101
|
Kobayashi N, Kuramoto T, Chen S, Watanabe Y, Takakura Y. Therapeutic effect of intravenous interferon gene delivery with naked plasmid DNA in murine metastasis models. Mol Ther 2002; 6:737-44. [PMID: 12498770 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2002.0803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) exhibit pleiotropic biological activities that are considered to play important roles in tumor suppression and rejection. Therefore, IFN genes are promising for in vivo cytokine gene therapy targeted against tumors. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of hydrodynamics-based IFN gene transfer for tumor treatment, in which the naked pDNA encoding IFN-beta or IFN-gamma was administered into the tail vein of mice following portal vein (liver metastasis), tail vein (lung metastasis), or subcutaneous injection (subcutaneous tumor) of mouse colon carcinoma CT-26 cells. A substantial amount of IFN was soon markedly expressed in the liver and a transient increase in IFN activity was detected in the circulation. This procedure caused transgene-specific IFN production with little induction of other proinflammatory cytokines. In the liver metastasis experiment, the mice treated with IFN-expressing pDNA displayed a profound reduction in liver metastasis and a prolonged survival. Administration of the pDNA at an earlier stage of metastasis was more crucial for the antitumor effect. Similar tumor suppression was seen in the lung metastasis experiment. These therapeutic effects were more marked with IFN-beta-expressing pDNA treatment than with IFN-gamma-expressing pDNA treatment. On the other hand, subcutaneous CT-26 tumor growth was hardly affected by pDNA administration. These results suggest that the hydrodynamics-based transfer of naked pDNA is a convenient and efficient method of IFN gene therapy against metastatic tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kobayashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
102
|
Abstract
The success of gene therapy is largely dependent on the development of the gene delivery vector. Recently, gene transfection into target cells using naked DNA, which is a simple and safe approach, has been improved by combining several physical techniques, for example, electroporation, gene gun, ultrasound and hydrodynamic pressure. Chemical approaches have been utilized to improve the efficiency and cell specificity of gene transfer. Novel gene carrier molecules, which facilitate DNA escape from the endosome into the cytosol, have been developed. Several functional polymers, which enable controlled release of DNA in response to an environmental change, have also been reported. Plasmids with reduced number of CpG motifs, the use of PCR fragments and the sequential injection method have been established for the reduction of immune response triggered by plasmid DNA. Construction of a long-lasting gene expression system is also an important theme for nonviral gene therapy. To date, tissue-specific expression, self-replicating and integrating plasmid systems have been reported. Improvement of delivery methods together with intelligent design of the DNA itself has brought about large degrees of enhancement in the efficiency, specificity and temporal control of nonviral vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Niidome
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, School of Pharmacy, 633 Salk Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
103
|
Mann CJ, Honeyman K, McClorey G, Fletcher S, Wilton SD. Improved antisense oligonucleotide induced exon skipping in the mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophy. J Gene Med 2002; 4:644-54. [PMID: 12439856 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal genetic disorder caused by dystrophin gene mutations that preclude synthesis of a functional protein. One potential treatment of the disorder has utilised antisense oligoribonucleotides (AOs) to induce removal of disease-associated exons during pre-mRNA processing. Induced in-frame mRNA transcripts encode a shorter but functional dystrophin. We have investigated and improved the design of AOs capable of removing exon 23, and thus the disease-causing nonsense mutation, from mRNA in the mdx mouse model of DMD. METHODS H-2K(b)-tsA58 mdx cultures were transfected with complexes of Lipofectin and AOs. Exon skipping was detected by RT-PCR and subsequent protein production was demonstrated by Western blotting. AOs were delivered at a range of doses in order to compare relative efficiencies. RESULTS We describe effective and reproducible exon 23 skipping with several AOs, including one as small as 17 nucleotides. Furthermore, the location of a sensitive exon 23 target site has been refined, whilst minimum effective doses have been estimated in vitro. These doses are significantly lower than previously reported and were associated with the synthesis of dystrophin protein in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the increasing feasibility of an AO-based therapy for treatment of DMD. By refining AO design we have been able to reduce the size and the effective dose of the AOs and have dramatically improved the efficiency of the technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Mann
- Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6907
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
104
|
Rossmanith W, Chabicovsky M, Herkner K, Schulte-Hermann R. Cellular gene dose and kinetics of gene expression in mouse livers transfected by high-volume tail-vein injection of naked DNA. DNA Cell Biol 2002; 21:847-53. [PMID: 12489995 DOI: 10.1089/104454902320908496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct gene transfer to mammalian tissues has significant potential for biomedical research and gene therapy. Recently, the efficient transfer of naked plasmid DNA to the mouse liver by a rapid high-volume tail-vein injection was reported. We carried out a systematic analysis of the dose and time dependence of the expression of the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene transferred by this technique. Surprisingly, the DNA concentration of the administered solution determined primarily the cellular gene dose and, hence, the expression of the transgene in individual hepatocytes, while the number of transfected cells was largely independent of the supplied plasmid mass. Transgene expression was transient: after a rapid onset and a peak at 8 h past injection, it gradually declined and was no longer detectable 4 weeks later. Although gene transfer was accompanied by tissue damage and subsequent regenerative proliferation, the decline in transgene expression was not due to increased hepatocyte turnover or to promoter downregulation, but instead cells apparently lost the plasmid DNA. Furthermore, we show that "nakedness" of the injected DNA is indeed a prerequisite for efficient transfer by the hydrodynamics-based procedure. Our data provide important clues for the successful use of this gene transfer technique, and may point directions for studies on the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Rossmanith
- Department of Toxicology, Institute for Cancer Research, University of Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
105
|
Ultrasound Increases Plasmid-Mediated Gene Transfer to Dystrophic Muscles without Collateral Damage. Mol Ther 2002. [DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2002.0723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
106
|
Hosseinkhani H, Aoyama T, Ogawa O, Tabata Y. Liver targeting of plasmid DNA by pullulan conjugation based on metal coordination. J Control Release 2002; 83:287-302. [PMID: 12363454 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-3659(02)00201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Liver targeting of plasmid DNA was achieved through conjugation of pullulan derivatives with chelate residues based on metal coordination. Triethylenetetramine (Ti), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), and spermine (Sm) were chemically introduced to pullulan, a polysaccharide with an inherent affinity for the liver, to obtain various pullulan-Ti, pullulan-DTPA, and pullulan-Sm derivatives. Irrespective of the type of pullulan derivatives, intravenous injection of the pullulan derivatives-plasmid DNA conjugates with Zn2+ coordination significantly enhanced the level of gene expression only in the liver to a significant greater extent than that of free plasmid DNA. The enhanced gene expression by the pullulan-DTPA-plasmid DNA conjugate was specific to the liver and the level was significantly higher than that of the pullulan-DTPA-plasmid DNA mixture. The level of gene expression depended on the percentage of chelate residue introduced, the mixing ratio of the plasmid DNA-DTPA residue in conjugate preparation, and the plasmid DNA dose. The gene expression induced by the conjugate lasted over 12 days after injection. A fluorescent-microscopic study revealed that the plasmid DNA was localized at the liver after injection of the pullulan-DTPA-plasmid DNA conjugate with Zn2+ coordination. Pre-injection of both arabinogalactan and galactosylated albumin suppressed significantly the liver level of gene expression, in contrast to that of mannosylated albumin, indicating that the plasmid DNA in the conjugate was transfected at hepatocytes. We conclude that the Zn2+-coordinated pullulan conjugation is a promising way to enable the plasmid DNA to target to the liver for gene expression as well as to prolong the time duration of gene expression
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hosseinkhani
- Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawara-cho Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
107
|
Pitard B, Pollard H, Agbulut O, Lambert O, Vilquin JT, Cherel Y, Abadie J, Samuel JL, Rigaud JL, Menoret S, Anegon I, Escande D. A nonionic amphiphile agent promotes gene delivery in vivo to skeletal and cardiac muscles. Hum Gene Ther 2002; 13:1767-75. [PMID: 12396628 DOI: 10.1089/104303402760293592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct injection of naked DNA into skeletal or cardiac muscle induces detectable gene expression. Although this provides a practical system for transgene expression, the reported efficacy is too low to confer a therapeutic benefit. By following a rational strategy based on the supramolecular structures adopted by active complexes, we have discovered a novel nonionic amphiphile synthetic agent [poly(ethyleneoxide)(13)-poly(propyleneoxide)(30)-poly(ethyleneoxide)(13) block copolymer; PE6400] that enables gene expression in up to 35% of muscle fibers from mouse tibial cranial muscle. PE6400 abolishes the ceiling effect on transgene expression of increasing amounts of naked DNA and permits long-term expression of the beta-galactosidase reporter gene in immunologically tolerant transgenic rats. This improvement in gene expression over naked DNA was observed irrespective of the reporter gene, ranging from 0.7 to 3.4 kb, and of the animal model used. In skeletal muscle, the PE6400 formulation led to a level of transfection efficiency similar to that obtained by electrotransfer. PE6400 also promotes high transgene expression in cardiac muscle. In contrast, PE6400-DNA formulations were inefficient in vitro in established cell lines and in isolated cardiomyocytes. When microinjected into the cell cytoplasm, PE6400 promotes DNA trafficking into the nucleus and induces gene expression. PE6400 provides a simple gene delivery system for skeletal and myocardial gene transfer. We propose that the PE6400 formulation could serve for the treatment of diseases primarily affecting muscle or for the expression of therapeutic proteins for local or systemic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pitard
- Inserm U533, Faculté de Médecine, 44000 Nantes, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
108
|
Zhang L, Nolan E, Kreitschitz S, Rabussay DP. Enhanced delivery of naked DNA to the skin by non-invasive in vivo electroporation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2002; 1572:1-9. [PMID: 12204326 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4165(02)00270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
DNA delivery to skin may be useful for the treatment of skin diseases, DNA vaccinations, and other gene therapy applications requiring local or systemic distribution of a transgene product. However, the effective, consistent and patient-friendly transfection of skin cells remains a challenge. In a mouse model, we evaluated the effectiveness of intradermal injection of plasmid DNA followed by noninvasive in vivo electroporation (EP) as a method to improve transfection in skin. We achieved a several hundred-fold stimulation of gene expression by EP, sufficient to produce clinically relevant amounts of transgene product. We studied the effect of DNA dose and time after treatment as well as various EP pulse parameters on the efficiency of gene expression. EP under conditions of constant charge transfer revealed that the applied voltage was the main determinant for transgene expression efficiency while other pulse parameters had lesser effects. Patient-friendly, noninvasive meander electrodes which we designed for clinical applications proved equally effective and safe as plate electrodes. We also showed for the first time that noninvasive EP is effective in stimulating transfection and gene expression in human skin, particularly in the epidermis. Our findings demonstrate the applicability of EP-enhanced DNA delivery to skin for gene therapy, DNA immunization and other areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Research and Development, Genetronics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121-1334, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
109
|
Daddi N, Suda T, D'Ovidio F, Kanaan SA, Tagawa T, Grapperhaus K, Kozower BD, Ritter JH, Yew NS, Mohanakumar T, Patterson GA. Recipient intramuscular cotransfection of naked plasmid transforming growth factor beta1 and interleukin 10 ameliorates lung graft ischemia-reperfusion injury. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002; 124:259-69. [PMID: 12167785 DOI: 10.1067/mtc.2002.122295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multiple gene transfer might permit modulation of concurrent biochemical pathways involved in lung graft ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study we analyzed whether recipient intramuscular naked plasmid cotransfection of transforming growth factor beta(1) and interleukin 10 would result in amelioration of lung graft ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS Forty-eight hours before transplantation, 6 groups (n = 6) of F344 rats received intramuscular injection of naked plasmid encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase plus beta-galactosidase, transforming growth factor beta(1), interleukin 10, or transforming growth factor beta(1) plus interleukin 10 or were not treated. Donor lungs were flushed and stored for 18 hours at 4 degrees C before transplantation. Twenty-four hours later, grafts were assessed immediately before the animals were killed. Arterial oxygenation, wet/dry ratio, myeloperoxidase, and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and interleukin 2) were measured, and immunohistochemistry was performed. RESULTS For lung graft function, the arterial oxygenation was considerably higher in the cotransfected group receiving transforming growth factor beta(1) plus interleukin 10 compared with that in all other groups (P < or =.03). The wet/dry ratio, reflecting lung edema, was reduced in the cotransfected group compared with that in control animals (nontreated, P <.02; chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, P <.03; chloramphenicol acetyltransferase plus beta-galactosidase, P <.01). Myeloperoxidase, which measures neutrophil sequestration, was also reduced with cotransfection compared with that seen in control animals (P < or =.03). All proinflammatory cytokines were decreased in the cotransfected group compared with those in all other groups (interleukin 1beta, P <.04; tumor necrosis factor alpha, P <.002; interferon gamma, P <.0001; interleukin 2, P <.03). These results indicate that cotransfection provides a synergistic benefit in graft function versus either cytokine alone, neutrophil sequestration, or inflammatory cytokine expression. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining of transforming growth factor beta(1) plus interleukin 10 in type I and II pneumocytes and localized edema fluid. CONCLUSIONS Recipient intramuscular naked plasmid cotransfection of transforming growth factor beta(1) and interleukin 10 provides a synergistic effect in ameliorating lung reperfusion injury after prolonged ischemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Daddi
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
110
|
McCaffrey AP, Ohashi K, Meuse L, Shen S, Lancaster AM, Lukavsky PJ, Sarnow P, Kay MA. Determinants of hepatitis C translational initiation in vitro, in cultured cells and mice. Mol Ther 2002; 5:676-84. [PMID: 12027551 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2002.0600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus infecting 1 in every 40 people worldwide. Development of new therapeutics for treating HCV has been hampered by the lack of small-animal models. We have adapted existing hydrodynamic transfection methods to optimize the delivery of RNAs to the cytoplasm of mouse liver cells in vivo. Transfected HCV genomic RNA failed to replicate in mouse liver, suggesting a post-entry block to viral replication. Real-time imaging of HCV internal ribosome entry site (IRES) firefly luciferase reporter mRNA translation in living mice demonstrated that the HCV IRES was functional in mouse liver. We then used this system as a model for studying HCV RNA translation in mice. We compared translation by several mutant HCV IRES variants in cell lysates, cultured cells, and mouse liver. We measured the contribution to translation of a cap, HCV 3'-untranslated region (UTR), poly(A) tail, domains II, IIIb, IIIabc, IIIabcd, IIId, and the initiator codon. Efficient translation required a 3'-UTR in mice and HeLa cells, but not in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Translational regulation of transfected RNAs was stringent in mice. The method we describe could be useful for studies in mice of antisense or ribozyme inhibitors targeting the IRES as well as other RNA biochemical studies in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton P McCaffrey
- Program in Human Gene Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
111
|
Abstract
With the recent completion of the human genome project and the tremendous growth of biotechnology, the desire to extract information concerning gene expression, protein level, subcellular localization, and functionality in the liver will demand the development of efficient gene transfer to this organ with minimal toxicity. In this report, we show that significant gene expression in the liver could be achieved by simple mechanical massage after intravenous injection of naked plasmid DNA into mice. This method is simple, highly reproducible, repeatable, and, more importantly, free of toxicity. Hepatic gene transfer with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plasmid DNA prevented endotoxin-induced lethal fulminant hepatic failure, leading to dramatically enhanced survival in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
112
|
Poussin D, Malassagne B, Tran Van Nhieu J, Trébéden H, Guéry L, Chéreau C, Soubrane O, Calmus Y, Weill B, Batteux F. Biliary administration of naked DNA encoding Fas-Fc protein prevents acute liver failure in mice. Hum Gene Ther 2002; 13:901-8. [PMID: 12031123 DOI: 10.1089/10430340252939014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) of infectious origin results from massive Fas-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis. To cure Fas-induced ALF in mice, we have designed a noninvasive procedure for intrahepatic transfer of a plasmid that encodes a molecule inhibiting Fas-Fas ligand interaction. For that purpose, naked pDNA encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) or the Fas-Fc chimeric protein was transferred into mice by the biliary route. Ten percent of hepatocytes expressed GFP. After pFas-Fc transfer, about 40 ng of Fas-Fc protein per milliliter could be detected in sera from day 4 to day 28. Serum recombinant Fas-Fc could neutralize Fas-induced cell death in vitro. Furthermore, pFas-Fc biliary transfer efficiently protected mice against Fas-mediated ALF, because survival rates (p < 0.01), serum transaminase activities (p < 0.05), and histological data (p < 0.02) were improved versus control pTNFR-Fc-transfected mice. In conclusion, naked pDNA encoding Fas-Fc is efficiently expressed by hepatocytes after biliary gene transfer in mice. This method, devoid of virus-related risks, could be considered for the treatment of Fas-mediated ALF in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Poussin
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, AP-HP, Faculté Cochin, Université Paris V, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
113
|
Ludtke JJ, Sebestyén MG, Wolff JA. The effect of cell division on the cellular dynamics of microinjected DNA and dextran. Mol Ther 2002; 5:579-88. [PMID: 11991749 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2002.0581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene delivery is a multistep process that is being studied to increase its efficiency, a major hurdle for effective gene therapy. Our study focused on the nuclear entry step by microinjecting a mixture of fluorescent dextran and the pEYFP-Nuc plasmid (encoding a nuclear-targeted, enhanced GFP) into the cytoplasm of nondividing and dividing cells that were selected using non-chemical means. After 10 and 1000 ng/microl of plasmid DNA (pDNA) were cytoplasmically injected, 28% and 50% of the cells that had not divided expressed GFP, respectively, compared with 50% and 90% for the cells that had divided. This result suggested that pDNA can enter the nonmitotic nuclei of mononucleated cells, albeit at a lower efficiency than mitotic nuclei. The ability of pDNA to enter the intact nuclei of nondividing cells is consistent with our previous experience using multinucleated myotubes and digitonin-permeabilized cells in culture and using intravascular naked pDNA delivery in vivo. An explanation for the small effect of cell division was provided by studies using fluorescently labeled molecules and confocal fluorescent microscopy. They showed that the bulk of large dextran, and similarly pDNA, was excluded from re-formed nuclei after mitosis, thereby limiting the effect of cell division on the nuclear entry of pDNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J Ludtke
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
114
|
Baqué P, Pierrefite-Carle V, Gavelli A, Brossette N, Benchimol D, Bourgeon A, Staccini P, Saint-Paul MC, Rossi B. Naked DNA injection for liver metastases treatment in rats. Hepatology 2002; 35:1144-52. [PMID: 11981764 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2002.32709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The cytosine deaminase (CD) gene converts the nontoxic prodrug, 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We previously showed that injection of CD-bearing cancer cells followed by 5-FC treatment can act as an autologous tumor vaccine in a syngenic liver metastasis model in rats. In the present work, we analyzed the antitumor efficiency of a direct intratumoral injection of a CD-expressing plasmid. In rats bearing microscopic or macroscopic metastases in right and left liver lobes, an injection of a CD-expressing plasmid was performed in the left lobe tumor, followed by 5-FC treatment of the animals. A significant regression of the DNA-injected tumor was observed in 5-FC-treated rats, both in microscopic (P =.007) or advanced (P <.0001) tumor models. Moreover, this treatment also induced a potent distant bystander effect on untreated controlateral liver tumors and extrahepatic metastases, resulting in an increased survival compared with control animals in both tumor models (P <.05). In conclusion, these data suggest that direct intratumoral injection of a CD-expressing plasmid, associated to 5-FC administration, can constitute a powerful and innocuous alternative treatment for unresectable liver metastases from colon carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Baqué
- Service de Chirurgie Abdominale et Thoracique, Hôpital l'Archet II, Nice cédex 3, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
115
|
Zhang G, Budker V, Williams P, Hanson K, Wolff JA. Surgical procedures for intravascular delivery of plasmid DNA to organs. Methods Enzymol 2002; 346:125-33. [PMID: 11883063 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(02)46052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guofeng Zhang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
116
|
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Buvoli
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
117
|
Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Richardson
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
118
|
Abstract
One of the major challenges for gene therapy is systemic delivery of a nucleic acid directly into an affected tissue. This requires developing a vehicle which is able to protect the nucleic acid from degradation, while delivering the gene of interest to the specific tissue and specific subcellular compartment. In this review, we summarize some of the recent advances in new non-viral delivery systems for systemic administration. Two types of gene delivery systems are described: (i) LPD1 (cationic liposome-entrapped, polycation-condensed DNA, type 1), and (ii) retention-time mediated naked DNA delivery. Hypothesized mechanisms for these systemic gene transfers are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, School of Pharmacy, 633 Salk Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
119
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of foreign genes into renal glomerular cells holds enormous potential to modulate the outcome of renal diseases. Recombinant adenoviruses (rAds) are promising gene transfer vectors because they have the ability to infect a wide range of nondividing cells. However, despite the fact that renal glomeruli are easily accessible via the renal circulation, adenovirus-mediated gene transfer into rodent glomeruli has been problematic. Here, we described our experience using rAd vectors to express foreign genes in rodent renal glomeruli in vivo and in cultured human renal glomerular cells. METHODS We developed two techniques--the "portal clamping" and "prolonged renal infusion"--to infect mouse and rat renal glomeruli in vivo, respectively. We used E-1-deleted rAd vectors carrying the lacZ gene encoding beta-galactosidase (Ad. CBlacZ) under the control of the cytomegalovirus enhancer and chicken beta-actin promoter. Cultured human renal glomerular podocytes, endothelial and mesangial cells were grown following standard techniques. Transgene expression was evaluated by doing beta-galactosidase staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction studies. RESULTS We found that both a prolonged exposure and a high concentration of circulating adenoviral vectors were required to achieve efficient gene transfer to renal glomerular cells in rodents. The virus-mediated transgene expression in renal glomeruli lasted for at least 42 days in mice and 21 days in rats without causing significant renal injury. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the feasibility of using rAd vectors as a tool to express foreign genes in rodent renal glomerular cells and suggest that all types of human renal glomerular cells are equally susceptible to rAd infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuehai Ye
- Centers for Genetic Medicine and Molecular Physiology, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, and The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
120
|
Abstract
The vasculature of a tumour provides the most effective route by which neoplastic cells may be reached and eradicated by drugs. The fact that a tumour's vasculature is relatively more permeable than healthy host tissue should enable selective delivery of drugs to tumour tissue. Such delivery is relevant to carrier-mediated delivery of genetic medicine to tumours. This review discusses the potential of delivering therapeutic oligonucleotides (ONs) to tumours using cationic liposomes and cyclodextrins (CyDs), and the major hindrances posed by the tumour itself on such delivery. Cationic liposomes are generally 100-200 nm in diameter, whereas CyDs typically span 1.5 nm across. Cationic liposomes have been used for the introduction of nucleic acids into mammalian cells for more than a decade. CyD molecules are routinely used as agents that engender cholesterol efflux from lipid-laden cells, thus having an efficacious potential in the management of atherosclerosis. A recent trend is to employ these oligosaccharide molecules for delivering nucleic acids in cells both in-vitro and in-vivo. Comparisons are made with other ON delivery agents, such as porphyrin derivatives (< 1 nm), branched chain dendrimers (approximately 10 nm), polyethylenimine polymers (approximately 10 nm), nanoparticles (20-1,000 nm) and microspheres (> 1 microm), in the context of delivery to solid tumours. A discourse on how the chemical and physical properties of these carriers may affect the uptake of ONs into cells, particularly in-vivo, forms a major basis of this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crispin R Dass
- Johnson & Johnson Research, Strawberry Hills, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
121
|
de Carvalho Bittencourt M, Saas P, Fresnay S, Yerly-Motta V, Ferrand C, Perruche S, Duperrier A, Hervé P, Tiberghien P, Chalmers DE. Exposure to exogenous DNA can modify the sensitivity of the Fas apoptotic pathway. J Gene Med 2002; 4:14-24. [PMID: 11828383 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene-transfer techniques are commonly employed for both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, modifications of the target cell following the introduction of the gene of interest are not often examined. These modifications can alter the immunogenicity and/or the susceptibility of the target cell to apoptosis and may produce unwanted consequences in vivo. METHODS Gene transfer into the murine fibroblastic Psi-CRIP packaging cell line was performed using calcium phosphate precipitation, cationic liposome-DNA complexes or a retroviral RNA-mediated method. After gene transfer, Fas expression, cytokine production, and sensitivity to Fas ligand (FasL)-mediated death were assessed. RESULTS Following transfection of a FasL expression vector by calcium phosphate precipitation, an unexpected increase was observed in apoptotic cell death in previously Fas-resistant Psi-CRIP cells. This apoptosis was due to Fas upregulation and an increase of sensitivity to FasL-mediated death. Other plasmids coding non-cytotoxic factors also modulated this apoptotic pathway. The co-stimulatory molecule CD80 was also upregulated. Exposure to naked DNA alone elicited the same response. The effect was not dependent on the methylation status of exogenous DNA, but was found to be dependent on the target cell type and might be avoided by the use of an RNA-mediated retroviral system. CONCLUSIONS Plasmid transfection or simple exposure to naked DNA can increase sensitivity to apoptosis. The generation of FasL packaging cell lines is therefore limited by an increase in FasL/Fas-mediated apoptosis. These findings should be considered when using genetically modified transplantable cells in order to prevent elimination by host cytotoxic cells and in particular when cells are engineered using FasL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo de Carvalho Bittencourt
- Etablissement Français du Sang de Bourgogne Franche Comté, INSERM E0119 UPRES EA2284, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25020 Besançon Cedex, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
122
|
Jiang J, Yamato E, Miyazaki J. Intravenous delivery of naked plasmid DNA for in vivo cytokine expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 289:1088-92. [PMID: 11741303 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.6100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that electroporation-mediated cytokine gene delivery into muscle is an effective approach for long-term systemic delivery of cytokines. Here we show that hydrodynamics-based gene delivery into mice by intravenous administration of naked plasmid DNA is a more efficient procedure for expressing cytokines in vivo. A large volume of Ringer's solution containing an interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression plasmid pCAGGS-IL10 was rapidly injected into the tail vein of mice. Serum IL-10 levels increased in a dose-dependent manner with a saturation level (50.8 +/- 12.1 microg/ml) 10,000-fold higher than we obtained by the electroporation-mediated method. High levels of serum IL-10 were sustained for at least 2 weeks following a single injection. These results demonstrate that hydrodynamics-based gene delivery could induce sustained high-level expression of cytokines, which would be useful for further studies of cytokine function in vivo and the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for systemic cytokine gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Jiang
- Division of Stem Cell Regulation Research (G6), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
123
|
Liu F, Huang L. Improving plasmid DNA-mediated liver gene transfer by prolonging its retention in the hepatic vasculature. J Gene Med 2001; 3:569-76. [PMID: 11778903 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naked DNA is the simplest and safest method to deliver genes to the liver. In this study, we demonstrate that significant gene expression could be achieved in the liver by transiently restricting blood flow through the liver immediately following peripheral intravenous injection of plasmid DNA. METHODS Mice were intravenously (tail vein) injected with plasmid DNA in 100 microl of saline (0.9% NaCl) immediately followed by 8 s of occlusion of blood flow through the liver. The occlusion of blood flow was performed by using a clip at either the vena cava (VC) or at the portal vein and hepatic artery (PV+HA). Alternatively, the VC was clamped for 4 s followed by clamping the PV+HA for 4 s (VC and PV+HA). RESULTS Gene transfer to the liver was completed after blood flow through the liver was blocked for as short as 1 s. Up to 560 pg of luciferase protein per mg of extracted protein was observed from the liver after a single injection of 80 microg of plasmid DNA. Gene expression was increased more than 50-fold by the combination of clamping and electroporation. CONCLUSION This is the first demonstration of gene transfer to the liver via systemic administration without using any carrier system or physical force. Also, the technique provides new insights into the mechanism of hepatic gene transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Liu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. fliu+@pitt.edu
| | | |
Collapse
|
124
|
Satkauskas S, Bureau MF, Mahfoudi A, Mir LM. Slow accumulation of plasmid in muscle cells: supporting evidence for a mechanism of DNA uptake by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Mol Ther 2001; 4:317-23. [PMID: 11592834 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2001.0465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intramuscular plasmid DNA injection results in long-term but low and variable expression of the injected genes. Optimization is difficult because the mechanism of naked DNA uptake by the cells in vivo is not yet determined. Here we used injections of plasmid DNA encoding luciferase to further characterize this mechanism. We analyzed the kinetics of naked DNA uptake by means of DNase I or heparin injections, using the level of luciferase expression as the indicator of DNA uptake. We demonstrated that in vivo heparin inhibits DNA uptake without affecting the expression of DNA internalized by means of electric pulses. Inhibition by heparin is dose dependent and compatible with the competition for the binding to a receptor. As shown also with DNase I, DNA uptake by muscle cells is slow: a progressive accumulation of the DNA in the myofibers can be found for at least 4 hours after naked DNA injection. Physical presence of DNA molecules during the uptake period, but not later, was confirmed by the facilitation of DNA uptake with appropriate electric pulses. Therefore, uptake proceeds for the entire time during which intact DNA is present in the extracellular compartment. Our results support evidence for a DNA uptake mechanism based on receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Satkauskas
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, LT-3000 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
125
|
Cui FD, Kishida T, Ohashi S, Asada H, Yasutomi K, Satoh E, Kubo T, Fushiki S, Imanishi J, Mazda O. Highly efficient gene transfer into murine liver achieved by intravenous administration of naked Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-based plasmid vectors. Gene Ther 2001; 8:1508-13. [PMID: 11593364 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2001] [Accepted: 07/06/2001] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) injection could become an alternative procedure to viral and nonviral gene delivery systems. We have previously shown that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-based plasmid vectors containing the EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) gene and the oriP sequence enable quite high and long-lasting expression in various in vitro and in vivo transfection systems. The EBV-based plasmids were intravenously injected into mice via their tail vein under high pressure. A large amount of the marker gene product was expressed in the liver; as much as 320 microg of luciferase was demonstrated per gram of liver at 8 to 24 h after a single injection with 10 microg of DNA. More than 70% of liver cells stained with X-gal when beta-gal gene was transferred. The expression level was significantly higher than that obtained by conventional pDNA lacking the EBNA1 gene and oriP. On day 35 after the transfection, the expression from the EBV-based plasmid was approximately 100-fold stronger than the conventional pDNA gene expression. Both the EBNA1 gene and oriP are a prerequisite for the augmentation of the transfection efficiency. These results suggest that the intravascular transfection with naked EBV-based plasmid may provide a quite efficient, simple and convenient means to transduce therapeutic genes in vivo into the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F D Cui
- Department of Microbiology, Research Institute for Neurological Disease and Geriatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
126
|
Liu F, Nishikawa M, Clemens PR, Huang L. Transfer of full-length Dmd to the diaphragm muscle of Dmd(mdx/mdx) mice through systemic administration of plasmid DNA. Mol Ther 2001; 4:45-51. [PMID: 11472105 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2001.0419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, a large cytoskeletal protein in muscle, lead to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Affected individuals often die of respiratory failure resulting primarily from diaphragm muscle degeneration. Here we report a new procedure to transfer the full-length dystrophin cDNA into the diaphragm muscle of Dmd(mdx/mdx) mice, which carry a mutation in the dystrophin gene (Dmd). Significant gene transfer was found after intravenous injection of naked plasmid DNA followed by a brief (eight second) occlusion of blood flow at the vena cava. This is the first demonstration of gene transfer into the diaphragm muscle through systemic administration of naked plasmid DNA. The approach has potential application for treatment of DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Liu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
127
|
Vorup-Jensen T, Jensen UB, Liu H, Kawasaki T, Uemura K, Thiel S, Dagnaes-Hansen F, Jensen TG. Tail-vein injection of mannan-binding lectin DNA leads to high expression levels of multimeric protein in liver. Mol Ther 2001; 3:867-74. [PMID: 11407900 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2001.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human plasma protein mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is an essential part of the innate immune defense system. Low levels of MBL are associated with recurrent infections and other clinically significant signs of a compromised immune defense. Previous studies have addressed the possibility of reconstitution therapy by the use of recombinant or plasma-derived protein. Natural MBL is a multimeric protein, which consists of up to 18 identical polypeptide chains. Synthesis by in vitro methods of MBL with the proper multimeric structure is difficult. We here report that mice obtain MBL levels comparable to those found in normal human plasma when injected with an MBL expression construct as naked plasmid DNA contained in a large volume of physiologic salt solution. The expression was confined to the liver and high MBL expression levels were obtained with less than 5% of the liver cells transfected. The multimeric structure of the MBL found in plasma of injected mice was similar to that of natural MBL. Thus, liver expression following injection of naked DNA is an alternative to reconstitution therapy with a protein having a complex quaternary structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Vorup-Jensen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
128
|
Hengge UR, Dexling B, Mirmohammadsadegh A. Safety and pharmacokinetics of naked plasmid DNA in the skin: studies on dissemination and ectopic expression. J Invest Dermatol 2001; 116:979-82. [PMID: 11407991 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2001.01341.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy using naked DNA injected into muscle and skin is increasingly being used for vaccination and treatment purposes. Favorably, naked plasmid DNA does not exhibit the various limitations inherent to viral vectors, such as the elicitation of adverse immune responses and the risk of insertional mutagenesis. In order to assess the distribution and safety of naked plasmid DNA in a relevant animal model, we analyzed if intracutaneously injected plasmid DNA was transported to other organs and if ectopic expression occurred. When a "superdose" of a marker plasmid was injected intradermally, most organs were found transiently to contain the plasmid DNA for several days, whereas integration into the host genome was not detected. With the exception of ovary, however, mRNA expression only occurred in the skin, regional lymph nodes, and muscular tissues. From a safety standpoint, skin gene therapy with naked plasmid DNA can be considered safe due to the rapid biodegradation of plasmid DNA and the exclusive and transient expression of foreign genes in tissues known to take up DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U R Hengge
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University of Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
129
|
Miao CH, Thompson AR, Loeb K, Ye X. Long-term and therapeutic-level hepatic gene expression of human factor IX after naked plasmid transfer in vivo. Mol Ther 2001; 3:947-57. [PMID: 11407909 DOI: 10.1006/mthe.2001.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Naked DNA transfer of a high-expressing human factor IX (hFIX) plasmid yielded long-term (over 1 1/2 years) and therapeutic-level (0.5-2 microg/ml) gene expression of hFIX from mouse livers. The expression cassette contained a hepatic locus control region from the ApoE gene locus, an alpha1-anti-trypsin promoter, hFIX cDNA, a portion of the hFIX first intron, and a bovine growth hormone polyadenylation signal. In contrast, a hFIX plasmid containing the expression cassette without effective regulatory elements produced initially low-level gene expression that rapidly declined to undetectable levels. Southern analyses of the cellular DNA indicated that the majority of the input genome from either vector persisted as episomal forms of the original plasmids. Together with RT-PCR analyses of the transcripts, these data indicated that at least two processes are critical for sustained gene expression: persistence of vector DNA and transcriptional/posttranscriptional activation. Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy resulted in a significant decline in transgene expression, further suggestive of decreased episomal plasmid maintenance rather than transgene integration. Transaminase levels and liver histology showed that rapid intravenous plasmid injection into mice induced transient focal acute liver damage (< 5% of hepatocytes), which was rapidly repaired within 3 to 10 days and resulted thereafter in histologically normal tissue. No significant differences were observed between rapid injection of plasmid and saline control solutions. Transient, very low level antibodies directed against hFIX did not prevent the circulation of therapeutic levels of the protein. Gene transfer of hFIX plasmid DNA into liver elicited neither transgene-specific cytotoxic effect nor long-term toxicity. These results demonstrate that long-term expression of hFIX can be achieved by nonviral plasmid transfer and suggest that this occurs independent of integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C H Miao
- Puget Sound Blood Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
130
|
D'Ovidio F, Daddi N, Suda T, Grapperhaus K, Patterson AG. Efficient naked plasmid cotransfection of lung grafts by extended lung/plasmid exposure time. Ann Thorac Surg 2001; 71:1817-23; discussion 1823-4. [PMID: 11426754 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-4975(01)02593-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple gene cotransfection may be an effective strategy to modulate concurrent pathologic events after lung transplantation. We investigated in vivo naked plasmid lung cotransfection during cold preservation and the role of lung parenchyma/naked plasmid exposure time. METHODS F344 rats underwent left main bronchus instillation of pCF1-CAT (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase) (130 microg) +/- pCF1-beta-Gal (beta-galactosidase) (130 microg) in saline. Part Ia: 4 degrees C preservation versus cotransfection. Lung isografts (4 groups, n = 8) were stored after transfection for 1 (2 groups: one received only pCF1-CAT), 6, and 18 hours. Recipient sacrifice was after 48 hours. Part Ib: 4 degrees C preservation versus transgene expression. Rats were sacrificed 48 hours after transfection in a nontransplant setting (2 groups, n = 8; one received only pCF1-CAT). In a third group (n = 8) lungs were harvested 24 hours after transfection, stored for 18 hours, and recipients were sacrificed after 24 hours. The CAT and beta-Gal enzymatic-linked immunosorbent assays were performed. Part II: Lung/plasmid exposure time. In three groups (n = 6) after pCF1-CAT transfection the left main bronchus was not clamped, clamped for 10 minutes, or clamped for 1 hour. Sacrifice was after 48 hours. RESULTS Part Ia: Lung CAT protein was (in picograms per 100 microg of total protein): median, 42 (range, 25 to 95) after 1 hour (only CAT); 67 (19 to 296) after 1 hour, 32 (6 to 157) after 6 hours; and 9 (5 to 243) after 18 hours. Lung beta-Gal protein was (in picograms per 100 microg of total protein): median, 20 (range, 5 to 353) after 1 hour; 17 (6 to 157) after 6 hours; 4 (1 to 74) after 18 hours (1 hour versus 18 hours, p = 0.04 for both proteins). CAT and beta-Gal production were significantly correlated (p = 0.0001, r = 0.924). Part Ib: Lung CAT protein was (in picograms per 100 microg of total protein): median, 2 (range, 0.6 to 10) no transplant, only CAT; 7 (0.3 to 13) no transplant; 3 (0.9 to 14) transplant. Part II: Left lung CAT protein was (in picograms per 100 microg of total protein): median, 31 (range, 6 to 83) no clamp; 74 (25 to 430) 10 minutes of clamp; 111 (30 to 263) 1 hour of clamp. Right lung CAT protein was (in picograms per 100 microg of total protein): median, 0.06 (range, 0 to 0.9) no clamp; 1 (0 to 6) 10 minutes of clamp; 1 (0 to 18) 1 hour of clamp. CONCLUSIONS Efficient lung isograft endobronchial cotransfection results from using naked plasmid. Cold preservation affects transfection efficiency but not transgene expression. Lung parenchyma/naked plasmid exposure time determines transfection efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F D'Ovidio
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
131
|
Abstract
Development of an efficient method for introducing a therapeutic gene into target cells in vivo is the key issue in treating genetic and acquired diseases by gene therapy. To this end, various nonviral vectors have been designed and developed, and some of them are in clinical trials. The simplest approach is naked DNA injection into local tissues or systemic circulation. Physical (gene gun, electroporation) and chemical (cationic lipid or polymer) approaches have also been utilized to improve the efficiency and target cell specificity of gene transfer by plasmid DNA. After administration, however, nonviral vectors encounter many hurdles that result in diminished gene transfer in target cells. Cationic vectors sometimes attract serum proteins and blood cells when entering into blood circulation, which results in dynamic changes in their physicochemical properties. To reach target cells, nonviral vectors should pass through the capillaries, avoid recognition by mononuclear phagocytes, emerge from the blood vessels to the interstitium, and bind to the surface of the target cells. They then need to be internalized, escape from endosomes, and then find a way to the nucleus, avoiding cytoplasmic degradation. Successful clinical applications of nonviral vectors will rely on a better understanding of barriers in gene transfer and development of vectors that can overcome these barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Nishikawa
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
132
|
Prud'homme GJ, Lawson BR, Theofilopoulos AN. Anticytokine gene therapy of autoimmune diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2001; 1:359-73. [PMID: 11727511 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.1.3.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Viral and nonviral gene therapy vectors have been successfully employed to deliver inflammatory cytokine inhibitors (anticytokines), or anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1), which protect against experimental autoimmune diseases. These vectors carry the relevant genes into a variety of tissues, for either localised or systemic release of the encoded protein. Administration of cDNA encoding soluble IFN-gamma receptor (IFN-gamma R)/IgG-Fc fusion proteins, soluble TNF-alpha receptors, or IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), protects against either lupus, various forms of arthritis, autoimmune diabetes, or other autoimmune diseases. These inhibitors, unlike many cytokines, have little or no toxic potential. Similarly, TGF-beta 1 gene therapy protects against numerous forms of autoimmunity, though its administration entails more risk than anticytokine therapy. We have relied on the injection of naked plasmid DNA into skeletal muscle, with or without enhancement of gene transfer by in vivo electroporation. Expression plasmids offer interesting advantages over viral vectors, since they are simple to produce, non-immunogenic and nonpathogenic. They can be repeatedly administered and after each treatment the encoded proteins are produced for relatively long periods, ranging from weeks to months. Moreover, soluble receptors which block cytokine action, encoded by gene therapy vectors, can be constructed from non-immunogenic self elements that are unlikely to be neutralised by the host immune response (unlike monoclonal antibodies [mAbs]), allowing long-term gene therapy of chronic inflammatory disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G J Prud'homme
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, H3A2B4, Canada.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
133
|
Herweijer H, Zhang G, Subbotin VM, Budker V, Williams P, Wolff JA. Time course of gene expression after plasmid DNA gene transfer to the liver. J Gene Med 2001; 3:280-91. [PMID: 11437333 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of expression in hepatocytes can be achieved after intraportal delivery of plasmid DNA vectors with up to 10% of all liver cells transfected. CMV promoter-driven expression is very high on Day 1 after injection, but is diminished strongly by Day 2. Expression slowly declines after 1 week. We describe experiments aimed at elucidating the reasons for this rapid decline in transgene expression. METHODS Histological methods were used to determine the presence and extent of liver damage and hepatocyte proliferation. Viral and liver-specific promoters were tested to study promoter shut-off, Southern blotting was performed to determine the loss of the pDNA vector over time, and several mouse models were used to study the host immunological response. RESULTS pDNA is lost rapidly early after injection, but remains at a relatively stable copy number after Day 4. Southern blotting experiments showed that plasmid DNA could be detected for at least 12 weeks after injection (0.2 copies per genome). The early rapid decline of expression is promoter dependent. A liver-specific albumin promoter resulted in similar levels of expression on Days 1 and 7, suggesting that promoter inactivation may be responsible for the instability of CMV promoter-driven expression. The slow decline in expression levels after 1 week appears to be the result of an immune response directed against the expressed transgene. Expression was much prolonged in immunosuppressed, immunodeficient, or antigen-tolerized mice. CONCLUSION The present data suggest that if promoter inactivation can be overcome, intravascular delivery of plasmid DNA could be a highly efficient, simple and non-toxic liver gene therapy approach. Intravascular delivery of pDNA allows for the rapid screening of novel expression vectors in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Herweijer
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53705, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
134
|
Zhang G, Budker V, Williams P, Subbotin V, Wolff JA. Efficient expression of naked dna delivered intraarterially to limb muscles of nonhuman primates. Hum Gene Ther 2001; 12:427-38. [PMID: 11242534 DOI: 10.1089/10430340150504046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that the intraarterial delivery of naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) into the femoral artery of rats leads to high levels of foreign gene expression throughout the muscles of the hindlimb. The present study shows that the procedure can also enable high levels of foreign gene expression throughout the limb skeletal muscles in rhesus monkeys. The average luciferase expression in the target muscle was 991.5 +/- 187 ng/g for the arm and 1692 +/- 768 ng/g for the leg; compared with 780 ng/g in rat hindlimb. Large numbers of beta-galactosidase-positive myofibers were found in both leg and arm muscles, ranging from less than 1% to more than 30% in various muscles, with an average of 6.9%. The nonhuman primates tolerated the procedure without significant adverse effects in skeletal muscles, arteries, or other organs. Other studies in immunosuppressed rats indicated that stable expression is possible. These results suggest that the procedure is likely to enable efficient and stable gene expression in human muscle without substantial toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Waisman Center, Medical School, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53705, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
135
|
Bonadio J. Tissue engineering via local gene delivery: update and future prospects for enhancing the technology. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2000; 44:185-94. [PMID: 11072114 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-409x(00)00094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the status of a local plasmid-based gene transfer technology known as the gene activated matrix (GAM). Studies over the past 6 years suggest that GAM may serve as a platform technology for local gene delivery in the wound bed of various tissues and organs. These studies demonstrated that plasmid encoding genes can be delivered to acutely injured tendon, ligament, bone, muscle, skin and nerve. Moreover, direct in vivo transfer of therapeutic plasmid encoding genes in bone, skin and nerve was associated with a significant regenerative response relative to sham controls. The review also describes new technology that should enhance the potential of local gene delivery in a manner consistent with the risk-benefit profile associated with tissue engineering applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Bonadio
- Selective Genetics Inc., 6046 Cornerstone Court West, Suite 107, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
| |
Collapse
|