Protein polymer nanoparticles engineered as chaperones protect against apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT: αB-Crystallin is a protein chaperone with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activity that is apically secreted in exosomes by polarized human retinal pigment epithelium. A 20 amino acid mini-peptide derived from residues 73-92 of αB-crystallin protects human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from oxidative stress, a process involved in the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Unfortunately, due to its small size, its development as a therapeutic requires a robust controlled release system. To achieve this goal, the αB-crystallin peptide was re-engineered into a protein polymer nanoparticle/macromolecule with the purpose of increasing the hydrodynamic radius/molecular weight and enhancing potency via multivalency or an extended retention time. The peptide was recom

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4222838 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature