Peptide Density Research Articles

Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels Support Cord-Like Structures from Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells

The generation of functional vascular networks has the potential to improve treatment for vascular diseases and to facilitate successful organ transplantation. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) have robust proliferative potential and can form vascular networks in vivo. ECFCs are recruited from a bone marrow niche to the site of vascularization, where cues from the extracellular matrix instigate vascular morphogenesis. Although this process has been elucidated using natural matrix, little is known about vascular morphogenesis by ECFCs in synthetic matrix, a xeno-free scaffold that can provide a more controllable and clinically relevant alternative for regenerative medicine. We sought to study hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels as three-dimensional scaffolds for capillary-like structure formation from ECFCs, and to determine the crucial parameters needed to design such synthetic scaffolds. We found that ECFCs express HA-specific receptors and that vascular endothelial growth factor stimulates hyaluronidase expression in ECFCs. Using a well-defined and controllable three-dimensional HA culture system, we were able to decouple the effect of matrix viscoelasticity from changes in adhesion peptide density. We determined that decreasing matrix viscoelasticity, which corresponds to a loose ultrastructure, significantly increases ECFC vascular tube length and area, and that the effect of local delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor within the hydrogel depends on the makeup of the synthetic environment. Collectively, these results set forth initial design criteria that need to be considered in developing vascularized tissue constructs.

Controlling Ligand Surface Density Optimizes Nanoparticle Binding to ICAM-1

During infection, pathogens utilize surface receptors to gain entry into intracellular compartments. Multiple receptor-ligand interactions that lead to pathogen internalization have been identified and the importance of multivalent ligand binding as a means to facilitate internalization has emerged. The effect of ligand density, however, is less well known. In this study, ligand density was examined using poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs). A cyclic peptide, cLABL, was used as a targeting moiety, as it is a known ligand for intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). To modulate the number of reactive sites on the surface of PLGA NPs, modified Pluronic with carboxyl groups and Pluronic with hydroxyl groups were combined in different ratios and the particle properties were examined. Utilizing a surfactant mixture directly affected the particle charge and the number of reactive sites for cLABL conjugation. The surface density of cLABL peptide increased as the relative amount of reactive Pluronic was increased. Studies using carcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) showed that cLABL density might be optimized to improve cellular uptake. These results complement other studies, suggesting that surface density of the targeting moiety on the NP surface should be considered to enhance the effect of ligands used for cell targeting.

Stiffness of photocrosslinked RGD‐alginate gels regulates adipose progenitor cell behavior

Adipose progenitor cells (APCs) are widely investigated for soft tissue reconstruction following tumor resection; however, the long-term success of current approaches is still limited. In order to develop clinically relevant therapies, a better understanding of the role of cell-microenvironment interactions in adipose tissue regeneration is essential. In particular, the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanics on the regenerative capability of APCs remains to be clarified. We have used artificial ECMs based on photocrosslinkable RGD-alginate to investigate the adipogenic and pro-angiogenic potential of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes as a function of matrix stiffness. These hydrogels allowed us to decouple matrix stiffness from changes in adhesion peptide density or extracellular Ca(2+) concentration and provided a physiologically relevant 3D culture context. Our findings suggest that increased matrix rigidity promotes APC self-renewal and angiogenic capacity, whereas, it inhibits adipose differentiation. Collectively, this study advances our understanding of the role of ECM mechanics in adipose tissue formation and vascularization and will aid in the design of efficacious biomaterial scaffolds for adipose tissue engineering applications.

Polymer-Binding Peptides for the Noncovalent Modification of Polymer Surfaces: Effects of Peptide Density on the Subsequent Immobilization of Functional Proteins

Peptides that specifically bind to polyetherimide (PEI) were selected, characterized, and used for the noncovalent modification of the PEI surface. The peptides were successfully identified from a phage-displayed peptide library. A chemically-synthesized peptide composed of the Thr-Gly-Ala-Asp-Leu-Asn-Thr sequence showed an extremely high binding constant for the PEI films (5.6 × 10(8) M(-1)), which was more than three orders of magnitude greater than that for the reference polystyrene films. The peptide was biotinylated and immobilized onto the PEI films to further immobilize streptavidin (SAv). The amount of SAv bound depended on the density of immobilized peptide. It gradually increased with an increasing density of immobilized peptide and achieved a maximum (2.1 pmol cm(-2)) at a peptide density of 19.8 pmol cm(-2). The ratio of peptide used for immobilizing SAv at the maximum value was only 11%, and was partially due to the low accessibility of SAv to the biotin moieties on the PEI films. Moreover, the amount of SAv bound gradually decreased at higher peptide densities, suggesting that the clustering of the peptides also inhibited the binding of SAv. Furthermore, peptides on the PEI films promoted the uniform immobilization of SAv with less structural denaturing. The immobilized SAv was able to further immobilize probe DNA to hybridize with its complementary DNA. These present results suggest that the density of immobilized peptide has a great impact on the surface modifications using polymer-binding peptides.

ChemInform Abstract: Regeneration of Perivascular Nerve and Role of Angiotensin Receptors

AbstractReview: 6 refs.

Atomistic modeling of peptides bound to a chemically active surface: conformational implications

This work presents a computational strategy to model flexible molecules tethered to a metallic rigid surface. The method is based on a previously developed procedure for inert surfaces, in which peptide-surface interactions were not considered. This procedure is able to generate uncorrelated relaxed microstructures at the atomistic level of systems containing relatively high densities of peptides tethered to the surface. The reliability of the strategy has been tested by simulating CREKA (Cys-Arg-Glu-Lys-Ala), a short linear pentapeptide that recognizes clotted plasma proteins and selectively homes to tumors, covalently tethered to a gold surface, results being compared with those obtained when the surface was represented as inert. The results indicate that the whole conformational profile of CREKA presents some correlation with the chemical activity of the surface, even though the bioactive conformation was found as the most favored in all cases. Specifically, simulations reflect that consideration of the peptide-surface interactions affect the geometrical orientation of the side chains, whereas the main chain conformation does not undergo significant modifications.

Optimization of Peptide Density on Microarray Surface for Quantitative Phosphoproteomics

Procedures to determine the density of peptides immobilized on a glass surface for the quantitative detection of phosphorylated peptides for phosphoproteomic applications of peptide microarrays are described. Two kinds of representative fluorescent probe molecules, anti-phosphotyrosine antibody (AB) and phos-tag (PT), were examined to compare their ability for the quantitative detection of phosphorylated peptides. PT is a metal complex with a binding specificity to phosphorylated amino acids, and is much smaller in size than AB. Thus, PT is quantitatively bound to the phosphorylated peptides, even at a high immobilization density without steric hindrance, making them highly suited for future microarrays requiring smaller sized peptide spots for much higher throughput.

Mesenchymal stem cell attachment to peptide density gradients on porous silicon generated by electrografting

AbstractChemical gradients of ethyl‐6‐bromohexanoate (EBH) were generated over porous silicon (pSi) substrates via electrochemical attachment. Immobilised ester moieties were hydrolysed and activated to produce a gradient of functional carboxylic acid groups. After subsequent immobilisation of cyclic RGD (cRGD), the surfaces were used to screen the extent of rat mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) attachment. Mapping of surface chemistry was carried out by means of infrared microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). MSC culture studies showed that short‐term cell attachment responded to the cRGD density present on the gradient surface.

Effect of Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) Spacers on the Conformational Properties of Small Peptides: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is used as an inert spacer in a wide range of biotechnological applications such as to display peptides and proteins on surfaces for diagnostic purposes. In such applications it is critical that the peptide is accessible to solvent and that the PEG does not affect the conformational properties of the peptide to which it is attached. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation techniques, we have investigated the influence of a commonly used PEG spacer on the conformation properties of a series of five peptides with differing physical-chemical properties (YGSLPQ, VFVVFV, GSGGSG, EEGEEG, and KKGKKG). The conformational properties of the peptides were compared (a) free in solution, (b) attached to a PEG-11 spacer in solution, and (c) constrained to a two-dimensional lattice via a (PEG-11)(3) spacer, mimicking a peptide displayed on a surface as used in microarray techniques. The simulations suggest that the PEG spacer has little effect on the conformational properties of small neutral peptides but has a significant effect on the conformational properties of small highly charged peptides. When constrained to a two-dimensional surface at peptide densities similar to those used experimentally, it was found that the peptides, in particular the polar and nonpolar peptides, aggregated strongly. The peptides also partitioned into the PEG layer. Potentially, this means that at high packing densities only a small fraction of the peptide attached to the surface would in fact be accessible to a potential interaction partner.

Role of Angiontensin Receptors on Remodeling Perivascular Nerves

The aim of this study was to investigate age-related changes in the density of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing nerve fibers in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and the effects of long-term inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system on these changes. An age-related decrease in the density of CGRP-like immunoreactive (LI)-containing nerve fibers but not neuropeptide Y (NPY)-LI-containing sympathetic nerve fibers was found in the mesenteric artery of SHR but not Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The density of NPY-LI-containing nerve fibers was significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. SHR were treated for 7 weeks with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (0.005% temocapril), angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) receptor antagonist (0.025% losartan), or vasodilator (0.01% hydralazine) in their drinking water. Each drug treatment significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure measured using the tail-cuff method. Long-term treatment of SHR with temocapril and losartan significantly increased the density of CGRP-LI-containing nerve fibers in mesenteric arteries. Furthermore, to clarify the effect of the angiontensin II type-2 (AT2) receptor in the restoration of perivascular nerve innervation, we used the phenol-injured rat model, in which the perivascular nerves are markedly reduced by the topical application of phenol. Activation of AT2R significantly restored CGRP-LI innervation in phenol-injured rats. These results suggest that selective stimulation of AT2 receptors facilitates reinnervation of mesenteric perivascular CGRP-containing nerves.

Identification of IgE Binding to Api g 1‐Derived Peptides

Celery is a frequent cause of food allergy in pollen-sensitized patients and can induce severe allergic reactions. Clinical symptoms cannot be predicted by skin prick tests (SPTs) or by determining allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Our aim was to identify specific IgE binding peptides by using an array technique. For our study, the sera of 21 patients with positive double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) to celery, as well as the sera of 17 healthy patients were used. Additionally, all patients underwent skin tests along with determinations of specific IgE binding. The major allergen of celery Api g 1.0101 (Apium graveolens) was synthesized as an array of overlapping peptides and probed with the patients' sera. We developed an improved immunoassay protocol by investigating peptide lengths, peptide densities, incubation parameters, and readout systems, which could influence IgE binding. Sera of celery-allergic patients showed binding to three distinct regions of Api g 1.0101. The region including amino acids 100 to 126 of Api g 1.0101 is the most important region for IgE binding. This region caused a fivefold higher binding of IgE from the sera of celery-allergic patients compared to those of healthy individuals. In particular, one peptide (VLVPTADGGSIC) was recognized by all sera of celery-allergic patients. In contrast, no binding to this peptide was detected in sera of the healthy controls. Our improved assay strategy allows us to distinguish between celery-allergic and healthy individuals, but needs to be explored in a larger cohort of well-defined patients.

Layer of clay platelets in a peptide matrix: Binding, encapsulation, and morphology

AbstractMonte Carlo simulations are performed to study the binding of peptides (M1: 1H2G3I4N5T6T7K8P9F10K11S12V) to a stack of mobile clay platelets and evaluate the morphological responses on a cubic lattice. A coarse‐grained description is used to model both platelets and peptides capturing the specificity of each residue. Mobility profiles of residues and their proximity to platelets (i.e., the local structural profile) suggest that the peptide binding is anchored by 7Lys and 10Lys. Correlation between the density profiles of platelets and peptides aided by the visual analysis shows that (i) the layered morphology is maintained due to peptide binding, (ii) the interstitial spacing between platelets, that is, the gallery width decreases on increasing the peptide concentration (consistent with recent experiments), (iii) relatively smaller amplitude of oscillations in peptide density profile around the inner clay galleries suggests that the peptides are more likely to bind at the layer boundaries and exterior surface of the platelets than intercalate. The radius of gyration (Rg) of the peptide shows nonmonotonic dependence on the peptide concentration (Cp). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010

Regeneration of Perivascular Nerve and Role of Angiotensin Receptors

The present study was designed to investigate involvement of angiotensin (Ang) II type 2 receptors (AT2R) in restoration of perivascular nerve innervation injured by topical phenol treatment. Male Wistar rats underwent in vivo topical application of 10% phenol around the superior mesenteric artery to induce nerve injure. Phenol treatment markedly reduced densities of both calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like immunoreactivity (LI)- and neuropeptide Y (NPY)-LI-containing fibers. NGF restored densities of both nerve fibers to the Sham control level. Coadministration of Ang II and losartan (AT1R antagonist) significantly increased the density of CGRP-LI-fibers but not NPY-LI-fibers compared with saline control. The increase of the density of CGRP-LI-fibers by coadministration of Ang II and losartan was suppressed by adding PD123319 (AT2R antagonist). Furthermore, NGF-induced CGRP-LI nerve regeneration was inhibited by PD123319 treatment. NGF-induced increase of AT2R mRNA level was significantly suppressed by AT1R antagonist treatment in phenol treated rats dorsal root ganglia. These results suggest that selective stimulation of AT2R by Ang II facilitates reinnervation of mesenteric perivascular CGRP-containing nerves injured by topical phenol application in the rat.

A simulation strategy for the atomistic modeling of flexible molecules covalently tethered to rigid surfaces: application to peptides.

A computational strategy to model flexible molecules tethered to a rigid inert surface is presented. The strategy is able to provide uncorrelated relaxed microstructures at the atomistic level. It combines an algorithm to generate molecules tethered to the surface without atomic overlaps, a method to insert solvent molecules and ions in the simulation box, and a powerful relaxation procedure. The reliability of the strategy has been investigated by simulating two different systems: (i) mixed monolayers consisting of binary mixtures of long-chain alkyl thiols of different lengths adsorbed on a rigid inert surface and (ii) CREKA (Cys-Arg-Glu-Lys-Ala), a short linear pentapeptide that recognizes clotted plasma proteins and selectively homes to tumors, covalently tethered to a rigid inert surface in aqueous solution. In the first, we examined the segregation of the two species in the monolayers using different long-chain:short-chain ratios, whereas in the second, we explored the conformational space of CREKA and ions distribution considering densities of peptides per nm(2) ranging from 0.03 to 1.67. Results indicate a spontaneous segregation in alkyl thiol monolayers, which enhances when the concentration of longest chains increases. However, the whole conformational profile of CREKA depends on the number of molecules tethered to the surface pointing out the large influence of molecular density on the intermolecular interactions, even though the bioactive conformation was found as the most stable in all cases.

Effect of Charge Density on the Interaction between Cationic Peptides and Oppositely Charged Microgels

The effect of charge density on the interaction between cationic peptides and oppositely charged poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) microgels was investigated together with effects of charge localization and interplay between electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The microgel charge content was controlled by varying acrylic acid/acrylamide ratios (25/75-100/0 mol %) in the microgel synthesis, whereas peptide charge density was controlled by using monodisperse peptides containing alanine and lysine in a series of repeated patterns (25-50 mol % lysine). Results show that peptide uptake in the microgels is largely determined by microgel charge density, whereas peptide-induced microgel deswelling kinetics is influenced by peptide charge density to a higher degree. Furthermore, electrolyte-induced peptide detachment is highly influenced by both microgel and peptide charge density. Thus, at high charge contrast, peptides could not be detached from the microgels, whereas reducing the charge density of either peptide or microgel promoted electrolyte-induced peptide release. The localization of charges in the peptide sequence also plays a significant role as the interaction strength increased for peptides where all charged groups are located at the end of the sequence, as opposed to homogenously distributed throughout the peptide. Such an asymmetrically charged peptide thus displayed higher uptake, faster deswelling response, and lower release degrees than its homogeneously charged analogue in microgels with high charge content, while these differences were absent for lower microgel charge densities. Hydrophobic substitutions (alanine --> leucine) in the peptide chain at fixed charge content increased peptide binding strength and eliminated peptide detachment at high ionic strength. Theoretical modeling of the effect of peptide and microgel charge density on peptide-induced microgel deswelling gave good agreement with experimental results.

Effect of RGDS and KRSR peptides immobilized on silk fibroin nanofibrous mats for cell adhesion and proliferation

In this study, RGDS and KRSR peptides were immobilized onto electrospun silk fibroin (SF) nanofibrous mats by imide bond formation, and the cell affinities were evaluated as an immobilized SF scaffold. The MTT assay showed that cell adhesion and spreading of normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) occurs on SF nanofibrous mat with immobilized RGDS peptide in the early culture time (within 2–4 h after seeding). On the other hand, the KRSR peptide was more effective on normal human osteoblasts (NHOst). Therefore, the cell adhesion peptides RGDS and KRSR are effective in improving cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation of specific cell types. Moreover, these effects depend on the peptide density. The performance of the SF nanofibrous mats with immobilized peptides may be enhanced as a scaffold for specific uses.

Ameliorative effect of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves extract (ELE) on insulin resistance and abnormal perivascular innervation in fructose-drinking rats

Aim of the study Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaf is a traditional Chinese medicine that exhibits an anti-diabetic action. This study was designed to investigate whether long-term administration of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves extract (ELE) ameliorates pre-diabetic state of insulin resistance and abnormal perivascular innervation in the hyperinsulinemic state. Materials and methods ELE at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg was administered orally once daily for 4 weeks in fructose-drinking rats (FDRs). Plasma levels of insulin, blood glucose levels, and perivascular innervation were assessed using biochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Results FDR showed significant increase in plasma levels of insulin, an index for insulin resistance (Homeostasis Model Assessment ratio—HOMA-IR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), but not blood glucose levels, as compared with control rats. Immunohistochemical study showed significantly greater density of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-like immunoreactivity (LI)-containing nerves and significantly lower density of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-LI-containing nerves in mesenteric arteries of FDR than those in control. A 4-week treatment with ELE (500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased plasma levels of insulin and HOMA-IR without affecting blood glucose levels and significantly lowered SBP in FDR. ELE treatment in FDR resulted in significant increase in CGRP-LI never fiber density and significant decrease in TH-LI never fiber density in mesenteric arteries of FDR. Conclusions These results suggest that long-term ELE treatment effectively prevents insulin resistance development and ameliorates abnormal perivascular innervation in FDR.

Effect of clustered peptide binding on DNA condensation

DNA condensation in-vitro has been studied as a model system to reveal common principles underlying gene packaging in biology, and as the critical first step towards the development of non-viral gene delivery vectors. In this study, we use a bio-inspired approach, where small DNA-binding peptides are controllably clustered by an amphiphilic block copolymer scaffold, to reveal the effect of clustered peptide binding on the energetics, size, shape and physical properties of DNA condensation in-vitro. This provides insights into the general architectural effect of gene-binding proteins on DNA condensation process. Moreover, the versatility afforded by regulating the clustering density and composition of peptides may provide a novel design platform for gene delivery applications in the future.

Modulation of the Lateral Mobility of Transmembrane Peptides with Hydrophobic Mismatch

An hydrophobic mismatch between protein length and membrane thickness can lead to a modification of protein conformation, function, and oligomerization. To study the role of hydrophobic mismatch, we have studied the change in mobility of transmembrane peptides in model bilayers. The studied peptides possess an hydrophobic helix of various length dπ, and the hydrophobic thickness, h, of the bilayers can be tuned at will. For each mismatch value, using Fluorescence Recovery After Pattern Photobleaching (FRAPP), we precisely measured the diffusion coefficient D of the embedded objects and gained access to their apparent size. This enables us to observe the orientation or oligomerization state of the peptides versus their concentration, and discover that the effects of positive and negative mismatches on diffusion are highly asymmetric. For bilayers thinner than dπ, the diffusion coefficient decreases and the derived characteristic sizes are larger than the peptide radii. As suggested by previous studies, the peptides should accommodate by tilting, and this scenario was confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. As the membrane thickness increases, the value of the diffusion coefficient increases: the peptides raise (i.e. their tilt is reduced) and reach an upright position and a maximal mobility for h ≈ dπ. Using accessibility measurements, we show that when the membrane becomes too thick, the peptide polar heads sink into the interfacial region. Surprisingly, this “pinching” behavior does not hinder the lateral diffusion of the transmembrane peptides. But it creates interactions between the embedded peptides, and collective behaviors emerge. For low peptide concentration, the transmembrane anchorage of the peptide is broken as the bilayer is swollen. For intermediate concentrations, we observed the arrangement of small monodisperse clusters, while polydisperse macro-domains are formed at higher peptide density, leading to spontaneous and reversible formation of “vesicles”.

Suboptimal engagement of the T‐cell receptor by a variety of peptide–MHC ligands triggers T‐cell anergy

T cells recognize antigen via the T-cell receptor (TCR) and produce a spectrum of responses that range from activation to anergy or cell death. The variety of outcomes may be dictated by the strength of the signals transmitted upon cognate recognition of the TCR. The physiological outcome of TCR engagement is determined by several factors, including the avidity of the ligand for TCR, the duration of engagement, and the presence and nature of accessory molecules present on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In this review, we discuss a model of anergy induced by presentation of low densities of peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) ligand in CD4(+) T cells and compare it to anergy induced by altered peptide ligands in an effort to identify a unifying mechanism. We suggest that altered peptide ligand (APL) and low densities of agonist ligands induce anergy by engaging less than optimal numbers of TCRs. The physiological impacts of anergy in memory CD4(+) T cells are discussed.