In Vivo Self-Sorting of Peptides via In Situ Assembly Evolution
By
Liu, X (Liu, Xin) [1] ; Tian, F (Tian, Feng) [1] ; Zhang, ZY (Zhang, Zeyu) [1] ; Liu, JZ (Liu, Juanzu) [2] ; Wang, SY (Wang, Shuya) [1] ; Guo, RC (Guo, Ruo-Chen) [1] ; Hu, BB (Hu, Binbin) [1] ; Wang, H (Wang, Hao) [1] ; Zhu, H (Zhu, Han) [2] ; Liu, AA (Liu, An-An) [2] ; Shi, LQ (Shi, Linqi) [1] ; Yu, ZL (Yu, Zhilin) [1]
Early Access
AUG 2024
Indexed
2024-08-21
Document Type
Article; Early Access
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Abstract
Despite significant progress achieved in artificial self-sorting in solution, operating self-sorting in the body remains a considerable challenge. Here, we report an in vivo self-sorting peptide system via an in situ assembly evolution for combined cancer therapy. The peptide E3C16-SS-EIY consists of two disulfide-connected segments, E3C16SH and SHEIY, capable of independent assembly into twisted or flat nanoribbons. While E3C16-SS-EIY assembles into nanorods, exposure to glutathione (GSH) leads to the conversion of the peptide into E3C16SH and SHEIY, thus promoting in situ evolution from the nanorods into self-sorted nanoribbons. Furthermore, incorporation of two ligand moieties targeting antiapoptotic protein XIAP and organellar endoplasmic reticulum (ER) into the self-sorted nanoribbons allows for simultaneous inhibition of XIAP and accumulation surrounding ER. This leads to the cytotoxicity toward the cancer cells with elevated GSH levels, through activating caspase-dependent apoptosis and inducing ER dysfunction. In vivo self-sorting of E3C16-SS-EIY decorated with ligand moieties is thoroughly validated by tissue studies. Tumor-bearing mouse experiments confirm the therapeutic efficacy of the self-sorted assemblies for inhibiting tumor growth, with excellent biosafety. Our findings demonstrate an efficient approach to develop in vivo self-sorting systems and thereby facilitating in situ formulation of biomedical agents.