Interactions of antisense DNA oligonucleotide analogs with phospholipid membranes (liposomes)

Morpholino antisense oligomers: the case for an RNase H-independent structural type

RNase H-competent phosphorothioates (S-DNAs) have dominated the antisense field in large part because they offer reasonable resistance to nucleases, they afford good efficacy in cell-free test systems, they can be targeted against sites throughout the RNA transcript of a gene, and they are widely available from commercial sources at modest prices. However, these merits are counterbalanced by significant limitations, including: degradation by nucleases, poor in-cell targeting predictability, low sequence specificity, and a variety of non-antisense activities. In cell-free and cultured-cell systems where one wishes to block the translation of a messenger RNA coding for a normal protein, RNase H-independent morpholino antisense oligos provide complete resistance to nucleases, generally good targeting predictability, generally high in-cell efficacy, excellent sequence specificity, and very preliminary results suggest they may exhibit little non-antisense activity.

In vitro membrane penetration of modified peptide nucleic acid (PNA)

Efficient cellular uptake is crucial for the success of any drug directed towards targets inside cells. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA), a DNA analog with a promising potential as a gene-directed drug, has been shown to display slow membrane penetration in cell cultures. We here used liposomes as an in vitro model of cell membranes to investigate the effect on penetration of a PNA molecule colvalently modified with a lipophilic group, an adamantyl moiety. The adamantyl attachment was found to increase the membrane-penetration rate of PNA three-fold, as compared to corresponding unmodified PNA. From the penetration behaviour of a number of small and large molecules we could conclude that passive diffusion is the mechanism for liposome-membrane passage. Flow linear dichroism (LD) of the modified PNA in presence of rod-shaped micelles, together with octanol-water distribution experiments, showed that the adamantyl-modified PNA is amphiphilic; the driving force behind the observed increased membrane-penetration rate appears to be an accumulation of the PNA in the lipid double layer.

The nuclear export signal-dependent localization of oligonucleopeptides enhances the inhibition of the protein expression from a gene transcribed in cytosol

Upon endocytosis, most oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) accumulate in vesicular compartments; a tiny number of them cross the vesicle membrane, reach the cytosol and by passive diffusion enter the nucleus where they are entrapped. So far, the compartment in which an antisense ODN interacts with its mRNA target has not been precisely characterized. In an attempt to answer this question, ODN-peptides were designed with the aim of maintaining them in the cytosol. This has been achieved by a short peptide sequence called the nuclear export signal (NES). Upon microinjection, ODN-NES peptide conjugates were efficiently and rapidly exported from the nucleus to the cytosol whereas ODN-peptides containing an inactive NES were found to be located in the nucleus. The inhibitory activity of antisense ODN was tested in a system allowing the specific transcription of a luciferase reporter gene in the cytosol. Antisense propynylated ODN-NES peptide conjugates, directed against the luciferase gene, efficiently inhibited (75%) the cytosolic expression of luciferase whereas at the same concentration the peptide-free propynylated ODN or the propynylated ODN-peptides containing an inactive NES were nearly inactive.

Folate-mediated targeting of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to ovarian cancer cells

PURPOSE

Receptors for vitamin folic acid are frequently overexpressed on epithelial cancer cells, especially ovarian cancer cells. In this study, we examined whether this expression might be exploited to specifically deliver antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) to tumor cells.

METHODS

A conjugate was prepared by directly coupling folic acid to the 3' terminus of an anti-c-fos ODN and its cellular uptake and tumor inhibitory effect were evaluated using FD2008 cells that overexpress folate receptors.

RESULTS

When a phosphorothioate (PS)/phosphodiester (PO) chimeric ODN was conjugated with folic acid, its uptake by FD2008 cells was increased by about 8-fold (P < 0.01). In contrast, conjugation of folate to the ODN did not increase its uptake by CHO cells that lack the expression of FBP (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the increase in the uptake of conjugated ODN by FD2008 cells could be blocked by adding an excess amount of folic acid. The PS/PO antisense ODN had some inhibitory effect on the growth of FD2008 cells. However, its activity was significantly increased following conjugation with folic acid (P < 0.01). ODN of scrambled sequences with and without conjugation with folic acid failed to inhibit the growth of FD2008 cells. Finally, the antisense effect of the conjugated ODN on FD2008 cells was inhibited by an excess amount of free folic acid, suggesting that the sequence-dependent effect of folate-antisense ODN conjugate was mediated by folate binding protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct derivatization of ODN with folate significantly improves their targeting efficiency to tumor cells in vitro. The folate-conjugated ODN, due to their small size and possibly efficient extravasation at tumor site, has the potential for treating solid tumors that overexpress folate receptors.

Interaction of oligodeoxynucleotides with mycobacteria: implications for new therapeutic strategies

The use of synthetic oligonucleotides (ONs) to systematically address new pharmacologic targets in mycobacteria would enhance the introduction of new molecular targets for drug intervention. Oligonucleotides' mechanism of action allows researchers to pursue the importance of particular proteins without the requirement of having purified samples. For this approach to be effective, mycobacteria must be able to transport ONs to their cytoplasm, and if this is not the case, the agents must be otherwise delivered. In this report, we characterize the ability of phosphorothioate (PS) and phosphorodiester (PD) ONs to interact with both Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In addition, the use of delivery enhancer compounds, ethambutol and PAMAM dendrimer, was evaluated on the ON-mycobacteria interaction. ON interaction was demonstrated to be concentration-dependent, suggesting a possibly active component of the oligonucleotide and bacteria interaction. ON interaction could be increased by the coincubation of the bacteria with the delivery adjuvants. Treatment with ethambutol or dendrimers (fourth generation) was demonstrated to increase ON interaction with both species of mycobacteria although not to the same extent. The results of these preliminary experiments indicate that through use of the proper delivery adjuvant, ON interactions with mycobacteria can be increased. These findings may have implications for probing future antimycobacterial therapeutic targets.

Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide Technology: Potential Use for the Treatment of Malignant Brain Tumors

BACKGROUND: Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) have been proposed as a new therapy for patients with cancer, including malignant brain tumors. Antisense ODNs are taken up by tumor cells and selectively block gene expression. Use of ODNs for brain tumors is attractive due to their theoretical specificity, relative ease of production and, to date, paucity of reported adverse effects. This article presents current information regarding antisense ODNs and their possible future use for the treatment of brain tumors. METHODS: The available published experimental and clinical information regarding antisense ODN treatment of glioblastoma cells and administration into the central nervous system (CNS) was reviewed. Other clinically relevant information pertaining to the molecular biology of antisense ODNs was also collected and summarized. RESULTS: Targets for antisense ODN therapy in malignant glioma cells have included c-myc, c-myb, c-sis, c-erb B, CD44, p34cdc2, bFGF, PDGF, TGF-beta, IGF-1, PKC-alpha tumor necrosis factor, urokinase, and S100beta protein. Few in vivo studies of ODN treatment of brain tumors have yet been reported. Systemically administered ODNs enter the brain only in extremely small quantities; therefore, microinfusion into the brain has been recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Antisense ODNs have been used successfully to block glioblastoma gene expression in vitro and expression of multiple genes within the CNS of experimental animals. Upcoming clinical trials will address the safety of antisense ODN use against malignant brain tumors.

Macrophages sense pathogens via DNA motifs: induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-mediated shock

Cell surface components of pathogens, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are an important signal for receptor-mediated activation of immune cells. Here we demonstrate that DNA of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria or certain synthetic oligonucleotides displaying unmethylated CpG-motifs can trigger macrophages in vitro to induce nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B, accumulate tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA and release large amounts of TNF-alpha. In vivo these events culminate in acute cytokine-release syndrome which includes systemic but transient accumulation of TNF-alpha. D-Galactosamine (DGalN)-sensitized mice succumb to lethal toxic shock due to macrophage-derived TNF-alpha resulting in fulminant apoptosis of liver cells. LPS and a specific oligonucleotide synergized in vivo as measured by TNF-alpha-release, suggesting that macrophages integrate the respective signals. The ability of macrophages to discriminate and to respond to bacterial DNA with acute release of pro-inflammatory cytokines may point out an important and as yet unappreciated sensing mechanism for foreign DNA.

Interaction of oligonucleotide-conjugates with the dipeptide transporter system in Caco-2 cells

Oligonucleotide-based therapies represent novel strategies for manipulating the expression and function of target proteins and are undergoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of viral diseases and malignancies. However, poor biological stability and cellular delivery represent potential limitations to the therapeutic development of oligonucleotides. Conjugation of oligonucleotides to lipophilic groups can improve delivery to cells but the enhanced cellular binding may also facilitate nonspecific interactions. In this report, we show that phosphorothioate oligonucleotides conjugated to lipophilic groups, either tocopherol (Vitamin E) or 2-Di-O-hexadecyl-3-glycerol, can significantly inhibit the functioning of the dipeptide transporter system (DTS) in cultured Caco-2 intestinal cells. Because the DTS mediates the binding and absorption of nutrient peptides and important drugs, such as the cephalosporin and penicillin antibiotics, this finding has important implications in relation to the potential toxicity of lipophilic conjugates in vivo. It also suggests a potential drug interaction with lipophilic oligonucleotide-conjugates if they were to be delivered orally.

Qualitative and quantitative measurements of oligonucleotides in gene therapy: Part I. In vitro models

Part I of this review attempts to bring together all the methods of detection and determination of synthetic oligonucleotides used in in vitro, described in the literature over the past 14 years, in an effort by scientists to use these oligonucleotides as drugs in gene therapy. The in vitro models include cell-free and cell culture systems. Emphasis has been given to the techniques developed for quantification of the input oligonucleotides or their metabolites. The purpose of study, methods of processing, detection and determination techniques such as those based on fluorescence, radiolabeling, high-performance liquid chromatography, gel-electrophoresis and others have been presented.

Effects of oligodeoxynucleotides on the physicochemical characteristics and cellular uptake of liposomes

We studied the effects of a phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), which is antisense to the site in the neighborhood of the AUG initiation codon of the mouse tumor necrosis factor alpha gene (TNF-alpha), on the physicochemical characteristics and the cellular association of three types of liposomes with different surface charges. The physicochemical characteristics of the liposomes changed after adding ODN. When the ODN/lipid molar ratio was approximately 0.15 in cationic (TMAG) liposomes [consisting of N-(alpha-trimethylammonioacetyl)didodecyl-D-glutamate chloride (TMAG), dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC), and dioleolylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) in a 1:2:2 ratio], but not in neutral and negatively charged liposomes, then the liposomes aggregated and fused. At higher molar ratios, these changes in TMA liposomes were not evident. In addition, ODN inverted the zeta-potential of TMAG liposomes from positive to negative at an ODN/lipid molar ratio of approximately 0.15. Therefore, the aggregation and fusion induced by ODN could be explained by a lower surface charge repulsion between TMAG liposomes. On the other hand, the association of ODN with RAW264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage-like cell line, was very slight. The cellular association of ODN was significantly enhanced compared with neutral and negatively charged liposomes by encapsulation in TMAG liposomes. The ODN added to liposome suspensions did not affect the rate and extent of TMAG liposome cellular association, even at an ODN/lipid molar ratio of approximately 0.15. These results indicate that the lipid composition and ODN/lipid molar ratio are critical for the physicochemical characteristics of cationic liposomes. However, the changes had less influence on the cellular uptake properties of cationic liposomes.

Physicochemical and disposition characteristics of antisense oligonucleotides complexed with glycosylated poly(L-lysine)

The disposition characteristics of a 20 mer antisense phosphodiester oligonucleotide (PO) and its fully phosphorothioated derivative (PS) alone or complexed with glycosylated poly(L-lysine) (galactosylated polylysine, Gal-PLL; mannosylated polylysine, Man-PLL) were studied in mice in relation to their physicochemical characteristics. Good complex formation was obtained at a ratio of 1:0.6, w/w [oligonucleotides (ODNs)/carrier]. The 1:0.6 weight ratio of ODNs/Gal-PLL and ODNs/Man-PLL complexes had zeta potentials of -27 to -31 mV and mean particle size of 100 to 160 nm. After intravenous injection, 35S-labeled ODNs were eliminated rapidly from the circulation; however, their organ disposition characteristics depended on their type. Complex formation with glycosylated PLL increased the hepatic uptake and decreased the urinary clearance of these ODNs to a great extent. These complexes were taken up by both liver parenchymal cells (PC) and nonparenchymal cells (NPC). However, ODNs/Gal-PLL complexes showed a fairly high PC concentration, whereas ODNs/Man-PLL complexes distributed equally to both PC and NPC. The hepatic uptakes of PS/Gal-PLL and PS/Man-PLL complexes were partially inhibited by prior administration of Gal-BSA and Man-BSA, respectively, suggesting their hepatic uptake via the respective receptor-mediated endocytosis. However, uptake by galactose receptors of Kupffer cells, zeta potential, particle size, and Kupffer cell phagocytosis also seem to influence their uptake process. In conclusion, this study illustrates that ODNs can be delivered to hepatocytes and macrophages via galactose and mannose receptors, respectively.

Inhibition of HIV replication by immunoliposomal antisense oligonucleotide

The sequence-specific suppression of HIV-1 replication using CD4 monoclonal-antibody-targeted liposomes, containing Rev antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides is described. Liposomes were prepared by encapsulating the 20-mer antisense DNA sequence of the rev HIV-1 regulatory gene, in the form of a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide. Specific targeting was accomplished by conjugating anti-CD4 mouse monoclonal antibody to the surface of the liposomes. HIV-1-infected H9 cells as well as peripheral blood T-lymphocytes were incubated with the immunoliposomes of antisense found to have potential antiviral effect. HIV-1 replication was reduced by 85% in antisense immunoliposome-treated H9 cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes, whereas the inhibition of HIV-1 replication was not observed using either empty immunoliposomes or immunoliposomes containing scrambled Rev phosphorothioate oligonucleotide sequences. The antiviral activity of both the free and the encapsulated oligonucleotides were assessed by p24, reverse transcriptase (RT) assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Liposome preparations demonstrated minimal toxicity in H9 as well as in peripheral blood lymphocyte cell culture experiments. These in vitro culture results demonstrate the potential efficacy of immunoliposomes to inhibit HIV replication.

Enhanced delivery of synthetic oligonucleotides to human leukaemic cells by liposomes and immunoliposomes

The ability of pH-sensitive liposomes and immunoliposomes to deliver synthetic antisense oligonucleotides (oligos) into human myeloid and lymphoid leukaemia cells was examined. The cellular uptake of an 18mer anti-myb oligonucleotide encapsulated in liposomes was from three- to five-fold higher than that of 32P-oligos alone. In addition, anti-CD32 or anti-CD2 immunoliposomes improved the delivery of oligos to leukaemic cells carrying the appropriate receptor for the specific antibody-linked immunoliposome. The uptake of oligos was twice that of the liposome or non-specific immunoliposome encapsulated oligos. These findings support the use of liposomes or immunoliposomes to deliver antisense oligos into human leukaemic cells.

Activation of human B cells by phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides

To investigate the potential of DNA to elicit immune responses in man, we examined the capacity of a variety of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) to stimulate highly purified T cell-depleted human peripheral blood B cells. Among 47 ODNs of various sequences tested, 12 phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (sODNs) induced marked B cell proliferation and Ig production. IL-2 augmented both proliferation and production of IgM, IgG, and IgA, as well as IgM anti-DNA antibodies, but was not necessary for B cell stimulation. Similarly, T cells enhanced stimulation, but were not necessary for B cell activation. After stimulation with the active sODNs, more than 95% of B cells expressed CD25 and CD86. In addition, B cells stimulated with sODNs expressed all six of the major immunoglobulin VH gene families. These results indicate that the human B cell response to sODN is polyclonal. Active sODN coupled to Sepharose beads stimulated B cells as effectively as the free sODN, suggesting that stimulation resulted from engagement of surface receptors. These data indicate that sODNs can directly induce polyclonal activation of human B cells in a T cell-independent manner by engaging as yet unknown B cell surface receptors.

Conformational change in DNA induced by cationic bilayer membranes

The effect of synthetic cationic lipids on the structure of DNA was studied. The fluorescence enhancement of ethidium bromide on intercalation into DNA was suppressed by the addition of bilayer-forming lipids, but not by micellar ones. Results on the fluorescence depolarization index suggest that ethidium bromide is not released from DNA by lipids intercalated into DNA. CD spectra of the DNA-lipid complexes revealed that the structure of DNA was changed only by bilayer-forming lipids at temperatures lower than their Tc values. Thus, the conformation of DNA is forced to change by cationic lipids forming the rigid bilayer membrane so that ethidium bromide fluorescence might be reduced, and the conformation can be controlled by selection of the appropriate lipid and temperature.

Interactions of phosphodiester and phosphorothioate oligonucleotides with intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells

PURPOSE

Oral bioavailability for antisense oligonucleotides has recently been reported but the mechanistic details are not known. The proposed oral delivery of nucleic acids will, therefore, require an understanding of the membrane binding interactions, cell uptake and transport of oligonucleotides across the human gastro-intestinal epithelium. In this initial study, we report on the cell-surface interactions of oligonucleotides with human intestinal cells.

METHODS

We have used the Caco-2 cell line as an in vitro model of the human intestinal epithelium to investigate the membrane binding interactions of 20-mer phosphodiester (PO) and phosphorothioate (PS) oligonucleotides.

RESULTS

The cellular association of both an internally [3H]-labelled and a 5'end [32P]-labelled PS oligonucleotide (3.0% at 0.4 microM extracellular concentration) was similar and was an order of magnitude greater than that of the 5'end [32P]-labelled PO oligonucleotide (0.2%) after 15 minutes incubation in these intestinal cells. The cellular association of PS was highly saturable with association being reduced to 0.9% at 5 microM whereas that of PO was less susceptible to competition (0.2% at 5 microM, 0.1% at 200 microM). Differential temperature-dependence was demonstrated; PS interactions were temperature-independent whereas the cellular association of PO decreased by 75% from 37 degrees C to 17 degrees C. Cell association of oligonucleotides was length and pH-dependent. A decrease in pH from 7.2 to 5.0 resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in cell-association for both backbone types. This enhanced association was not due to changes in lipophilicity as the octanol:aqueous buffer distribution coefficients remained constant over this pH range. The ability of NaCl washes to remove surface-bound PS oligonucleotides in a concentration-dependent manner suggests their binding may involve ionic interactions at the cell surface. Cell-surface washing with the proteolytic enzyme, Pronase, removed approximately 50% of the cell-associated oligonucleotide for both backbone types.

CONCLUSIONS

Binding to surface proteins seems a major pathway for binding and internalization for both oligonucleotide chemistries and appear consistent with receptor (binding protein)-mediated endocytosis. Whether this binding protein-mediated entry of oligonucleotides can result in efficient transepithelial transport, however, requires further study.

Application of antisense DNA method for the study of molecular bases of brain function and behavior

The antisense DNA method has been used successfully not only in vitro but also with in vivo systems to block effectively the expression of specific genes. An increasing number of studies have shown that antisense DNA administered directly into the brain can modify various kinds of behaviors. These findings strongly suggest that the antisense DNA method can be widely used as a powerful tool for the study of the molecular bases of behavior. In addition to traditional methods of behavioral genetics, the antisense DNA method may provide a new approach for the study of the effects of gene in behavioral function. In this article, we review recent studies reporting in vivo effects of antisense DNA on brain function and behavior.

The influence of polarized epithelial (Caco-2) cell differentiation on the cellular binding of phosphodiester and phosphorothioate oligonucleotides

Cell aging and the degree of cellular differentiation are thought to be important variables governing uptake of oligonucleotides but remain poorly understood. The Caco-2 colon carcinoma cell line has the ability to spontaneously differentiate into enterocytes in vitro and serves as a useful model to further investigate the effect of differentiation on oligonucleotide binding and uptake. In this study, we report that the extent of oligonucleotide association and the expression of cell surface binding proteins are governed by the age and thus the degree of differentiation of Caco-2 epithelial cells in culture. Cellular association (normalized for cell number) of an all phosphodiester (PO), all phosphorothioate (PS), and a phosphodiester oligonucleotide containing two terminal phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3' end (EC-PO) gradually increased from day 3 to around day 17 of the culture, followed by a plateau, or slight decrease, up to day 21 of the cell aging study. Overall, a threefold to fourfold increase in binding was observed from day 3 to day 17. Oligonucleotide binding was temperature and pH dependent, but the magnitude of the effect was influenced by cell aging and the degree of differentiation. PS oligonucleotides exhibited greater binding (up to threefold) at the basolateral surface compared with the apical surface within the pH range 5-7. These findings could be directly correlated with the expression levels of cell surface oligonucleotide binding proteins during the aging study. A Caco-2 cell surface protein binding complex of around 46 kDa was identified as the major site of binding for both PO and PS oligonucleotides, although the latter also bound to several other proteins, especially at low pH.

Novel polyaminolipids enhance the cellular uptake of oligonucleotides

Two new polyaminolipids have been synthesized for the purpose of improving cellular uptake of oligonucleotides. The amphipathic compounds are conjugates of spermidine or spermine linked through a carbamate bond to cholesterol. The polyaminolipids are relatively nontoxic to mammalian cells. In tissue culture assays, using fluorescent-tagged or radiolabeled triple helix-forming oligonucleotides, spermine-cholesterol and spermidine-cholesterol significantly enhance cellular uptake of the oligomers in the presence of serum. Spermine-cholesterol is comparable with DOTMA/DOPE (a 1:1 (w/w) formulation of the cationic lipid N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)-propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) and the neutral lipid dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE)) in increasing cellular uptake of oligonucleotides, while spermidine-cholesterol is more efficient. The internalized oligonucleotides are routed to the nucleus as early as 20 min after treatment, suggesting that the polyaminolipids increase the permeability of cellular membranes to oligonucleotides. At later times, much of the incoming oligonucleotides are sequestered within punctate cytoplasmic granules, presumably compartments of endosomal origin. Coadministration with polyaminolipids markedly improves the cellular stability of the oligonucleotides; more than 80% of the material can be recovered intact up to 24 h after addition to cells. In the absence of the polyaminolipids, nearly all of the material is degraded within 6 h. These data suggest that the new polyaminolipids may be useful for the delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics into cells.

High-resolution atomic-force microscopy of DNA: the pitch of the double helix

Using a cationic lipid bilayer, we show that DNA can be reliably adsorbed to the bilayer surface for atomic force microscopy (AFM) in aqueous buffers at high resolution. The measured width of the dsDNA is close to 2 nm, and a periodic modulation on dsDNA is reproducibly detected by the AFM. The measured period is 3.4 +/- 0.4 nm, in excellent agreement with the known pitch of the double helix. The right-handedness of the double helix is directly discernible in high resolution AFM images. Thus, this approach can be readily applied to the study of DNA-protein interactions, as well as sequence mapping at high resolution.

Antisense DNA downregulation of the ERBB2 oncogene measured by a flow cytometric assay

A causal role has been inferred for ERBB2 overexpression in the etiology of breast cancer and other epithelial malignancies. The development of therapeutics that inhibit this tyrosine kinase cell surface receptor remains a high priority. This report describes the specific downregulation of ERBB2 protein and mRNA in the breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3 by using antisense DNA phosphorothioates. An approach was developed to examine antisense effects which allows simultaneous measurements of antisense dose and gene specific regulation on a per cell basis. A fluorescein isothiocyanate end-labeled tracer oligonucleotide was codelivered with antisense DNA followed by immunofluorescent staining for ERBB2 protein expression. Two-color flow cytometry measured the amount of both intracellular oligonucleotide and ERBB2 protein. In addition, populations of cells that received various doses of nucleic acids were physically separated and studied. In any given transfection, a 100-fold variation in oligonucleotide dosage was found. ERBB2 protein expression was reduced greater than 50%, but only in cells within a relatively narrow uptake range. Steady-state ERBB2 mRNA levels were selectively diminished, indicating a specific antisense effect. Cells receiving the optimal antisense dose were sorted and analyzed for cell cycle changes. After 2 days of ERBB2 suppression, breast cancer cells showed an accumulation in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.

Phospholipid membrane permeability of peptide nucleic acid

Phospholipid vesicles (liposomes) as membrane models have been used to study the penetration properties of peptide nucleic acid (PNA), a new DNA analog in which the nucleobases are attached to a pseudo-peptide backbone. The liposomes were characterised by carboxyfluorescein efflux, light-scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The liposome structure was found not to be affected by the incorporation of PNA or an oligonucleotide. Two 10-mer fluorescein-labelled PNAs were found to have low efflux rates (half-times of 5.5 and 11 days), comparable to a 10-mer oligonucleotide (half-time of 7 days). We conclude that passive diffusion of unmodified PNA is not an effective way of transport into biological cells.

Cellular uptake of oligodeoxyribonucleoside methylphosphonates

The cellular uptake of oligodeoxyribonucleoside methylphosphonates has been evaluated using three radiolabeled oligomers. Oligomers I and II ([3H]-T8 and [3H]-T16, respectively) are nonionic methylphosphonate oligomers labeled with tritium on the phosphonate internucleotide linkage. EDA-III contains a single phosphodiester linkage, a [32P]-label and an ethylenediamine conjugate at the [32P]-5'-end. All three oligomers are stable in cells. At a 1 microM concentration, oligomer I is not taken up by human erythrocytes. The octanol/DPBS partition coefficients for oligomers I and II (1.5 x 10(-4) and 4.2 x 10(-4), respectively) further indicate that these molecules should not diffuse across cell membranes at appreciable rates. Oligomer I is taken up by HL-60 cells, although at a slower rate than the uptake of the fluid-phase marker sucrose. The cell-associated levels of oligomer II in K-562 cells following incubation of cells with the oligomer for 2 days is independent of concentration and nonsaturable, suggesting a mechanism of uptake independent of receptor. Finally, the initial uptake rate of EDA-III in mouse L cells is greater than the uptake of two oligodeoxyribonucleotides (T8, T16), reaching a plateau after 3 hours incubation with cells. These observations should aid in the elucidation of the mechanism by which this class of antisense agents enters the intracellular environment.

Cationic liposomes improve stability and intracellular delivery of antisense oligonucleotides into CaSki cells

Antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) are promising novel therapeutic agents against viral infections and cancer. However, problems with their inefficient delivery and inadequate stability have to be solved before they can be used in therapy. To circumvent these obstacles, a wide variety of improvements, including phosphorothioate ODNs and liposomes as a carrier system, have been developed. This study was designed to compare the effects of two cationic liposomes on the intracellular delivery and stability of ODNs in CaSki cell cultures. Also the stability of 3'-end phosphorothioate ODNs were investigated. The 3'-modification neither had any effect on the delivery, nor protected the ODNs against degradation. The cellular delivery and stability of ODNs was improved with both cationic liposomes, but a cationic liposomal preparations containing dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DDAB/DOPE) was more efficient than commercially available N-(1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammoniummethylsulf ate (DOTAP). The improved cellular delivery was largely due to the stabilization of ODNs by cationic liposomes. The improved stability in the culture medium indicates that the cationic liposomes per se protect the ODNs from enzymatic degradation. Indeed, intact ODNs were found in the cytoplasm and nucleus only when delivered by cationic liposomes.

Improved biological activity of antisense oligonucleotides conjugated to a fusogenic peptide

Recently several groups reported a dramatic improvement of reporter gene transfection efficiency using a fusogenic peptide, derived from the Influenza hemagglutinin envelop protein. This peptide changes conformation at acidic pH and destabilizes the endosomal membranes thus resulting in an increased cytoplasmic gene delivery. We describe the use of a similar fusogenic peptide in order to improve the antiviral potency of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (anti TAT) and oligophosphorothioates (S-dC28) on de novo HIV infected CEM-SS lymphocytes in serum-free medium. We observed as 5 to 10 fold improvement of the anti HIV activities of the phosphodiester antisense oligonucleotides after chemical coupling to the peptide in a one to one ratio by a disulfide or thioether bond. No toxicities were observed at the effective doses (0.1-1 microM). No sequence specificity was obtained and the fusogenic peptide possessed some antiviral activities on its own (IC50: 6 microM). A S-dC28-peptide disulfide linked conjugate and a streptavidin-peptide-biotinylated S-dC28 adduct showed similar activities as the free S-dC28 oligonucleotide (IC50: 0.1-1 nM). As expected, all the compounds were less potent in the presence of serum but the relative contribution of peptide coupling was maintained.

Antisense oligonucleotides in solution or encapsulated in immunoliposomes inhibit replication of HIV-1 by several different mechanisms

Phosphodiester and phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in alpha and beta configurations directed against the initiation codon region of the HIV-1 rev gene were evaluated for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 replication in acutely and chronically infected human CEM cells. Encapsulation in antibody-targeted liposomes (immunoliposomes) permitted intracellular delivery and distinction between oligonucleotide-mediated inhibition of viral entry and intracellular effects on viral RNA. Our results are consistent with four mechanisms of antiviral activity for these antisense oligonucleotides: (i) interference with virus-mediated cell fusion by free but not liposome-encapsulated phosphorothioate oligonucleotides of any sequence; (ii) interference with reverse transcription in a sequence non-specific manner by phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in alpha and beta configurations; (iii) interference with viral reverse transcription in a sequence-specific and RNase-H-independent manner by alpha and beta phosphodiester oligonucleotides; (iv) interference with viral mRNA in a sequence-specific and RNase-H-dependent manner by beta-phosphorothioate oligonucleotides.

Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of thiocholesteryl-coupled phosphodiester antisense oligonucleotides incorporated into immunoliposomes

Encapsulation of oligonucleotides in antibody-targeted liposomes (immunoliposomes) which bind to target cells permits intracellular delivery of the oligonucleotides. This approach circumvents problems of extracellular degradation by nucleases and poor membrane permeability which free phosphodiester oligonucleotides are subject to, but leaves unresolved the inefficiency of encapsulation of oligonucleotides in liposomes. We have coupled oligonucleotides to cholesterol via a reversible disulfide bond. This modification of oligonucleotides improved their association with immunoliposomes by a factor of about 10 in comparison to unmodified oligonucleotides. The presence of cholesteryl-modified oligonucleotides incorporated in the bilayer of liposomes did not interfere with the coupling of the targeting protein to the liposome surface. Free or cholesterol coupled oligonucleotides associated with liposomes and directed against the tat gene of HIV-1 were tested for inhibition of HIV-1 proliferation in acutely infected cells. We demonstrate that the cholesteryl-modified as well as unmodified oligonucleotides acquire the target specificity of the antibody on the liposome. Their antiviral activity when delivered into cells is sequence-specific. The activity of these modified or unmodified oligonucleotides to inhibit the replication of HIV was the same on an equimolar basis (EC50 around 0.1 microM). Cholesterol coupled oligonucleotides thus offer increased liposome association without loss of antiviral activity.

Transport of oligonucleotides across natural and model membranes

Oligo- and polynucleotides can not diffuse through lipid membrane, however they are taken up by eukaryotic cells by endocytosis mediated by the nucleic acid specific receptors. The compounds find some way to escape from endosomes and reach nucleic acids in both cell nucleus and cytoplasm. Oligonucleotides bind to a few cell surface proteins which take part in the virus-cell interaction and in the development of immune response. Interaction of nucleic acids with cell surface proteins may play a role in development of some pathologies. The biological role of this interaction is unclear. Efficient delivery of oligonucleotides into eukaryotic cells can be achieved in some conditions by natural mechanisms and by using artificial carriers--membrane vehicles and cationic polymer micelles.

Lipid membrane permeability of 2'-modified derivatives of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides

Antisense oligonucleotides have the ability to inhibit gene expression in viral infections, malignancy, and other diseases. Even though much work has been accomplished with oligonucleotides demonstrating in vitro therapeutic effects, little work has been done to address how these molecules gain access to the cell. One of the plausible means of entrance could be through passive diffusion of the oligonucleotides through the cellular lipid bilayer. To enhance membrane permeability of oligonucleotides lipophilic moieties at the 2' position of the ribose ring have been added. To evaluate the effect of this modification, a liposome system was used. The oligonucleotides evaluated were a series composed of poly A 10mers phosphorothioates labeled at the 5' end with fluorescein and modified at the 2' position of the ribose ring with lipophilic alkyl chains ranging from methyl to nonyl. Efflux studies were accomplished by monitoring the appearance of the oligonucleotide in the incubation medium. There were modest but significant differences between the efflux half-life times of the 2'-modified compounds and the control compound. The values ranged from approximately 6 days for the control, unmodified compound to 4.6 days for the propyl modification. The nonyl derivative had a longer efflux half-life time (8.3 days) compared with the control, unmodified phosphorothioate oligonucleotide.

Cationic liposomes mediated delivery of antisense oligonucleotides targeted to HPV 16 E7 mRNA in CaSki cells

The "high risk" types 16 and 18 of human papillomavirus (HPV) are involved in the etiology of genital squamous cell carcinoma. The early genes 6 and 7 (E6-E7) of these viruses code for the major transforming proteins, capable of inducing cell transformation alone or acting synergistically with other oncogenes. Antisense oligonucleotides, recently applied to inhibit the functions of a number of cellular and viral proteins, might provide the basis for a new therapeutic strategy against HPV-induced malignancies. We studied the proliferation of CaSki cells by the MTT assay after their exposure to HPV 16 E7 mRNA antisense oligonucleotides with and without cationic liposomes (containing dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide DDAB, and dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine, DOPE). Unmodified oligonucleotides (either 12- or 23-mers) did not have any effect on either CaSki cell proliferation or morphology when compared with the untreated cells. The cellular uptake of oligonucleotides was significantly enhanced by the cationic liposomes as assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The cationic liposomes were toxic to the cells as demonstrated by the reduced cell number and altered cell morphology. Only a slight reduction of the cell proliferation was seen when antisense 12-mer was protected from its 3'- and 5'-ends with thiolate and FITC, respectively. Both the 12- and the 23-mers with the cationic liposomes inhibited cell proliferation, the inhibitory effect being longer with the 23-mer. Overall, the MTT assay was less sensitive than light microscopy to reveal the toxic effects on CaSki cells. The results suggest that antisense oligonucleotides targeted to HPV 16 E7 mRNA can be introduced into CaSki cells with cationic liposomes.

Antisense c-myc oligonucleotide cellular uptake and activity

Previously described cell membrane transport mechanisms are unable to account completely for oligodeoxynucleotide cellular uptake. These charged macromolecules enter cells by an incompletely defined mechanism and downregulate gene expression in either the cytoplasm or nucleus. Thus, the goal of this research was to study the mechanism of phosphodiester oligonucleotide cellular uptake in Rauscher Red 5-1.5 erythroleukemia cells. An antisense c-myc oligodeoxynucleotide (21 bases) demonstrated biological activity in these cells using two types of proliferation assays and Northern blot analysis, and was internalized as visualized by confocal laser microscopy. Oligonucleotide uptake appeared to be a complex process consisting of surface binding and internalization. Cellular internalization accounted for up to 40% of total uptake and was partially dependent on both a trypsin-sensitive component and cellular energy. Uptake in these cells was nonspecific and did not appear to be due to receptor-mediated endocytosis. Therefore, because oligonucleotide cellular uptake in other cell types apparently involves an endocytic mechanism, the primary mechanism of oligonucleotide internalization may be cell line dependent.

Influence of base composition on membrane binding and cellular uptake of 10-mer phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in Chinese hamster ovary (CHRC5) cells

A key problem in antisense therapeutics is the relatively poor cell uptake of oligonucleotides and subsequent transport to the cytoplasm and nucleus. Although the chemical characteristics of oligonucleotides seem likely to affect their uptake by cells, little is known about this issue. In this article we explore the effect of base composition on oligonucleotide uptake. We show that phosphorothioate homo-G oligomers have a distinctly greater cellular uptake than other phosphorothioate homooligomers. This is probably due to a greater initial association with the plasma membrane, because homo-G oligomers show the greatest binding to liposome membranes, when tested at physiological ionic strength. Under different buffer conditions appreciable differences in membrane binding to liposomes were detected for the various homooligonucleotides.

Inhibition of the Friend retrovirus by antisense oligonucleotides encapsulated in liposomes: mechanism of action

Proliferation of the Friend retrovirus was specifically inhibited by the env mRNA complementary oligonucleotide encapsulated in pH-sensitive liposomes. This observation was made using the focus immunoassay (FIA) and the reverse transcriptase test. The key finding of the present study was the dramatic impact on liposome penetration. For chronic or de novo infection, the point at which the penetration of liposomes began corresponded to the time needed for the virus to leave the cell. In the absence of the virus, liposomes remained adsorbed onto the cell surface without any internalization. Regardless of the mechanism involved, the fact that a retroviral infection stimulates the cellular uptake of oligonucleotide liposomes widens the spectrum of strategies for specific antiviral action.

Synthesis and hybridization properties of oligonucleotides containing 2'-O-modified ribonucleotides

A versatile, general way is described for the introduction of different functional groups into oligonucleotides by means of a simple linker at the 2'-position of the sugar. Nucleotide building blocks carrying lipophilic, intercalating or tertiary amino groups can be placed deliberately at any desired position of oligonucleotides by standard automated oligonucleotide synthesis. Thermal denaturation studies with these oligonucleotides reveal the following general trends: i) Modification with lipophilic n-octyl groups has little if any effect on duplex stability; a destabilizing (lipophilic) substituent is better tolerated at or near the ends than in the middle of the oligo. ii) An intercalating substituent (2-aminoanthraquinone) substantially increases duplex stability. iii) N,N-Dimethyl amino residues also increase duplex stability though to a smaller extent than intercalating residues. iv) Modifications at the 5'-end have a more pronounced influence on the TM than the corresponding 3'-modifications. v) Oligonucleotides modified in such a way show little or no loss in sequence specificity.

Electroporation enhances c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotide efficacy

Obtaining high transfection efficiencies and achieving appropriate intracellular concentrations and localization are two of the most important barriers to the implementation of gene targeted therapy. The efficiency of endogenous uptake of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) varies from cell type to cell type and may be a limiting factor of antisense efficacy. The use of electroporation to obtain high intracellular concentrations of a synthetic ODN in essentially 100% of viable cells is described. It is also shown that the transfected ODNs initially localize to the nucleus and remain there for at least 48 hours. The cellular trafficking of electroporated ODNs is shown to be an energy dependent process. Targeting of the c-myc proto-oncogene of U937 cells by electroporation of phosphorothioate-modified ODNs results in rapid and specific suppression of this gene at ODN concentrations much lower than would otherwise be required. This technique appears to be applicable to a variety of cell types and may represent a powerful new investigate tool as well as a promising approach to the ex vivo treatment of hematologic disorders.