Data on characterization of magnetic nanoparticles stabilized with fusion protein of Barstar and C-term part of Mms6.

Mms6 is a protein that plays crucial role in the biomineralization and formation of magnetosomes in magnetotactic bacteria Magnetospirillum magneticum (strain AMB-1). We developed a fusion protein of C-term part of Mms6 and Barstar (natural inhibitor of ribonuclease Barnase), namely, Bs-C-Mms6. This protein successfully stabilized uncoated monocrystalline Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles in buffered solutions. Here, we present data regarding the synthesis and characterization of magnetite nanoparticles stabilized with Bs-C-Mms6. For further interpretation of the data presented in this article, please see the research article 'Self-assembling nanoparticles biofunctionalized with magnetite-binding protein for the targeted delivery to HER2/neu overexpressing cancer cells' (Shipunova et al., 2018) [1].

Versatile Platform for Nanoparticle Surface Bioengineering Based on SiO2-Binding Peptide and Proteinaceous Barnase*Barstar Interface.

Nanoparticle surface engineering can change its chemical identity to enable surface coupling with functional biomolecules. However, common surface coupling methods such as physical adsorption or chemical conjugation often suffer from the low coupling yield, poorly controllable orientation of biomolecules, and steric hindrance during target binding. These issues limit the application scope of nanostructures for theranostics and personalized medicine. To address these shortfalls, we developed a rapid and versatile method of nanoparticle biomodification. The method is based on a SiO2-binding peptide that binds to the nanoparticle surface and a protein adaptor system, Barnase*Barstar protein pair, serving as a "molecular glue" between the peptide and the attached biomolecule. The biomodification procedure shortens to several minutes, preserves the orientation and functions of biomolecules, and enables control over the number and ratio of attached molecules. The capabilities of the proposed biomodification platform were demonstrated by coupling different types of nanoparticles with DARPin9.29 and 4D5scFv-molecules that recognize the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) oncomarker-and by subsequent highly selective immunotargeting of the modified nanoparticles to different HER2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells in one-step or two-step (by pretargeting with HER2/neu-recognizing molecule) modes. The method preserved the biological activity of the DARPin9.29 molecules attached to a nanoparticle, whereas the state-of-the-art carbodiimide 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/ N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide method of conjugation led to a complete loss of the functional activity of the DARPin9.29 nanoparticle-protein complex. Moreover, the method allowed surface design of nanoparticles that selectively interacted with antigens in complex biological fluids, such as whole blood. The demonstrated capabilities show this method to be a promising alternative to commonly used chemical conjugation techniques in nanobiotechnology, theranostics, and clinical applications.

Recombinant targeted toxin based on HER2-specific DARPin possesses a strong selective cytotoxic effect in vitro and a potent antitumor activity in vivo.

DARPins fused with other proteins are promising non-immunoglobulin scaffolds for specific binding to target cells. In this study HER2-specific DARPin (DARPin_9-29) was used as a tumor-targeting moiety for the delivery of a cytotoxic agent - the fragment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A. It was determined that DARPin-PE40 possesses a considerable cytotoxic activity and induces apoptosis in HER2-positive cells. Cytotoxic effect of DARPin-PE40 strongly correlates with the HER2 expression level. The effect of intravenous administration of DARPin-PE40 was tested in the xenograft model of breast cancer. It was shown that treatment of animals with DARPin-PE40 caused strong and prolonged suppression of xenograft tumor growth.

A novel far-red fluorescent xenograft model of ovarian carcinoma for preclinical evaluation of HER2-targeted immunotoxins.

We have created a novel fluorescent model of a human ovarian carcinoma xenograft overexpressing receptor HER2, a promising molecular target of solid tumors. The model is based on a newly generated SKOV-kat cell line stably expressing far-red fluorescent protein Katushka. Katushka is most suitable for the in vivo imaging due to an optimal combination of high brightness and emission in the "window of tissue transparency". The relevance of the fluorescent model for the in vivo monitoring of tumor growth and response to treatment was demonstrated using a newly created HER2-targeted recombinant immunotoxin based on the 4D5scFv antibody and a fragment of the Pseudomonas exotoxin A.

Genetically encoded immunophotosensitizer 4D5scFv-miniSOG is a highly selective agent for targeted photokilling of tumor cells in vitro.

Tumor-targeted delivery of cytotoxins presents considerable advantages over their passive transport. Chemical conjugation of cytotoxic module to antibody is limited due to insufficient reproducibility of synthesis, and recombinant immunotoxins are aimed to overcome this disadvantage. We obtained genetically encoded immunophotosensitizer 4D5scFv-miniSOG and evaluated its photocytotoxic effect in vitro. A single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of humanized 4D5 antibody was used as a targeting vehicle for selective recognition of the extracellular domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) overexpressed in many human carcinomas. As a phototoxic module we used a recently described photoactivated fluorescent flavoprotein miniSOG. We found that recombinant protein 4D5scFv-miniSOG exerts a highly specific photo-induced cytotoxic effect on HER2/neu-positive human breast adenocarcinoma SK-BR-3 cells (IC50= 160 nM). We demonstrated that the 4D5scFv-miniSOG specifically binds to HER2-positive cells and internalizes via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Co-treatment of breast cancer cells with 4D5scFv-miniSOG and Taxol or junction opener protein JO-1 produced remarkable additive effects.

A modular design of low-background bioassays based on a high-affinity molecular pair barstar:barnase.

High-affinity molecular pairs provide a convenient and flexible modular base for the design of molecular probes and protein/antigen assays. Specificity and sensitivity performance indicators of a bioassay critically depend on the dissociation constant (K(D)) of the molecular pair, with avidin:biotin being the state-of-the-art molecular pair (K(D) ∼ 1 fM) used almost universally for applications in the fields of nanotechnology and proteomics. In this paper, we present an alternative high-affinity protein pair, barstar:barnase (K(D) ∼ 10 fM), which addresses several shortfalls of the avidin:biotin system, including non-negligible background due to the non-specific binding. A quantitative assessment of the non-specific binding carried out using a model assay revealed inherent irreproducibility of the [strept]avidin:biotin-based assays, attributed to the avidin binding to solid phases, endogenous biotin molecules and serum proteins. On the other hand, the model assays assembled via a barstar:barnase protein linker proved to be immune to such non-specific binding, showing good prospects for high-sensitivity rare biomolecular event nanoproteomic assays.

Self-assembling complexes of quantum dots and scFv antibodies for cancer cell targeting and imaging.

Semiconductor quantum dots represent a novel class of fluorophores with unique physical and chemical properties which could enable a remarkable broadening of the current applications of fluorescent imaging and optical diagnostics. Complexes of quantum dots and antibodies are promising visualising agents for fluorescent detection of selective biomarkers overexpressed in tumor tissues. Here we describe the construction of self-assembling fluorescent complexes of quantum dots and anti-HER1 or anti-HER2/neu scFv antibodies and their interactions with cultured tumor cells. A binding strategy based on a very specific non-covalent interaction between two proteins, barnase and barstar, was used to connect quantum dots and the targeting antibodies. Such a strategy allows combining the targeting and visualization functions simply by varying the corresponding modules of the fluorescent complex.

Pharmacological characterization of a recombinant, fluorescent somatostatin receptor agonist.

Somatostatin (SST) is a peptide neurotransmitter/hormone found in several mammalian tissue types. Apart from its natural importance, labeled SST/analogues are utilized in clinical applications such as targeting/diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors. We report on the development and characterization of a novel, recombinant, fluorescent somatostatin analogue that has potential to elucidate somatostatin-activated cell signaling. SST was genetically fused with a monomeric-red fluorescent protein (mRFP) as the fluorescent label. The attachment of SST to mRFP had no detectable effect on its fluorescent properties. This analogue's potency to activate the endogenous and transfected somatostatin receptors was characterized using assays of membrane potential and Ca(2+) mobilization and immunocytochemistry. SST-mRFP was found to be an effective somatostatin receptor agonist, able to trigger the membrane hyperpolarization, mobilization of the intracellular Ca(2+) and receptor-ligand internalization in cells expressing somatostatin receptors. This complex represents a novel optical reporter due to its red emission spectral band suitable for in vivo imaging and tracking of the somatostatin receptor signaling pathways, affording higher resolution and sensitivity than those of the state-of-the-art radiolabeling bioassays.

Design of targeted B cell killing agents.

B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of both systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Autoreactive B cells not only produce autoantibodies, but also are capable to efficiently present specific autoantigens to T cells. Furthermore, B cells can secrete proinflammatory cytokines and amplify the vicious process of self-destruction. B cell-directed therapy is a potentially important approach for treatment of various autoimmune diseases. The depletion of B cells by anti-CD20/19 monoclonal antibody Retuximab® used in autoimmune diseases therapy leads to systemic side effects and should be significantly improved. In this study we designed a repertoire of genetically engineered B cell killers that specifically affected one kind of cells carrying a respective B cell receptor. We constructed immunotoxins (ITs), fused with c-myc epitope as a model targeting sequence, based on barnase, Pseudomonas toxin, Shiga-like toxin E.coli and Fc domain of human antibody IgGγ1. C-MYC hybridoma cell line producing anti-c-myc IgG was chosen as a model for targeted cell depletion. C-myc sequence fused with toxins provided addressed delivery of the toxic agent to the target cells. We demonstrated functional activity of designed ITs in vitro and showed recognition of the fusion molecules by antibodies produced by targeted hybridoma. To study specificity of the proposed B cells killing molecules, we tested a set of created ITs ex vivo, using C-MYC and irrelevant hybridoma cell lines. Pseudomonas-containing IT showed one of the highest cytotoxic effects on the model cells, however, possessed promiscuous specificity. Shiga-like toxin construct demonstrated mild both cytotoxicity and specificity. Barnase and Fc-containing ITs revealed excellent balance between their legibility and toxic properties. Moreover, barnase and Fc molecules fused with c-myc epitope were able to selectively deplete c-myc-specific B cells and decrease production of anti-c-myc antibodies in culture of native splenocytes, suggesting their highest therapeutic potential as targeted B cell killing agents.

Expression of humanized anti-Her2/neu single-chain IgG1-like antibody in mammary glands of transgenic mice.

A system for production of single-chain antibody in mammary glands of mice was developed on the basis of a hybrid gene constructed from the coding sequence of anti-Her2/neu single-chain antibody inserted into the first exon of the sheep beta-lactoglobulin gene. Lines of transgenic mice were obtained that expressed humanized single-chain anti-Her2/neu IgG1-like antibody in their milk. These antibodies interact with Her2/neu antigen with high affinity (K(d) = 0.4 nM). The expression level of the transgene depended on its integration site in the genome but not on the copy number. The transgene had no toxic effect on the mice and was stably inherited, at least for two generations. The results reveal new opportunities of producing single-chain antibodies in the milk of animals.

Protein-assisted self-assembly of multifunctional nanoparticles.

A bioengineering method for self-assembly of multifunctional superstructures with in-advance programmable properties has been proposed. The method employs two unique proteins, barnase and barstar, to rapidly join the structural components together directly in water solutions. The properties of the superstructures can be designed on demand by linking different agents of various sizes and chemical nature, designated for specific goals. As a proof of concept, colloidally stable trifunctional structures have been assembled by binding together magnetic particles, quantum dots, and antibodies using barnase and barstar. The assembly has demonstrated that the bonds between these proteins are strong enough to hold macroscopic (5 nm-3 microm) particles together. Specific interaction of such superstructures with cancer cells resulted in fluorescent labeling of the cells and their responsiveness to magnetic field. The method can be used to join inorganic moieties, organic particles, and single biomolecules for synergistic use in different applications such as biosensors, photonics, and nanomedicine.

Fluorescent immunolabeling of cancer cells by quantum dots and antibody scFv fragment.

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) coupled with cancer-specific targeting ligands are new promising agents for fluorescent visualization of cancer cells. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu (HER2/neu), overexpressed on the surface of many cancer cells, is an important target for cancer diagnostics. Antibody scFv fragments as a targeting agent for direct delivery of fluorophores offer significant advantages over full-size antibodies due to their small size, lower cross-reactivity, and immunogenicity. We have used quantum dots linked to anti-HER2/neu 4D5 scFv antibody to label HER2/neu-overexpressing live cells. Labeling of target cells was shown to have high brightness, photostability, and specificity. The results indicate that construction based on quantum dots and scFv antibody can be successfully used for cancer cell visualization.

Targeting cancer cells by using an antireceptor antibody-photosensitizer fusion protein.

Antibody-photosensitizer chemical conjugates are used successfully to kill cancer cells in photodynamic therapy. However, chemical conjugation of photosensitizers presents several limitations, such as poor reproducibility, aggregation, and free photosensitizer impurities. Here, we report a fully genetically encoded immunophotosensitizer, consisting of a specific anti-p185(HER-2-ECD) antibody fragment 4D5scFv fused with the phototoxic fluorescent protein KillerRed. Both parts of the recombinant protein preserved their functional properties: high affinity to antigen and light activation of sensitizer. 4D5scFv-KillerRed showed fine targeting properties and efficiently killed p185(HER-2-ECD)-expressing cancer cells upon light irradiation. It also showed a remarkable additive effect with the commonly used antitumor agent cisplatin, further demonstrating the potential of the approach.

Expression of single-chain antibody-barstar fusion in plants.

We successfully cloned and expressed a single-chain antibody (425scFv), that is directed to human epidermal growth factor receptor HER1 (EGFR) in transgenic tobacco plants as a fusion with bacterial barstar gene (425scFv-barstar). Plant-produced recombinant 425scFv-barstar was recovered using barstar-barnase system. Based on barstar-barnase affinity, during purification of the plant-produced 425scFv-barstar, we generated bispecific scFv-antibody heterodimers from individual single-chain fragments initially produced in different host systems with binding activity to both HER1 and HER2/neu tumor antigens. We demonstrated by flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescent microscopy that both the components of heterodimer retain its specific cell-binding activity.

Fusion of the antiferritin antibody VL domain to barnase results in enhanced solubility and altered pH stability.

Chimeric immunotoxins that combine antigen recognition domains of antibodies and cytotoxic RNases have attracted much attention in recent years as potential targeted agents for cancer immunotherapy. In an attempt to obtain a structurally minimized immunofusion for folding/stability studies, we constructed the chimeric protein VL-barnase. The chimera comprises a small cytotoxic enzyme barnase, ribonuclease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, fused to the C-terminus of the light chain variable domain (VL) of the anti-human ferritin monoclonal antibody F11. While the individual VL domain was expressed in Escherichia coli as insoluble protein packed into inclusion bodies, its fusion to barnase resulted in a significant ( approximately 70%) fraction of soluble protein, with only a minor insoluble fraction ( approximately 30%) packed into inclusion bodies. The in vivo solubilizing effect of barnase was also observed in vitro and suggests a chaperone-like role that barnase exerted with regard to the N-terminal VL domain. Cytoplasmic VL-barnase was analyzed for structural and functional properties. The dimeric state of the chimeric protein was demonstrated by size-exclusion chromatography, thus indicating that fusion to barnase did not abrogate the intrinsic dimerization propensity of the VL domain. Ferritin-binding affinity and specificity in terms of constants of association with isoferritins were identical for the isolated VL domain and its barnase fusion, and RNase activity remained unchanged after the fusion. Intrinsic fluorescence spectra showed a fully compact tertiary structure of the fusion protein. However, significantly altered pH stability of the fusion protein versus individual VL and barnase was shown by the pH-induced changes in both intrinsic fluorescence and binding of ANS. Together, the results indicate that VL-barnase retained the antigen-binding affinity, specificity and RNase activity pertinent to the two individual constituents, and that their fusion into a single-chain chimeric protein resulted in an altered tertiary fold and pH stability.