1
|
Wang J, Wang D, Du TT, Yi WJ, Liu Q. Reducible amino acid based cationic lipids with a naphthalimide moiety as non-viral gene vehicles. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/17475198221145850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Three basic amino acid–based cationic lipids bearing a fluorescent naphthalimide moiety and a reducible disulfide linkage are synthesized and applied as non-viral gene vehicles. Their DNA interactions are investigated by agarose-gel retardant and ethidium bromide replacement assays. The sizes and zeta potentials of the liposome/DNA complexes are measured by dynamic light scattering. The cytotoxicities of the liposome/DNA complexes are examined using HeLa and 7702 cell lines by MTT assays. The glutathione-responsive DNA release process is studied through time-dependent fluorescence assays. Luciferase gene expression showed the transfection efficiency of the liposome is dramatically increased in the presence of 10% serum. Confocal laser scanning microscopy studies corroborated that the liposome/DNA complexes are successfully uptaken into HeLa cells. These results demonstrate the promising use of amino acids and naphthalimide-containing lipids for safe and efficient gene delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Deyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of General Chemistry of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Ting-Ting Du
- Key Laboratory of General Chemistry of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jing Yi
- Key Laboratory of General Chemistry of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of General Chemistry of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, College of Chemistry and Environment, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pennetta C, Bono N, Ponti F, Bellucci MC, Viani F, Candiani G, Volonterio A. Multifunctional Neomycin-Triazine-Based Cationic Lipids for Gene Delivery with Antibacterial Properties. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:690-701. [PMID: 33470802 PMCID: PMC8154203 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Cationic
lipids (CLs) have gained significant attention among nonviral
gene delivery vectors due to their ease of synthesis and functionalization
with multivalent moieties. In particular, there is an increasing request
for multifunctional CLs having gene delivery capacity and antibacterial
activity. Herein, we describe the design and synthesis of a novel
class of aminoglycoside (AG)-based multifunctional vectors with high
transfection efficiency and noticeable antibacterial properties. Specifically,
cationic amphiphiles were built on a triazine scaffold, allowing for
an easy derivatization with up to three potentially different substituents,
such as neomycin (Neo) that serves as the polar head and one or two
lipophilic tails, namely stearyl (ST) and oleyl (OL) alkyl chains
and cholesteryl (Chol) tail. With the aim to shed more light on the
effect of different types and numbers of lipophilic moieties on the
ability of CLs to condense and transfect cells, the performance of
Neo–triazine-based derivatives as gene delivery vectors was
evaluated and compared. The ability of Neo–triazine-based derivatives
to act as antimicrobial agents was evaluated as well. Neo–triazine-based
CLs invariably exhibited excellent DNA condensation ability, even
at a low charge ratio (CR, +/−). Besides, each derivative showed
very good transfection performance at its optimal CR on two different
cell lines, along with negligible cytotoxicity. CLs bearing symmetric
two-tailed OL proved to be the most effective in transfection. Interestingly,
Neo–triazine-based derivatives, used as either free lipids
or lipoplexes, exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative
bacteria, especially in the case of CLs bearing one or two aliphatic
chains. Altogether, these results highlight the potential of Neo–triazine-based
derivatives as effective multifunctional nonviral gene delivery vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pennetta
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, Milan 20131, Italy
| | - Nina Bono
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, Milan 20131, Italy
| | - Federica Ponti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, Milan 20131, Italy.,Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Canada Research Chair I in Biomaterials and Bioengineering for the Innovation in Surgery, Department of Min-Met-Materials Engineering & Research Center of CHU de Quebec, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec G1 V 0A6, Canada
| | - Maria Cristina Bellucci
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Fiorenza Viani
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" (SCITEC), Via Mario Bianco 9, Milan 20131, Italy
| | - Gabriele Candiani
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, Milan 20131, Italy
| | - Alessandro Volonterio
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, Milan 20131, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" (SCITEC), Via Mario Bianco 9, Milan 20131, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ponti F, Campolungo M, Melchiori C, Bono N, Candiani G. Cationic lipids for gene delivery: many players, one goal. Chem Phys Lipids 2021; 235:105032. [PMID: 33359210 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2020.105032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lipid-based carriers represent the most widely used alternative to viral vectors for gene expression and gene silencing purposes. This class of non-viral vectors is particularly attractive for their ease of synthesis and chemical modifications to endow them with desirable properties. Despite combinatorial approaches have led to the generation of a large number of cationic lipids displaying different supramolecular structures and improved behavior, additional effort is needed towards the development of more and more effective cationic lipids for transfection purposes. With this review, we seek to highlight the great progress made in the design of each and every constituent domain of cationic lipids, that is, the chemical structure of the headgroup, linker and hydrophobic moieties, and on the specific effect on the assembly with nucleic acids. Since the complexity of such systems is known to affect their performances, the role of formulation, stability and phase behavior on the transfection efficiency of such assemblies will be thoroughly discussed. Our objective is to provide a conceptual framework for the development of ever more performing lipid gene delivery vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ponti
- GenT LΛB, Dept. of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20131, Milan, Italy; Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Canada Research Chair I in Biomaterials and Bioengineering for the Innovation in Surgery, Dept. Min-Met-Materials Engineering, Research Center of CHU de Quebec, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Matilde Campolungo
- GenT LΛB, Dept. of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Melchiori
- GenT LΛB, Dept. of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Nina Bono
- GenT LΛB, Dept. of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20131, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Candiani
- GenT LΛB, Dept. of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20131, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pezzoli D, Tallarita E, Rosini E, Candiani G. Characterization and Investigation of Redox-Sensitive Liposomes for Gene Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1445:217-33. [PMID: 27436322 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3718-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A number of smart nonviral gene delivery vectors relying on bioresponsiveness have been introduced in the past few years to overcome the limits of the first generation of gene carriers. Among them, redox-sensitive lipidic and polymeric vectors exploit the presence of disulfide bonds in their structure to take advantage of the highly reductive intracellular milieu and to promote complex unpacking and nucleic acids release after cellular uptake (disulfide linker strategy). Glutathione (GSH) has been often identified as the leading actor in the intracellular reduction of bioreducible vectors but their actual mechanisms of action have been rarely investigated in depth and doubts about the real effectiveness of the disulfide linker strategy have been raised. Herein, we outline a simple protocol for the preparation and investigation of nano-sized reducible cationic liposomes, focusing on their thorough characterization and optimization as gene delivery vectors. In addition, we carefully describe the techniques and procedures necessary for the assessment of the bioreducibility of the vectors and to demonstrate that the GSH-mediated intracellular cleavage of disulfide bonds is a pivotal step in their transfection process. Liposomes composed of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), and of the reducible cationic lipid SS14 are reported as a practical example but the proposed protocol can be easily shifted to other formulations of reducible lipids/liposomes and to reducible polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Pezzoli
- INSTM (Italian National Consortium for Materials Science and Technology), Research Unit Milano Politecnico, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tallarita
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Rosini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
- 'The Protein Factory' Research Centre, Politecnico di Milano and University of Insubria, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Candiani
- INSTM (Italian National Consortium for Materials Science and Technology), Research Unit Milano Politecnico, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milan, Italy.
- 'The Protein Factory' Research Centre, Politecnico di Milano and University of Insubria, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Malloggi C, Pezzoli D, Magagnin L, De Nardo L, Mantovani D, Tallarita E, Candiani G. Comparative evaluation and optimization of off-the-shelf cationic polymers for gene delivery purposes. Polym Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5py00915d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Commercially sourced cationic polymers for gene delivery are thoroughly characterized, compared and optimized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Malloggi
- Department of Chemistry
- Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”
- Politecnico di Milano
- 20131 Milan
- Italy
| | - D. Pezzoli
- Politecnico di Milano Research Unit
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology – INSTM
- Milan
- Italy
| | - L. Magagnin
- Department of Chemistry
- Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”
- Politecnico di Milano
- 20131 Milan
- Italy
| | - L. De Nardo
- Department of Chemistry
- Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”
- Politecnico di Milano
- 20131 Milan
- Italy
| | - D. Mantovani
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering
- CRC-I
- Department of Mining
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering & CHU de Quebec Research Centre
- Laval University
| | - E. Tallarita
- Department of Chemistry
- Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”
- Politecnico di Milano
- 20131 Milan
- Italy
| | - G. Candiani
- Department of Chemistry
- Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”
- Politecnico di Milano
- 20131 Milan
- Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wölk C, Pawlowska D, Drescher S, Auerswald A, Meister A, Hause G, Blume A, Langner A, Brezesinski G, Dobner B. New micellar transfection agents. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2014; 30:4905-4915. [PMID: 24697720 DOI: 10.1021/la404860w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Two novel micelle-forming amino-functionalized lipids (OT6 and TT6) bearing two alkyl chains connected to a large positively charged hexavalent headgroup, which might be interesting polynucleotide transferring agents with the advantage of an easy and reproducible production of micelle dispersions, have been characterized. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of both lipids has been determined by two different methods, namely, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) fluorescence experiments. In addition, the lipid dispersions were studied as a function of temperature using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The OT6 and TT6 micelles effectively complex DNA as determined by ITC and DSC measurements. In addition, DLS and ζ-potential measurements were performed to determine lipoplex formulations that exhibit colloidal stability. Finally, the structures of OT6/DNA complexes were investigated by means of X-ray scattering and TEM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Wölk
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-Universitaet (MLU) Halle-Wittenberg , Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Falsini S, Ristori S, Ciani L, Di Cola E, Supuran CT, Arcangeli A, In M. Time resolved SAXS to study the complexation of siRNA with cationic micelles of divalent surfactants. SOFT MATTER 2014; 10:2226-2233. [PMID: 24651873 DOI: 10.1039/c3sm52429a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The complexation of siRNA (small interfering RNA) with cationic micelles was studied using time dependent synchrotron SAXS. Micelles were formed by two types of divalent cationic surfactants, i.e. Gemini bis(quaternary ammonium) bromide with variable spacer length (12-3-12, 12-6-12, 12-12-12) and a weak electrolyte surfactant (SH14) with triazine head. Immediately after mixing (t < 50 ms), new large aggregates appeared in solution and the scattering intensity at low q increased. Concomitantly, the presence of a quasi-Bragg peak at q ∼ 1.5 nm(-1) indicated core structuring within the complexes. We hypothesize that siRNA and micelles are alternately arranged into "sandwiches", forming domains with internal structural coherence. The process of complex reorganization followed a first-order kinetics and was completed in less than about 5 minutes, after which a steady state was reached. Aggregates containing Geminis were compact globular structures whose gyration radii Rg depended on the spacer length and were in the order of 7-27 nm. Complexes containing SH14 (Rg = 14-16 nm) were less ordered and possessed a looser internal arrangement. The obtained data, joint with previous structural investigation using Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta Potential and Small Angle Neutron Scattering, are encouraging evidence for using these systems in biological trials. In fact we showed that transfection agents can be obtained by simply mixing a micelle solution of the cationic surfactant and a siRNA solution, both of which are easily prepared and stable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Falsini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Shiff" & CSGI, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Misra SK, Biswas J, Kondaiah P, Bhattacharya S. Gene transfection in high serum levels: case studies with new cholesterol based cationic gemini lipids. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68305. [PMID: 23861884 PMCID: PMC3701654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Six new cationic gemini lipids based on cholesterol possessing different positional combinations of hydroxyethyl (-CH2CH2OH) and oligo-oxyethylene -(CH2CH2O)n- moieties were synthesized. For comparison the corresponding monomeric lipid was also prepared. Each new cationic lipid was found to form stable, clear suspensions in aqueous media. Methodology/Principal Findings To understand the nature of the individual lipid aggregates, we have studied the aggregation properties using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements and X-ray diffraction (XRD). We studied the lipid/DNA complex (lipoplex) formation and the release of the DNA from such lipoplexes using ethidium bromide. These gemini lipids in presence of a helper lipid, 1, 2-dioleoyl phophatidyl ethanol amine (DOPE) showed significant enhancements in the gene transfection compared to several commercially available transfection agents. Cholesterol based gemini having -CH2-CH2-OH groups at the head and one oxyethylene spacer was found to be the most effective lipid, which showed transfection activity even in presence of high serum levels (50%) greater than Effectene, one of the potent commercially available transfecting agents. Most of these geminis protected plasmid DNA remarkably against DNase I in serum, although the degree of stability was found to vary with their structural features. Conclusions/Significance -OH groups present on the cationic headgroups in combination with oxyethylene linkers on cholesterol based geminis, gave an optimized combination of new genera of gemini lipids possessing high transfection efficiency even in presence of very high percentage of serum. This property makes them preferential transfection reagents for possible in vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santosh K. Misra
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Joydeep Biswas
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Paturu Kondaiah
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Chemical Biology Unit of JNCASR, Bangalore, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Perrone S, Usai M, Lazzari P, Tucker SJ, Wallace HM, Zanda M. Efficient Cell Transfection with Melamine-Based Gemini Surfactants. Bioconjug Chem 2013; 24:176-87. [DOI: 10.1021/bc3004292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Perrone
- Kosterlitz Centre
for Therapeutics,
Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25
2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Usai
- KemoTech s.r.l., Parco Scientifico della Sardegna, Edificio 3, Loc.
Piscinamanna, 09010 Pula (CA), Italy
| | - Paolo Lazzari
- KemoTech s.r.l., Parco Scientifico della Sardegna, Edificio 3, Loc.
Piscinamanna, 09010 Pula (CA), Italy
- Department of Chemistry and
Pharmacy, University of Sassari (SS), Via
F.Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Steven J. Tucker
- Kosterlitz Centre
for Therapeutics,
Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25
2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Heather M. Wallace
- Kosterlitz Centre
for Therapeutics,
Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25
2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Zanda
- Kosterlitz Centre
for Therapeutics,
Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25
2ZD, Scotland, United Kingdom
- C.N.R.-I.C.R.M., via Mancinelli 7, 20131
Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The yin of exofacial protein sulfhydryls and the yang of intracellular glutathione in in vitro transfection with SS14 bioreducible lipoplexes. J Control Release 2013; 165:44-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
11
|
Abstract
Efficient delivery of nucleic acids into cells is a promising technique to modulate cellular gene expression for therapeutic and research applications. Cationic lipid-based liposomes represent one of the most intensively studied and employed nonviral vectors. They are positively charged at physiological pH and spontaneously self-assemble with polyanionic nucleic acids forming nanoscaled complexes named lipoplexes. Here, we draft a simple protocol for the development, characterization, optimization, and screening of liposomal formulations for in vitro gene delivery. In particular, we report as a practical example a quick method to formulate and extrude nanometer-sized unilamellar cationic vesicles composed of DOTAP as cationic lipid and DOPE as zwitterionic helper lipid at 1:1 molar ratio. The physico-chemical characterization of liposomes and lipoplexes involves the measurement of mean diameter and overall surface charge using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Laser Doppler Microelectrophoresis. The outlined transfection procedure takes into account several experimental parameters affecting the in vitro performance of gene delivery systems, paying special attention to the charge ratio (CR). Gene delivery effectiveness is evaluated both in terms of transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of the vector to find the optimal transfection conditions. Importantly, the proposed protocol can be easily shifted to different types of nonviral vectors.
Collapse
|
12
|
We still have a long way to go to effectively deliver genes! J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2012; 10:82-91. [PMID: 23015375 DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.2012.9707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is emerging as a revolutionary alternative to conventional therapeutic approaches. However, its clinical application is still hampered by the lack of safe and effective gene delivery techniques. Among the plethora of diverse approaches used to ferry nucleic acids into target cells, non-viral vectors represent promising and safer alternatives to viruses and physical techniques. Both cationic lipids and polymers spontaneously wrap and shrink the genetic material in complexes named lipoplexes and polyplexes, respectively, thereby protecting it and shielding its negative charges. The development of non-viral vectors commenced more than two decades ago. Since then, some major classes of interesting molecules have been identified and modified to optimize their properties. However, the way towards the final goal of gene delivery, i.e. protein expression or gene silencing, is filled with obstacles and current non-viral carriers still have concerns about their overall efficiency. We strongly believe that the future of non-viral gene delivery relies on the development of multifunctional vectors specifically tailored with diverse functionalities that act more like viruses. Although these vectors are still a long way from clinical practice they are the ideal platform to effectively shuttle the genetic material to target cells in a safe and controlled way. In this review, after briefly introducing the basis of gene delivery and therapeutic applications we discuss the main polymeric and lipidic vectors utilized for gene delivery, focusing on the strategies adopted to overcome the major weaknesses inherent to their still limited activity, on the way towards ideal multifunctional vectors.
Collapse
|
13
|
Pezzoli D, Olimpieri F, Malloggi C, Bertini S, Volonterio A, Candiani G. Chitosan-graft-branched polyethylenimine copolymers: influence of degree of grafting on transfection behavior. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34711. [PMID: 22509349 PMCID: PMC3324502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Successful non-viral gene delivery currently requires compromises to achieve useful transfection levels while minimizing toxicity. Despite high molecular weight (MW) branched polyethylenimine (bPEI) is considered the gold standard polymeric transfectant, it suffers from high cytotoxicity. Inversely, its low MW counterpart is less toxic and effective in transfection. Moreover, chitosan is a highly biocompatible and biodegradable polymer but characterized by very low transfection efficiency. In this scenario, a straightforward approach widely exploited to develop effective transfectants relies on the synthesis of chitosan-graft-low MW bPEIs (Chi-g-bPEIx) but, despite the vast amount of work that has been done in developing promising polymeric assemblies, the possible influence of the degree of grafting on the overall behavior of copolymers for gene delivery has been largely overlooked. Methodology/Principal Findings With the aim of providing a comprehensive evaluation of the pivotal role of the degree of grafting in modulating the overall transfection effectiveness of copolymeric vectors, we have synthesized seven Chi-g-bPEIx derivatives with a variable amount of bPEI grafts (minimum: 0.6%; maximum: 8.8%). Along the Chi-g-bPEIx series, the higher the degree of grafting, the greater the ζ-potential and the cytotoxicity of the resulting polyplexes. Most important, in all cell lines tested the intermediate degree of grafting of 2.7% conferred low cytotoxicity and higher transfection efficiency compared to other Chi-g-bPEIx copolymers. We emphasize that, in transfection experiments carried out in primary articular chondrocytes, Chi-g-bPEI2.7% was as effective as and less cytotoxic than the gold standard 25 kDa bPEI. Conclusions/Significance This work underlines for the first time the pivotal role of the degree of grafting in modulating the overall transfection effectiveness of Chi-g-bPEIx copolymers. Crucially, we have demonstrated that, along the copolymer series, the fine tuning of the degree of grafting directly affected the overall charge of polyplexes and, altogether, had a direct effect on cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Pezzoli
- Unità Politecnico di Milano, Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali - INSTM, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Olimpieri
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Malloggi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bertini
- Istituto di Ricerche Chimiche e Biochimiche G. Ronzoni, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Volonterio
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail: (AV); (GC)
| | - Gabriele Candiani
- Unità Politecnico di Milano, Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali - INSTM, Milan, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail: (AV); (GC)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Candiani G, Pezzoli D, Ciani L, Chiesa R, Ristori S. Bioreducible liposomes for gene delivery: from the formulation to the mechanism of action. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13430. [PMID: 20976172 PMCID: PMC2955545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A promising strategy to create stimuli-responsive gene delivery systems is to exploit the redox gradient between the oxidizing extracellular milieu and the reducing cytoplasm in order to disassemble DNA/cationic lipid complexes (lipoplexes). On these premises, we previously described the synthesis of SS14 redox-sensitive gemini surfactant for gene delivery. Although others have attributed the beneficial effects of intracellular reducing environment to reduced glutathione (GSH), these observations cannot rule out the possible implication of the redox milieu in its whole on transfection efficiency of bioreducible transfectants leaving the determinants of DNA release largely undefined. Methodology/Principal Findings With the aim of addressing this issue, SS14 was here formulated into binary and ternary 100 nm-extruded liposomes and the effects of the helper lipid composition and of the SS14/helper lipids molar ratio on chemical-physical and structural parameters defining transfection effectiveness were investigated. Among all formulations tested, DOPC/DOPE/SS14 at 25∶50∶25 molar ratio was the most effective in transfection studies owing to the presence of dioleoyl chains and phosphatidylethanolamine head groups in co-lipids. The increase in SS14 content up to 50% along DOPC/DOPE/SS14 liposome series yielded enhanced transfection, up to 2.7-fold higher than that of the benchmark Lipofectamine 2000, without altering cytotoxicity of the corresponding lipoplexes at charge ratio 5. Secondly, we specifically investigated the redox-dependent mechanisms of gene delivery into cells through tailored protocols of transfection in GSH-depleted and repleted vs. increased oxidative stress conditions. Importantly, GSH specifically induced DNA release in batch and in vitro. Conclusions/Significance The presence of helper lipids carrying unsaturated dioleoyl chains and phosphatidylethanolamine head groups significantly improved transfection efficiencies of DOPC/DOPE/SS14 lipoplexes. Most importantly, this study shows that intracellular GSH levels linearly correlated with transfection efficiency while oxidative stress levels did not, highlighting for the first time the pivotal role of GSH rather than oxidative stress in its whole in transfection of bioreducible vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Candiani
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ciani L, Candiani G, Frati A, Ristori S. DNA induced dimerization of a sulfhydryl surfactant in transfection agents studied by ESR spectroscopy. Biophys Chem 2010; 151:81-5. [PMID: 20554371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2010.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic vectors for gene delivery offer a wide variety of functional derivatization, which can be exploited to increase targeting and transfection efficacy. In this field, redox-sensitive agents based on the thiol/disulfide (-SH/-SS-) equilibrium are a class of promising transfectants. Here the thiol group content in lipoplexes formed by a triazine-based sulfhydryl surfactant (SH14) and a plasmid (pGEFP-N1) was probed by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) of appropriately tailored nitroxides. By modelling the time decay of ESR intensity, details on the process of lipoplex formation were obtained. It was found that the concentration of available -SH groups depended on the contact time between SH14 and DNA, suggesting that lipoplex formation entailed disulfide bridge formation among SH14 molecules. This finding represents the first experimental evidence that the -SH/-SS- equilibrium plays a role in lipoplex formation when DNA is complexed by sulfhydryl-based transfecting agents, which may have profound influence on their mechanism of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ciani
- Department of Chemistry and CSGI, University of Florence, Sesto F.no, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are small peptides that can facilitate the uptake of macromolecular drugs, such as proteins or nucleic acids, into mammalian cells. Cytosolic delivery of CPPs could be beneficial to bypass conventional endocytosis in order to avoid degradation in the lysosomes. Oligoarginine conjugates have characteristics similar to CPPs in terms of cell translocation and are used in the intracellular delivery of plasmid DNA. In these cases, oligoarginine length and/or charge are important factors in the cellular uptake of oligoarginine alone. The arginine moiety of oligoarginine-modified particles may also be a decisive factor for vectors to deliver plasmid DNA. Oligoarginine-PEG-lipids can form self-assembled particles and modify the surface of lipid- and polymer-based particles. This review focuses on the influence of: i) oligoarginine-modified particles such as micelles, liposomes and polymer-based particles; ii) the morphology of oligoarginine-PEG-lipid complexed with plasmid DNA by decreasing the charge ratio; and iii) the oligoarginine length in the complex on its cellular uptake, transfection efficiency and uptake mechanism. The oligoarginine length of oligoarginine-modified particle complexed with plasmid DNA governs the cellular uptake pathway that determines the destiny of intracellular trafficking and finally transfection efficiency. The new aspects of surface-functionalized particle vectors with oligoarginine are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Maitani
- Hoshi University, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | |
Collapse
|