The purpose and scope of this project is subdivided in two specific aims that are detailed below:
Specific Aim 1 : Develop Multifunctional Liposomes with Targeting, Imaging and Drug Delivery Capabilities We are developing lipid-based nanoparticles (liposomes) bearing targeting and on-demand drug release properties for improved delivery of cancer therapeutics. For light-triggered applications, we have designed liposomes from a photopolymerizable diacetylenic phospholipid (DC8,9PC), based on its unique partitioning in the liposome membrane. Our formulations also include a tunable aqueous photo-sensitizer to promote electromagnetic radiation-triggered drug release. For biological applications (localized drug delivery), we have used a visible light source (514 nm laser) that does not affect cell viability. Pre-exposure of liposome/cell suspensions to the laser results in improved efficiency of doxorubicin delivery to cells1 (based on cytotoxicity assays). Our animal studies using the human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (KB)-Xenograft mouse model show that DPPC: DC8,9PC liposomes show similar biodistribution when compared with control (DC8,9PC minus) liposomes. We are further developing these liposomes for their drug delivery applications in vivo. To improve breast cancer treatment, we have coupled the targeting potential of HER2-specific Affibody molecules with the thermosensitive properties of liposomes (HER2+ Affisomes). We have successfully demonstrated using cell culture experiments that the HER2+ Affisomes are suitable vehicles for intracellular delivery of liposome-entrapped contents. Further development of these nanoparticles for delivery of anti-cancer agents will prove to be beneficial for breast cancer treatment.
Specific Aim 2. Development of Radiation Induced and Targeted Chemotherapy (RITCH).The concept envisions a non-toxic pro-drug that when administered intravenously will distribute throughout the body. When the pro-drug is subjected to localized electromagnetic radiation it will undergo a chemical transformation into a cytotoxic compound at the site of the tumor. We have used as a prototype the hydrophobic membrane probe Iodonaphthyl-azide (INA), which upon light irradiation undergoes a covalent reaction with transmembrane portions of membrane proteins. Photo-activation of INA affects the signaling capabilities of numerous cellular receptors and results in cell death. Since the INA treatment eliminates multidrug transporter function in addition to other membrane proteins, this approach is advantageous for treatment of multidrug resistant tumors. The unique mechanism of action INA targeting membrane proteins thus provides a novel and potent chemotherapeutic approach. Recently we observed that alternate radiation modalities (e.g. sono-cavitation and X-ray radiation) can trigger the reactivity of RITCH compounds. We plan to examine efficacy of our RITCH compounds in vitro and in vivo using various modes of triggering that include light, sono-cavitation and X-ray radiation The animal studies involve pharmacokinetics, bio-distribution and toxicity using the small animal imaging facility at NCI-Frederick. We are designing new RITCH compounds that will be more amenable to various triggering modes. In addition we are pursuing basic studies on the chemistry of the new compounds as well on cell biological events that lead to apoptosis and cell death.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Investigator-Initiated Intramural Research Projects (ZIA)
Project #
1ZIABC010652-08
Application #
8552762
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$573,107
Indirect Cost
Name
National Cancer Institute Division of Basic Sciences
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
Zip Code
Afonin, Kirill A; Viard, Mathias; Martins, Angelica N et al. (2013) Activation of different split functionalities on re-association of RNA-DNA hybrids. Nat Nanotechnol 8:296-304
Kim, Taejin; Afonin, Kirill A; Viard, Mathias et al. (2013) In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies Indicate the Potential Use of Bolaamphiphiles for Therapeutic siRNAs Delivery. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2:e80
Yavlovich, Amichai; Viard, Mathias; Gupta, Kshitij et al. (2013) Low-visibility light-intensity laser-triggered release of entrapped calcein from 1,2-bis (tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine liposomes is mediated through a type I photoactivation pathway. Int J Nanomedicine 8:2575-87
Sinthuvanich, Chomdao; Veiga, Ana Salomé; Gupta, Kshitij et al. (2012) Anticancer ?-hairpin peptides: membrane-induced folding triggers activity. J Am Chem Soc 134:6210-7
Lee, Jae-Ho; Oh, Hyuntaek; Baxa, Ulrich et al. (2012) Biopolymer-connected liposome networks as injectable biomaterials capable of sustained local drug delivery. Biomacromolecules 13:3388-94
Puri, Anu; Jang, Hyunbum; Yavlovich, Amichai et al. (2011) Material properties of matrix lipids determine the conformation and intermolecular reactivity of diacetylenic phosphatidylcholine in the lipid bilayer. Langmuir 27:15120-8
Smith, Brandon; Lyakhov, Ilya; Loomis, Kristin et al. (2011) Hyperthermia-triggered intracellular delivery of anticancer agent to HER2(+) cells by HER2-specific affibody (ZHER2-GS-Cys)-conjugated thermosensitive liposomes (HER2(+) affisomes). J Control Release 153:187-94
Puri, Anu; Blumenthal, Robert (2011) Polymeric lipid assemblies as novel theranostic tools. Acc Chem Res 44:1071-9
Yavlovich, Amichai; Singh, Alok; Blumenthal, Robert et al. (2011) A novel class of photo-triggerable liposomes containing DPPC:DC(8,9)PC as vehicles for delivery of doxorubcin to cells. Biochim Biophys Acta 1808:117-26
Colantonio, Simona; Simpson, John T; Fisher, Robert J et al. (2011) Quantitative analysis of phospholipids using nanostructured laser desorption ionization targets. Lipids 46:469-77

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