esculenta is commonly known as Taro, it is referred to as cocoyam in Nigeria. They are cherished for their rich taste, nutritional and medicinal properties. Every 100 g of taro corms possess 112 Kcal, 26.46 g carbohydrate, 1.50 g protein, 0.20 g total fat and 4.1g fiber (USDA National Nutrient Data Base). Besides its nutritional value, taro is used as a medical plant and provides bioactive compounds used as an anti-cancer drugs. Traditionally, cocoyams are vegetative propagated from tuber fragments, a practice that encourages pathogen distribution. Colocasia esculenta is a widely distributed food crop in the humid tropics and subtropics. Despite of its wide distribution, Taro plants are commonly infected with DsMV and other pathogens. This virus induces conspicuous mosaic, malformation, dwarfing or feathering on leaves in taro. As the results of infection, it reduces the quality and yield of taro production greatly. This virus is thus considered as a major limiting factor in the production of taro. Here plays the importance of  tissue culture plays a major role in producing the disease resistant plants round the year with high quality. For rapid multiplication and production of quality planting materials, tissue culture technology offers promising alternative compared to the traditional production methods. KEYWORDS: Colocasia esculenta, Virus, Pathogens, Conventional propagation, Micropropagation, Yield, Rapid multiplication, Quality


Author(s):  
Ashwin Kumar Tulasi ◽  
Anil Goud Kandhula ◽  
Ravi Krishna Velupula

Topiramate is a second-generation antiepileptic drug used in partial, generalized seizures as an oral tablet. Oral route of administration is most convenient but shows delayed absorption. Moreover, in emergency cases, parenteral administration is not possible as it requires medical assistance. Hence, the present study was aimed to develop topiramate mucoadhesive nanoparticles for intranasal administration using ionotropic gelation method. The developed nanoparticles were evaluated for physico-chemical properties like particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, drug content, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, mucoadhesive strength, and ex vivo permeation studies in excised porcine nasal mucosa. Optimized nanoparticle formulation (T9) was composed oil mucoadhesive agent (Chitosan 1% w/w), cross linking polymer (TPP) and topiramate 275mg, 100mg and 4% respectively. It showed particle size of 350nm, high encapsulation efficacy and strong mucoadhesive strength. In vitro drug diffusion of optimized formulation showed 95.12% release of drug after 180min. Ex-vivo permeation of drug across nasal mucosa was   88.05 % after 180min. Nasocilial toxicity studies showed optimized formulation did not damage the nasal mucosa. Thus, the intranasal administration of topiramate using chitosan can be a promising alternative for brain targeting and the treatment of epilepsy.


Author(s):  
Agnieszka Wróbel ◽  
Danuta Drozdowska

Background: Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) has been known for decades as a molecular target for antibacterial, antifungal and anti-malarial treatments. This enzyme is becoming increasingly important in the design of new anticancer drugs, which is confirmed by numerous studies including modelling, synthesis and in vitro biological research. This review aims to present and discuss some remarkable recent advances on the research of new DHFR inhibitors with potential anticancer activity. Methods: The scientific literature of the last decade on the different types of DHFR inhibitors has been searched. The studies on design, synthesis and investigation structure-activity relationship were summarized and divided into several subsections depending on the leading molecule and its structural modification. Various methods of synthesis, potential anticancer activity and possible practical applications as DHFR inhibitors of new chemical compounds were described and discussed. <p> Results: This review presents the current state of knowledge on the modification of known DHFR inhibitors and the structures and searching for over eighty new molecules, designed as potential anticancer drugs. In addition, DHFR inhibitors acting on thymidylate synthase (TS), carbon anhydrase (CA) and even DNA-binding are presented in this paper. <p> Conclusion: Thorough physicochemical characterization and biological investigations it is possible to understand structure-activity relationship of DHFR inhibitors. This will enable even better design and synthesis of active compounds, which would have the expected mechanism of action and the desired activity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 1227-1243
Author(s):  
Hina Qamar ◽  
Sumbul Rehman ◽  
D.K. Chauhan

Cancer is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although chemotherapy and radiotherapy enhance the survival rate of cancerous patients but they have several acute toxic effects. Therefore, there is a need to search for new anticancer agents having better efficacy and lesser side effects. In this regard, herbal treatment is found to be a safe method for treating and preventing cancer. Here, an attempt has been made to screen some less explored medicinal plants like Ammania baccifera, Asclepias curassavica, Azadarichta indica, Butea monosperma, Croton tiglium, Hedera nepalensis, Jatropha curcas, Momordica charantia, Moringa oleifera, Psidium guajava, etc. having potent anticancer activity with minimum cytotoxic value (IC50 >3μM) and lesser or negligible toxicity. They are rich in active phytochemicals with a wide range of drug targets. In this study, these medicinal plants were evaluated for dose-dependent cytotoxicological studies via in vitro MTT assay and in vivo tumor models along with some more plants which are reported to have IC50 value in the range of 0.019-0.528 mg/ml. The findings indicate that these plants inhibit tumor growth by their antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic molecular targets. They are widely used because of their easy availability, affordable price and having no or sometimes minimal side effects. This review provides a baseline for the discovery of anticancer drugs from medicinal plants having minimum cytotoxic value with minimal side effects and establishment of their analogues for the welfare of mankind.


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