A Heparan Sulfate-Binding Cell Penetrating Peptide for Tumor Targeting and Migration Inhibition

Biomed Res Int. 2015:2015:237969. doi: 10.1155/2015/237969. Epub 2015 May 3.

Abstract

As heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are known as co-receptors to interact with numerous growth factors and then modulate downstream biological activities, overexpression of HS/HSPG on cell surface acts as an increasingly reliable prognostic factor in tumor progression. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short-chain peptides developed as functionalized vectors for delivery approaches of impermeable agents. On cell surface negatively charged HS provides the initial attachment of basic CPPs by electrostatic interaction, leading to multiple cellular effects. Here a functional peptide (CPPecp) has been identified from critical HS binding region in hRNase3, a unique RNase family member with in vitro antitumor activity. In this study we analyze a set of HS-binding CPPs derived from natural proteins including CPPecp. In addition to cellular binding and internalization, CPPecp demonstrated multiple functions including strong binding activity to tumor cell surface with higher HS expression, significant inhibitory effects on cancer cell migration, and suppression of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, different from conventional highly basic CPPs, CPPecp facilitated magnetic nanoparticle to selectively target tumor site in vivo. Therefore, CPPecp could engage its capacity to be developed as biomaterials for diagnostic imaging agent, therapeutic supplement, or functionalized vector for drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / drug effects*
  • Cell-Penetrating Peptides / administration & dosage*
  • Cell-Penetrating Peptides / chemistry
  • Eosinophil Cationic Protein / chemistry
  • Eosinophil Cationic Protein / metabolism
  • Heparitin Sulfate / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Cell-Penetrating Peptides
  • Heparitin Sulfate
  • Eosinophil Cationic Protein
  • RNASE3 protein, human