Integrin-Specific Stimuli-Responsive Nanomaterials for Cancer Theranostics.

: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The tumor microenvironment makes the tumor difficult to treat, favoring drug resistance and the formation of metastases, resulting in death. : Stimuli-responsive nanoparticles have shown great capacity to be used as a powerful strategy for cancer treatment, diagnostic, as well as theranostic.

Peptide direct growth on poly(acrylic acid)/poly(vinyl alcohol) electrospun fibers coated with branched poly(ethylenimine): A solid-phase approach for scaffolds biofunctionalization.

Due to their resemblance to the fibrillar structure of the extracellular matrix, electrospun nanofibrous meshes are currently used as porous and mechanically stable scaffolds for cell culture. In this study, we propose an innovative methodology for growing peptide sequences directly onto the surface of electrospun nanofibers. To achieve this, electrospun fibers were produced from a poly(acrylic acid)/poly(vinyl alcohol) blend that was thermally crosslinked and subjected to a covalent coating of branched poly(ethylenimine).

Dual-targeting peptides@PMO, a mimetic to the pro-apoptotic protein Smac/DIABLO for selective activation of apoptosis in cancer cells.

The refractoriness of tumor cells to apoptosis represents the main mechanism of resistance to chemotherapy. Smac/DIABLO mimetics proved to be effective in overcoming cancer-acquired resistance to apoptosis as a consequence of overexpression of the anti-apoptotic proteins XIAP, cIAP1, and cIAP2. In this work, we describe a dual-targeting peptide capable of selectively activating apoptosis in cancer cells.

POM@PMO plastic electrode for phosphate electrochemical detection: a further improvement of the detection limit.

The development of a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor (E-sensor) is described based on stand-alone plastic electrodes (PE) for phosphate detection, being an essential nutrient in the marine environment. The detection mechanism is based on the chemical affinity between polyoxomolybdate anions (POM) and orthophosphate to form an electroactive phosphomolybdate complex. The custom-made E-sensor was formulated with an organic octamolybdate derivative (TBAMoO) incorporated with periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) to obtain a significant improvement in the analytical performances of phosphate determination.

APE1 interacts with the nuclear exosome complex protein MTR4 and is involved in cisplatin- and 5-fluorouracil-induced RNA damage response.

The nuclear RNA surveillance mechanism is essential for cancer cell survival and is ensured by the RNA nuclear exosome including some co-factors, such as the RNA helicase MTR4. Recent studies suggest an involvement of DNA repair proteins such as apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endodeoxyribonuclease 1 (APE1), a major endodeoxyribonuclease of Base Excision Repair (BER), in RNA metabolism and RNA decay of oxidized and abasic RNA. Cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are commonly used for the treatment of solid tumours.

Integrin-Targeting Dye-Doped PEG-Shell/Silica-Core Nanoparticles Mimicking the Proapoptotic Smac/DIABLO Protein.

Cancer cells demonstrate elevated expression levels of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), contributing to tumor cell survival, disease progression, chemo-resistance, and poor prognosis. Smac/DIABLO is a mitochondrial protein that promotes apoptosis by neutralizing members of the IAP family. Herein, we describe the preparation and in vitro validation of a synthetic mimic of Smac/DIABLO, based on fluorescent polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated silica-core nanoparticles (NPs) carrying a Smac/DIABLO-derived pro-apoptotic peptide and a tumor-homing integrin peptide ligand.

Functional Selectivity and Antinociceptive Effects of a Novel KOPr Agonist.

Kappa opioid receptor (KOPr) agonists represent alternative analgesics for their low abuse potential, although relevant adverse effects have limited their clinical use. Functionally selective KOPr agonists may activate, in a pathway-specific manner, G protein-mediated signaling, that produces antinociception, over β-arrestin 2-dependent induction of p38MAPK, which preferentially contributes to adverse effects. Thus, functionally selective KOPr agonists biased toward G protein-coupled intracellular signaling over β-arrestin-2-mediated pathways may be considered candidate therapeutics possibly devoid of many of the typical adverse effects elicited by classic KOPr agonists.

In-Peptide Synthesis of Imidazolidin-2-one Scaffolds, Equippable with Proteinogenic or Taggable/Linkable Side Chains, General Promoters of Unusual Secondary Structures.

Peptidomimetics containing ( S)- or ( R)-imidazolidin-2-one-4-carboxylate (Imi) have been obtained by the expedient in-peptide cyclization of ( S)- or ( R)-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (Dap) residues. These Imi scaffolds behave as proline analogues characterized by a flat structure and a trans-restricted geometry of the preceding peptide bond and induce well-defined secondary structures in a biomimetic environment. While ( S)-Imi peptides adopted a γ'-turn conformation, ( R)-Imi induced the contemporary formation of a γ-turn and a rare 11-membered H-bonded structure in the 2→4 opposite direction of the sequence, identified as a ε-turn.

DS-70, a novel and potent α integrin antagonist, is an effective treatment for experimental allergic conjunctivitis in guinea pigs.

Background And Purpose: Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation that involves the infiltration of immune cells into the conjunctiva via cell surface-adhesion receptors, such as integrin α β . These receptors interact with adhesion molecules expressed on the conjunctival endothelium and may be a target to treat this disease. We synthesized DS-70, a novel α/β-peptidomimetic α integrin antagonist, to prevent the conjunctival infiltration of immune cells and clinical symptoms in a model of allergic conjunctivitis.

Constraining Endomorphin-1 by β,α-Hybrid Dipeptide/Heterocycle Scaffolds: Identification of a Novel κ-Opioid Receptor Selective Partial Agonist.

Herein we present the expedient synthesis of endomorphin-1 analogues containing stereoisomeric β-homo-Freidinger lactam-like scaffolds ([Amo]EM), and we discuss opioid receptor (OR) affinity, enzymatic stability, functional activity, in vivo antinociceptive effects, and conformational and molecular docking analysis. Hence, H-Tyr-Amo-Trp-PheNH resulted to be a new chemotype of highly stable, selective, partial KOR agonist inducing analgesia, therefore displaying great potential interest as a painkiller possibly with reduced harmful side effects.

Selective detection of α4β1 integrin (VLA-4)-expressing cells using peptide-functionalized nanostructured materials mimicking endothelial surfaces adjacent to inflammatory sites.

Persistent accumulation of immune cells mediated by α4β1 integrin (VLA-4) is a hallmark of the inflammatory diseases and of chronic inflammation observed in the affected tissues of autoimmune diseases. Aiming at exploring new methods for monitoring the course of the inflammatory processes, we designed the first peptide-functionalized nanostructured devices capable to mimic the high-density multivalency binding between the α4β1 integrin-expressing cells and the ligands overexpressed on the endothelial surfaces, in the proximity of the sites of inflammation. Specifically, we describe the first examples of monolayers constituted by dye-loaded zeolite L crystals, coated with α4β1 integrin peptide ligands, and we analyze the adhesion of model Jurkat cells in comparison to non-α4β1 integrin-expressing cells.

Tryptophan-Containing Non-Cationizable Opioid Peptides - a new chemotype with unusual structure and in vivo activity.

Recently, a new family of opioid peptides containing tryptophan came to the spotlight for the absence of the fundamental protonable tyramine 'message' pharmacophore. Structure-activity relationship investigations led to diverse compounds, characterized by different selectivity profiles and agonist or antagonist effects. Substitution at the indole of Trp clearly impacted peripheral/central antinociceptivity.

Design and characterization of opioid ligands based on cycle-in-macrocycle scaffold.

The study reports on a series of novel cyclopeptides based on the structure Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH, a mixed mu and kappa opioid receptor agonist with low nanomolar affinity, in which Phe residue was substituted by cyclic amino acids, such as Pro or its six-membered surrogates, piperidine-2-, 3- or 4-carboxylic acids (Pip, Nip and Inp, respectively). All derivatives exhibited high mu- and moderate delta-opioid receptor affinity, and almost no binding to the kappa-opioid receptor. Conformational analysis suggested that the cis conformation of the peptide bond Phe-Xaa influences receptor selectivity through the control of the position of Phe side chain.

Modern tools for the chemical ligation and synthesis of modified peptides and proteins.

The ability to improve nature's capacity by introducing modification of biological interest in proteins and peptides (P&P) is one of the modern challenges in synthetic chemistry. Due to the unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties, many native P&P are of little use as therapeutic agents. Today, few methods for the preparation of modified proteins are available.

Versatile Picklocks To Access All Opioid Receptors: Tuning the Selectivity and Functional Profile of the Cyclotetrapeptide c[Phe-d-Pro-Phe-Trp] (CJ-15,208).

Recently, the tryptophan-containing noncationizable opioid peptides emerged with atypical structure and unexpected in vivo activity. Herein, we describe analogs of the naturally occurring mixed κ/μ-ligand c[Phe-d-Pro-Phe-Trp] 1 (CJ-15,208). Receptor affinity, selectivity, and agonism/antagonism varied upon enlarging macrocycle size, giving the μ-agonist 9 or the δ-antagonist 10 characterized by low nanomolar affinity.

Redoubling the ring size of an endomorphin-2 analog transforms a centrally acting mu-opioid receptor agonist into a pure peripheral analgesic.

The study reports the synthesis and biological evaluation of two opioid analogs, a monomer and a dimer, obtained as products of the solid-phase, side-chain to side-chain cyclization of the pentapeptide Tyr-d-Lys-Phe-Phe-AspNH2 . The binding affinities to the mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors, as well as results obtained in a calcium mobilization functional assay are reported. Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]2 -NH2 1 was a potent and selective full agonist of mu with sub-nanomolar affinity, while the dimer (Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]2 -NH2 )2 2 showed a significant mixed mu/kappa affinity, acting as an agonist at the mu.

Synthesis of mixed MOR/KOR efficacy cyclic opioid peptide analogs with antinociceptive activity after systemic administration.

Cyclic pentapeptide Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, based on the structure of endomorphin-2 (EM-2), which shows high affinity to the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and a very strong antinociceptive activity in mice was used as a parent compound for the structure-activity relationship studies. In this report we synthesized analogs of a general sequence Dmt-c[D-Lys-Xaa-Yaa-Asp]NH2, with D-1- or D-2-naphthyl-3-alanine (D-1-Nal or D-2-Nal) in positions 3 or 4. In our earlier papers we have indicated that replacing a phenylalanine residue by the more extended aromatic system of naphthylalanines may result in increased bioactivities of linear analogs.

Integrin Ligands with α/β-Hybrid Peptide Structure: Design, Bioactivity, and Conformational Aspects.

Integrins are cell surface receptors for proteins of the extracellular matrix and plasma-borne adhesive proteins. Their involvement in diverse pathologies prompted medicinal chemists to develop small-molecule antagonists, and very often such molecules are peptidomimetics designed on the basis of the short native ligand-integrin recognition motifs. This review deals with peptidomimetic integrin ligands composed of α- and β-amino acids.

Strategies to Improve Bioavailability and In Vivo Efficacy of the Endogenous Opioid Peptides Endomorphin-1 and Endomorphin-2.

Morphine and the other alkaloids found in the opium poppy plant still represent the preferred therapeutic tools to treat severe pain in first aid protocols, as well as chronic pain. The use of the opiate alkaloids is accompanied by several unwanted side effects; additionally, some forms of pain are resistant to standard treatments (e.g.

Heterocyclic Scaffolds in the Design of Peptidomimetic Integrin Ligands: Synthetic Strategies, Structural Aspects, and Biological Activity.

The integrin receptors represent valuable targets for therapeutic interventions; being overexpressed in many pathological states, their inhibition can be effective to treat a number of severe diseases. Since integrin functions are mediated by interactions with ECM protein ligands, the inhibition can be achieved by interfering with such interactions using small mimetics of the integrin-ligand recognition motifs (e.g.

Diagnostic Implementation of Fast and Selective Integrin-Mediated Adhesion of Cancer Cells on Functionalized Zeolite L Monolayers.

The rapid and exact identification and quantification of specific biomarkers is a key technology for always achieving more efficient diagnostic methodologies. We present the first application of a nanostructured device constituted of patterned self-assembled monolayers of disk-shaped zeolite L coated with the cyclic integrin ligand c[RGDfK] via isocyanate linker, to the rapid detection of cancer cells. With its high specificity toward HeLa and Glioma cells and fast adhesion ability, this biocompatible monolayer is a promising platform for implementation in diagnostics and personalized therapy formulation devices.

5-aminomethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione hybrid α/β-dipeptide scaffolds as inductors of constrained conformations: Applications to the synthesis of integrin antagonists.

Peptidomimetics represent an attractive starting point for drug discovery programs; in particular, peptidomimetics that result from the incorporation of a heterocycle may take advantage of increased enzymatic stability and higher ability to reproduce the bioactive conformations of the parent peptides, resulting in enhanced therapeutic potential. Herein, we present mimetics of the α4β1 integrin antagonist BIO1211 (MPUPA-Leu-Asp-Val-Pro-OH), containing a aminomethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione scaffold (Amo). Interestingly, the retro-sequences PhCOAsp(OH)-Amo-APUMP including either (S)- or (R)-configured Amo displayed significant ability to inhibit the adhesion of α4β1 integrin expressing cells, and remarkable stability in mouse serum.

Cyclic side-chain-linked opioid analogs utilizing cis- and trans-4-aminocyclohexyl-D-alanine.

Cyclization of linear sequences is a well recognized tool in opioid peptide chemistry for generating analogs with improved bioactivities. Cyclization can be achieved through various bridging bonds between peptide ends or side-chains. In our earlier paper we have reported the synthesis and biological activity of a cyclic peptide, Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (1), which can be viewed as an analog of endomorphin-2 (EM-2, Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2).