Nanoparticles exposing neurotensin tumor‐specific drivers‡. (25th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Falciani, Chiara; Brunetti, Jlenia; Lelli, Barbara; Accardo, Antonella; Tesauro, Diego; Morelli, Giancarlo; Bracci, Luisa; Morelli, Giancarlo
• Is Part Of: Journal of peptide science. Volume 19:Number 4(2013:Apr.)
• Page Start: 198
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2013-02-25
• Subjects: Peptides -- Periodicals; Peptides -- Periodicals; 572.65
• DOI: 10.1002/psc.2493
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-2617

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Nanoparticles have attracted much attention for their potential application as <italic>in vivo</italic> carriers of drugs. Labeling of nanoparticles with bioactive markers that are able to direct them toward specific biological target receptors has led to a new generation of drug delivery systems. In particular, low molecular weight peptides that remain stable <italic>in vivo</italic> could be promising tools to selectively drive nanoparticles loaded with active components to tumor cells.</p> <p>We reported, recently, that tetrabranched neurotensin peptides (NT4) may be used to selectively target tumor cells with liposomes. Liposomes functionalized with tetrabranched neurotensin peptide, NT4, and loaded with doxorubicin showed clear advantages in cell binding, anthracyclin internalization, and cytotoxicity in respect of not functionalized liposomes.</p> <p>In this study, we compare branched (NT4) <italic>versus</italic> linear (NT) peptides in the ability to drive liposomes to target cells and deliver their toxic cargo. We showed here that the more densely decorated liposomes had a better activity profile in terms of drug delivery. Presentation of peptides to the cell membranes in the grouped shape provided by branched structure facilitates liposome cell binding and fusion. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</p> </abstract>