Multifunctional αvβ6 Integrin-Specific Peptide-Pt(IV) Conjugates for Cancer Cell Targeting

Bioconjug Chem. 2017 Sep 20;28(9):2429-2439. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00421. Epub 2017 Aug 10.

Abstract

Increasing the specificity of cancer therapy, and thereby decreasing damage to normal cells, requires targeting to cancer-cell specific features. The αvβ6 integrin is a receptor involved in cell adhesion and is frequently up-regulated in cancer cells compared to normal cells. We have selected a peptide ligand reported to bind specifically to the β6 integrin and have synthesized a suite of multispecific molecules to explore the potential for targeting of cancer cells. A combination of solid-phase peptide synthesis and chemoselective ligations was used to synthesize multifunctional molecules composed of integrin-targeting peptides, cytotoxic platinum(IV) prodrugs, and fluorescent or affinity probes joined with flexible linkers. The modular synthesis approach facilitates the construction of peptide-drug conjugates with various valencies and properties in a convergent manner. The binding and specificity of the multifunctional peptide conjugates were investigated using a cell line transfected with the β6 integrin and fluorescence microscopy. This versatile and highly controlled approach to synthesizing labeled peptide-drug conjugates has the potential to target potent cytotoxic drugs specifically to cancer cells, reducing the doses required for effective treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Neoplasm / metabolism*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Colonic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Colonic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism*
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / chemistry*
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / pharmacokinetics
  • Organoplatinum Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Peptides / pharmacokinetics
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Solid-Phase Synthesis Techniques

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Integrins
  • Organoplatinum Compounds
  • Peptides
  • integrin alphavbeta6