Induction of Cancer Cell Death by Self-assembling Nanostructures Incorporating a Cytotoxic Peptide
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: Nanotechnology offers novel delivery vehicles for cancer therapeutics. Potential advantages of nanoscale platforms include improved pharmacokinetics, encapsulation of cytotoxic agents, enhanced accumulation of therapeutics in the tumor microenvironment, and improved therapeutic structures and bioactivity. Here, we report the design of a novel amphiphilic molecule that self-assembles into nanostructures for intracellular delivery of cytotoxic peptides. Specifically, a cationic alpha-helical (KLAKLAK)(2) peptide that is known to induce cancer cell death by membrane disruption was integrated into a peptide amphiphile (PA) that self-assembles into bioactive, cylindrical nanofibers. PAs are composed of a hydrophobic alkyl tail, a beta-sheet forming peptide, and a bioactive peptide that is displayed on the surface of the nanofiber after self-assembly. PA nanostructures that included (KLAKLAK)(2) were readily internalized by breast cancer cells, in contrast to the (KLAKLAK)(2) peptide that on its own was not cell permeable. (KLAKLAK)(2) nanostructures, but not the peptides alone, also induced breast cancer cell death by caspase-independent and Bax/Bak-independent mechanisms associated with membrane disruption. Significantly, (KLAKLAK)(2) nanostructures induced cell death more robustly in transformed breast epithelial cells than in untransformed cells, suggesting a degree of tumor selectivity. Our results provide proof-of-principle that self-assembling PAs can be rationally designed to generate nanostructures that can efficiently deliver cytotoxic peptides to cancer cells.
Source: Cancer Research
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: G1211872421, G1325811013, Molecular Control of EGF Receptor Down-Regulation, G2022285751, A novel regulator of p53, G2728621122, G2851627926, G3498129444, G3579383949, Nanomaterials for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, G3977408364, THE ROLE OF A NOVEL GAP IN EPITHELIAL ONCOGENESIS, Dendritic Peptide Amphiphiles for Biomedical Applications, G5853396361, G629954890, ErbB2 Downregulation Through HSP90 Inhibition, G7594099874, G7911562890, G882810092, G8878039642, NW University Program in Endo Diabetes and Hormone Action
OpenAlex ID: W2116539303