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Polymeric Nanoparticles in Gene Therapy: New Avenues of Design and Optimization for Delivery Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11040745. [PMID: 31027272 PMCID: PMC6523186 DOI: 10.3390/polym11040745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of polymeric nanoparticles is quickly expanding and playing a pivotal role in a wide spectrum of areas ranging from electronics, photonics, conducting materials, and sensors to medicine, pollution control, and environmental technology. Among the applications of polymers in medicine, gene therapy has emerged as one of the most advanced, with the capability to tackle disorders from the modern era. However, there are several barriers associated with the delivery of genes in the living system that need to be mitigated by polymer engineering. One of the most crucial challenges is the effectiveness of the delivery vehicle or vector. In last few decades, non-viral delivery systems have gained attention because of their low toxicity, potential for targeted delivery, long-term stability, lack of immunogenicity, and relatively low production cost. In 1987, Felgner et al. used the cationic lipid based non-viral gene delivery system for the very first time. This breakthrough opened the opportunity for other non-viral vectors, such as polymers. Cationic polymers have emerged as promising candidates for non-viral gene delivery systems because of their facile synthesis and flexible properties. These polymers can be conjugated with genetic material via electrostatic attraction at physiological pH, thereby facilitating gene delivery. Many factors influence the gene transfection efficiency of cationic polymers, including their structure, molecular weight, and surface charge. Outstanding representatives of polymers that have emerged over the last decade to be used in gene therapy are synthetic polymers such as poly(l-lysine), poly(l-ornithine), linear and branched polyethyleneimine, diethylaminoethyl-dextran, poly(amidoamine) dendrimers, and poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate). Natural polymers, such as chitosan, dextran, gelatin, pullulan, and synthetic analogs, with sophisticated features like guanidinylated bio-reducible polymers were also explored. This review outlines the introduction of polymers in medicine, discusses the methods of polymer synthesis, addressing top down and bottom up techniques. Evaluation of functionalization strategies for therapeutic and formulation stability are also highlighted. The overview of the properties, challenges, and functionalization approaches and, finally, the applications of the polymeric delivery systems in gene therapy marks this review as a unique one-stop summary of developments in this field.
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Negro-Demontel ML, Saccardo P, Giacomini C, Yáñez-Muñoz RJ, Ferrer-Miralles N, Vazquez E, Villaverde A, Peluffo H. Comparative analysis of lentiviral vectors and modular protein nanovectors for traumatic brain injury gene therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14047. [PMID: 26015985 PMCID: PMC4362363 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains as one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide and there are no effective treatments currently available. Gene therapy applications have emerged as important alternatives for the treatment of diverse nervous system injuries. New strategies are evolving with the notion that each particular pathological condition may require a specific vector. Moreover, the lack of detailed comparative studies between different vectors under similar conditions hampers the selection of an ideal vector for a given pathological condition. The potential use of lentiviral vectors versus several modular protein-based nanovectors was compared using a controlled cortical impact model of TBI under the same gene therapy conditions. We show that variables such as protein/DNA ratio, incubation volume, and presence of serum or chloroquine in the transfection medium impact on both nanovector formation and transfection efficiency in vitro. While lentiviral vectors showed GFP protein 1 day after TBI and increased expression at 14 days, nanovectors showed stable and lower GFP transgene expression from 1 to 14 days. No toxicity after TBI by any of the vectors was observed as determined by resulting levels of IL-1β or using neurological sticky tape test. In fact, both vector types induced functional improvement per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luciana Negro-Demontel
- Neuroinflammation and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo, Uruguay ; Departmento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, UDELAR , Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Paolo Saccardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cecilia Giacomini
- Cátedra de Bioquímica, Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, UDELAR , Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vazquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain ; CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hugo Peluffo
- Neuroinflammation and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo , Montevideo, Uruguay ; Departmento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, UDELAR , Montevideo, Uruguay
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Price R, Poursaid A, Ghandehari H. Controlled release from recombinant polymers. J Control Release 2014; 190:304-13. [PMID: 24956486 PMCID: PMC4142100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant polymers provide a high degree of molecular definition for correlating structure with function in controlled release. The wide array of amino acids available as building blocks for these materials lend many advantages including biorecognition, biodegradability, potential biocompatibility, and control over mechanical properties among other attributes. Genetic engineering and DNA manipulation techniques enable the optimization of structure for precise control over spatial and temporal release. Unlike the majority of chemical synthetic strategies used, recombinant DNA technology has allowed for the production of monodisperse polymers with specifically defined sequences. Several classes of recombinant polymers have been used for controlled drug delivery. These include, but are not limited to, elastin-like, silk-like, and silk-elastinlike proteins, as well as emerging cationic polymers for gene delivery. In this article, progress and prospects of recombinant polymers used in controlled release will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Price
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Center for Nanomedicine, Nano Institute of Utah, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Azadeh Poursaid
- Utah Center for Nanomedicine, Nano Institute of Utah, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hamidreza Ghandehari
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Center for Nanomedicine, Nano Institute of Utah, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Céspedes MV, Unzueta U, Tatkiewicz W, Sánchez-Chardi A, Conchillo-Solé O, Álamo P, Xu Z, Casanova I, Corchero JL, Pesarrodona M, Cedano J, Daura X, Ratera I, Veciana J, Ferrer-Miralles N, Vazquez E, Villaverde A, Mangues R. In vivo architectonic stability of fully de novo designed protein-only nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2014; 8:4166-76. [PMID: 24708510 DOI: 10.1021/nn4055732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The fully de novo design of protein building blocks for self-assembling as functional nanoparticles is a challenging task in emerging nanomedicines, which urgently demand novel, versatile, and biologically safe vehicles for imaging, drug delivery, and gene therapy. While the use of viruses and virus-like particles is limited by severe constraints, the generation of protein-only nanocarriers is progressively reachable by the engineering of protein-protein interactions, resulting in self-assembling functional building blocks. In particular, end-terminal cationic peptides drive the organization of structurally diverse protein species as regular nanosized oligomers, offering promise in the rational engineering of protein self-assembling. However, the in vivo stability of these constructs, being a critical issue for their medical applicability, needs to be assessed. We have explored here if the cross-molecular contacts between protein monomers, generated by end-terminal cationic peptides and oligohistidine tags, are stable enough for the resulting nanoparticles to overcome biological barriers in assembled form. The analyses of renal clearance and biodistribution of several tagged modular proteins reveal long-term architectonic stability, allowing systemic circulation and tissue targeting in form of nanoparticulate material. This observation fully supports the value of the engineered of protein building blocks addressed to the biofabrication of smart, robust, and multifunctional nanoparticles with medical applicability that mimic structure and functional capabilities of viral capsids.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Virtudes Céspedes
- Oncogenesis and Antitumor Drug Group, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-SantPau) , Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, C/Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Unzueta U, Saccardo P, Ferrer-Miralles N, García-Fruitós E, Vazquez E, Villaverde A, Cortés F, Mangues R. Improved performance of protein-based recombinant gene therapy vehicles by tuning downstream procedures. Biotechnol Prog 2013; 29:1458-63. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ugutz Unzueta
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
| | - Paolo Saccardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
| | - Elena García-Fruitós
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
| | - Esther Vazquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- Department de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
| | - Francisco Cortés
- Servei de Cultius Cel·lulars, Producció d'Anticossos i Citometria, (SCAC), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
| | - Ramón Mangues
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra; 08193 Barcelona Spain
- Oncogenesis and Antitumor Drug Group, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-SantPau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau; C/Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167 08025 Barcelona Spain
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Peluffo H, Gonzalez P, Acarin L, Arís A, Beyaert R, Villaverde A, Gonzalez B. Overexpression of the nuclear factor kappaB inhibitor A20 is neurotoxic after an excitotoxic injury to the immature rat brain. Neurol Res 2012; 35:308-19. [PMID: 23336395 DOI: 10.1179/1743132812y.0000000139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The zinc finger protein A20 is an ubiquitinating/deubiquitinating enzyme essential for the termination of inflammatory reactions through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling. Moreover, it also shows anti-apoptotic activities in some cell types and proapoptotic/pronecrotic effects in others. Although it is known that the regulation of inflammatory and cell death processes are critical in proper brain functioning and that A20 mRNA is expressed in the CNS, its role in the brain under physiological and pathological conditions is still unknown. METHODS In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of A20 overexpression in mixed cortical cultures in basal conditions: the in vivo pattern of endogenous A20 expression in the control and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) excitotoxically damaged postnatal day 9 immature rat brain, and the post-injury effects of A20 overexpression in the same lesion model. RESULTS Our results show that overexpression of A20 in mixed cortical cultures induced significant neuronal death by decreasing neuronal cell counts by 45 ± 9%. in vivo analysis of endogenous A20 expression showed widespread expression in gray matter, mainly in neuronal cells. However, after NMDA-induced excitotoxicity, neuronal A20 was downregulated in the neurodegenerating cortex and striatum at 10-24 hours post-lesion, and it was re-expressed at longer survival times in reactive astrocytes located mainly in the lesion border. When A20 was overexpressed in vivo 2 hours after the excitotoxic damage, the lesion volume at 3 days post-lesion showed a significant increase (20.8 ± 7.0%). No A20-induced changes were observed in the astroglial response to injury. CONCLUSIONS A20 is found in neuronal cells in normal conditions and is also expressed in astrocytes after brain damage, and its overexpression is neurotoxic for cortical neurons in basal mixed neuron-glia culture conditions and exacerbates postnatal brain excitotoxic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Peluffo
- Insitut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay.
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Unzueta U, Ferrer-Miralles N, Cedano J, Zikung X, Pesarrodona M, Saccardo P, García-Fruitós E, Domingo-Espín J, Kumar P, Gupta KC, Mangues R, Villaverde A, Vazquez E. Non-amyloidogenic peptide tags for the regulatable self-assembling of protein-only nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2012; 33:8714-22. [PMID: 22954515 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Controlling the self-assembling of building blocks as nanoscale entities is a requisite for the generation of bio-inspired vehicles for nanomedicines. A wide spectrum of functional peptides has been incorporated to different types of nanoparticles for the delivery of conventional drugs and nucleic acids, enabling receptor-specific cell binding and internalization, endosomal escape, cytosolic trafficking, nuclear targeting and DNA condensation. However, the development of architectonic tags to induce the self-assembling of functionalized monomers has been essentially neglected. We have examined here the nanoscale architectonic capabilities of arginine-rich cationic peptides, that when displayed on His-tagged proteins, promote their self-assembling as monodisperse, protein-only nanoparticles. The scrutiny of the cross-molecular interactivity cooperatively conferred by poly-arginines and poly-histidines has identified regulatable electrostatic interactions between building blocks that can also be engineered to encapsulate cargo DNA. The combined use of cationic peptides and poly-histidine tags offers an unusually versatile approach for the tailored design and biofabrication of protein-based nano-therapeutics, beyond the more limited spectrum of possibilities so far offered by self-assembling amyloidogenic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugutz Unzueta
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Domingo-Espín J, Vazquez E, Ganz J, Conchillo O, García-Fruitós E, Cedano J, Unzueta U, Petegnief V, Gonzalez-Montalbán N, Planas AM, Daura X, Peluffo H, Ferrer-Miralles N, Villaverde A. Nanoparticulate architecture of protein-based artificial viruses is supported by protein-DNA interactions. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2011; 6:1047-61. [PMID: 21651444 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.11.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED AIM & METHODS: We have produced two chimerical peptides of 10.2 kDa, each contain four biologically active domains, which act as building blocks of protein-based nonviral vehicles for gene therapy. In solution, these peptides tend to aggregate as amorphous clusters of more than 1000 nm, while the presence of DNA promotes their architectonic reorganization as mechanically stable nanometric spherical entities of approximately 80 nm that penetrate mammalian cells through arginine-glycine-aspartic acid cell-binding domains and promote significant transgene expression levels. RESULTS & CONCLUSION The structural analysis of the protein in these hybrid nanoparticles indicates a molecular conformation with predominance of α-helix and the absence of cross-molecular, β-sheet-supported protein interactions. The nanoscale organizing forces generated by DNA-protein interactions can then be observed as a potentially tunable, critical factor in the design of protein-only based artificial viruses for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Domingo-Espín
- Institute for Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Canine BF, Hatefi A. Development of recombinant cationic polymers for gene therapy research. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2010; 62:1524-9. [PMID: 20399239 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cationic polymers created through recombinant DNA technology have the potential to fill a void in the area of gene delivery. The recombinant cationic polymers to be discussed here are amino acid based polymers synthesized in E. coli with the purpose to not only address the major barriers to efficient gene delivery but offer safety, biodegradability, targetability and cost-effectiveness. This review helps the readers to get a better understanding about the evolution of recombinant cationic polymers; and the potential advantages that they could offer over viral and synthetic non-viral vectors for gene delivery. It also discusses some of the major challenges that must be addressed in future studies to turn recombinant polymers into clinically effective gene delivery systems. Recent advances with the biopolymer design suggest that this emerging new class of gene delivery systems has the potential to address some of the major barriers to efficient, safe and cost-effective gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda F Canine
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Integrated Biotechnology, Washington State University, Pullman, 99164, USA
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10
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Vazquez E, Roldán M, Diez-Gil C, Unzueta U, Domingo-Espín J, Cedano J, Conchillo O, Ratera I, Veciana J, Daura X, Ferrer-Miralles N, Villaverde A. Protein nanodisk assembling and intracellular trafficking powered by an arginine-rich (R9) peptide. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2010; 5:259-68. [PMID: 20148637 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.09.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Arginine(R)-rich cationic peptides are powerful tools in drug delivery since, alone or when associated with polyplexes, proteins or chemicals, they confer DNA condensation, membrane translocation and blood-brain barrier crossing abilities. The unusual stability and high in vivo performance of their associated drugs suggest a particulate organization or R(n) complexes, which this study aimed to explore. MATERIALS & METHODS We have analyzed the particulate organization and biological performance in DNA delivery of a model, R9-containing green fluorescent protein by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, single cell confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. RESULTS A deep nanoscale examination of R9-powered constructs reveals a novel and promising feature of R9, that when fused to a scaffold green fluorescent protein, promote its efficient self-assembling as highly stable, regular disk-shaped nanoparticles of 20 x 3 nm. These constructs are efficiently internalized in mammalian cells and rapidly migrate through the cytoplasm towards the nucleus in a fully bioactive form. Besides, such particulate platforms accommodate, condense and deliver plasmid DNA to the nucleus and promote plasmid-driven transgene expression. CONCLUSION The architectonic properties of arginine-rich peptides at the nanoscale reveal a new category of protein nanoparticles, namely nanodisks, and provide novel strategic concepts and architectonic tools for the tailored construction of new-generation artificial viruses for gene therapy and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Vazquez
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Saccardo P, Villaverde A, González-Montalbán N. Peptide-mediated DNA condensation for non-viral gene therapy. Biotechnol Adv 2009; 27:432-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2009.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2008] [Revised: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 03/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ferrer-Miralles N, Vázquez E, Villaverde A. Membrane-active peptides for non-viral gene therapy: making the safest easier. Trends Biotechnol 2008; 26:267-75. [PMID: 18358551 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2008.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2007] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Non-viral gene therapy uses engineered nanoparticles in the virus size range for the cell-targeted delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids. A diverse range of macromolecules are suitable for constructing such 'artificial viruses'. However, proteins, either man-made or from natural sources, are especially convenient for mimicking the viral functions critical for gene transfer. Cell penetration is a critical step for the delivery of nucleic acids in sufficient amounts and hence for reaching satisfactory transgene expression levels. Membrane-active peptides have shown great promise because of their positive role in cross-membrane transport and intracellular trafficking, and they have been incorporated into different artificial viruses. In this review, we will discuss the biological properties of these peptides together with the newest rational approaches designed to optimize their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine and Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Chen THH, Bae Y, Furgeson DY. Intelligent biosynthetic nanobiomaterials (IBNs) for hyperthermic gene delivery. Pharm Res 2007; 25:683-91. [PMID: 17762916 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-007-9382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 06/18/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intelligent biosynthetic nanobiomaterials (IBNs) were constructed as recombinant diblock copolymers, notated as K8-ELP(1-60), containing a cationic oligolysine (VGK8G) and a thermosensitive elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) block with 60 repetitive pentapeptide units [(VPGXG)60; X is Val, Ala and Gly in a 5:2:3 ratio]. METHODS K8-ELP(1-60) was synthesized by recursive directional ligation for DNA oligomerization. Purity and molecular weight of K8-ELP(1-60) were confirmed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. DNA polyplexes were prepared from K8-ELP(1-60) and pGL3-Control (pGL3-C) plasmid DNA (pDNA) and stability was evaluated by gel retardation, DLS, and DNA displacement with heparin. Thermal transition profiles were studied by measuring the turbidity change at 350 nm and the polyplexes were used to transfect MCF-7 cells with a concomitant cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF studies showed highly pure copolymers at the desired molecular weight. K8-ELP(1-60) condensed pDNA at a cation to anion (N/P) ratio above 0.25 with a tight distribution of particle size ranging from 115.5-32.4 nm with increasing N/P ratio. Thermal transition temperatures of K8-ELP(1-60)/pDNA and K8-ELP(1-60) alone were 44.9 and 71.5 degrees C, respectively. K8-ELP(1-60)/pDNA complexes successfully transduced MCF-7 cells with qualitative expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and minimal cytotoxicity compared to branched poly(ethyleneimine) controls. CONCLUSIONS K8-ELP(1-60) was successfully designed and purified through recombinant means with efficient and stable condensation of pDNA at N/P ratios>0.25 and polyplex particle size<115 nm. MCF-7 cells successfully expressed EGFP with minimal cytotoxicity compared to positive controls; moreover, polyplexes retained sharp, thermotransitive kinetics within a narrow Tt range at clinically relevant hyperthermic temperatures, where the decrease of Tt was due to the increased hydrophobicity upon charge neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze-Haw Howard Chen
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705-2222, USA
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14
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Nagasaki T, Shinkai S. The concept of molecular machinery is useful for design of stimuli-responsive gene delivery systems in the mammalian cell. J INCL PHENOM MACRO 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10847-007-9303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Peluffo H, González P, Arís A, Acarin L, Saura J, Villaverde A, Castellano B, González B. RGD domains neuroprotect the immature brain by a glial-dependent mechanism. Ann Neurol 2007; 62:251-61. [PMID: 17721926 DOI: 10.1002/ana.21170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Integrin binding to extracellular matrix ligands, including those presenting RGD motifs, modulate diverse cellular processes. In the brain, many endogenous RGD-containing molecules are induced after damage. Previously, the gene therapy vector termed NLSCt, which displays an RGD motif, was shown to neuroprotect after immature brain excitotoxicity. We analyze whether neuroprotection is mediated by the RGD motif. METHODS RGD-containing synthetic peptide GPenGRGDSPCA (GPen) was injected 2 hours after N-methyl-D-aspartate-mediated excitotoxicity to the postnatal day 9 rat brain. Damage and glial/inflammatory response were evaluated 3 days later. In addition, the neuroprotective effect of GPen and NLSCt after N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced cell death was also analyzed in vitro using neuron-purified and mixed neuron-glia primary cultures. To further characterize whether the neuroprotective effect was mediated by glial-derived soluble factors, we also tested the protective ability of conditioned media from RGD-treated microglia, astrocyte, or mixed glia cultures. RESULTS Animals treated with GPen peptide showed functional improvement, a significant reduction in lesion volume up to 28%, and a decrease in the number of degenerating neurons. In addition, N-methyl-D-aspartate-injected animals treated with both RGD-containing molecules at the neuroprotective doses showed a significant increase in microglial reactivity and microglia/macrophage cell number, but no differences in neutrophil infiltration and the astroglial response. Finally, in vitro studies showed that the neuroprotective effect was observed in mixed neuron-glia, but not in neuron-purified cultures. Conditioned media from RGD-treated microglial, astroglial, and mixed-glial cultures were not protective. INTERPRETATION These results suggest that RGD-containing molecules neuroprotect by a glial-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Peluffo
- Medical Histology, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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16
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Peluffo H, Acarin L, Arís A, González P, Villaverde A, Castellano B, González B. Neuroprotection from NMDA excitotoxic lesion by Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene delivery to the postnatal rat brain by a modular protein vector. BMC Neurosci 2006; 7:35. [PMID: 16638118 PMCID: PMC1462999 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-7-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2005] [Accepted: 04/25/2006] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Superoxide mediated oxidative stress is a key neuropathologic mechanism in acute central nervous system injuries. We have analyzed the neuroprotective efficacy of the transient overexpression of antioxidant enzyme Cu/Zn Superoxide dismutase (SOD) after excitotoxic injury to the immature rat brain by using a recently constructed modular protein vector for non-viral gene delivery termed NLSCt. For this purpose, animals were injected with the NLSCt vector carrying the Cu/Zn SOD or the control GFP transgenes 2 hours after intracortical N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) administration, and daily functional evaluation was performed. Moreover, 3 days after, lesion volume, neuronal degeneration and nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity were evaluated. RESULTS Overexpression of Cu/Zn SOD transgene after NMDA administration showed improved functional outcome and a reduced lesion volume at 3 days post lesion. In secondary degenerative areas, increased neuronal survival as well as decreased numbers of degenerating neurons and nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity was seen. Interestingly, injection of the NLSCt vector carrying the control GFP transgene also displayed a significant neuroprotective effect but less pronounced. CONCLUSION When the appropriate levels of Cu/Zn SOD are expressed transiently after injury using the non-viral modular protein vector NLSCt a neuroprotective effect is seen. Thus recombinant modular protein vectors may be suitable for in vivo gene therapy, and Cu/Zn SOD should be considered as an interesting therapeutic transgene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Peluffo
- Unitat d'Histologia, Torre M5, Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biologia Cel.lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Laia Acarin
- Unitat d'Histologia, Torre M5, Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biologia Cel.lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Anna Arís
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Pau González
- Unitat d'Histologia, Torre M5, Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biologia Cel.lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Antoni Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Bernardo Castellano
- Unitat d'Histologia, Torre M5, Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biologia Cel.lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Berta González
- Unitat d'Histologia, Torre M5, Facultat de Medicina, Departament de Biologia Cel.lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, and Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Spain
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Garmory HS, Perkins SD, Phillpotts RJ, Titball RW. DNA vaccines for biodefence. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2005; 57:1343-61. [PMID: 15935877 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2005.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2004] [Accepted: 01/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The advantages associated with DNA vaccines include the speed with which they may be constructed and produced at large-scale, the ability to produce a broad spectrum of immune responses, and the ability for delivery using non-invasive means. In addition, DNA vaccines may be manipulated to express multiple antigens and may be tailored for the induction of appropriate immune responses. These advantages make DNA vaccination a promising approach for the development of vaccines for biodefence. In this review, the potential of DNA vaccines for biodefence is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen S Garmory
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ, UK.
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Mastrobattista E, Bravo SA, van der Aa M, Crommelin DJA. Nonviral gene delivery systems: From simple transfection agents to artificial viruses. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2005; 2:103-109. [PMID: 24981762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2005.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of nucleic acids into cells for therapeutic intervention is greatly impeded by the size and charge of these molecules and therefore requires sophisticated vectors that facilitate cellular uptake. Both viral and nonviral vectors have been developed for this purpose, each with their own advantages and shortcomings. The engineering of artificial viruses by dismantling virus particles or incorporating viral features into nonviral vectors represents a novel strategy to combine "the best of both worlds".:
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Silvina A Bravo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke van der Aa
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J A Crommelin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Despite the recognized potential of viral vectors for gene therapy, growing biological concerns are prompting the exploration of safer, non-viral vectors to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids. In this context, recombinant proteins can be bioproduced on a large scale, without the need for further in vitro modifications, being free of known or suspected biohazards. For these vehicles to act as efficient gene-delivery devices, they must perform relevant functions that mimic those of viruses; namely, nucleic acid condensation, targeted cell attachment and internalization, endosomal escape and nuclear transfer. Modular engineering enables the construction of chimeric polypeptides in which selected domains, potentially from different origins, provide the required activities. An equilibrate combination and spatial distribution of such partner elements has generated promising prototypes, able to deliver expressible DNA to tissue culture but also to specific cell-types in whole organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Arís
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Garmory HS, Brown KA, Titball RW. DNA vaccines: improving expression of antigens. GENETIC VACCINES AND THERAPY 2003; 1:2. [PMID: 14606963 PMCID: PMC244903 DOI: 10.1186/1479-0556-1-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2003] [Accepted: 09/16/2003] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA vaccination is a relatively recent development in vaccine methodology. It is now possible to undertake a rational step-by-step approach to DNA vaccine design. Strategies may include the incorporation of immunostimulatory sequences in the backbone of the plasmid, co-expression of stimulatory molecules, utilisation of localisation/secretory signals, and utilisation of the appropriate delivery system, for example. However, another important consideration is the utilisation of methods designed to optimise transgene expression. In this review we discuss the importance of regulatory elements, kozak sequences and codon optimisation in transgene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen S Garmory
- Dstl Chemical and Biological Sciences, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - Katherine A Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Molecular Microbiology and Infection, Imperial College of London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Richard W Titball
- Dstl Chemical and Biological Sciences, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ, UK
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Peluffo H, Arís A, Acarin L, González B, Villaverde A, Castellano B. Nonviral gene delivery to the central nervous system based on a novel integrin-targeting multifunctional protein. Hum Gene Ther 2003; 14:1215-23. [PMID: 12952593 DOI: 10.1089/104303403767740759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful introduction of therapeutic genes into the central nervous system (CNS) requires the further development of efficient transfer vehicles that avoid viral vector-dependent adverse reactions while maintaining high transfection efficiency. The multifunctional protein 249AL was recently constructed for in vitro gene delivery. Here, we explore the capability of this vector for in vivo gene delivery to the postnatal rat CNS. Significant transgene expression was observed both in the excitotoxically injured and noninjured brain after intracortical injection of the DNA-contaning-249AL vector. In the injured brain, a widespread expression occurred in the entire lesioned area and retrograde transport of the vector toward distant thalamic nuclei and transgene expression were observed. Neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells expressed the transgene. No recruitment of leukocytes, demyelination, interleukin-1beta expression, or increase in astrocyte/microglial activation was observed at 6 days postinjection. In conclusion, the 249AL vector shows promising properties for gene therapy intervention in the CNS, including the targeting of different cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Peluffo
- Unitat d'Histologia, Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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Arís A, Villaverde A. Engineering nuclear localization signals in modular protein vehicles for gene therapy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003; 304:625-31. [PMID: 12727199 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(03)00644-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Amino acids from 126 to 135 of the SV40 virus T antigen act as efficient nuclear localization signal during infection but also when fused to recombinant proteins. This peptide has been inserted into two alternative acceptor sites of a modified Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase which also displays a DNA-binding domain, a cell-binding motif for integrin alpha(v)beta(3) targeting and cell internalization, and a cryptic nuclear targeting signal naturally present in the bacterial enzyme. In cultured cells, the presence of the SV40 peptide enhances the expression of a delivered DNA up to 30-fold. However, the DNA expression levels are largely depending on the chosen insertion site for the SV40 segment concomitant to the structural impact of peptide accommodation on the protein vehicle. The structural stability of the hybrid protein, apparently critical for efficient gene transfer, is discussed in the context of modular protein engineering to develop non-viral vectors for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Arís
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Navarro-Quiroga I, Antonio González-Barrios J, Barron-Moreno F, González-Bernal V, Martinez-Arguelles DB, Martinez-Fong D. Improved neurotensin-vector-mediated gene transfer by the coupling of hemagglutinin HA2 fusogenic peptide and Vp1 SV40 nuclear localization signal. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 2002; 105:86-97. [PMID: 12399111 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(02)00396-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recently we reported that neurotensin-SPDP-poly-L-lysine (NT-vector) is able to bind plasmid DNA (NT-polyplex) and polyfect cells expressing the high-affinity neurotensin receptor (NTRH) although with low transfecting efficiency: in vitro, 6.5+/-1.5%, and in vivo, 5+/-4%. In this work, we attempted to increase the transfecting efficiency by integrating the hemagglutinin HA2 fusogenic peptide and the Vp1 nuclear localization signal of SV40 to the NT-polyplex (fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex). Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis showed that the fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex produced mostly nuclear localization of the plasmid DNA in NTRH-bearing N1E-115 cells. About 50% of N1E-115 cells internalized and expressed the reporter gene when the plasmid DNA was transferred by the fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex. Although to a less extent, the addition of each viral peptide separately to NT-polyplex (fusogenic-NT-polyplex or karyophilic-NT-polyplex) improved polyfection. Fusogenic-NT-polyplex produced 22.41+/-5.96% of internalization and 20.35+/-0.82% of expression in N1E-115 cells, whereas karyophilic-NT-polyplex yielded 13.75+/-3.88% and 10.94+/-2.04%, respectively. Basal internalization and expression were detected in N1E-115 cells in the presence of 100 nM SR-48692 and in NTRH-lacking cells. The fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex was microinjected into the substantia nigra to test its ability for gene transfer in vivo. Fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex internalization was observed within dopamine neurons only. Reporter gene expression was observed in a high proportion of dopamine neurons up to 60 days after NT-polyfection. Both internalization and expression were prevented by SR-48692. Our results show that the fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex is a highly efficient and specific gene vector and encourage its use to transfer gene of physiological interest to NTRH-bearing neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Navarro-Quiroga
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional de México, Apartado postal 14-740, 07000 México DF, Mexico
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Alcalá P, Feliu JX, Arís A, Villaverde A. Efficient accommodation of recombinant, foot-and-mouth disease virus RGD peptides to cell-surface integrins. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 285:201-6. [PMID: 11444826 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The engineering of either complete virus cell-binding proteins or derived ligand peptides generates promising nonviral vectors for cell targeting and gene therapy. In this work, we have explored the molecular interaction between a recombinant, integrin-binding foot-and-mouth disease virus RGD peptide displayed on the surface of a carrier protein and its receptors on the cell surface. By increasing the number of viral segments, cell binding to recombinant proteins was significantly improved. This fact resulted in a dramatic growth stimulation of virus-sensitive BHK(21) cells but not virus-resistant HeLa cells in protein-coated wells. Surprisingly, growth stimulation was not observed in vitronectin-coated plates, suggesting that integrins other than alpha(v)beta(3) could be involved in binding of the recombinant peptide, maybe as coreceptors. On the other hand, both free and cell-linked integrins did not modify the enzymatic activity of RGD-based enzymatic sensors that contrarily, were activated by the induced fit of anti-RGD antibodies. Those findings are discussed in the context of a proper mimicry of the unusually complex architecture of this cell-binding site as engineered in multifunctional proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Alcalá
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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25
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Arís A, Villaverde A. Molecular organization of protein-DNA complexes for cell-targeted DNA delivery. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000; 278:455-61. [PMID: 11097858 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.3824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Multifunctional proteins are interesting candidates for nonviral gene transfer to and expression in their target cells. Since at difference of viral vectors, the performance of these vehicles depends on their functional optimisation, a better comprehension of the molecular organisation within protein-DNA complexes would be of great help in reaching their full delivery potential. In this work, we have characterised an RGD-tagged, cell-targeted multifunctional beta-galactosidase carrying a poly-lysine-based DNA-binding domain. In solution, the engineered enzyme spontaneously forms proteinaceous particles of between 20 and 40 nm in diameter that might contain around 10 molecules of enzymatically active protein. Plasmid DNA is efficiently condensed into these particles without modification of the shape, morphology or enzymatic activity, indicative of a comfortable molecular accommodation to the DNA-binding domains. Although the RGD peptide remains equally solvent-exposed and immunoreactive at different DNA-protein ratios, an optimal expression level of cell-delivered genes and integrin-binding specificity are both achieved at 0.02 microg of DNA per microg of protein, indicative of influences of the packaged nucleic acid on the interaction between filled vehicles and the receptors of target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Arís
- Institut de Biologia Fonamental and Departament de Genètica and Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
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