title: Nanoparticles exposing neurotensin tumor-specific drivers.
abstract: Nanoparticles have attracted much attention for their potential application as in vivo 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 in vivo could be promising tools to selectively drive nanoparticles loaded with active components to tumor cells. 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. In this study, we compare branched (NT4) versus 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.
authors: Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. falciani4@unisi.it
authors: Chiara
authors: C
authors: Falciani
authors: Jlenia
authors: J
authors: Brunetti
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Lelli
authors: Antonella
authors: A
authors: Accardo
authors: Diego
authors: D
authors: Tesauro
authors: Giancarlo
authors: G
authors: Morelli
authors: Luisa
authors: L
authors: Bracci
mesh_terms: D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D008081:Liposomes; D010455:Peptides; D009496:Neurotensin; D004317:Doxorubicin