Induction of cancer cell death by self-assembling nanostructures incorporating a cytotoxic peptide

Stephany M. Standley, Daniel J. Toft, Hao Cheng, Stephen Soukasene, Jing Chen, Srikumar M. Raja, Vimla Band, Hamid Band, Vincent L. Cryns, Samuel I. Stupp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

180 Scopus citations

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 α-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 β-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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3020-3026
Number of pages7
JournalCancer Research
Volume70
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 15 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Induction of cancer cell death by self-assembling nanostructures incorporating a cytotoxic peptide'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this