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Eweje F, Walsh ML, Ahmad K, Ibrahim V, Alrefai A, Chen J, Chaikof EL. Protein-based nanoparticles for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122464. [PMID: 38181574 PMCID: PMC10872380 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
To realize the full potential of emerging nucleic acid therapies, there is a need for effective delivery agents to transport cargo to cells of interest. Protein materials exhibit several unique properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of functionalization via recombinant and chemical modifications, among other features, which establish a promising basis for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery systems. In this review, we highlight progress made in the use of non-viral protein-based nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery in vitro and in vivo, while elaborating on key physicochemical properties that have enabled the use of these materials for nanoparticle formulation and drug delivery. To conclude, we comment on the prospects and unresolved challenges associated with the translation of protein-based nucleic acid delivery systems for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyisayo Eweje
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michelle L Walsh
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
| | - Kiran Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Vanessa Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Assma Alrefai
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jiaxuan Chen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Elliot L Chaikof
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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2
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Application of bioengineered elastin-like polypeptide-based system for targeted gene delivery in tumor cells. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSYSTEMS 2022; 6:100050. [PMID: 36824163 PMCID: PMC9934475 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbiosy.2022.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful gene delivery depends on the entry of negatively charged DNAs and oligonucleotides across the various barriers of the tumor cells and localization into the nucleus for its transcription and protein translation. Here, we have reported a thermal responsive self-assemble and highly biocompatible, targeted ELP-based gene delivery system. These systems consist of cell-penetrating peptides, Tat and single or multiple repeats of IL-4 receptor targeting peptide AP-1 along the backbone of ELP. Cell-penetrating peptides were introduced for nuclear localization of genes of interest, AP-1 for targeting IL-4R highly expressed tumor cells and ELP for stable condensation favoring protection of nucleic acids. The designed multidomain fusion ELPs referred to as Tat-ELP, Tat-A1E28 and Tat-A4V48 were employed to generate formulation with pEGFP-N1. Profound formulation of stable complexes occurred at different molar ratios owing to electrostatic interactions of positively charged amino acids in polymers with negatively charged nucleic acids. Among the complexes, Tat-A4V48 containing four copies of AP-1 showed maximum complexation with pEGFP-N1 in lower molar ratio. The polymer-pEGFP complexes were further analyzed for its transfection efficiency in different cancer cell lines. Both the targeted polymers, Tat-A4V48 and Tat-A1E28 upon transfection displayed significant EGFP-expression with low toxicity in different cancer cells. Therefore, both Tat-A4V48 and Tat-A1E28 can be considered as novel transfection system for successful gene delivery with therapeutic applications.
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3
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Kelly G, Milligan JJ, Mastria EM, Kim S, Zelenetz SR, Dobbins J, Cai LY, Li X, Nair SK, Chilkoti A. Intratumoral delivery of brachytherapy and immunotherapy by a thermally triggered polypeptide depot. J Control Release 2022; 343:267-276. [PMID: 35077742 PMCID: PMC8960370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterial-based approaches for a combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy can improve outcomes in metastatic cancer through local delivery of both therapeutic modalities to the primary tumor to control local tumor growth and distant metastases. This study describes an injectable depot for sustained intratumoral (i.t.) delivery of an iodine-131 (131I) radionuclide and a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide immunostimulant, driven by the thermally sensitive phase transition behavior of elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs). We synthesized and characterized an ELP with an oligolysine tail (ELP-K12) that forms an electrostatic complex with CpG for delivery from an ELP depot and evaluated the ability of the complex to enhance local and systemic tumor control as a monotherapy and in combination with 131I-ELP brachytherapy. I.t delivery of CpG from an ELP-K12 depot dramatically prolongs i.t. retention to more than 21 days as compared to soluble CpG that is only retained within the tumor for <24 h. ELP-K12 also enhances CpG delivery by increasing cellular uptake of CpG to generate greater toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) activation than CpG alone. I.t. treatment with an ELP-K12/CpG depot slows primary tumor growth and reduces lung metastases in a poorly immunogenic 4 T1 syngeneic breast cancer model whereas i.t treatment of CpG alone has no significant effect on primary tumor growth or metastases. Notably, a combination of 131I-ELP brachytherapy and ELP-K12/CpG delivered i.t. inhibited 4 T1 tumor growth and strongly decreased the development of lung metastases, leading to a synergistic improvement in mouse survival. These preclinical results demonstrate that injectable ELP depots may provide a useful approach for the delivery of combination radio- and immuno-therapy to treat metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 101 Science Dr., Campus Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Joshua J. Milligan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 101 Science Dr., Campus Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Eric M. Mastria
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 101 Science Dr., Campus Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sarah Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 101 Science Dr., Campus Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Stephanie R. Zelenetz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 101 Science Dr., Campus Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jarrett Dobbins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 101 Science Dr., Campus Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Leon Y. Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 101 Science Dr., Campus Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Xinghai Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 101 Science Dr., Campus Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Smita K. Nair
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, 2301 Erwin Rd., DUMC Box 370, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, 101 Science Dr., Campus Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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4
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Girotti A, Escalera-Anzola S, Alonso-Sampedro I, González-Valdivieso J, Arias FJ. Aptamer-Functionalized Natural Protein-Based Polymers as Innovative Biomaterials. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E1115. [PMID: 33228250 PMCID: PMC7699523 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomaterials science is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in biomedicine. However, although novel biomaterials have achieved well-defined goals, such as the production of devices with improved biocompatibility and mechanical properties, their development could be more ambitious. Indeed, the integration of active targeting strategies has been shown to allow spatiotemporal control of cell-material interactions, thus leading to more specific and better-performing devices. This manuscript reviews recent advances that have led to enhanced biomaterials resulting from the use of natural structural macromolecules. In this regard, several structural macromolecules have been adapted or modified using biohybrid approaches for use in both regenerative medicine and therapeutic delivery. The integration of structural and functional features and aptamer targeting, although still incipient, has already shown its ability and wide-reaching potential. In this review, we discuss aptamer-functionalized hybrid protein-based or polymeric biomaterials derived from structural macromolecules, with a focus on bioresponsive/bioactive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Girotti
- BIOFORGE Research Group (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, LUCIA Building, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sara Escalera-Anzola
- Recombinant Biomaterials Research Group, University of Valladolid, LUCIA Building, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (S.E.-A.); (I.A.-S.); (J.G.-V.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Irene Alonso-Sampedro
- Recombinant Biomaterials Research Group, University of Valladolid, LUCIA Building, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (S.E.-A.); (I.A.-S.); (J.G.-V.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Juan González-Valdivieso
- Recombinant Biomaterials Research Group, University of Valladolid, LUCIA Building, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (S.E.-A.); (I.A.-S.); (J.G.-V.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Francisco. Javier Arias
- Recombinant Biomaterials Research Group, University of Valladolid, LUCIA Building, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (S.E.-A.); (I.A.-S.); (J.G.-V.); (F.J.A.)
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5
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Chambre L, Martín-Moldes Z, Parker RN, Kaplan DL. Bioengineered elastin- and silk-biomaterials for drug and gene delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 160:186-198. [PMID: 33080258 PMCID: PMC7736173 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Advances in medical science have led to diverse new therapeutic modalities, as well as enhanced understanding of the progression of various disease states. These findings facilitate the design and development of more customized and exquisite drug delivery systems that aim to improve therapeutic indices of drugs to treat a variety of conditions. Synthetic polymer-based drug carriers have often been the focus of such research. However, these structures suffer from challenges with heterogeneity of the starting material, limited chemical features, complex functionalization methods, and in some cases a lack of biocompatibility. Consequently, protein-based polymers have garnered much attention in recent years due to their monodisperse features, ease of production and functionalization, and biocompatibility. Genetic engineering techniques enable the advancement of protein-based drug delivery systems with finely tuned physicochemical properties, and thus an expanded level of customization unavailable with synthetic polymers. Of these genetically engineered proteins, elastin-like proteins (ELP), silk-like proteins (SLP), and silk-elastin-like proteins (SELP) provide a unique set of alternatives for designing drug delivery systems due to their inherent chemical and physical properties and ease of engineering afforded by recombinant DNA technologies. In this review we examine the advantages of genetically engineered drug delivery systems with emphasis on ELP and SLP constructions. Methods for fabrication and relevant biomedical applications will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chambre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Zaira Martín-Moldes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Rachael N Parker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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6
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Mohammadinejad R, Dehshahri A, Sagar Madamsetty V, Zahmatkeshan M, Tavakol S, Makvandi P, Khorsandi D, Pardakhty A, Ashrafizadeh M, Ghasemipour Afshar E, Zarrabi A. In vivo gene delivery mediated by non-viral vectors for cancer therapy. J Control Release 2020; 325:249-275. [PMID: 32634464 PMCID: PMC7334939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy by expression constructs or down-regulation of certain genes has shown great potential for the treatment of various diseases. The wide clinical application of nucleic acid materials dependents on the development of biocompatible gene carriers. There are enormous various compounds widely investigated to be used as non-viral gene carriers including lipids, polymers, carbon materials, and inorganic structures. In this review, we will discuss the recent discoveries on non-viral gene delivery systems. We will also highlight the in vivo gene delivery mediated by non-viral vectors to treat cancer in different tissue and organs including brain, breast, lung, liver, stomach, and prostate. Finally, we will delineate the state-of-the-art and promising perspective of in vivo gene editing using non-viral nano-vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Dehshahri
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Vijay Sagar Madamsetty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Masoumeh Zahmatkeshan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples, Italy; Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 6153753843, Iran
| | - Danial Khorsandi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced, Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14496-14535, Iran; Department of Biotechnology-Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Abbas Pardakhty
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Ghasemipour Afshar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey; Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey.
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7
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Gonzalez-Valdivieso J, Borrego B, Girotti A, Moreno S, Brun A, Bermejo-Martin JF, Arias FJ. A DNA Vaccine Delivery Platform Based on Elastin-Like Recombinamer Nanosystems for Rift Valley Fever Virus. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:1608-1620. [PMID: 32233501 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This work analyzes the immunogenicity of six genetically engineered constructs based on elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) fused to the Gn glycoprotein from Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). Upon transfection, all constructs showed no effect on cell viability. While fusion constructs including ELR blocks containing hydrophobic amino acids (alanine or isoleucine) did not increase the expression of viral Gn in eukaryotic cells, glutamic acid- or valine-rich fusion proteins showed enhanced expression levels compared with the constructs encoding the viral antigen alone. However, in vivo DNA plasmid immunization assays determined that the more hydrophobic constructs reduced viremia levels after RVFV challenge to a higher extent than glutamic- or valine-rich encoding plasmids and were better inducers of cellular immunity as judged by in vitro restimulation experiments. Although the Gn-ELR fusion constructs did not surpass the protective efficacy of a plasmid vaccine expressing nonfused Gn, our results warrant further experiments directed to take advantage of the immunomodulatory potential of ELR biomaterials for improving vaccines against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gonzalez-Valdivieso
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Belen Borrego
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Valdeolmos, 28130 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Girotti
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sandra Moreno
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Valdeolmos, 28130 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Brun
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Valdeolmos, 28130 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesus F Bermejo-Martin
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research in Sepsis (BioSepsis), Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, Calle Dulzaina, 2, 47012 Valladolid, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - F Javier Arias
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011, Valladolid, Spain
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8
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Piña MJ, Girotti A, Serrano S, Muñoz R, Rodríguez-Cabello JC, Arias FJ. A double safety lock tumor-specific device for suicide gene therapy in breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2019; 470:43-53. [PMID: 31790763 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The complexity and continuous evolution of cancer make the design of novel strategies of treatment a constant challenge in biomedicine. Moreover, most of cancer treatments are still not tumor-specific and provoke high systemic toxicity. Herein we have developed a novel selective nanodevice to eliminate tumor cells while leaving healthy ones intact. To achieve this objective, a polyplex carrier, comprising an elastin like-recombinamer covalently conjugated to an aptamer and complexed with therapeutic DNA, was tested. This carrier forms a double-lock multifunctional device due to specific binding to a tumor cell marker and the selective expression of therapeutic DNA inside human breast-cancer cells. Due to the stability provided by ELRs, the homogeneous population of polyplexes obtained showed selective toxicity against cancer cells in in vitro and in vivo assay. Inhibition of tumor progression was detected early being very significant at the end point, with a dose-dependent reduction in tumor mass. Histological studies revealed a specific reduction in tumor parenchyma and in specific tumor cell markers. These results represent an important step toward the rational development of an efficient, safe and more specialized gene-delivery device for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Piña
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Girotti
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sofía Serrano
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Muñoz
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - F Javier Arias
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
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9
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Ibáñez-Fonseca A, Flora T, Acosta S, Rodríguez-Cabello JC. Trends in the design and use of elastin-like recombinamers as biomaterials. Matrix Biol 2019; 84:111-126. [PMID: 31288085 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs), which derive from one of the repetitive domains found in natural elastin, have been intensively studied in the last few years from several points of view. In this mini review, we discuss all the recent works related to the investigation of ELRs, starting with those that define these polypeptides as model intrinsically disordered proteins or regions (IDPs or IDRs) and its relevance for some biomedical applications. Furthermore, we summarize the current knowledge on the development of drug, vaccine and gene delivery systems based on ELRs, while also emphasizing the use of ELR-based hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). Finally, we show different studies that explore applications in other fields, and several examples that describe biomaterial blends in which ELRs have a key role. This review aims to give an overview of the recent advances regarding ELRs and to encourage further investigation of their properties and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Ibáñez-Fonseca
- BIOFORGE Lab, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Tatjana Flora
- BIOFORGE Lab, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sergio Acosta
- BIOFORGE Lab, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
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10
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Gonzalez-Valdivieso J, Girotti A, Muñoz R, Rodriguez-Cabello JC, Arias FJ. Self-Assembling ELR-Based Nanoparticles as Smart Drug-Delivery Systems Modulating Cellular Growth via Akt. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:1996-2007. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Gonzalez-Valdivieso
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Girotti
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Muñoz
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - J. Carlos Rodriguez-Cabello
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - F. Javier Arias
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
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11
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DeFrates K, Markiewicz T, Gallo P, Rack A, Weyhmiller A, Jarmusik B, Hu X. Protein Polymer-Based Nanoparticles: Fabrication and Medical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1717. [PMID: 29890756 PMCID: PMC6032199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles are particles that range in size from about 1⁻1000 nanometers in diameter, about one thousand times smaller than the average cell in a human body. Their small size, flexible fabrication, and high surface-area-to-volume ratio make them ideal systems for drug delivery. Nanoparticles can be made from a variety of materials including metals, polysaccharides, and proteins. Biological protein-based nanoparticles such as silk, keratin, collagen, elastin, corn zein, and soy protein-based nanoparticles are advantageous in having biodegradability, bioavailability, and relatively low cost. Many protein nanoparticles are easy to process and can be modified to achieve desired specifications such as size, morphology, and weight. Protein nanoparticles are used in a variety of settings and are replacing many materials that are not biocompatible and have a negative impact on the environment. Here we attempt to review the literature pertaining to protein-based nanoparticles with a focus on their application in drug delivery and biomedical fields. Additional detail on governing nanoparticle parameters, specific protein nanoparticle applications, and fabrication methods are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey DeFrates
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Theodore Markiewicz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Pamela Gallo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Aaron Rack
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Aubrie Weyhmiller
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Brandon Jarmusik
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
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12
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Yin L, Yuvienco C, Montclare JK. Protein based therapeutic delivery agents: Contemporary developments and challenges. Biomaterials 2017; 134:91-116. [PMID: 28458031 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As unique biopolymers, proteins can be employed for therapeutic delivery. They bear important features such as bioavailability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability with low toxicity serving as a platform for delivery of various small molecule therapeutics, gene therapies, protein biologics and cells. Depending on size and characteristic of the therapeutic, a variety of natural and engineered proteins or peptides have been developed. This, coupled to recent advances in synthetic and chemical biology, has led to the creation of tailor-made protein materials for delivery. This review highlights strategies employing proteins to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic matter, addressing the challenges for small molecule, gene, protein and cell transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Yin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
| | - Carlo Yuvienco
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
| | - Jin Kim Montclare
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States; Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, United States; Department of Biomaterials, NYU College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, United States; Department of Biochemistry, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, United States.
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13
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Zhang D, Wang J, Xu D. Cell-penetrating peptides as noninvasive transmembrane vectors for the development of novel multifunctional drug-delivery systems. J Control Release 2016; 229:130-139. [PMID: 26993425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Unique characteristics, such as nontoxicity and rapid cellular internalization, allow the cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to transport hydrophilic macromolecules into cells, thus, enabling them to execute biological functions. However, some CPPs have limitations due to nonspecificity and easy proteolysis. To overcome such defects, the CPP amino acid sequence can be modified, replaced, and reconstructed for optimization. CPPs can also be used in combination with other drug vectors, fused with their preponderances to create novel multifunctional drug-delivery systems that increase the stability during blood circulation, and also develop novel preparations capable of targeted delivery, along with sustainable and controllable release. Further improvements in CPP structure can facilitate the penetration of macromolecules into diverse biomembrane structures, such as the blood brain barrier, gastroenteric mucosa, and skin dermis. The ability of CPP to act as transmembrane vectors improves the clinical application of some biomolecules to treat central nervous system diseases, increase oral bioavailability, and develop percutaneous-delivery dosage form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, PR China; Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Jiaxi Wang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Donggang Xu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, PR China; Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, PR China.
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14
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Piña MJ, Girotti A, Santos M, Rodríguez-Cabello JC, Arias FJ. Biocompatible ELR-Based Polyplexes Coated with MUC1 Specific Aptamers and Targeted for Breast Cancer Gene Therapy. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:795-808. [PMID: 26815223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The search for new and biocompatible materials with high potential for improvement is a challenge in gene delivery applications. A cell type specific vector made of elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) and aptamers has been specifically designed for the intracellular delivery of therapeutic material for breast cancer therapy. A lysine-enriched ELR was constructed and complexed with plasmid DNA to give positively charged and stable polyplexes. Physical characterization of these polyplexes showed a particle size of around 140 nm and a zeta potential of approximately +40 mV. The incorporation of MUC1-specific aptamers into the polyplexes resulted in a slight decrease in zeta potential but increased cell transfection specificity for MCF-7 breast cancer cells with respect to a MUC1-negative tumor line. After showing the transfection ability of this aptamer-ELR vector which is facilitated mainly by macropinocytosis uptake, we demonstrated its application for suicide gene therapy using a plasmid containing the gene of the toxin PAP-S. The strategy developed in this work about using ELR as polymeric vector and aptamers as supplier of specificity to deliver therapeutic material into MUC1-positive breast cancer cells shows promising potential and continues paving the way for ELRs in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Piña
- Bioforge Research Group, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid , LUCIA, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Girotti
- Bioforge Research Group, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid , LUCIA, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Santos
- Bioforge Research Group, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid , LUCIA, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
- Bioforge Research Group, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid , LUCIA, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - F Javier Arias
- Bioforge Research Group, CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid , LUCIA, Paseo de Belén 19, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
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15
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Rodríguez-Cabello JC, Arias FJ, Rodrigo MA, Girotti A. Elastin-like polypeptides in drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 97:85-100. [PMID: 26705126 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of recombinant elastin-like materials, or elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs), in drug-delivery applications is reviewed in this work. Although ELRs were initially used in similar ways to other, more conventional kinds of polymeric carriers, their unique properties soon gave rise to systems of unparalleled functionality and efficiency, with the stimuli responsiveness of ELRs and their ability to self-assemble readily allowing the creation of advanced systems. However, their recombinant nature is likely the most important factor that has driven the current breakthrough properties of ELR-based delivery systems. Recombinant technology allows an unprecedented degree of complexity in macromolecular design and synthesis. In addition, recombinant materials easily incorporate any functional domain present in natural proteins. Therefore, ELR-based delivery systems can exhibit complex interactions with both their drug load and the tissues and cells towards which this load is directed. Selected examples, ranging from highly functional nanocarriers to macrodepots, will be presented.
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16
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Rodríguez-Cabello JC, Piña MJ, Ibáñez-Fonseca A, Fernández-Colino A, Arias FJ. Nanotechnological Approaches to Therapeutic Delivery Using Elastin-Like Recombinamers. Bioconjug Chem 2015; 26:1252-65. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced
Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Piña
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced
Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Arturo Ibáñez-Fonseca
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced
Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alicia Fernández-Colino
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced
Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Arias
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced
Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER-BBN, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
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