新型多肽硼携带剂的合成及分子动力学模拟

Synthesis and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Novel Peptide Boron Carrier

  • 摘要: 谷氨酰胺作为高增殖肿瘤细胞的核心代谢底物,在恶性肿瘤进展中发挥着关键作用。基于此,本研究设计开发了靶向αβ3整合素与谷氨酰胺转运体(SLC1A5)的双靶点多肽类硼携带剂(peptide-RGD-glutamine (Q)-boron,P-RQB,分子式为C69H120O23B10N18),以期为硼中子俘获治疗(BNCT)提供高效靶向硼递送系统。P-RQB通过三重功能模块协同实现精准硼递送:1) 碳硼烷核心提供高硼载量,满足BNCT需求;2) 环状RGDfK肽段特异性结合肿瘤新生血管过表达的αβ3整合素,介导主动靶向;3) 谷氨酰胺模拟侧链通过SLC1A5转运体,进一步增强肿瘤细胞主动摄取。分子动力学模拟显示,P-RQB可与αβ3整合素形成稳定复合物,其均方根偏差(RMSD)波动较小,证实了二者结合的稳定性。体外实验中,P-RQB在4T1乳腺癌细胞中的硼摄取量达7.39×1011 个硼原子/106个癌细胞,且该摄取可被过量游离RGDfK肽竞争性抑制,验证了αβ3介导的靶向性。在4T1荷瘤小鼠模型中,单次静脉注射P-RQB(150 mg/kg)后12 h,肿瘤组织硼浓度峰值达21.32 ppm,肿瘤/肌肉比(T/N)为5.23;中子辐照后,肿瘤细胞克隆存活率显著降至4.62%。本研究通过“靶向配体(RGD)-代谢底物(谷氨酰胺)-硼载体(碳硼烷)”的协同设计,使P-RQB兼具肿瘤精准靶向性与高效硼递送能力,显著提升了肿瘤内硼积累量及T/N。结合分子动力学验证的受体结合稳定性,该设计为新型双靶点BNCT 硼携带剂的开发提供了通用策略与实验依据,具有潜在临床转化价值。

     

    Abstract: Glutamine is widely recognized as a core metabolic substrate for highly proliferating cells and is critically involved in the development and progression of malignant tumors. Targeting this metabolic vulnerability, a novel boron-based carrier, peptide-RGD-glutamine (Q)-boron (P-RQB), was designed and synthesized for application in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). This agent was constructed as a multifunctional molecule integrating three distinct modules: a carborane core serving as a high-boron-density unit, a cyclic RGDfK peptide moiety enabling specific targeting of αβ3 integrin overexpressed in tumor vasculature, and a glutamine-mimicking side chain designed for active cellular uptake via the SLC1A5 transporter through a dual-pathway mechanism. The rational design aimed to exploit both receptor-mediated and nutrient transporter-mediated pathways for enhanced tumor selectivity and boron delivery efficiency. To evaluate the binding behavior and stability of P-RQB, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted. The simulation results reveal that P-RQB forms stable complexes with both αβ3 integrin and the SLC1A5 transporter, as evidenced by minimal fluctuations in the root mean square deviation (RMSD) over time. The strong affinity and stable binding support the hypothesized dual-targeting mechanism. Subsequently in vitro experiments were carried using 4T1 breast cancer cells. The results show that the boron uptake mediated by P-RQB is 7.39×1011 boron atoms per 106 cells. This uptake is significantly suppressed in the presence of excess αβ3 integrin, confirming the competitive and receptor-specific nature of the internalization process. Additional inhibition assays using SLC1A5 blockers further validates the transporter-mediated uptake route. In vivo studies were carried out in tumor-bearing mouse models. Following a single intravenous injection, the boron concentration in tumor tissue was monitored over time. A peak value of 21.32 ppm is observed at 24 h post-injection, with a high tumor-to-normal tissue (T/N) ratio of 5.23, indicating selective accumulation. The boron retention in tumors remains high over 48 h, while rapid clearance is seen in normal tissues. Upon neutron irradiation, the survival rate of tumor clones is effectively reduced to 4.62%, demonstrating significant therapeutic efficacy. Histopathological analysis further reveals extensive damage in tumor regions but minimal injury in surrounding normal tissues. By combining glutamine mimicry with a carborane backbone and a tumor-targeting peptide, P-RQB achieves dual-level targeting—both tissue-selective localization and enhanced cellular internalization. This approach markedly increases intra-tumoral boron concentration and improves radiotherapeutic precision. The study not only validates P-RQB as a promising BNCT agent but also introduces a general design strategy for boron carrier development, offering new insights into targeting metabolic pathways for cancer theranostics. This methodology may be extended to other nutrient transporters or tumor-specific receptors, broadening its application in targeted radionuclide therapy.

     

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