Self-Assembly of Sulfate-Containing Peptides Sequesters VEGF for Inhibiting Cancer Cell Invasion

Biomacromolecules. 2024 May 13;25(5):3087-3097. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00168. Epub 2024 Apr 7.

Abstract

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) play a crucial role in regulating cancer growth and migration by mediating interactions with growth factors. In this study, we developed a self-assembling peptide (S1) containing a sulfate group to simulate the contiguous sulfated regions (S-domains) in heparan sulfate for growth factor binding, aiming to sequester growth factors like VEGF. Spectral and structural studies as well as simulation studies suggested that S1 self-assembled into nanostructures similar to the heparan sulfate chains and effectively bound to VEGF. On cancer cell surfaces, S1 self-assemblies sequestered VEGF, leading to a reduction in VEGF levels in the medium, consequently inhibiting cancer cell growth, invasion, and angiogenesis. This study highlights the potential of self-assembling peptides to emulate extracellular matrix functions, offering insights for future cancer therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Heparitin Sulfate / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Peptides* / chemistry
  • Peptides* / pharmacology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A* / metabolism

Substances

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Peptides
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Heparitin Sulfate