251
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Ferrari ME, Nguyen CM, Zelphati O, Tsai Y, Felgner PL. Analytical methods for the characterization of cationic lipid-nucleic acid complexes. Hum Gene Ther 1998; 9:341-51. [PMID: 9508052 DOI: 10.1089/hum.1998.9.3-341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Five analytical assays are described that provide a platform for systematically evaluating the effect of formulation variables on the physical properties of cationic lipid-DNA complexes (lipoplexes). The assays are for (i) lipid recovery, (ii) total DNA, (iii) free DNA, (iv) nuclease sensitivity, and (v) physical stability by filtration. Lipid recovery was determined by measuring lipid primary amino groups labeled with the fluorescamine reagent in the presence of the detergent Zwittergent. Zwittergent was effective at disrupting lipoplexes, making the primary amine accessible to the fluorescamine reagent. Total DNA was determined with the PicoGreen reagent, also in the presence of Zwittergent. The PicoGreen assay in the absence of Zwittergent gave the percentage of the total DNA that was not complexed with cationic lipid. The results of this assay for free DNA agreed well with the amount of DNA that could be separated from complexes by centrifugation as well as with the amount of DNA that was accessible to DNase I digestion. Monitoring the lipid and DNA recoveries after filtration through polycarbonate membranes provided a quantitative method for assessing changes in lipoplex physical characteristics. Together, these assays provide a convenient high-throughput approach to assess physical properties of lipoplexes, allowing systematic evaluation of different formulations.
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252
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Dan N. The structure of DNA complexes with cationic liposomes-cylindrical or flat bilayers? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1998; 1369:34-8. [PMID: 9528671 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2736(97)00171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA complexes with cationic lipids promise to be versatile and effective synthetic transfection agents. Recent experiments identified both flat lamellar structures, where DNA strands are sandwiched between lipid bilayers, and cylindrical ones where the DNA is coated by a curved bilayer. Using a simple model we compare the stability of the two structures, and find that flat-bilayer aggregates are always more stable than the cylindrical ones. The different experimental observations are explained within the framework of the model predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dan
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark 19716, USA
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253
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Safinya CR, Koltover I, Raedler J. DNA at membrane surfaces: An experimental overview. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-0294(98)80044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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254
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Caplen NJ. Lipid Gene Trasfer, a Story of Simplicity and Complexity. Gene Ther 1998. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-72160-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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255
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Wasan EK, Fairchild A, Bally MB. Cationic liposome--plasmid DNA complexes used for gene transfer retain a significant trapped volume. J Pharm Sci 1998; 87:9-14. [PMID: 9452961 DOI: 10.1021/js970265k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study is to determine whether cationic liposomes retain any trapped volume after their complexation to plasmid DNA. This serves two purposes: to further the understanding of the physical nature of liposome/plasmid DNA complexes used in gene therapy and to investigate the potential for codelivery of other encapsulated molecules with the liposome-DNA complexes. Cationic liposomes composed of N,N-dioleoyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DODAC/DOPE, 50/50 mol %) encapsulating an aqueous trap marker were used to prepare liposome-DNA complexes at various charge ratios. The trapped volume before and after DNA binding was measured by two methods: dialysis and filtration. The effect of tissue culture medium on trapped volume was also investigated. A lipid-mixing assay was employed to further characterize the aggregation events that influence trap volume. The trapped volume (Vt) of neutral control liposomes was 1.1 +/- 0.04 microL/mumol, which was not affected by the addition of DNA. For cationic liposomes in the absence of DNA the Vt was 1.45 +/- 0.46 and 1.54 +/- 0.08 microL/mumol, as measured by the filtration and dialysis methods, respectively. After addition of DNA, the residual trapped volume (RVt) decreased to 0.43 +/- 0.1 microL/mumol and 0.47 +/- 0.05 microL/mumol, as determined by each method, respectively. RVt increased as the ratio of cationic lipid to DNA (nmol of lipid/mg of DNA) was increased above 10, a ratio that corresponds to a charge ratio (positively charged lipids to negatively charged phosphate groups) of 1.62. Aggregation and lipid-mixing were greatest at charge ratios coinciding with the lowest trapped volume. In the presence of tissue culture medium, the Vt of cationic liposomes but not neutral liposomes was reduced, suggesting that the salts have a direct effect on cationic liposomes in the absence of DNA. The RVt of both neutral and cationic liposomes in the presence of DNA, however, was not different from that of the liposomes in the absence of DNA. These results suggest that a significant trapped volume is retained by cationic liposomes after binding to plasmid DNA. This is an important finding with regard to the potential use of DNA/liposome complexes in the codelivery of other bioactive molecules at the time of cell transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Wasan
- Department of Advanced Therapeutics, B. C. Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada.
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256
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Pitard B, Aguerre O, Airiau M, Lachagès AM, Boukhnikachvili T, Byk G, Dubertret C, Herviou C, Scherman D, Mayaux JF, Crouzet J. Virus-sized self-assembling lamellar complexes between plasmid DNA and cationic micelles promote gene transfer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:14412-7. [PMID: 9405626 PMCID: PMC25002 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.26.14412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is based on the vectorization of genes to target cells and their subsequent expression. Cationic amphiphile-mediated delivery of plasmid DNA is the nonviral gene transfer method most often used. We examined the supramolecular structure of lipopolyamine/plasmid DNA complexes under various condensing conditions. Plasmid DNA complexation with lipopolyamine micelles whose mean diameter was 5 nm revealed three domains, depending on the lipopolyamine/plasmid DNA ratio. These domains respectively corresponded to negatively, neutrally, and positively charged complexes. Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray scattering experiments on complexes originating from these three domains showed that although their morphology depends on the lipopolyamine/plasmid DNA ratio, their particle structure consists of ordered domains characterized by even spacing of 80 A, irrespective of the lipid/DNA ratio. The most active lipopolyamine/DNA complexes for gene transfer were positively charged. They were characterized by fully condensed DNA inside spherical particles (diameter: 50 nm) sandwiched between lipid bilayers. These results show that supercoiled plasmid DNA is able to transform lipopolyamine micelles into a supramolecular organization characterized by ordered lamellar domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pitard
- Vector Development, Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Gencell, 13 quai Jules Guesde, BP 14, 94403 Vitry-sur-seine Cedex, France.
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257
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Cooperation between salt induced globule-coil transition in single duplex DNA complexed with cationic surfactant and sphere-rod transition of surfactant micelles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1997. [DOI: 10.1007/bf01189522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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258
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Meunier-Durmort C, Picart R, Ragot T, Perricaudet M, Hainque B, Forest C. Mechanism of adenovirus improvement of cationic liposome-mediated gene transfer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1997; 1330:8-16. [PMID: 9375808 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2736(97)00133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Substantial effort has been focused on the development of highly efficient gene transfer strategies. Although viral and non-viral methods have been elaborated, mechanisms of gene delivery are still poorly understood. We exploited our recent observation that replication-deficient type 5 adenovirus dramatically enhances lipofectAMINE-mediated gene transfer (lipoadenofection) in differentiated cells to elucidate the mechanism of adenovirus action in this process. Heat-induced denaturation of viral capsid abolishes adenovirus action whereas inactivation of viral genome by short treatment with UV has no effect. Electron microscopic observations reveal the formation of a complex containing adenovirus and lipofectAMINE which probably carries DNA into cells via endocytosis. Anti-adenovirus antiserum or monoclonal anti-alpha(v)beta3 integrin antibody inhibits lipoadenofection, at least partially. Neutralization of endosomal compartments with chloroquine, ammonium chloride or monensin does not prevent adenovirus improvement of gene transfer. Hence, adenovirus-lipofectAMINE-DNA complexes in which viral particles are each encompassed by three lipid layers, penetrate cells via an endocytic pathway involving probably the adenovirus receptor and alpha(v)beta3 integrin. The resulting efficient transfer and expression of plasmid DNA proceeds from a mechanism in which adenoviral endosomolytic activity appears to be required while viral genome is not essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Meunier-Durmort
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Endocrinologie Moléculaire et le Développement, CNRS UPR 9078, Meudon, France
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259
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Mel’nikov SM, Sergeyev VG, Yoshikawa K, Takahashi H, Hatta I. Cooperativity or phase transition? Unfolding transition of DNA cationic surfactant complex. J Chem Phys 1997. [DOI: 10.1063/1.474932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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260
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Abstract
A molecular level theory is presented for the thermodynamic stability of two (similar) types of structural complexes formed by (either single strand or supercoiled) DNA and cationic liposomes, both involving a monolayer-coated DNA as the central structural unit. In the "spaghetti" complex the central unit is surrounded by another, oppositely curved, monolayer, thus forming a bilayer mantle. The "honeycomb" complex is a bundle of hexagonally packed DNA-monolayer units. The formation free energy of these complexes, starting from a planar cationic/neutral lipid bilayer and bare DNA, is expressed as a sum of electrostatic, bending, mixing, and (for the honeycomb) chain frustration contributions. The electrostatic free energy is calculated using the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. The bending energy of the mixed lipid layers is treated in the quadratic curvature approximation with composition-dependent bending rigidity and spontaneous curvature. Ideal lipid mixing is assumed within each lipid monolayer. We found that the most stable monolayer-coated DNA units are formed when the charged/neutral lipid composition corresponds (nearly) to charge neutralization; the optimal monolayer radius corresponds to close DNA-monolayer contact. These conclusions are also valid for the honeycomb complex, as the chain frustration energy is found to be negligible. Typically, the stabilization energies for these structures are on the order of 1 k(B)T/A of DNA length, reflecting mainly the balance between the electrostatic and bending energies. The spaghetti complexes are less stable due to the additional bending energy of the external monolayer. A thermodynamic analysis is presented for calculating the equilibrium lipid compositions when the complexes coexist with excess bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- S May
- Department of Physical Chemistry and the Fritz Haber Research Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
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261
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Mok KW, Cullis PR. Structural and fusogenic properties of cationic liposomes in the presence of plasmid DNA. Biophys J 1997; 73:2534-45. [PMID: 9370447 PMCID: PMC1181155 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(97)78282-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural and fusogenic properties of large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) composed of the cationic lipid N-[2,3-(dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-phosphatidylethanotamine (DOPE) have been examined in the presence of pCMV5 plasmid and correlated with transfection potency. It is shown, employing lipid mixing fusion assays, that pCMV5 plasmid strongly promotes fusion between DOTMA/DOPE (1:1) LUVs and DOTMA/1,2-dioleoyl-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOTMA/DOPC) (1:1) LUVs such that at a cationic lipid-to-DNA charge ratio of 3.0, approximately 80% fusion is observed. The anions citrate and chloride can also trigger fusion, but at much higher concentrations. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy studies demonstrate the tendency of cationic vesicles to form clusters at low pCMV5 content, whereas macroscopic fused aggregates can be observed at higher plasmid levels. 31P NMR studies of the fused DNA-DOTMA/DOPE (1:1) complexes obtained at high plasmid levels (charge ratio 1.0) reveal narrow "isotropic" 31P NMR resonances, whereas the corresponding DOPC containing systems exhibit much broader "bilayer" 31P NMR spectra. In agreement with previous studies, the transfection potency of the DOPE-containing systems is dramatically higher than for the DOPC-containing complexes, indicating a correlation between transfection potential and the motional properties of endogenous lipids. Interestingly, it was found that the complexes could be separated by centrifugation into a pellet fraction, which exhibits superior transfection potencies, and a supernatant fraction. Again, the pellet fraction in the DOPE-containing system exhibits a significantly narrower 31P NMR resonance than the corresponding DOPC-containing system. It is suggested that the 31P NMR characteristics of complexes exhibiting higher transfection potencies are consistent with the presence of nonbilayer lipid structures, which may play a direct role in the fusion or membrane destabilization events vital to transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K W Mok
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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262
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Lasic D. Recent developments in medical applications of liposomes: sterically stabilized liposomes in cancer therapy and gene delivery in vivo. J Control Release 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0168-3659(97)00045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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263
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El Ouahabi A, Thiry M, Pector V, Fuks R, Ruysschaert JM, Vandenbranden M. The role of endosome destabilizing activity in the gene transfer process mediated by cationic lipids. FEBS Lett 1997; 414:187-92. [PMID: 9315683 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)00973-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We used a 32P-labeled pCMV-CAT plasmid DNA to estimate the DNA uptake efficiency and unlabeled pCMV-CAT plasmid DNA to quantify the CAT activity after transfection of COS cells using each of the three following cationic compounds: [1] vectamidine (3-tetradecylamino-N-tert-butyl-N'-tetradecylpropionamidine, and previously described as diC14-amidine [1]), [2] lipofectin (a 1:1 mixture of N-(1-2,3-dioleyloxypropyl)-N,N,N-triethylammonium (DOTMA) and dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE)), and [3] DMRIE-C (a 1:1 mixture of N-[1-(2,3-dimyristyloxy)propyl]-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium bromide (DMRIE) and cholesterol). Surprisingly, a high CAT activity was observed with vectamidine although the DNA uptake efficiency was lower as compared to lipofectin and DMRIE-C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed endocytosis as the major pathway of DNA-cationic lipid complex entry into COS cells for the three cationic lipids. However, the endosomal membrane in contact with complexes containing vectamidine or DMRIE-C often exhibited a disrupted morphology. This disruption of endosomes was much less frequently observed with the DNA-lipofectin complexes. This comparison of the three compounds demonstrate that efficient transfection mediated by cationic lipids is not only correlated to their percentage of uptake but also to their ability to destabilize and escape from endosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A El Ouahabi
- Laboratoire de Chimie-Physique des Macromolécules aux Interfaces (LCPMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
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264
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Schreier H, Gagné L, Bock T, Erdos GW, Druzgala P, Conary JT, Müller BW. Physicochemical properties and in vitro toxicity of cationic liposome cDNA complexes. PHARMACEUTICA ACTA HELVETIAE 1997; 72:215-23. [PMID: 9372644 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-6865(97)00019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to elucidate the interaction of cationic liposomes and plasmid cDNA by examining their ultrastructure, zeta potential, stability in aqueous media and protection from DNaseI digestion; their potential for hemolysis and platelet aggregation was evaluated as it may serve as an in vitro toxicity screen. Liposomes consisting of N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) or 3 beta-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl]-cholesterol (DC-Chol) and dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) were complexed with plasmid constructs of ovine prostaglandin G/H synthase (pCMV4-PGH) or human alpha 1-antitrypsin (pCMV4-AAT) at lipid:plasmid (L/P) ratios of 3:1-8:1 (w/w). The electron micrographs showed bead-like attachment of liposomes to cDNA and coating of plasmid strands. The zeta potential showed isoelectric points at L/P ratios of 3.5-4 (DOTMA/DOPE) and 5.5-6.5, corresponding to a pKa of 6.45 (DC-Chol/DOPE). Liposome cDNA complexes were stable in water, saline and 5% dextrose for 48 h, but precipitated instantaneously in PBS. An increase in the L/P ratio corresponded with increased protection from DNaseI digestion. DOTMA/DOPE liposomes alone were highly hemolytic and DC-Chol/DOPE liposomes moderately hemolytic; hemolysis was abolished by cDNA complexation, with the exception of very high (> or = 7:1) L/P ratios. Both liposomes alone and cDNA complexes caused transient serum turbidity, while none caused platelet aggregation. It was concluded that current cationic lipid cDNA formulations are metastable and appear to have very little if any toxicity with respect to hemolytic potential and untoward interaction with other blood components.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Schreier
- Advanced Therapies Inc., Novato, CA 94949, USA.
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265
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Reimer DL, Kong S, Bally MB. Analysis of cationic liposome-mediated interactions of plasmid DNA with murine and human melanoma cells in vitro. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:19480-7. [PMID: 9235950 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.31.19480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid-based DNA transfer formulations are typically selected on the basis of in vitro transfection studies where the activity of specific formulations is defined by transgene expression. It is unclear, however, whether expression is directly related to the efficiency of DNA transfer. In an attempt to correlate DNA transfer with transgene expression, we used a simple assay consisting of measuring DNA (3H-plasmid encoding for beta-galactosidase) binding to murine (B16/BL6) and human (KZ) melanoma cells in vitro at 4 and 37 degrees C. The difference in cell association at these temperatures was assumed to be a consequence of DNA uptake, an assumption that was confirmed by protease removal of cell surface-associated DNA. DNA associated with B16/BL6 melanoma cells (up to 30 ng or 12% of the added DNA) following incubation with dioleoyldimethylammonium chloride/dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) liposome-DNA aggregates was comparable to that achieved with 1,2-dioleoyloxypropyl-3-trimethylammonium bromide/DOPE or dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide/DOPE liposomes; however, transgene expression was 2- and 5-fold less for the latter two formulations, respectively. Similarly, equivalent amounts of DNA delivery were achieved with B16/BL6 and KZ melanoma cells, yet the level of transgene expression in the KZ cells was undetectable. It was demonstrated that the lack of transgene expression was not a consequence of cell-specific differences in DNA degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Reimer
- Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
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266
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Dunlap DD, Maggi A, Soria MR, Monaco L. Nanoscopic structure of DNA condensed for gene delivery. Nucleic Acids Res 1997; 25:3095-101. [PMID: 9224610 PMCID: PMC146867 DOI: 10.1093/nar/25.15.3095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Scanning force microscopy was used to examine DNA condensates prepared with varying stoichiometries of lipospermine or polyethylenimine in physiological solution. For the first time, individual DNA strands were clearly visualized in incomplete condensates without drying. Using lipospermine at sub-saturating concentrations, discrete nuclei of condensation were observed often surrounded by folded loops of DNA. Similar packing of DNA loops occurred for polyethylenimine-induced condensation. Increasing the amount of the condensing agent led to the progressive coalescence or aggregation of initial condensation nuclei through folding rather than winding the DNA. At over-saturating charge ratios of the cationic lipid or polymer to DNA, condensates had sizes smaller than or equal to those measured previously in electron micrographs. Polyethylenimine condensates were more compact than lipospermine condensates and both produced more homogeneously compacted plasmids when used in a 2-4-fold charge excess. The size and morphology of the condensates may affect their efficiency in transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D Dunlap
- DIBIT, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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267
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Abstract
Gene therapy is an emerging field that has reached the early clinical stages of development for some disease states. However, the demonstration of safety in animals and the introduction of gene-based formulations in humans hides the fact that numerous developmental and basic research questions remain. This article highlights progress and emerging issues in the area of liposome-based non-viral gene delivery. The colloidal nature of these formulations render them complicated at the physico-chemical and biological levels. Instrumentation and methodologies need to be developed to better understand the subtleties of plasmid DNA, complexing agents, delivery mode and the route of entry into the cell and the nucleus. Major hurdles to entry include membrane binding, endosomal release, nuclear uptake and decomplexation. Each 'stage' is poorly understood but numerous approaches are being directed to increase cellular delivery. These research efforts, coupled with sensible formulation research and a multi-disciplinary, long-term effort, are necessary for success.
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268
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Mahato RI, Rolland A, Tomlinson E. Cationic lipid-based gene delivery systems: pharmaceutical perspectives. Pharm Res 1997; 14:853-9. [PMID: 9244140 DOI: 10.1023/a:1012187414126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gene delivery systems are designed to control the location of administered therapeutic genes within a patient's body. Successful in vivo gene transfer may require (i) the condensation of plasmid and its protection from nuclease degradation, (ii) cellular interaction and internalization of condensed plasmid, (iii) escape of plasmid from endosomes (if endocytosis is involved), and (iv) plasmid entry into cell nuclei. Expression plasmids encoding a therapeutic protein can be, for instance, complexed with cationic liposomes or micelles in order to achieve effective in vivo gene transfer. A thorough knowledge of pharmaceutics and drug delivery, bio-engineering, as well as cell and molecular biology is required to design optimal systems for gene therapy. This mini-review provides a critical discussion on cationic lipid-based gene delivery systems and their possible uses as pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Mahato
- GENE MEDICINE, INC., The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4248, USA.
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269
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Boukhnikachvili T, Aguerre-Chariol O, Airiau M, Lesieur S, Ollivon M, Vacus J. Structure of in-serum transfecting DNA-cationic lipid complexes. FEBS Lett 1997; 409:188-94. [PMID: 9202143 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)00505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Noticeable modifications of in-serum transfection efficiency of dioctadecylamidoglycyl-spermine (DOGS)-DNA complexes are observed, depending on DNA condensation conditions. The structures of the complexes are studied, keeping in mind the variability of lipid polymorphism, by cryo-transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. By increasing both pH and ionic strength, well-organised lamellar structures with a period of 65 A replace supramicellar aggregates. A relationship between the structures and their in-vitro transfection activity is established. Efficiency in the presence of serum is maintained when a lamellar arrangement is involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Boukhnikachvili
- Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Gencell, Centre de Recherche de Vitry-Alfortville, Vitry sur Seine, France
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270
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Konopka K, Harrison GS, Felgner PL, Düzgüneş N. Cationic liposome-mediated expression of HIV-regulated luciferase and diphtheria toxin a genes in HeLa cells infected with or expressing HIV. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1997; 1356:185-97. [PMID: 9150276 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4889(96)00176-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
HIV-regulated expression of the diphtheria toxin A fragment gene (HIV-DT-A) is a potential gene therapy approach to AIDS. Since cationic liposomes are safe and non-immunogenic for in vivo gene delivery, we examined whether LipofectAMINE or DMRIE reagent could mediate the transfection of HIV-DT-A (pTHA43) or the HIV-regulated luciferase gene (pLUCA43) into HIV-infected or uninfected HeLa cells. pLUCA43 was expressed at a 10(3)-fold higher level in HeLa/LAV cells than in uninfected HeLa cells, while the extent of expression of RSV-regulated luciferase was the same in both cell lines. Co-transfection of HeLa cells with pTHA43 and the proviral HIV clone, HXB deltaBgl, resulted in complete inhibition of virus production. In contrast, the delivery of HIV-DT-A to chronically infected HeLa/LAV or HeLa/IIIB cells, or to HeLa CD4+ cells before infection, did not have a specific effect on virus production, since treatment of cells with control plasmids also reduced virus production. This reduction could be ascribed to cytotoxicity of the reagents. The efficiency of transfection, as measured by the percentage of cells expressing beta-gal, was approximately 5%. Thus, cationic liposome-mediated transfection was too inefficient to inhibit virus production when the DT-A was delivered by cationic liposomes to chronically- or de novo- infected cells. However, when both the virus and DT-A genes were delivered into the same cells by cationic liposomes, DT-A was very effective at inhibiting virus production. Our results indicate that the successful use of cationic liposomes for gene therapy will require the improvement of their transfection efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Konopka
- Department of Microbiology, School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
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271
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Stegmann T, Legendre JY. Gene transfer mediated by cationic lipids: lack of a correlation between lipid mixing and transfection. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1997; 1325:71-9. [PMID: 9106484 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2736(96)00241-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Complexes of DNA with cationic lipids are used to transfect eukaryotic cells. The mechanism of transfection is unknown, but it has been suggested that the complexes are taken up into the cell by endocytosis, after which fusion of the cationic lipids with the membranes of intracellular vesicles would allow the DNA to escape into the cytoplasm. Here, we have compared transfection of CHO-K1 cells with lipid mixing measured by fluorescence assays, using liposomes or complexes with plasmid DNA of the cationic lipids 1,2 dioleolyl-3-N, N, N,-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), N-[2,3-(dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N, N, N,-trimethylammonium (DOTMA), or combinations of these lipids with dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), at various lipid/DNA charge ratios. Mixing of the lipids of the complexes or liposomes with cellular membranes occurred readily at 37 degrees C, and was more efficient with liposomes than with complexes. Lipid mixing was inhibited at low temperatures (0-17 degrees C), by the presence of NH(4)Cl in the medium, and by low extracellular pH, indicating the involvement of the endocytic pathway in entry. In the absence of DOPE, there was no correlation between the efficiency of lipid mixing and the efficiency of transfection. Moreover, although DOPE, which is thought to promote membrane fusion, enhanced transfection, it did not always enhance lipid mixing. Neither the size nor the zeta potential of the complexes were clearly associated with transfection efficiency. Therefore, although fusion between the lipids of the complexes and cellular membranes takes place, a step at a later stage in the transfection process determines the efficiency of transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Stegmann
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland.
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272
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Eastman SJ, Siegel C, Tousignant J, Smith AE, Cheng SH, Scheule RK. Biophysical characterization of cationic lipid: DNA complexes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1997; 1325:41-62. [PMID: 9106482 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2736(96)00242-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the structures formed by the interaction of cationic lipids with DNA, we undertook a systematic analysis to determine the biophysical characteristics of cationic lipid:DNA complexes. Four model cationic lipids with different net cationic charge were found to interact in similar ways with DNA when that interaction was compared in terms of the apparent molar charge ratio of lipid to DNA. When DNA was present in charge excess over the cationic lipid, the complex carried a net negative charge as determined by zeta potential measurements. Under these conditions, some DNA was accessible to ethidium bromide, and free DNA was observed in agarose gels and in dextran density gradients. Between a lipid:DNA charge ratio of 1.25 and 1.5:1, all the DNA became complexed to cationic lipid, as evidenced by its inaccessibility to EtBr and its complete association with lipid upon agarose gel electrophoresis and density gradient separations. These complexes carried a net positive charge. The transition between negatively and positively charged complexes a occurred over a very small range of lipid to DNA ratios. Employing a fluorescent lipid probe, the addition of DNA was shown to induce lipid mixing between cationic lipid-containing vesicles. The extent of DNA-induced lipid mixing reached a maximum at a charge ratio of about 1.5:1, the point at which all the DNA was involved in a complex and the complex became positively charged. Together with freeze-fracture electron micrographs of the complexes, these biophysical data have been interpreted in light of the existing models of cationic lipid:DNA complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Eastman
- Genzyme Corporation, Framingham, MA 01701-9322, USA
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273
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274
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Kichler A, Mechtler K, Behr JP, Wagner E. Influence of membrane-active peptides on lipospermine/DNA complex mediated gene transfer. Bioconjug Chem 1997; 8:213-21. [PMID: 9095363 DOI: 10.1021/bc970009z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To explore whether endosomal release presents a major barrier to lipospermine-mediated gene delivery, acidic membrane-active peptides derived from influenza virus or artificial sequences were incorporated into DNA/dioctadecylamidoglycylspermine (= Transfectam) complexes. Depending on the cell line used, gene expression levels are approximately 3-30-fold higher than those obtained by applying DNA complexed to optimal amounts of Transfectam alone. In addition, gene transfer efficiency of DNA complexes with lower amounts of Transfectam (1.5-2 charge equiv) is increased by a factor of up to 1000 by peptides INF6 (influenza virus derived sequence) and INF10 (artificial sequence). The helper lipids 1,2-dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine, egg phosphatidylethanolamine, and 1,2-dioleoyl-racglycerol also can enhance the gene transfer. Thus, endosomal escape seems to be only a moderate barrier for optimized, positively charged DNA/Transfectam complexes, but a substantial bottleneck for less positively charged complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kichler
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Vienna, Austria
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275
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Parker SE, Ducharme S, Norman J, Wheeler CJ. Tissue distribution of the cytofectin component of a plasmid-DNA/cationic lipid complex following intravenous administration in mice. Hum Gene Ther 1997; 8:393-401. [PMID: 9054514 DOI: 10.1089/hum.1997.8.4-393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Allovectin-7 is a gene therapy agent that consists of plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding the human HLA-B7 class I and beta2-microglobulin genes (VCL-1005), complexed with the cationic lipid DMRIE Br and DOPE. A tritiated version of the cytofectin component, DMRIE Br, was synthesized by regiospecific isotope incorporation to a very high specific activity. The 3H-labeled DMRIE/DOPE mixture was complexed with VCL-1005 to produce a radiolabeled version of Allovectin-7. The VCL-1005/3H-DMRIE/DOPE complex was administered intravenously to mice, and the tissue distribution of radioactivity was analyzed 24 hr later. Excretion of radioisotope was monitored for 96 hr post dosing. At 24 hr post administration, a tissue distribution for the radioisotope of liver >> spleen > lung >> heart > brain approximately muscle approximately blood was observed. During the 96-hr period post dose, very little administered radioactivity (<17%) was excreted and the majority of the isotope (83%) remained in the animal. This is the first report on the biodistribution of the cytofectin component of a pDNA-cationic lipid complex for which the distribution of the plasmid component has also been reported.
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276
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Rädler JO, Koltover I, Salditt T, Safinya CR. Structure of DNA-cationic liposome complexes: DNA intercalation in multilamellar membranes in distinct interhelical packing regimes. Science 1997; 275:810-4. [PMID: 9012343 DOI: 10.1126/science.275.5301.810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 993] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cationic liposomes complexed with DNA (CL-DNA) are promising synthetically based nonviral carriers of DNA vectors for gene therapy. The solution structure of CL-DNA complexes was probed on length scales from subnanometer to micrometer by synchrotron x-ray diffraction and optical microscopy. The addition of either linear lambda-phage or plasmid DNA to CLs resulted in an unexpected topological transition from liposomes to optically birefringent liquid-crystalline condensed globules. X-ray diffraction of the globules revealed a novel multilamellar structure with alternating lipid bilayer and DNA monolayers. The lambda-DNA chains form a one-dimensional lattice with distinct interhelical packing regimes. Remarkably, in the isoelectric point regime, the lambda-DNA interaxial spacing expands between 24.5 and 57.1 angstroms upon lipid dilution and is indicative of a long-range electrostatic-induced repulsion that is possibly enhanced by chain undulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Rädler
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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277
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Liu Y, Mounkes LC, Liggitt HD, Brown CS, Solodin I, Heath TD, Debs RJ. Factors influencing the efficiency of cationic liposome-mediated intravenous gene delivery. Nat Biotechnol 1997; 15:167-73. [PMID: 9035144 DOI: 10.1038/nbt0297-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We have characterized the relationships between the design of cationic liposomes as a gene transfer vehicle, their resulting biodistribution and processing in animals, and the level and sites of gene expression they produce. By redesigning conventional cationic liposomes, incorporating cholesterol (chol) as the neutral lipid and preparing them as multilamellar vesicles (MLV), we increased the efficiency of cationic liposome:DNA complex (CLDC)-mediated gene delivery. Expression of the luciferase gene increased up to 1,740-fold and of the human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (hG-CSF) gene up to 569-fold due to prolonged circulation time of injected CLDC, and increased uptake and retention in tissues. The level of gene expression per microgram of DNA taken up per tissue was 1,000-fold higher in lung than in liver, indicating that in addition to issues of delivery and retention of injected DNA, tissue-specific host factors also play a central role in determining the efficiency of expression. Vascular endothelial cells, monocytes, and macrophages are the cell types most commonly transfected by intravenous injection of CLDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- California Pacific Medical Research Institute, San Francisco 94115, USA
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278
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Lasic DD, Strey H, Stuart MCA, Podgornik R, Frederik PM. The Structure of DNA−Liposome Complexes. J Am Chem Soc 1997. [DOI: 10.1021/ja962713g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo D. Lasic
- MegaBios Corporation, Burlingame, California Division of Computer Research and Technology Laboratory for Structural Biology National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland Department of Pathology, Electron Microscopy Unit Limburg University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Helmut Strey
- MegaBios Corporation, Burlingame, California Division of Computer Research and Technology Laboratory for Structural Biology National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland Department of Pathology, Electron Microscopy Unit Limburg University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark C. A. Stuart
- MegaBios Corporation, Burlingame, California Division of Computer Research and Technology Laboratory for Structural Biology National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland Department of Pathology, Electron Microscopy Unit Limburg University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf Podgornik
- MegaBios Corporation, Burlingame, California Division of Computer Research and Technology Laboratory for Structural Biology National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland Department of Pathology, Electron Microscopy Unit Limburg University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. Frederik
- MegaBios Corporation, Burlingame, California Division of Computer Research and Technology Laboratory for Structural Biology National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland Department of Pathology, Electron Microscopy Unit Limburg University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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279
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Matsui H, Johnson LG, Randell SH, Boucher RC. Loss of binding and entry of liposome-DNA complexes decreases transfection efficiency in differentiated airway epithelial cells. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:1117-26. [PMID: 8995411 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.2.1117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The target cells for gene therapy of cystic fibrosis lung disease are the well differentiated cells that line airway lumens. Employing cultures of airway epithelial cells that grow like "islands" and exhibit a continuum of cellular differentiation, we studied the mechanisms that render well differentiated cells more difficult to transfect with cationic liposomes than poorly differentiated cells. The poorly differentiated cells at the edge of the islands were transfectable with liposome-DNA complexes (pCMVbeta:LipofectACE = 1:5 (w/w)), whereas the more differentiated cells in the center of the islands were not. Evaluation of the steps leading to lipid-mediated transfection revealed that edge cells bound more liposome-DNA complexes, in part due to a more negative surface charge (as measured by cationized ferritin binding), and that edge cells internalized more liposome-DNA complexes than central cells. Edge cells exhibited receptor-mediated endocytosis of LDL, pinocytosis of 10-nm microspheres, and phagocytosis of 2-microm microspheres, whereas central cells were only capable of receptor-mediated endocytosis. Cytochalasin B, which inhibited pinocytosis by 65% and phagocytosis by 93%, decreased edge cell liposome-DNA complex entry by 50%. Potassium depletion, which decreased phagocytosis by >90% but had no effect on pinocytosis, inhibited edge cell liposome-DNA complex entry by 71%. These results indicate that liposome-DNA complexes enter edge cells via phagocytosis and that this pathway is not detectable in central cells. In conclusion, both reduced negative surface charge and absence of phagocytosis internalization pathways in relatively differentiated cells may explain differentiation-dependent decrements in cationic liposome-mediated gene transfer in airway epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Matsui
- Cystic Fibrosis/Pulmonary Research and Treatment Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7248, USA.
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280
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Coutelle C, Williamson R. Liposomes and viruses for gene therapy of cystic fibrosis. JOURNAL OF AEROSOL MEDICINE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AEROSOLS IN MEDICINE 1997; 9:79-88. [PMID: 10160212 DOI: 10.1089/jam.1996.9.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common, life-threatening autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. It affects the function of the lung, gut, and liver. Present strategies for CF aim to correct the defect by introducing a normal copy of the CFTR gene into affected epithelial cells. Two vector systems have been proposed for gene therapy trials, replication defective adenovirus and cationic liposome/DNA complexes. Adenoviral vectors have been used in Phase I trials and in most cases give transient molecular and/or electrophysiological restitution of the ion transport cellular defects of CF. However, a dose of 10(9) pfu/ml applied to the lung led, in one patient, to a transient inflammatory reaction. New adenoviral vectors are presently being developed to solve this problem. Our studies using liposome/DNA complexes to deliver CFTR cDNA to the nasal epithelium were carried out in the double blind trial and showed no treatment-related local or general adverse reactions and significant small but transient correction of the ion transport defect. The results for both current approaches demonstrate the need for substantial improvement of the efficiency and duration of transgene expression to reach therapeutically relevant levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Coutelle
- Department of Biochemistry adn Molecular Genetics, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School/Imperial College, London, UK
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281
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Legendre JY, Trzeciak A, Bohrmann B, Deuschle U, Kitas E, Supersaxo A. Dioleoylmelittin as a novel serum-insensitive reagent for efficient transfection of mammalian cells. Bioconjug Chem 1997; 8:57-63. [PMID: 9026036 DOI: 10.1021/bc960076d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Amphipathic peptides can be useful effectors to enhance gene delivery. However, peptide/DNA complexes usually require additional effectors, such as fusogenic lipids, to mediate efficient transfection. Due to weak and/or multiple interactions between the various components of the system, the transfecting complexes are often heterogeneous and unstable in biological fluids. Accordingly, a hybrid molecule resulting from the covalent coupling of an amphipathic, membrane-disturbing peptide to a lipid moiety might create a stable and efficient peptide-based gene transfer system. The present work describes such a novel hybrid molecule, dioleoylmelittin, resulting from the conjugation of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine-N-[3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate] with [Cys1]melittin. Dioleoylmelittin had a lower hemolytic and membrane-disturbing activity than melittin. Size and zeta potential measurements, DNA gel electrophoresis, and electron microscopy showed that dioleoylmelittin, unlike melittin, was able to complex plasmid DNA to form spherical particles with a net positive charge and a diameter between 50 and 250 nm. These particles, prepared at an optimal 10/1 dioleoylmelittin/DNA ratio (w/w), mediated efficient transient transfection of reporter genes in cultured mammalian cells including primary cells. The luciferase activity induced by the dioleoylmelittin/DNA complex was 5-500-fold higher than that induced by a cationic lipid/DNA complex, depending on the cationic lipid and the cell-line. Surprisingly, the presence of 10-50% fetal calf serum during dioleoylmelittin-mediated transfection enhanced 1.5-3-fold gene expression. Dioleoylmelittin represents a new class of efficient peptide-based transfection reagents, especially suited for serum-sensitive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Legendre
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
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282
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Wolfert MA, Schacht EH, Toncheva V, Ulbrich K, Nazarova O, Seymour LW. Characterization of vectors for gene therapy formed by self-assembly of DNA with synthetic block co-polymers. Hum Gene Ther 1996; 7:2123-33. [PMID: 8934226 DOI: 10.1089/hum.1996.7.17-2123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cationic polymers can self-assemble with DNA to form polyelectrolyte complexes capable of gene delivery, although biocompatibility of the complexes is generally limited. Here we have used A-B type cationic-hydrophilic block co-polymers to introduce a protective surface hydrophilic shielding following oriented self-assembly with DNA. Block co-polymers of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly-L-lysine (pEG-pLL) and poly-N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide-poly(trimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride) (pHPMA-pTMAEM) both show spontaneous formation of complexes with DNA. Surface charge measured by zeta potential is decreased compared with equivalent polycation-DNA complexes in each case. Atomic force microscopy shows that pHPMA-pTMAEM/DNA complexes are discrete spheres similar to those formed between DNA and simple polycations, whereas pEG-pLL/DNA complexes adopt an extended structure. Biological properties depend on the charge ratio of formation. At optimal charge ratio, pEG-pLL/DNA complexes show efficient transfection of 293 cells in vitro, while pHPMA-pTMAEM/DNA complexes are more inert. Both block co-polymer-DNA complexes show only limited cytotoxicity. Careful selection of block co-polymer structure can influence the physicochemical and biological properties of the complexes and should permit design of materials for specific applications, including targeted delivery of genes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Wolfert
- CRC Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, UK
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283
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Hagstrom JE, Sebestyen MG, Budker V, Ludtke JJ, Fritz JD, Wolff JA. Complexes of non-cationic liposomes and histone H1 mediate efficient transfection of DNA without encapsulation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1996; 1284:47-55. [PMID: 8865814 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2736(96)00106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Transfection competent complexes were assembled using a three component system. The constituents of the basic system were plasmid DNA, cationic DNA binding protein (NLS-H1) and anionic liposomes (dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) or phosphatidylserine (PS)). In contrast to cationic liposome/DNA binary complexes, all of the DNA in these ternary complexes was sensitive to DNase I degradation and ethidium bromide intercalation. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that these ternary complexes formed unique structures in which the DNA was located either on the outside of individual liposomes or bridging two or more liposomes. This provides evidence that plasmid DNA encapsulation is not essential for transfection competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Hagstrom
- Department of Pediatrics, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53705, USA
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284
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Cortesi R, Esposito E, Menegatti E, Gambari R, Nastruzzi C. Effect of cationic liposome composition on in vitro cytotoxicity and protective effect on carried DNA. Int J Pharm 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0378-5173(96)04574-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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285
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Tarahovsky TS, Khusainova RS, Gorelov AV, Nicolaeva TI, Deev AA, Dawson AK, Ivanitsky GR. DNA initiates polymorphic structural transitions in lecithin. FEBS Lett 1996; 390:133-6. [PMID: 8706843 DOI: 10.1016/0014-5793(96)00643-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The inverted micellar phase, obtained by treating lecithin and Ca(2+)-DNA complex with chloroform, was used as an intermediate step in the preparation of DNA-Ca(2+)-lecithin complex. DSC analysis demonstrated the involvement of a large fraction of lipid in the interaction with DNA. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed (i) rod-like structures on the hydrophobic fracture surface of membranes and (ii) regular bundles of fibrils with a repeat distance of about 6 nm, which were located free in solution. Similar regular bundles of fibrils were also revealed by staining the samples with uranyl acetate. According to the suggested model, the observed structures are hexagonally packed inverted lipid tubes, with DNA located in their central cores. The possible biological relevance of the capability of Ca(2+)-DNA to initiate polymorphic phase transitions of lecithin is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Tarahovsky
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Pushchino, Russian Federation.
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286
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287
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Cherng JY, van de Wetering P, Talsma H, Crommelin DJ, Hennink WE. Effect of size and serum proteins on transfection efficiency of poly ((2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-plasmid nanoparticles. Pharm Res 1996; 13:1038-42. [PMID: 8842041 DOI: 10.1023/a:1016054623543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to gain insight into the relation between the physical characteristics of particles formed by a plasmid and a synthetic cationic polymer (poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, PDMAEMA) and their transfection efficiency. METHODS The PDMAEMA-plasmid particles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (size) and electrophoretic mobility measurements (charge). The transfection efficiency was evaluated in cell culture (COS-7 cells) using a pCMV-lacZ plasmid coding for beta-galactosidase as a reporter gene. RESULTS It was shown that the optimal transfection efficiency was found at a PDMAEMA-plasmid ratio of 3 (w/w), yielding stable and rather homogeneous particles (diameter 0.15 micron) with a narrow size distribution and a slightly positive charge. Particles prepared at lower weight ratios, showed a reduced transfection efficiency and were unstable in time as demonstrated by DLS measurements. Like other cationic polymers, PDMAEMA is slightly cytotoxic. This activity was partially masked by complexing the polymer with DNA. Interestingly, the transfection efficiency of the particles was not affected by the presence of serum proteins. CONCLUSIONS PDMAEMA is an interesting vector for the design of in vivo and ex vivo gene transfection systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Cherng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), The Netherlands
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288
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Abstract
Recent progress in our understanding of DNA condensation includes the observation of the collapse of single DNA molecules, greater insights into the intermolecular forces driving condensation, the recognition of helix-structure perturbation in condensed DNA, and the increasing recognition of the likely biological consequences of condensation. DNA condensed with cationic liposomes is an efficient agent for the transfection of eukaryotic cells, with considerable potential interest for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Bloomfield
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, USA.
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289
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Wong FM, Reimer DL, Bally MB. Cationic lipid binding to DNA: characterization of complex formation. Biochemistry 1996; 35:5756-63. [PMID: 8639536 DOI: 10.1021/bi952847r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that cationic lipids, added in monomer or micellar form, bind to DNA, resulting in the formation of a hydrophobic complex. This complex can serve as a well-defined intermediate in the preparation of DNA-lipid particles (DLPs) with many potential applications for delivery of polynucleotides in vitro and in vivo. To develop a better understanding of the factors governing complex formation, we have characterized the cationic lipid/DNA binding reaction. This was evaluated by measuring DNA and cationic lipid (DODAC) complex formation using the Bligh and Dyer extraction procedure. Efficient recovery of DNA (> 95%) in the organic phase was achieved when sufficient monocationic lipids interact with DNA phosphate groups. The rate of binding depends on the amount of DNA or cationic lipid present in the system. The time required to generate the hydrophobic complex was increased when < 10 micrograms of DNA or < 40 nmol of DODAC was present. Surprisingly, the rate of complex formation was contingent on the incubation period after partitioning the DNA/lipid mixture into organic and aqueous phases. These results suggest that the cationic lipid/DNA complex forms at the aqueous/organic interface and that DNA/lipid binding is dependent on multivalent interactions at this interface. A Scatchard analysis of DNA/DODAC binding demonstrated that the binding reaction exhibits a high degree of positive cooperativity. The apparent dissociation constant (Kn), using data obtained under conditions where DODAC binding to DNA approached saturation, indicated a high-affinity reaction (Kn > 10(-11) mol L-1). At this point, approximately 8400 mol of DODAC was bound per mole of DNA, which is equivalent to a charge ratio (+/-) of 0.585 for the 7.2 kb plasmid used and suggests that formation of the hydrophobic complex occurs at a stage prior to charge neutralization. The influence of other lipids on DNA/cationic lipid binding at the aqueous/organic interface was also studied. Cholesterol and DOPC had little effect on DNA/DODAC binding while the anionic lipids LPI, DOPS, and DMPG inhibited complex formation. The zwitterionic lipid DOPE, however, had a concentration-dependent effect on cationic lipid binding that was also dependent on the mixing order. We believe that this approach for evaluating lipid/DNA binding provides an effective procedure for assessing factors which control the dissociation of lipids from DNA and may be beneficial in the selection of lipids for effective use in gene transfection studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Wong
- Division of Medical Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada
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290
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Xu Y, Szoka FC. Mechanism of DNA release from cationic liposome/DNA complexes used in cell transfection. Biochemistry 1996; 35:5616-23. [PMID: 8639519 DOI: 10.1021/bi9602019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 918] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
To understand how DNA is released from cationic liposome/DNA complexes in cells, we investigated which biomolecules mediate release of DNA from a complex with cationic liposomes. Release from monovalent[1,2-dioleoyl-3(1)-1(trimethylammonio)propane] or multivalent (dioctadecylamidoglycylspermine) lipids was quantified by an increase of ethidium bromide (EtBr) fluorescence. Plasmid sensitivity to DNAse I degradation was examined using changes in plasmid migration on agarose gel electrophoresis. Physical separation of the DNA from the cationic lipid was confirmed and quantified on sucrose density gradients. Anionic liposomes containing compositions that mimic the cytoplasmic-facing monolayer of the plasma membrane (e.g. phosphatidylserine) rapidly released DNA from the complex. Release occurred near a 1/1 charge ratio (-/+) and was unaffected by ionic strength or ion type. Water soluble molecules with a high negative linear charge density such as dextran sulfate or heparin also released DNA. However, ionic water soluble molecules such as ATP, tRNA, DNA, poly(glutamic acid), spermidine, spermine, or histone did not, even at 100-fold charge excess (-/+). On the basis of these results, we propose that after the cationic lipid/DNA complex is internalized into cells by endocytosis it destabilizes the endosomal membrane. Destabilization induces flip-flop of anionic lipids from the cytoplasmic-facing monolayer, which laterally diffuse into the complex and form a charge neutral ion pair with the cationic lipids. This results in displacement of the DNA from the cationic lipid and release of the DNA into cytoplasm. This mechanism accounts for a variety of observations on cationic lipid/DNA complex-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xu
- Department of Biophysics, State University of New York, Buffalo 14214, USA.
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291
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292
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Wasan EK, Reimer DL, Bally MB. Plasmid DNA is protected against ultrasonic cavitation-induced damage when complexed to cationic liposomes. J Pharm Sci 1996; 85:427-33. [PMID: 8901083 DOI: 10.1021/js9504752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cationic liposomes bound to plasmid DNA are currently used for in vitro and in vivo gene therapy applications, but such complexes readily form large, heterogeneous aggregates that are not appropriate for pharmaceutical development. More importantly, size heterogeneity makes studies focused on optimizing gene transfer to cells difficult to conduct or understand. For this reason we have evaluated the effect of microprobe sonication on these complexes in an effort to achieve process-controlled size homogeneity. Complexes were prepared using a 7.2 kb reporter plasmid and the following liposomal lipid combinations: DDAB/DOPE (50:50 mol %), DDAB/DOPE/PEG-PE (50:45:5 mol %), DDAB/EPC (50:50 mol %), DDAB/EPC/PEG-PE (50:45:5, 50:40:10, 50:35:15 mol %), DODAC/DOPE (50:50 mol %), and DODAC/EPC (50:50 mol %) (DDAB, dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide; DOPE, dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine; PEG-PE, monomethoxypolyethylene glycol2000 succinate- distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine; EPC, egg phosphatidylcholine; DODAC, dioleoyldimethylammonium chloride). The influence of complex composition and lipid:DNA ratio was evaluated. Particle size was determined before and after complexation and again after sonication using the quasi-elastic light scattering technique. DNA integrity was assessed via agarose gel electrophoresis. Finally, gene transfection was evaluated using CHO cells that were transfected in vitro with sonicated and unsonicated complexes. It is established in this study that size reduction can occur, but this is dependent on cationic and neutral lipid composition and, in some cases, lipid:DNA ratio. Surprisingly, the process of sonication leaves a significant percentage of the plasmid DNA intact and capable of in vitro transfection. This study shows that plasmid DNA can be protected from damage due to sonication by liposome complex formation. This may indicate that more common pharmaceutical methods for size reduction which subject particles to mechanical stress may be applicable in preparation of liposome/DNA formulations for in vivo application.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Wasan
- Medical Oncology Advanced Therapeutics, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada
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293
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Almgren M, Edwards K, Gustafsson J. Cryotransmission electron microscopy of thin vitrified samples. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-0294(96)80015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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294
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Aberle AM, Bennett MJ, Malone RW, Nantz MH. The counterion influence on cationic lipid-mediated transfection of plasmid DNA. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1996; 1299:281-3. [PMID: 8597581 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2760(95)00230-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A panel of DOTAP analogs was prepared by altering the anionic counterion that accompanies the trimethylammonium polar domain. The transfection of plasmid DNA into NIH3T3 cells and mouse lung was examined using the counterion analogs. The in vitro transfection activity decreased as follows: DOTAP.bisulfate > trifluoromethanesulfonate approximately equal to iodide approximately equal to bromide > dihydrogenphosphate approximately equal to chloride approximately equal to acetate > sulfate. A similar activity trend was observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Aberle
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA
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295
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Abstract
An autobiographical account of the liposome, from the perplexities of a blood smear to the growth of a multi-million pound business.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Bangham
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Babraham, Cambridge
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296
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Felgner PL, Tsai YJ, Sukhu L, Wheeler CJ, Manthorpe M, Marshall J, Cheng SH. Improved cationic lipid formulations for in vivo gene therapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1995; 772:126-39. [PMID: 8546385 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1995.tb44738.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The problem of assessing in vivo activity of gene delivery systems is complex. The reporter gene must be carefully chosen depending on the application. Plasmids with strong promoters, enhancers and other elements that optimize transcription and translation should be employed, such as the CMVint and pCIS-CAT constructs. Formulation aspects of cationic lipid-DNA complexes are being studied in several laboratories, and the physical properties and molecular organization of the complexes are being elucidated. Likewise, studies on the mechanism of DNA delivery with cationic lipids are accumulating which support the basic concept that the complexes fuse with biological membranes leading to the entry of intact DNA into the cytoplasm. Naked plasmid DNA administered by various routes is expressed at significant levels in vivo. This observation is not restricted to skeletal and heart muscle, but has been observed in lung, dermis, and in undefined tissues following intravenous administration. Most of the widely available cationic lipids, including Lipofectin, Lipofectamine and DC-cholesterol have a very poor ability to enhance DNA expression above the baseline naked DNA level, at least in lung. In this report we have revealed a novel cationic lipid, DLRIE, which can significantly enhance CAT expression in mouse lung by 25-fold above the naked DNA level. Other compounds are currently being evaluated which can enhance the naked DNA expression even higher. Plasmid vector improvements have led to further increase in in vivo lung expression, so that the net improvement is > 5,000-fold. Results of this nature are advancing the pharmaceutical gene therapy opportunities for synthetic cationic lipid based gene delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Felgner
- Vical Incorporated, San Diego, California 92121, USA
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297
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Affiliation(s)
- D D Lasic
- MegaBios Corporation, Burlingame, CA 94010
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