Integrin-Targeted Peptide- and Peptidomimetic-Drug Conjugates for the Treatment of Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors that mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. These molecules play a role in processes such as cell growth and proliferation, differentiation, migration, cell trafficking, besides contributing to angiogenesis and tumor development. Given their biological role, integrins have been proposed as amenable targets in medicinal chemistry. In particular, αvß3, αvß5, αvß6 and α5ß1, integrins involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, have been the subject of studies aimed at the discovery of novel cancer therapeutics. A large number of peptides and peptidomimetics based on the RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) recognition sequence were developed in the past two decades as integrin ligands. Though such ligands have not been satisfactory as anti-angiogenic agents, their use as tools to achieve selective tumor targeting of anticancer drugs has been explored. OBJECTIVE: In this review, we summarize recent literature and patent applications in which integrin peptidic and peptidomimetic ligands were conjugated to chemotherapeutic agents both with stable or cleavable bonds to achieve tumor targeted drug delivery. METHODS: Relevant recent patents and literature in this field have been considered spanning the search from 2000 to 2016. Literature and patents were examined according to the different classes of cytotoxic drug targeted to integrins. CONCLUSION: In spite of the promising features of the conjugates, none of them has entered clinical trials. New efforts are focused on innovative approaches in the field such as the synthesis of new integrin ligands able to target a single integrin type or the employment of nanoparticles based drug delivery systems.

New potent αvß3 integrin ligands based on azabicycloalkane (γ,α)-dipeptide mimics.

We have designed a new synthetic strategy for the preparation of a new class of cyclic RGD integrin ligands in which the azabicycloalkane scaffold can be envisaged as a (γ,α) dipeptide mimic. The synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of these RGD derivatives, as well as the computational study of their conformational properties and binding modes to αVß3 integrin are described. Compound has shown to be a promising candidate as αVß3 integrin antagonist able to interfere with both cell adhesion and movement on vitronectin with no evidence of cytotoxic effects.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel dimeric and tetrameric cRGD-paclitaxel conjugates for integrin-assisted drug delivery.

Integrins are associated with tumour cell survival and progression, and their expression has been shown to be increased in tumours. Thus, four novel conjugates of the tripeptide integrin ligand Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) and the cytotoxic agent paclitaxel (cRGD-PTX) were prepared to investigate the potential of the multivalent presentation of the RGD moiety in improving the antitumor efficacy of PTX by tumour targeting. PTX was conjugated to two or four integrin recognizing ligands. The influence of multivalent presentation on in vitro αvß3-receptor affinity was confirmed. For all the conjugates compared to the previously synthesized monovalent counterparts, an enhancement of the binding strength was observed; this behaviour was more pronounced when considering the tetravalent presented RGD-conjugate. Cell growth inhibition assays on a panel of human tumour cell lines showed remarkable cytotoxic activity for all conjugates with IC50 values in a nanomolar range. Among the four conjugates, the bivalent derivative 3b was selected for in vivo studies in an ovarian carcinoma cell model xenografted in immunodeficient mice. A marked antitumor activity was observed, similar to that of PTX, but with a much more favourable toxicity profile. Overall, the novel cRGD-PTX conjugates disclosed here represent promising candidates for further advancement in the domain of targeted anti-tumour therapy.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of dual action cyclo-RGD/SMAC mimetic conjugates targeting α(v)ß(3)/α(v)ß(5) integrins and IAP proteins.

The rational design, synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of dual action conjugates 11-13, containing a tumour targeting, integrin αvß3/αvß5 ligand portion and a pro-apoptotic SMAC mimetic portion (cyclo-RGD/SMAC mimetic conjugates) are reported. The binding strength of the two separate units is generally maintained by these dual action conjugates. In particular, the connection between the separate units (anchor points on each unit; nature, length and stability of the linker) influences the activity of each portion against its molecular targets (integrins αvß3/αvß5 for cyclo-RGD, IAP proteins for SMAC mimetics). Each conjugate portion tolerates different substitutions while preserving the binding affinity for each target.

Calibration and functional analysis of three genetically encoded Cl(-)/pH sensors.

Monitoring of the intracellular concentrations of Cl(-) and H(+) requires sensitive probes that allow reliable quantitative measurements without perturbation of cell functioning. For these purposes the most promising are genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors, which have become powerful tools for non-invasive intracellular monitoring of ions, molecules, and enzymatic activity. A ratiometric CFP/YFP-based construct with a relatively good sensitivity to Cl(-) has been developed (Markova et al., 2008; Waseem et al., 2010). Recently, a combined Cl(-)/pH sensor (ClopHensor) opened the way for simultaneous ratiometric measurement of these two ions (Arosio et al., 2010). ClopHensor was obtained by fusion of a red-fluorescent protein (DsRed-monomer) to the E(2)GFP variant that contains a specific Cl(-)-binding site. This construct possesses pK a = 6.8 for H(+) and K d in the 40-50 mM range for Cl(-) at physiological pH (~7.3). As in the majority of cell types the intracellular Cl(-) concentration ([Cl(-)] i ) is about 10 mM, the development of sensors with higher sensitivity is highly desirable. Here, we report the intracellular calibration and functional characterization of ClopHensor and its two derivatives: the membrane targeting PalmPalm-ClopHensor and the H148G/V224L mutant with improved Cl(-) affinity, reduced pH dependence, and pK a shifted to more alkaline values. For functional analysis, constructs were expressed in CHO cells and [Cl(-)] i was changed by using pipettes with different Cl(-) concentrations during whole-cell recordings. K d values for Cl(-) measured at 33°C and pH ~7.3 were, respectively, 39, 47, and 21 mM for ClopHensor, PalmPalm-ClopHensor, and the H148G/V224L mutant. PalmPalm-ClopHensor resolved responses to activation of Cl(-)-selective glycine receptor (GlyR) channels better than did ClopHensor. Our observations indicate that these different ClopHensor constructs are promising tools for non-invasive measurement of [Cl(-)] i in various living cells.

Integrin-mediated drug delivery in cancer and cardiovascular diseases with peptide-functionalized nanoparticles.

In recent years progress has been speeding in studies of cell-cell interaction governed by adhesion molecules, and in particular by integrins and their ligands in cells and in the extracellular matrix. Integrins are distributed in a variety of tissues and blood cells. An increased expression of integrins and of their adhesion counterparts is often observed in sites relevant to disease states. Important roles are played by integrin α(v)ß(3) in cancer angiogenesis and metastatic diffusion, in angiogenesis in ischemic tissues, in atherosclerotic damage and restenosis, and in osteoporosis; by integrin α(5)ß(1) in angiogenesis processes; by integrin α(II)bß(3), mediating adhesion of platelets to fibrinogen, in thrombotic conditions; by integrins α(4)ß(1) and α(L)ß(2) in inflammatory conditions, particularly autoimmune diseases and asthma. Therefore, medicinal chemists became attracted and engaged in research on integrins as therapeutic and diagnostic targets. Many efforts have been directed towards the development of molecular constructs including integrin ligands that can provide advanced tools for drug delivery, for imaging, or for their combination (theranostics), particularly by exploiting the new possibilities offered by nanoparticles. Here we will review the current status and the future perspective of integrin targeting of several kind of nanoparticles, going from most studied micelles, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles to finish with inorganic nanoparticles of more recent employment. Perfluoroalkane filled microbubbles, although over the nanometric size (1-10 µm) will be shortly considered.

Molecular mapping of thrombin-receptor interactions.

In addition to its procoagulant and anticoagulant roles in the blood coagulation cascade, thrombin works as a signaling molecule when it interacts with the G-protein coupled receptors PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4. We have mapped the thrombin epitopes responsible for these interactions using enzymatic assays and Ala scanning mutagenesis. The epitopes overlap considerably, and are almost identical to those of fibrinogen and fibrin, but a few unanticipated differences are uncovered that help explain the higher (90-fold) specificity of PAR1 relative to PAR3 and PAR4. The most critical residues for the interaction with the PARs are located around the active site where mutations affect recognition in the order PAR4 > PAR3 > PAR1. Other important residues for PAR binding cluster in a small area of exosite I where mutations affect recognition in the order PAR1 > PAR3 > PAR4. Owing to this hierarchy of effects, the mutation W215A selectively compromises PAR4 cleavage, whereas the mutation R67A abrogates the higher specificity of PAR1 relative to PAR3 and PAR4. 3D models of thrombin complexed with PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4 are constructed and account for the perturbations documented by the mutagenesis studies.

Stereoselective synthesis of conformationally constrained cyclohexanediols: a set of molecular scaffolds for the synthesis of glycomimetics.

The practical, stereoselective synthesis of the three diastereoisomeric 1,2-trans-dicarboxy-4,5-cyclohexanediols 1-3 (DCCHDs) is described, starting from a common precursor, easily available in both enantiomeric forms. The regioselective derivatization of all functional groups of 1 is also reported. The three DCCHDs are locked in a single chair conformation and thus can be used to mimic vicinally disubstituted monosaccharides of any relative configuration.

Mutation of W215 compromises thrombin cleavage of fibrinogen, but not of PAR1 or protein C.

W215 is a highly conserved residue that shapes the S3 and S4 specificity sites of thrombin. Replacement of W215 with Phe produces modest effects on thrombin function, whereas the W215Y replacement significantly compromises the amidolytic activity toward synthetic and natural substrates. Replacement of W215 with Ala reduces fibrinogen and PAR4 cleavage 500-fold and 280-fold, respectively. On the other hand, the mutant decreases protein C activation and PAR1 cleavage only threefold and 25-fold, respectively. The W215A mutant cleaves PAR1 with a specificity constant more than 13-fold greater than that of fibrinogen and protein C, and 800-fold greater than PAR4. This is the first thrombin derivative to be described that functions as an almost exclusive activator of PAR1. The environment of W215 influences differentially three physiologically important interactions of thrombin, a feature that should assist in the separate study of each of these functions in vivo.

Molecular engineering of a polymer of tetrameric hemoglobins.

We have engineered a recombinant mutant human hemoglobin, Hb Prisca beta(S9C+C93A+C112G), which assembles in a polymeric form. The polymerization is obtained through the formation of intermolecular S-S bonds between cysteine residues introduced at position beta9, on the model of Hb Porto Alegre (beta9Ser --> Cys) (Bonaventura and Riggs, Science 1967;155:800-802). Cbeta93 and Cbeta112 were replaced in order to prevent formation of spurious S&bond;S bonds during the expression, assembly, and polymerization events. Dynamic light scattering measurements indicate that the final polymerization product is mainly formed by 6 to 8 tetrameric hemoglobin molecules. The sample polydispersity Q = 0.07 +/- 0.02, is similar to that of purified human hemoglobin (Q = 0.02 +/- 0.02), consistent with a good degree of homogeneity. In the presence of strong reducing agents, the polymer reverts to its tetrameric form. During the depolymerization process, a direct correlation is observed between the hydrodynamic radius and the light scattering of the system, which, in turn, is proportional to the mass of the protein. We interpret this to indicate that the hemoglobin molecules are tightly packed in the polymer with no empty spaces. The tight packing of the hemoglobin molecules suggests that the polymer has a globular shape and, thus, allows estimation of its radius. An illustration of an arrangement of a finite number of tetrameric hemoglobin molecules is presented. The conformational and functional characteristics of this polymer, such as heme pocket conformation, stability to denaturation, autoxidation rate, oxygen affinity, and cooperativity, remain similar to those of tetrameric human hemoglobin.

Mutation of W215 compromises thrombin cleavage of fibrinogen, but not of PAR-1 or protein C.

W215 is a highly conserved residue that shapes the S3 and S4 specificity sites of thrombin and participates in an edge-to-face interaction with residue F8 of the fibrinogen Aalpha chain. Protein C and the platelet receptor PAR-1 carry an acidic residue at P3 and bind to the active site of thrombin without making contact with W215. This suggested that mutation of W215 could dissociate the cleavage of fibrinogen from that of protein C and PAR-1. Replacement of W215 with Phe produces modest effects on thrombin function, whereas the W215Y replacement compromises significantly the catalytic activity toward all chromogenic and natural substrates that are tested. Replacement of W215 with Ala almost obliterates Na(+) binding, reduces the level of fibrinogen cleavage 500-fold, but decreases the levels of protein C activation and PAR-1 cleavage only 3- and 25-fold, respectively. The W215A mutant cleaves PAR-1 with a specificity constant that is more than 13-fold higher than that of fibrinogen and protein C and is the first thrombin derivative to be described that functions as an almost exclusive activator of PAR-1. The environment of W215 influences differentially three physiologically important interactions of thrombin, which should assist in the study of each of these functions separately in vivo.

Identification of a binding site for quaternary amines in factor Xa.

In the process of characterizing the Na(+)-binding properties of factor Xa, a specific inhibition of this enzyme by quaternary amines was identified, consistent with previous observations. The binding occurs with K(i) in the low millimolar range, with trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA) showing the highest specificity. Binding of TMPA inhibits substrate hydrolysis in a competitive manner, does not inhibit the binding of p-aminobenzamidine to the S1 pocket, and is positively linked to Na(+) binding. Inhibition by TMPA is also seen in thrombin and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), though to a lesser extent compared to factor Xa. Computer modeling using the crystal structure of factor Xa suggests that TMPA binds to the S2/S3 specificity sites, with its hydrophobic moiety making van der Waals interactions with the side chains of Y99, F174, and W215, and the charged amine coupling electrostatically with the carboxylates of E97. Site-directed mutagenesis of factor Xa, thrombin, and tPA confirms the predictions drawn by docking calculations and reveal a dominant role for residue Y99. Binding of TMPA to factor Xa is drastically (25-fold) reduced by the Y99T replacement. Likewise, the Y99L substitution compromises binding of TMPA to tPA. On the other hand, the affinity of TMPA is enhanced 4-fold in thrombin with the substitution L99Y. The identification of a binding site for quaternary amines in factor Xa has a bearing on the rational design of selective inhibitors of this clotting enzyme.

Adipyl crosslinked bovine hemoglobins as new models of allosteric systems.

As indicated by peptide analyses and mass spectrometry estimations, intramolecular crosslink with bis(3,5-dibromosalicyl)adipate of bovine hemoglobin results in the formation of two main components covalently bridged across the beta-cleft. In one component the crosslink joins the beta(1)V1-beta(2)K81 residues (XL-Peak-1), in the other the bridge is between the beta(1)K81-beta(2)K81 residues (XL-Peak-2). Both components are tetrameric with a mass near MW = 67 kDa as estimated by gel filtration, and a hydrodynamic radius near 3. 20 nm, estimated by dynamic light scattering. They have very low oxygen affinity with Pm near 100 mmHg (XL-Peak-1) and near 70 mmHg (XL-Peak-2) respectively at 37 degrees C, at neutral pH. The Bohr effect is almost absent in XL-Peak-1, while in XL-Peak-2 it is very near normal. Both systems show oxygen binding cooperativity with an index near n = 2.0. Flash photolysis kinetics of the recombination with CO could be resolved into a fast and a slow component. The amplitude of the fast rates were not concentration-dependent. The stopped-flow kinetics were autoaccelerating, consistent with their ligand-binding cooperativity. All rates were very similar to those of normal hemoglobin, suggesting that the oxy- rather than the deoxy-forms of the systems were affected by the crosslink. Proteins 2000;39:166-169.

[Moral aspects of sterilization]. / Aspetti morali della sterilizzazione.

PIP: This brief paragraph explains the position of the catholic church on problems related to sexual sterilization. Sterilization is permitted only in cases of serious medical indications, and never as a permanent method of contraception. Pius 12th. was the last Pope to explicitly make this point, and the position of the church has not changed since then.^ieng