Recent applications of cell-penetrating peptide guidance of nanosystems in breast and prostate cancer (Review)

Abstract

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are small peptides from natural sources or designed from other protein sequences that can penetrate cell membranes. This property has been used in biomedicine to add them to biomolecules to improve their capacity for cell internalization and as a guidance tool for specific cell types. CPPs have been shown to enhance cellular uptake in vitro and in vivo , improving the efficacy of anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin and paclitaxel, while also limiting their cytotoxic effects on healthy cells and tissues. The current study reviews the internalization and major therapeutic results achieved from the functionalization of nanosystems with CPPs for guidance into breast and prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo . In addition, the practical results obtained are specifically discussed for use as a starting point for scientists looking to begin research in this field.

Design and Characterization of pMyc/pMax Peptide-Coupled Gold Nanosystems for Targeting Myc in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

“…As shown in Figure S2, the peptides on their own do not show cytotoxicity towards any of the cells used in this study; however, once they have been conjugated to AuNPs, they show different cytotoxic effects dependent on the cell line. The cytotoxicity results suggest that the NSs were internalized by one of the following mechanisms: macropinocytosis, the barrelstave model, or the carpet-like model [13]. The macropinocytosis and carpet-like model are the most probable mechanisms for our nanocomplexes because of their high HD and given it has been proven that other large nanostructures use this endocytic pathway [63].…”

“…The macropinocytosis and carpet-like model are the most probable mechanisms for our nanocomplexes because of their high HD and given it has been proven that other large nanostructures use this endocytic pathway [63]. Based on the literature [13,[63][64][65][66], the hypothesized internalization mechanism of these NS is shown in Figure 11. (256.91), according to the DepMap portal (Table 2).…”

“…However, one limitation of Myc-derived peptides is the difficulty of delivery to the nucleus. Apparently, Myc-derived peptides could have low efficiency in crossing the cellular and nuclear membranes; using peptide-functionalized nanoparticles is a strategy that can resolve this problem [11][12][13] based on three primary characteristics: (a) the size of the nanoparticles (NPs) that can be used to be delivered into the cells, (b) NPs can be functionalized with diverse compounds for theranostic purposes [14,15], and (c) NPs functionalized with Myc-derived peptides can improve molecular interactions between peptides and cell and nuclear membranes, increasing the chances of cellular import of peptide-nanoparticles compared to peptides without conjugated NPs [13,16]. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have several distinctive properties that allow them to be used for biomedical applications: straightforward synthesis, strong binding affinity to thiol functional groups, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon, and generally low toxicity [17][18][19].…”

Shaping the Future of Antimicrobial Therapy: Harnessing the Power of Antimicrobial Peptides in Biomedical Applications

“…Biomedical Application Peptide Surgical site infection (SSI) LL-37 [15], hBD2&3 [16], Protegrins [17], Histatins [18], Ranalexin [19], Pexiganan [20], Magainin [21], HNP1 [22] Contact lens-associated microbial keratitis (CLMK) α-MSH [23], Melimine [24], Pexiganan [25], Bacitracin [26], Dermcidin [27] Dental applications LL-37 [28], Dermaceptin [29], Nisin, Histatins [30], hBD1 [31], human beta-defensin-3 [32], human beta-defensin-5, Cateslytin [33], Myxinidin [34], HHC-36 [34] Bone-graft applications KLD [35], E14LKK [36] Tissue generation DermaceptinS4 [37], Thanatin [38], LLKKK18 [39], DPK-060 [40], SMAP-29 [41], G3KL [42], G3R, MSI-78 Anticancer agents pAntp [43], KT2 [44], RT2 [45], LL37 [46], LTX-315, [46] melittin [47]…”

Cell-Membrane-Coated and Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Conjugated Trimagnetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Magnetic Hyperthermia of Prostate Cancer Cells

“…Current research shows that the therapeutic efficacy of MFH is limited by poor stabilization of MNPs in aqueous environments and their bioavailability or by the lack of targeting specificity in tumors . By overcoming these limitations, the functionalization of MNPs with a biomimetic coating may significantly improve the feasibility of PCa therapy. , Cell membranes exhibit unique functional components that can improve biocompatibility, cellular uptake, tumor-specific targeting, and site accumulation . Some authors reported an enhancement of both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal and MCF-7 human breast tumor photothermal therapy efficiency following the functionalization of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with red blood cell membrane-derived vesicles .…”