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. 2022 Mar 29;13(1):175-182.
doi: 10.1515/bmc-2022-0014.

A photosensitizing fusion protein with targeting capabilities

Stefano Bruno  1 , Marilena Margiotta  1 , Marco Cozzolino  2   3 , Paolo Bianchini  2   3   4 , Alberto Diaspro  2   3 , Luigi Cavanna  5 , Massimiliano Tognolini  1 , Stefania Abbruzzetti  4 , Cristiano Viappiani  4
Affiliations
Free article

A photosensitizing fusion protein with targeting capabilities

Stefano Bruno et al. Biomol Concepts. .
Free article

Abstract

The photodynamic treatment for antimicrobial applications or anticancer therapy relies on reactive oxygen species generated by photosensitizing molecules after absorption of visible or near-infrared light. If the photosensitizing molecule is in close vicinity of the microorganism or the malignant cell, a photocytotoxic action is exerted. Therefore, the effectiveness of photosensitizing compounds strongly depends on their capability to target microbial or cancer-specific proteins. In this study, we report on the preparation and preliminary characterization of human recombinant myoglobin fused to the vasoactive intestinal peptide to target vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor (VPAC) receptors. Fe-protoporphyrin IX was replaced by the photosensitizing compound Zn-protoporphyrin IX. Taking advantage of the fluorescence emission by Zn-protoporphyrin IX, we show that the construct can bind prostate cancer cells where the VPAC receptors are expressed.

Keywords: VIP; VPAC receptors; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Zn-protoporphyrin IX; cancer; targeted photodynamic therapy.

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