Tumor imaging by means of proteolytic activation of cell-penetrating peptides.
21 Dec 2004-Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (National Academy of Sciences)-Vol. 101, Iss: 51, pp 17867-17872
TL;DR: In mice xenografted with human tumor cells secreting matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, ACPPs bearing a far-red-fluorescent cargo show in vivo contrast ratios of 2-3 and a 3.1-fold increase in standard uptake value for tumors relative to contralateral normal tissue or control peptides with scrambled linkers.
Abstract: We have devised and tested a new strategy for selectively delivering molecules to tumor cells. Cellular association of polyarginine-based, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) is effectively blocked when they are fused to an inhibitory domain made up of negatively charged residues. We call these fusions activatable CPPs (ACPPs) because cleavage of the linker between the polycationic and polyanionic domains, typically by a protease, releases the CPP portion and its attached cargo to bind to and enter cells. Association with cultured cells typically increases 10-fold or more upon linker cleavage. In mice xenografted with human tumor cells secreting matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, ACPPs bearing a far-red-fluorescent cargo show in vivo contrast ratios of 2-3 and a 3.1-fold increase in standard uptake value for tumors relative to contralateral normal tissue or control peptides with scrambled linkers. Ex vivo slices of freshly resected human squamous cell carcinomas give similar or better contrast ratios. Because CPPs are known to import a wide variety of nonoptical contrast and therapeutic agents, ACPPs offer a general strategy toward imaging and treating disease processes associated with linker-cleaving activities such as extracellular proteases.
Citations
More filters
TL;DR: In addition to their role in extracellular matrix turnover and cancer cell migration, MMPs regulate signaling pathways that control cell growth, inflammation, or angiogenesis and may even work in a nonproteolytic manner.
4,185 citations
Cites methods from "Tumor imaging by means of proteolyt..."
...…pep- tides, which are activated by proteolysis and carry a fluorescent cargo that accumulates in cells that are in the vicinity of active MMPs (Jiang et al., 2004), have been used successfully to visualize MMP-2 and -9 activity in cell culture systems and in mouse xenograft models and show…...
[...]
...active MMPs (Jiang et al., 2004), have been used successfully to visualize MMP-2 and -9 activity in cell culture systems and in mouse xenograft models and show active MMPs predominantly at the interface between tumor and stroma (Olson et al....
[...]
TL;DR: The focus is on protein detection in live versus fixed cells: determination of protein expression, localization, activity state, and the possibility for combination of fluorescent light microscopy with electron microscopy.
Abstract: Advances in molecular biology, organic chemistry, and materials science have recently created several new classes of fluorescent probes for imaging in cell biology. Here we review the characteristic benefits and limitations of fluorescent probes to study proteins. The focus is on protein detection in live versus fixed cells: determination of protein expression, localization, activity state, and the possibility for combination of fluorescent light microscopy with electron microscopy. Small organic fluorescent dyes, nanocrystals ("quantum dots"), autofluorescent proteins, small genetic encoded tags that can be complexed with fluorochromes, and combinations of these probes are highlighted.
2,632 citations
TL;DR: In this article, complex and redundant pathways involving the tumor cell and the microenvironment mediate tumor invasion at the primary site, survival and arrest in the bloodstream, and progressive outgrowth at a distant site.
Abstract: Metastatic disease is the primary cause of death for most cancer patients. Complex and redundant pathways involving the tumor cell and the microenvironment mediate tumor invasion at the primary site, survival and arrest in the bloodstream, and progressive outgrowth at a distant site. Understanding these pathways and their dynamic interactions will help identify promising molecular targets for cancer therapy and key obstacles to their clinical development.
1,953 citations
TL;DR: Although MRI, US, and x-ray CT are often listed as molecular imaging modalities, in truth, radionuclide and optical imaging are the most practical modalities for molecular imaging, because of their sensitivity and the specificity for target detection.
Abstract: In vivo medical imaging has made great progress due to advances in the engineering of imaging devices and developments in the chemistry of imaging probes Several modalities have been utilized for medical imaging, including X-ray radiography and computed tomography (x-ray CT), radionuclide imaging using single photons and positrons, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography (US), and optical imaging In order to extract more information from imaging, “contrast agents” have been employed For example, organic iodine compounds have been used in X-ray radiography and computed tomography, superparamagnetic or paramagnetic metals have been used in MRI, and microbubbles have been used in ultrasonography Most of these, however, are non-targeted reagents
Molecular imaging is widely considered the future for medical imaging Molecular imaging has been defined as the in vivo characterization and measurement of biologic process at the cellular and molecular level1, or more broadly as a technique to directly or indirectly monitor and record the spatio-temporal distribution of molecular or cellular processes for biochemical, biologic, diagnostic, or therapeutic application2 Molecular imaging is the logical next step in the evolution of medical imaging after anatomic imaging (eg x-rays) and functional imaging (eg MRI) In order to attain truly targeted imaging of specific molecules which exist in relatively low concentrations in living tissues, the imaging techniques must be highly sensitive Although MRI, US, and x-ray CT are often listed as molecular imaging modalities, in truth, radionuclide and optical imaging are the most practical modalities, for molecular imaging, because of their sensitivity and the specificity for target detection
Radionuclide imaging, including gamma scintigraphy and positron emission tomography (PET), are highly sensitive, quantitative, and offer the potential for whole body scanning However, radionuclide imaging methods have the disadvantages of poor spatial and temporal resolution3 Additionally, they require radioactive compounds which have an intrinsically limited half life, and which expose the patient and practitioner to ionizing radiation and are therefore subject to a variety of stringent safety regulations which limit their repeated use4
Optical imaging, on the other hand, has comparable sensitivity to radionuclide imaging, and can be “targeted” if the emitting fluorophore is conjugated to a targeting ligand3 Optical imaging, by virtue of being “switchable”, can result in very high target to background ratios “Switchable” or activatable optical probes are unique in the field of molecular imaging since these agents can be turned on in specific environments but otherwise remain undetectable This improves the achievable target to background ratios, enabling the detection of small tumors against a dark background5,6 This advantage must be balanced against the lack of quantitation with optical imaging due to unpredictable light scattering and absorption, especially when the object of interest is deep within the tissue Visualization through the skin is limited to superficial tissues such as the breast7-9 or lymph nodes10,11 The fluorescence signal from the bright GFP-expressing tumors can be seen in the deep organ only in the nude mice 12,13 However, optical molecular imaging can also be employed during endoscopy14 or surgery 15,16
1,851 citations
TL;DR: Current methodologies and models for understanding and quantifying the impact of environmental cues provided by the ECM on disease progression are discussed, and how improving understanding of ECM remodeling in these pathological conditions is crucial for uncovering novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies.
Abstract: Dynamic remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for development, wound healing and normal organ homeostasis. Life-threatening pathological conditions arise when ECM remodeling becomes excessive or uncontrolled. In this Perspective, we focus on how ECM remodeling contributes to fibrotic diseases and cancer, which both present challenging obstacles with respect to clinical treatment, to illustrate the importance and complexity of cell-ECM interactions in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Fibrotic diseases, which include pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, liver cirrhosis and cardiovascular disease, account for over 45% of deaths in the developed world. ECM remodeling is also crucial for tumor malignancy and metastatic progression, which ultimately cause over 90% of deaths from cancer. Here, we discuss current methodologies and models for understanding and quantifying the impact of environmental cues provided by the ECM on disease progression, and how improving our understanding of ECM remodeling in these pathological conditions is crucial for uncovering novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. This can only be achieved through the use of appropriate in vitro and in vivo models to mimic disease, and with technologies that enable accurate monitoring, imaging and quantification of the ECM.
1,280 citations
Cites background or methods from "Tumor imaging by means of proteolyt..."
...New technologies based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) (Jiang et al., 2004), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (for a review, see Scherer et al., 2008a) are being developed to image the…...
[...]
...New technologies based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) (Jiang et al., 2004), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (for a review, see Scherer et al....
[...]
...New technologies based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) (Jiang et al., 2004), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (for a review, see Scherer et al., 2008a) are being developed to image the dynamic status of ECM remodeling, including visualization of MMP activity (Scherer et al., 2008b; Littlepage et al., 2010)....
[...]
References
More filters
TL;DR: It is shown that the MMPs have functions other than promotion of invasion, have substrates other than components of the extracellular matrix, and that they function before invasion in the development of cancer.
Abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been associated with cancer-cell invasion and metastasis. This provided the rationale for clinical trials of MMP inhibitors, unfortunately with disappointing results. We now know, however, that the MMPs have functions other than promotion of invasion, have substrates other than components of the extracellular matrix, and that they function before invasion in the development of cancer. With this knowledge in hand, can we rethink the use of MMP inhibitors in the clinic?
5,860 citations
TL;DR: The successful clinical application of polymer–protein conjugates, and promising clinical results arising from trials with polymer–anticancer-drug conjugate, bode well for the future design and development of the ever more sophisticated bio-nanotechnologies that are needed to realize the full potential of the post-genomic age.
Abstract: As we enter the twenty-first century, research at the interface of polymer chemistry and the biomedical sciences has given rise to the first nano-sized (5-100 nm) polymer-based pharmaceuticals, the 'polymer therapeutics'. Polymer therapeutics include rationally designed macromolecular drugs, polymer-drug and polymer-protein conjugates, polymeric micelles containing covalently bound drug, and polyplexes for DNA delivery. The successful clinical application of polymer-protein conjugates, and promising clinical results arising from trials with polymer-anticancer-drug conjugates, bode well for the future design and development of the ever more sophisticated bio-nanotechnologies that are needed to realize the full potential of the post-genomic age.
3,184 citations
TL;DR: The main determinants required for Tat translocation within this sequence are delineated by synthesizing several peptides covering the Tat domain from residues 37 to 60 and the domain extending from amino acid 37 to 47, which corresponds to the α-helix structure, is not required for cellular uptake and for nuclear translocation.
2,459 citations
TL;DR: A cell labeling approach using short HIV-Tat peptides to derivatize superparamagnetic nanoparticles is developed, which efficiently internalized into hematopoietic and neural progenitor cells in quantities up to 10–30 pg of super paramagnetic iron per cell.
Abstract: The ability to track the distribution and differentiation of progenitor and stem cells by high-resolution in vivo imaging techniques would have significant clinical and research implications We have developed a cell labeling approach using short HIV-Tat peptides to derivatize superparamagnetic nanoparticles The particles are efficiently internalized into hematopoietic and neural progenitor cells in quantities up to 10-30 pg of superparamagnetic iron per cell Iron incorporation did not affect cell viability, differentiation, or proliferation of CD34+ cells Following intravenous injection into immunodeficient mice, 4% of magnetically CD34+ cells homed to bone marrow per gram of tissue, and single cells could be detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in tissue samples In addition, magnetically labeled cells that had homed to bone marrow could be recovered by magnetic separation columns Localization and retrieval of cell populations in vivo enable detailed analysis of specific stem cell and organ interactions critical for advancing the therapeutic use of stem cells
1,788 citations
TL;DR: Overall, a transporter has been developed that is superior to Tat(49-57), protease resistant, and more readily and economically prepared and suggest that the guanidinium groups of Tat( 49-57) play a greater role in facilitating cellular uptake than either charge or backbone structure.
Abstract: Certain proteins contain subunits that enable their active translocation across the plasma membrane into cells. In the specific case of HIV-1, this subunit is the basic domain Tat(49-57) (RKKRRQRRR). To establish the optimal structural requirements for this translocation process, and thereby to develop improved molecular transporters that could deliver agents into cells, a series of analogues of Tat(49-57) were prepared and their cellular uptake into Jurkat cells was determined by flow cytometry. All truncated and alanine-substituted analogues exhibited diminished cellular uptake, suggesting that the cationic residues of Tat(49-57) play a principal role in its uptake. Charge alone, however, is insufficient for transport as oligomers of several cationic amino acids (histidine, lysine, and ornithine) are less effective than Tat(49-57) in cellular uptake. In contrast, a 9-mer of l-arginine (R9) was 20-fold more efficient than Tat(49-57) at cellular uptake as determined by Michaelis-Menton kinetic analysis. The d-arginine oligomer (r9) exhibited an even greater uptake rate enhancement (>100-fold). Collectively, these studies suggest that the guanidinium groups of Tat(49-57) play a greater role in facilitating cellular uptake than either charge or backbone structure. Based on this analysis, we designed and synthesized a class of polyguanidine peptoid derivatives. Remarkably, the subset of peptoid analogues containing a six-methylene spacer between the guanidine head group and backbone (N-hxg), exhibited significantly enhanced cellular uptake compared to Tat(49-57) and even to r9. Overall, a transporter has been developed that is superior to Tat(49-57), protease resistant, and more readily and economically prepared.
1,710 citations