title: Elastin-like polypeptides: Therapeutic applications for an emerging class of nanomedicines.
abstract: Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) constitute a genetically engineered class of 'protein polymers' derived from human tropoelastin. They exhibit a reversible phase separation whereby samples remain soluble below a transition temperature (Tt) but form amorphous coacervates above Tt. Their phase behavior has many possible applications in purification, sensing, activation, and nanoassembly. As humanized polypeptides, they are non-immunogenic, substrates for proteolytic biodegradation, and can be decorated with pharmacologically active peptides, proteins, and small molecules. Recombinant synthesis additionally allows precise control over ELP architecture and molecular weight, resulting in protein polymers with uniform physicochemical properties suited to the design of multifunctional biologics. As such, ELPs have been employed for various uses including as anti-cancer agents, ocular drug delivery vehicles, and protein trafficking modulators. This review aims to offer the reader a catalogue of ELPs, their various applications, and potential for commercialization across a broad spectrum of fields.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9121, USA.
authors.forename: Jordan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Despanie
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9121, USA.
authors.forename: Jugal P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dhandhukia
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9121, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Hamm-Alvarez
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9121, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA. Electronic address: jamackay@usc.edu.
authors.forename: J Andrew
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: MacKay
mesh_terms: D060433:Administration, Ophthalmic; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D004549:Elastin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010455:Peptides; D004549:Elastin
keywords: Biomedical engineering; Drug delivery; Elastin-like polypeptides; Nanomedicine