Growth Factor Tethering to Protein Nanoparticles via Coiled-Coil Formation for Targeted Drug Delivery

Bioconjug Chem. 2015 Aug 19;26(8):1672-7. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00266. Epub 2015 Jun 26.

Abstract

Protein-based nanoparticles are attractive carriers for drug delivery because they are biodegradable and can be genetically designed. Moreover, modification of protein-based nanoparticles with cell-specific ligands allows for active targeting abilities. Previously, we developed protein nanoparticles comprising genetically engineered elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) with fused polyaspartic acid tails (ELP-D). Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was displayed on the surface of the ELP-D nanoparticles via genetic design to allow for active cell-targeting abilities. Herein, we focused on the coiled-coil structural motif as a means for noncovalent tethering of growth factor to ELP-D. Specifically, two peptides known to form a heterodimer via a coiled-coil structural motif were fused to ELP-D and single-chain vascular endothelial growth factor (scVEGF121), to facilitate noncovalent tethering upon formation of the heterodimer coiled-coil structure. Drug-loaded growth factor-tethered ELP-Ds were found to be effective against cancer cells by provoking cell apoptosis. These results demonstrate that tethering growth factor to protein nanoparticles through coiled-coil formation yields a promising biomaterial candidate for targeted drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Elastin / chemistry*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / chemistry*
  • Genetic Engineering
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Paclitaxel / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / chemistry
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Drug Carriers
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Elastin
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • Paclitaxel