A peptide binding to the tetraspanin CD9 reduces cancer metastasis

Biomater Adv. 2023 Mar:146:213283. doi: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213283. Epub 2023 Jan 6.

Abstract

As an organizer of multi-molecular membrane complexes, the tetraspanin CD9 has been implicated in a number of biological processes, including cancer metastasis, and is a candidate therapeutic target. Here, we evaluated the suppressive effects of an eight-mer CD9-binding peptide (CD9-BP) on cancer cell metastasis and its mechanisms of action. CD9-BP impaired CD9-related functions by adversely affecting the formation of tetraspanin webs-networks composed of CD9 and its partner proteins. The anti-cancer metastasis effect of CD9-BP was evidenced by the in vitro inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion as well as exosome secretion and uptake, which are essential processes during metastasis. Finally, using a mouse model, we showed that CD9-BP reduced lung metastasis in vivo. These findings provide insight into the mechanism by which CD9-BP inhibits CD9-dependent functions and highlight its potential application as an alternative therapeutic nano-biomaterial for metastatic cancers.

Keywords: CD9; Cancer; Metastasis; Peptide; Tetraspanins.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Oligopeptides* / metabolism
  • Oligopeptides* / therapeutic use
  • Tetraspanin 29* / metabolism

Substances

  • CD9 protein, human
  • Tetraspanin 29
  • Oligopeptides