Nucleic acid-mediated intracellular protein delivery by lipid-like nanoparticles

Intracellular protein delivery has potential biotechnological and therapeutic application, but remains technically challenging. In contrast, a plethora of nucleic acid carriers have been developed, with lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) among the most clinically advanced reagents for oligonucleotide delivery. Here, we validate the hypothesis that oligonucleotides can serve as packaging materials to facilitate protein entrapment within and intracellular delivery by LNPs. Using two distinct model proteins, horseradish peroxidase and NeutrAvidin, we demonstrate that LNPs can yield efficient intracellular protein delivery in vitro when one or more oligonucleotides have been conjugated to the protein cargo. Moreover, in experiments with NeutrAvidin in vivo, we show that oligonucleotide conjugation significantly enhances LNP-mediated protein uptake within various spleen cell populations, suggesting that this approach may be particularly suitable for improved delivery of protein-based vaccines to antigen-presenting cells.

Chemically diverse polymer microarrays and high throughput surface characterisation: a method for discovery of materials for stem cell culture†Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4bm00054dClick here for additional data file

Chemically diverse polymer microarrays as a powerful screening tool for the discovery of new materials for a variety of applications.

Materials discovery provides the opportunity to identify novel materials that are tailored to complex biological environments by using combinatorial mixing of monomers to form large libraries of polymers as micro arrays. The materials discovery approach is predicated on the use of the largest chemical diversity possible, yet previous studies into human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) response to polymer microarrays have been limited to 20 or so different monomer identities in each study. Here we show that it is possible to print and assess cell adhesion of 141 different monomers in a microarray format. This provides access to the largest chemical space to date, allowing us to meet the regenerative medicine challenge to provide scalable synthetic culture ware. This study identifies new materials suitable for hPSC expansion that could not have been predicted from previous knowledge of cell-material interactions.

Abstract 11: Macrophage Expression of the Notch Ligand Delta-Like 4 Promotes Vein Graft Disease in LDL Receptor--Deficient Mice

Background: Vein graft failure causes devastating complications in patients with peripheral arterial disease or ischemic heart disease, but its underlying mechanisms remain obscure and no effective therapeutic measures are available.

Methods and Results: We tested the hypothesis that Notch signaling triggered by its ligand Delta-like 4 (Dll4) promotes macrophage activation and vein graft disease. Vein graft surgery was performed in high-fat fed LDL receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice by implanting donor inferior vena cava into recipient right carotid arteries. [Approach 1: Dll4 antibody] Dll4 blocking antibody was administered for 28 days. Dll4 blockade inhibited lesion development and macrophage accumulation (Figures) in vein grafts, and suppressed macrophage expression of genes typical of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α). In vivo molecular imaging demonstrated that Dll4 antibody treatment suppressed MMP activity in lesional macrophages. Dll4 blockade concomitantly attenuated collagen thinning. [Approach 2: siRNA delivery to macrophages] To address the relative contribution of macrophages to Dll4-mediated vein graft disease in vivo, we delivered Dll4 siRNA oligos encapsulated in macrophage-targeted lipid nanoparticles. In vivo Dll4 silencing in macrophages reduced lesion development and macrophage burden in vein grafts of Ldlr-/- mice to a similar extent as those of Dll4 antibody therapy. In vitro gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies suggested that Dll4 promotes expression of pro-inflammatory molecules in macrophages. Furthermore, macrophage Dll4 stimulated smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration and suppressed their differentiation.

Conclusions: These results suggest the novel mechanism that macrophage Dll4 promotes vein graft lesion development by exacerbating inflammation and crosstalk between macrophages and SMC, supporting the Dll4-Notch axis as a potential therapeutic target.

Genome editing with Cas9 in adult mice corrects a disease mutation and phenotype

We demonstrate CRISPR-Cas9-mediated correction of a Fah mutation in hepatocytes in a mouse model of the human disease hereditary tyrosinemia. Delivery of components of the CRISPR-Cas9 system by hydrodynamic injection resulted in initial expression of the wild-type Fah protein in ∼1/250 liver cells. Expansion of Fah-positive hepatocytes rescued the body weight loss phenotype. Our study indicates that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing is possible in adult animals and has potential for correction of human genetic diseases.

Stretchable polymeric multielectrode array for conformal neural interfacing

A highly stretchable neural interface of concurrent robust electrical and mechanical properties is developed with a conducting polymer film as the sole conductor for both the electrodes and the leads. This neural interface offers the benefits of conducting polymer electrodes in a demanding stretchable format, including low electrode impedance and high chargeinjection capacity, due to the large electroactive surface area of the electrode.

Microneedle electrodes toward an amperometric glucose-sensing smart patch

Here, efforts toward the development of a microneedle-based glucose sensor or "smart patch" for intradermal glucose sensing are described. Metallic microneedle array electrodes, conducting polymers, and glucose oxidase form the sensor platform. This work represents the first steps toward the development of painless, transdermal-sensing devices for continuous glucose monitoring.

Nanotechnology for in vivo targeted siRNA delivery

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can specifically inhibit gene expression. As a result, they have tremendous scientific and clinical potential. However, the use of these molecules in patients and animal models has been limited by challenges with delivery. Intracellular RNA delivery is difficult; it requires a system that protects the siRNA from degradative nucleases in the bloodstream, minimizes clearance by the reticuloendothelial system, maximizes delivery to the target tissue, and promotes entry into, and out of, an endocytic vesicle. Despite these barriers, recent data suggest that RNA may be targeted to cells of interest in vivo. Herein we outline strategies for targeted siRNA delivery, and describe how these strategies may be improved.

In vivo silencing of the transcription factor IRF5 reprograms the macrophage phenotype and improves infarct healing

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to test whether silencing of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) in cardiac macrophages improves infarct healing and attenuates post-myocardial infarction (MI) remodeling.

BACKGROUND

In healing wounds, the M1 toward M2 macrophage phenotype transition supports resolution of inflammation and tissue repair. Persistence of inflammatory M1 macrophages may derail healing and compromise organ functions. The transcription factor IRF5 up-regulates genes associated with M1 macrophages.

METHODS

Here we used nanoparticle-delivered small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) to silence IRF5 in macrophages residing in MIs and in surgically-induced skin wounds in mice.

RESULTS

Infarct macrophages expressed high levels of IRF5 during the early inflammatory wound-healing stages (day 4 after coronary ligation), whereas expression of the transcription factor decreased during the resolution of inflammation (day 8). Following in vitro screening, we identified an siRNA sequence that, when delivered by nanoparticles to wound macrophages, efficiently suppressed expression of IRF5 in vivo. Reduction of IRF5 expression, a factor that regulates macrophage polarization, reduced expression of inflammatory M1 macrophage markers, supported resolution of inflammation, accelerated cutaneous and infarct healing, and attenuated development of post-MI heart failure after coronary ligation as measured by protease targeted fluorescence molecular tomography-computed tomography imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This work identified a new therapeutic avenue to augment resolution of inflammation in healing infarcts by macrophage phenotype manipulation. This therapeutic concept may be used to attenuate post-MI remodeling and heart failure.

High-throughput methods for screening polymeric transfection reagents

The clinical success of gene therapy requires the development of a safe and efficient delivery system for DNA. Cationic polymers are nonviral vectors that can associate electrostatically with plasmid DNA to form nanocomplexes. In some cases, this is sufficient for cellular uptake and transfection, although the precise mechanisms by which polymers facilitate gene delivery remain unclear. A robust and reliable method to screen for efficacy is essential for the development of effective polycationic transfection reagents. Numerous parameters must be controlled and optimized, such as polymer structure, polymer-DNA-binding conditions (mixing method, pH, ionic strength, incubation time, concentrations, ratios), transfection media (type, serum content), DNA dose and incubation time with the cells, cell specificity, and assay conditions. In this protocol, we describe a high-throughput method for assessing polymer-mediated transfection. The technique uses 96-well plates, which allows many transfection parameters to be varied and optimized in parallel. Hundreds of polymers can be tested in quadruplicate in a single day and the technique can easily be automated to efficiently and reproducibly test large material libraries. One limitation is that many plate types, solutions, and equipment must be stocked and sterilized. Moreover, because all polymers are processed simultaneously in very small volumes, it is difficult to validate each step for each polymer to ensure solution uniformity and adequate polymer-DNA complexation. Despite these drawbacks, this high-throughput screening method has already been used successfully in the development of efficient polycation vectors.

Rational design of a biomimetic cell penetrating peptide library

Cell penetrating peptides have demonstrated potential to facilitate the cellular delivery of therapeutic molecules. Here we develop a set of 50 cell penetrating peptide based formulations with potential to deliver small interfering RNAs intercellularly. The transfection efficacy of siRNA containing lipid-like nanoparticles decorated with different peptides was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo and correlated with the peptide physical and chemical properties. In vitro, these particles were internalized primarily through macropinocytosis. When the peptides were presented to bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, they induce low immunoactivation relative to control cell penetrating peptides including the antennapedia homeodomain and TAT, as quantified by the expression of activation specific surface proteins like CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex class II. In vivo, peptide decorated nanoparticles primarily accumulated in the lungs and the liver. Three human peptides derived from surfactant protein B (a lung surfactant protein), orexin (a neuropeptide hormone, and lactoferricin (a globular glycoprotein) that exist in many physiological fluids facilitated the in vivo delivery of siRNA and induce significant knock down (90%) of a hepatocyte expressed protein, coagulation Factor VII.

Lipid-modified aminoglycoside derivatives for in vivo siRNA delivery

Rationally designed siRNA delivery materials that are enabled by lipid-modified aminoglycosides are demonstrated. Leading materials identified are able to self-assemble with siRNA into well-defined nanoparticles and induce efficient gene knockdown both in vitro and in vivo. Histology studies and liver function tests reveal that no apparent toxicity is caused by these nanoparticles at doses over two orders of magnitude.

Glucose-responsive microgels integrated with enzyme nanocapsules for closed-loop insulin delivery

A glucose-responsive closed-loop insulin delivery system represents the ideal treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we develop uniform injectable microgels for controlled glucose-responsive release of insulin. Monodisperse microgels (256 ± 18 μm), consisting of a pH-responsive chitosan matrix, enzyme nanocapsules, and recombinant human insulin, were fabricated through a one-step electrospray procedure. Glucose-specific enzymes were covalently encapsulated into the nanocapsules to improve enzymatic stability by protecting from denaturation and immunogenicity as well as to minimize loss due to diffusion from the matrix. The microgel system swelled when subjected to hyperglycemic conditions, as a result of the enzymatic conversion of glucose into gluconic acid and protonation of the chitosan network. Acting as a self-regulating valve system, microgels were adjusted to release insulin at basal release rates under normoglycemic conditions and at higher rates under hyperglycemic conditions. Finally, we demonstrated that these microgels with enzyme nanocapsules facilitate insulin release and result in a reduction of blood glucose levels in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes.

Combinatorial synthesis with high throughput discovery of protein-resistant membrane surfaces

Using combinatorial methods, we synthesized a series of new vinyl amide monomers and graft-polymerized them to light-sensitive poly(ether sulfone) (PES) porous films for protein resistance. To increase the discovery rate and statistical confidence, we developed high throughput surface modification methods (HTP) that allow synthesis, screening and selection of desirable monomers from a large library in a relatively short time (days). A series of amide monomers were synthesized by amidation of methacryloyl chloride with amines and grafted onto commercial poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes using irradiation from atmospheric pressure plasma (APP). The modified PES membrane surfaces were then tested and screened for static protein adhesion using HTP. Hydroxyl amide monomers N-(3-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (A3), N-(4-hydroxybutyl)methacrylamide (A4), and N-(4-hydroxybutyl)methacrylamide (A6), ethylene glycol (EG) monomer N-(3-methoxypropyl)methacrylamide (A7), and N-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-N-methylmethacrylamide (A8), and N-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)-N-methylmethacrylamide (A9) all terminated with tertiary amines and were shown to have protein resistance. The PES membranes modified with these monomers exhibited both low protein adhesion (i.e. membrane plugging or fouling) and high flux. Their performance is comparable with previously identified best performing PEG and zwitterionic monomers, i.e. the so-called gold-standard for protein resistance. Combining a Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) analysis of the amide monomers and the HTP filtration results, we conclude that monomer solubility in water correlates with protein-resistant surfaces, presumably through its effects on surface-water interactions.

Abstract 256: mRNA-based Nanoparticles Are Highly Effective Agents For Cardiac Gene Therapy

Gene therapy holds promise for repair and regeneration of damaged myocardium after infarction. Viral vectors used in most studies, while highly effective, carry concerns of safety and immunogenicity. Nanoparticle (NP)-enabled transfection using polymeric and lipidoid reagents mitigates some of the concerns related to the use of viral vectors. However, these agents have been less effective in transfecting cardiac myocytes, which are primarily post-mitotic and only weakly facilitate DNA entry to the nucleus. Because translation occurs in the cytosol, transfection with RNA obviates the need for nuclear entry. Recent work has shown that synthetic alterations to messenger RNA (mRNA) can prolong its half-life in the cytosol and diminish the host’s immune response. We hypothesized that transfection of cardiac myocytes with lipidoid NPs formed using modified mRNA would lead to high levels of protein expression. Neonatal rat (NRCM), adult rat (ARCM) and human embryonic stem cell-derived (hES-CM) cardiac myocytes were transfected with modified GFP-mRNA NPs using a lipidoid vehicle (Stemfect TM , Stemgent, Cambridge, MA) or Lipofectamine2000 (LF, Invitrogen) and GFP expression was assessed after 24 hours. Average transfection efficiency in NRCM was significantly higher using Stemfect versus LF as measured by flow cytometry (48.5% vs. 6.6% at 20ng mRNA; 47.4% vs. 11.8% at 40ng mRNA, 48.1% vs. 18.6% at 80ng mRNA; 48.1% vs. 28% at 160ng mRNA; n=3, p<0.01 for each pair). In hES-CM transfection was also more robust with Stemfect NPs versus LF (91.6% vs. 62.2%, p<0.05 at 40ng mRNA; 96.1 vs. 87.8%, p<0.01 at 160ng mRNA; n=3). GFP expression was noted by fluorescence microscopy to be higher in ARCMs transfected with Stemfect NPs versus LF. In conclusion, we have shown that difficult-to-transfect cardiac myocytes are readily transfected with mRNA-based NPs in vitro and with significantly higher efficiency when using Stemfect rather than Lipofectamine. Gene therapy with mRNA represents a novel approach to cardiac repair and may be preferable to DNA because of the transient window of protein expression and lower side effect profile.

Efficiency of siRNA delivery by lipid nanoparticles is limited by endocytic recycling

Despite substantial efforts to understand the interactions between nanoparticles and cells, the cellular processes that determine the efficiency of intracellular drug delivery remain largely unclear. Here we examined cellular uptake of siRNA delivered in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) using cellular trafficking probes in combination with automated high-throughput confocal microscopy as well as defined perturbations of cellular pathways paired with systems biology approaches to uncover protein-protein and protein-small molecule interactions. We show that multiple cell signaling effectors are required for initial cellular entry of LNPs through macropinocytosis, including proton pumps, mTOR, and cathepsins. SiRNA delivery is substantially reduced as ≅70% of the internalized siRNA undergoes exocytosis through egress of LNPs from late endosomes/lysosomes. Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1) is shown to be an important regulator of the major recycling pathways of LNP-delivered siRNAs. NPC1-deficient cells show enhanced cellular retention of LNPs inside late endosomes/lysosomes and increased gene silencing of the target gene. Our data suggests that siRNA delivery efficiency might be improved by designing delivery vehicles that can escape the recycling pathways.

Injectable nano-network for glucose-mediated insulin delivery

Diabetes mellitus, a disorder of glucose regulation, is a global burden affecting 366 million people across the world. An artificial "closed-loop" system able to mimic pancreas activity and release insulin in response to glucose level changes has the potential to improve patient compliance and health. Herein we develop a glucose-mediated release strategy for the self-regulated delivery of insulin using an injectable and acid-degradable polymeric network. Formed by electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged dextran nanoparticles loaded with insulin and glucose-specific enzymes, the nanocomposite-based porous architecture can be dissociated and subsequently release insulin in a hyperglycemic state through the catalytic conversion of glucose into gluconic acid. In vitro insulin release can be modulated in a pulsatile profile in response to glucose concentrations. In vivo studies validated that these formulations provided improved glucose control in type 1 diabetic mice subcutaneously administered with a degradable nano-network. A single injection of the developed nano-network facilitated stabilization of the blood glucose levels in the normoglycemic state (<200 mg/dL) for up to 10 days.

Discovery of novel materials with broad resistance to bacterial attachment using combinatorial polymer microarrays

A new class of bacteria-attachment-resistant materials is discovered using a multi-generation polymer microarray methodology that reduces bacterial attachment by up to 99.3% compared with a leading commercially available silver hydrogel anti-bacterial material. The coverage of three bacterial species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and uropathogenic Escherichia coli is assessed.

Enhanced function of immuno-isolated islets in diabetes therapy by co-encapsulation with an anti-inflammatory drug

Immuno-isolation of islets has the potential to enable the replacement of pancreatic function in diabetic patients. However, host response to the encapsulated islets frequently leads to fibrotic overgrowth with subsequent impairment of the transplanted grafts. Here, we identified and incorporated anti-inflammatory agents into islet-containing microcapsules to address this challenge. In vivo subcutaneous screening of 16 small molecule anti-inflammatory drugs was performed to identify promising compounds that could minimize the formation of fibrotic cell layers. Using parallel non-invasive fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, we identified dexamethasone and curcumin as the most effective drugs in inhibiting the activities of inflammatory proteases and reactive oxygen species in the host response to subcutaneously injected biomaterials. Next, we demonstrated that co-encapsulating curcumin with pancreatic rat islets in alginate microcapsules reduced fibrotic overgrowth and improved glycemic control in a mouse model of chemically-induced type I diabetes. These results showed that localized administration of anti-inflammatory drug can improve the longevity of encapsulated islets and may facilitate the translation of this technology toward a long-term cure for type I diabetes.

Core-shell hydrogel microcapsules for improved islets encapsulation

Islets microencapsulation holds great promise to treat type 1 diabetes. Currently used alginate microcapsules often have islets protruding outside capsules, leading to inadequate immuno-protection. A novel design of microcapsules with core-shell structures using a two-fluid co-axial electro-jetting is reported. Improved encapsulation and diabetes correction is achieved in a single step by simply confining the islets in the core region of the capsules.

Monocyte-directed RNAi targeting CCR2 improves infarct healing in atherosclerosis-prone mice

BACKGROUND

Exaggerated and prolonged inflammation after myocardial infarction (MI) accelerates left ventricular remodeling. Inflammatory pathways may present a therapeutic target to prevent post-MI heart failure. However, the appropriate magnitude and timing of interventions are largely unknown, in part because noninvasive monitoring tools are lacking. Here, we used nanoparticle-facilitated silencing of CCR2, the chemokine receptor that governs inflammatory Ly-6C(high) monocyte subset traffic, to reduce infarct inflammation in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice after MI. We used dual-target positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging of transglutaminase factor XIII (FXIII) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity to monitor how monocyte subset-targeted RNAi altered infarct inflammation and healing.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, and histology revealed reduced monocyte numbers and enhanced resolution of inflammation in infarcted hearts of apoE(-/-) mice that were treated with nanoparticle-encapsulated siRNA. To follow extracellular matrix cross-linking noninvasively, we developed a fluorine-18-labeled positron emission tomography agent ((18)F-FXIII). Recruitment of MPO-rich inflammatory leukocytes was imaged with a molecular magnetic resonance imaging sensor of MPO activity (MPO-Gd). Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging detected anti-inflammatory effects of intravenous nanoparticle-facilitated siRNA therapy (75% decrease of MPO-Gd signal; P<0.05), whereas (18)F-FXIII positron emission tomography reflected unimpeded matrix cross-linking in the infarct. Silencing of CCR2 during the first week after MI improved ejection fraction on day 21 after MI from 29% to 35% (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

CCR2-targeted RNAi reduced recruitment of Ly-6C(high) monocytes, attenuated infarct inflammation, and curbed post-MI left ventricular remodeling.

A Stiff Injectable Biodegradable Elastomer

Injectable materials often have shortcomings in mechanical and drug-eluting properties that are attributable to their high water contents. A water-free, liquid four-armed PEG modified with dopamine end groups is described which changed from liquid to elastic solid by reaction with a small volume of Fe3+ solution. The elastic modulus and degradation times increased with increasing Fe3+ concentrations. Both the free base and the water-soluble form of lidocaine could be dissolved in the PEG4-dopamine and released in a sustained manner from the cross-linked matrix. PEG4-dopamine was retained in the subcutaneous space in vivo for up to 3 weeks with minimal inflammation. This material's tailorable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, ability to incorporate hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs and release them slowly are desirable traits for drug delivery and other biomedical applications.

Degradable terpolymers with alkyl side chains demonstrate enhanced gene delivery potency and nanoparticle stability

Degradable, cationic poly(β-amino ester)s (PBAEs) with alkyl side chains are developed for non-viral gene delivery. Nanoparticles formed from these PBAE terpolymers exhibit significantly enhanced DNA transfection potency and resistance to aggregation. These hydrophobic PBAE terpolymers, but not PBAEs lacking alkyl side chains, support interaction with PEG-lipid conjugates, facilitating their functionalization with shielding and targeting moieties and accelerating the in vivo translation of these materials.

Modular 'click-in-emulsion' bone-targeted nanogels

A new class of nanogel demonstrates modular biodistribution and affinity for bone. Nanogels, ∼70 nm in diameter and synthesized via an astoichiometric click-chemistry in-emulsion method, controllably display residual, free clickable functional groups. Functionalization with a bisphosphonate ligand results in significant binding to bone on the inner walls of marrow cavities, liver avoidance, and anti-osteoporotic effects.

Lipidoid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for efficient DNA and siRNA delivery

The safe, targeted and effective delivery of gene therapeutics remains a significant barrier to their broad clinical application. Here we develop a magnetic nucleic acid delivery system composed of iron oxide nanoparticles and cationic lipid-like materials termed lipidoids. Coated nanoparticles are capable of delivering DNA and siRNA to cells in culture. The mean hydrodynamic size of these nanoparticles was systematically varied and optimized for delivery. While nanoparticles of different sizes showed similar siRNA delivery efficiency, nanoparticles of 50-100 nm displayed optimal DNA delivery activity. The application of an external magnetic field significantly enhanced the efficiency of nucleic acid delivery, with performance exceeding that of the commercially available lipid-based reagent, Lipofectamine 2000. The iron oxide nanoparticle delivery platform developed here offers the potential for magnetically guided targeting, as well as an opportunity to combine gene therapy with MRI imaging and magnetic hyperthermia.