Delivery of imaging and therapeutic agents to tumor using pHLIP

We are developing a novel technology for selective delivery of imaging probes and membrane-impermeable molecules to cancer cells. It is based on action of water-soluble membrane peptide, pHLIP$^{\mbox{{\textregistered}}}$ (pH [Low] Insertion Peptide), which has ability to insert and fold in cellular membrane at slightly acidic environment, which is a characteristic for various pathological states including cancer. The insertion of the peptide is unidirectional: C-terminus moves inside the cell across membrane, while N-terminus flags outside. Thus pHLIP possess dual delivery capability. Imaging agents (fluorescent, PET, SPECT or MRI) could be attached to the N-terminus of the peptide to mark tumor mass and tumor margins with high precision. At the same time, therapeutic molecules attached to the C-inserting end, could be moved across membrane to reach cytoplasmic target. Among translocated molecules are synthetic cyclic peptides, gene regulation agent (peptide nucleic acid) and phalla- and amanita toxins with hydrophobicity tuned by attachment of fatty acids for optimum delivery. Currently we have family of pHLIP peptides for various applications. The work is supported by NIH grants CA133890 to OAA, DME, YRK.