Integrin and Heparan Sulfate Dual-targeting Peptide Assembly Suppresses Cancer Metastasis.

Metastasis is one of the ongoing challenges in cancer therapy which most treatments failed to address. Inspired by the upregulated expression of both integrin beta1 and heparan sulfate in metastatic tumors, we developed an integrin/HS dual-targeting peptide assembly that selectively inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion. Particularly, the dual-targeting peptide self-assembles into nanofibrous microdomains specifically on the cancer cell membrane triggering spatial organization of integrins which form clusters on the apical membrane. Via the actin cytoskeleton that physically connects to integrin clusters, the oncogene YAP, which regulates cancer metastasis, is deactivated. We showed in multiple cancer cell lines, including the highly metastatic pancreatic cancer cells, the dual-targeting peptide exerts potent, and dose-dependent anti-metastatic effects. Our work illustrates how basic biochemical insights can be exploited as the basis for nano-biointerface fabrication which is potentially a general design strategy for nanomedicine development.