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Gigante A, Li M, Junghänel S, Hirschhäuser C, Knauer S, Schmuck C. Non-viral transfection vectors: are hybrid materials the way forward? MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1692-1718. [PMID: 32180915 PMCID: PMC7053704 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00275h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transfection is a process by which oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) are delivered into living cells. This allows the synthesis of target proteins as well as their inhibition (gene silencing). However, oligonucleotides cannot cross the plasma membrane by themselves; therefore, efficient carriers are needed for successful gene delivery. Recombinant viruses are among the earliest described vectors. Unfortunately, they have severe drawbacks such as toxicity and immunogenicity. In this regard, the development of non-viral transfection vectors has attracted increasing interests, and has become an important field of research. In the first part of this review we start with a tutorial introduction into the biological backgrounds of gene transfection followed by the classical non-viral vectors (cationic organic carriers and inorganic nanoparticles). In the second part we highlight selected recent reports, which demonstrate that hybrid vectors that combine key features of classical carriers are a remarkable strategy to address the current challenges in gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gigante
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - M Li
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - S Junghänel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
- Biomedical Technology Center of the Medical Faculty , University of Muenster , Muenster , Germany
| | - C Hirschhäuser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - S Knauer
- Faculty of Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany
| | - C Schmuck
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
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2
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Zhang C, Gu Z, Shen L, Liu X, Lin H. In vivo Evaluation and Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Outcome of siRNA Loaded Dual Targeting Drug Delivery System. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2019; 20:56-62. [PMID: 30727887 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666190204141046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background:
To deliver drugs to treat Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), nanoparticles should
firstly penetrate through blood brain barrier, and then target neurons.
Methods:
Recently, we developed an Apo A-I and NL4 dual modified nanoparticle (ANNP) to deliver
beta-amyloid converting enzyme 1 (BACE1) siRNA. Although promising in vitro results were obtained,
the in vivo performance was not clear. Therefore, in this study, we further evaluated the in vivo
neuroprotective effect and toxicity of the ANNP/siRNA. The ANNP/siRNA was 80.6 nm with good
stability when incubated with serum. In vivo, the treatment with ANNP/siRNA significantly improves
the spatial learning and memory of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, as determined by mean escape
latency, times of crossing the platform area during the 60 s swimming and the percentage of the distance
in the target quadrant.
Results and Conclusion:
After the treatment, BACE1 RNA level of ANNP/siRNA group was greatly
reduced, which contributed a good AD treatment outcome. Finally, after repeated administration, the
ANNP/siRNA did not lead to significant change as observed by HE staining of main organs, suggesting
the good biocompatibility of ANNP/siRNA. These results demonstrated that the ANNP was a good
candidate for AD targeting siRNA delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhichun Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Long Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xianyan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Houwen Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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Chen J, Guan X, Hu Y, Tian H, Chen X. Peptide-Based and Polypeptide-Based Gene Delivery Systems. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:32. [DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0115-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Shi J, Schellinger JG, Pun SH. Engineering biodegradable and multifunctional peptide-based polymers for gene delivery. J Biol Eng 2013; 7:25. [PMID: 24156736 PMCID: PMC4015834 DOI: 10.1186/1754-1611-7-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex nature of in vivo gene transfer establishes the need for multifunctional delivery vectors capable of meeting these challenges. An additional consideration for clinical translation of synthetic delivery formulations is reproducibility and scale-up of materials. In this review, we summarize our work over the last five years in developing a modular approach for synthesizing peptide-based polymers. In these materials, bioactive peptides that address various barriers to gene delivery are copolymerized with a hydrophilic backbone of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) using reversible-addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. We demonstrate that this synthetic approach results in well-defined, narrowly-disperse polymers with controllable composition and molecular weight. To date, we have investigated the effectiveness of various bioactive peptides for DNA condensation, endosomal escape, cell targeting, and degradability on gene transfer, as well as the impact of multivalency and polymer architecture on peptide bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Shi
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Joan G Schellinger
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Parhiz H, Shier WT, Ramezani M. From rationally designed polymeric and peptidic systems to sophisticated gene delivery nano-vectors. Int J Pharm 2013; 457:237-59. [PMID: 24060371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lack of safe, efficient and controllable methods for delivering therapeutic genes appears to be the most important factor preventing human gene therapy. Safety issues encountered with viral vectors have prompted substantial attention to in vivo investigations with non-viral vectors throughout the past decade. However, developing non-viral vectors with effectiveness comparable to viral ones has been a challenge. The strategy of designing multifunctional synthetic carriers targeting several extracellular and intracellular barriers in the gene transfer pathway has emerged as a promising approach to improving the efficacy of gene delivery systems. This review will explain how sophisticated synthetic vectors can be created by combining conventional polycationic vectors such as polyethylenimine and basic amino acid peptides with additional polymers and peptides that are designed to overcome potential barriers to the gene delivery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 91775-1365, Mashhad, Iran
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Biomaterial-Based Vectors for Targeted Delivery of Nucleic Acids to the Nervous System. DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES POTENTIALLY APPLICABLE IN PERSONALISED TREATMENT 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6010-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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7
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Guo XD, Wiradharma N, Liu SQ, Zhang LJ, Khan M, Qian Y, Yang YY. Oligomerized alpha-helical KALA peptides with pendant arms bearing cell-adhesion, DNA-binding and endosome-buffering domains as efficient gene transfection vectors. Biomaterials 2012; 33:6284-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Domingo-Espín J, Unzueta U, Saccardo P, Rodríguez-Carmona E, Corchero JL, Vázquez E, Ferrer-Miralles N. Engineered biological entities for drug delivery and gene therapy protein nanoparticles. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 104:247-98. [PMID: 22093221 PMCID: PMC7173510 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416020-0.00006-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of genetic engineering techniques has speeded up the growth of the biotechnological industry, resulting in a significant increase in the number of recombinant protein products on the market. The deep knowledge of protein function, structure, biological interactions, and the possibility to design new polypeptides with desired biological activities have been the main factors involved in the increase of intensive research and preclinical and clinical approaches. Consequently, new biological entities with added value for innovative medicines such as increased stability, improved targeting, and reduced toxicity, among others have been obtained. Proteins are complex nanoparticles with sizes ranging from a few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers when complex supramolecular interactions occur, as for example, in viral capsids. However, even though protein production is a delicate process that imposes the use of sophisticated analytical methods and negative secondary effects have been detected in some cases as immune and inflammatory reactions, the great potential of biodegradable and tunable protein nanoparticles indicates that protein-based biotechnological products are expected to increase in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Domingo-Espín
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo Saccardo
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Escarlata Rodríguez-Carmona
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luís Corchero
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Guo XD, Tandiono F, Wiradharma N, Khor D, Tan CG, Khan M, Qian Y, Yang YY. Cationic micelles self-assembled from cholesterol-conjugated oligopeptides as an efficient gene delivery vector. Biomaterials 2008; 29:4838-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2008.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2008] [Accepted: 07/27/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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10
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Lee JH, Ahn HH, Kim KS, Lee JY, Kim MS, Lee B, Khang G, Lee HB. Polyethyleneimine‐mediated gene delivery into rat pheochromocytoma PC‐12 cells. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2008; 2:288-95. [DOI: 10.1002/term.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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11
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Park IK, Lasiene J, Chou SH, Horner PJ, Pun SH. Neuron-specific delivery of nucleic acids mediated by Tet1-modified poly(ethylenimine). J Gene Med 2007; 9:691-702. [PMID: 17582226 PMCID: PMC2633605 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of minimally invasive, non-viral gene delivery vehicles for the central nervous system (CNS) is an important technology goal in the advancement of molecular therapies for neurological diseases. One approach is to deliver materials peripherally that are recognized and retrogradely transported by motor neurons toward the CNS. Tet1 is a peptide identified by Boulis and coworkers to possess the binding characteristics of tetanus toxin, which interacts specifically with motor neurons and undergoes fast, retrograde delivery to cell soma. In this work, Tet1-poly(ethylenimine) (Tet1-PEI) was synthesized and evaluated as a neurontargeted delivery vehicle. METHODS Tet1-PEI and NT-PEI (neurotensin-PEI) were synthesized and complexed with plasmid DNA to form polyplexes. Polyplexes were assessed for binding and uptake in differentiated neuron-like PC-12 cells by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. In order to determine gene delivery efficiency, polyplexes were exposed to PC-12 cells at various stages of differentiation. Targeted binding of polyplexes with primary neurons was studied using dorsal root ganglion cells. RESULTS Tet1-PEI and NT-PEI polyplexes bound specifically to differentiated PC-12 cells. The specificity of the interaction was confirmed by delivery to non-neuronal cells and by competition studies with free ligands. Tet1-PEI polyplexes preferentially transfected PC-12 cells undergoing NGF-induced differentiation. Finally, neuron-specific binding of Tet1-PEI polyplexes was confirmed in primary neurons. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrate the potential of Tet1-PEI as a neuron-targeted material for non-invasive CNS delivery. Tet1-PEI binds specifically and is internalized by neuron-like PC-12 cells and primary dorsal root ganglion. Future work will include evaluation of siRNA delivery with these vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Kyu Park
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jurate Lasiene
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Shinn-Huey Chou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Philip J. Horner
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Correspondence to: Suzie H. Pun, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. E-mail:
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Bergen JM, Park IK, Horner PJ, Pun SH. Nonviral approaches for neuronal delivery of nucleic acids. Pharm Res 2007; 25:983-98. [PMID: 17932730 PMCID: PMC2292496 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-007-9439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2007] [Accepted: 08/20/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to neurons has the potential to treat neurological disease and spinal cord injury. While select viral vectors have shown promise as gene carriers to neurons, their potential as therapeutic agents is limited by their toxicity and immunogenicity, their broad tropism, and the cost of large-scale formulation. Nonviral vectors are an attractive alternative in that they offer improved safety profiles compared to viruses, are less expensive to produce, and can be targeted to specific neuronal subpopulations. However, most nonviral vectors suffer from significantly lower transfection efficiencies than neurotropic viruses, severely limiting their utility in neuron-targeted delivery applications. To realize the potential of nonviral delivery technology in neurons, vectors must be designed to overcome a series of extra- and intracellular barriers. In this article, we describe the challenges preventing successful nonviral delivery of nucleic acids to neurons and review strategies aimed at overcoming these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie M Bergen
- Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Abstract
Although currently less efficient than their viral counterparts, nonviral vectors are under intense investigation as a safer alternative for gene therapy. For successful delivery, the nonviral vector must be able to overcome many barriers to protect DNA and specifically deliver it for efficient gene expression in target cells. The use of peptides as gene delivery vectors is advantageous over other nonviral agents in that they are able to achieve all of these goals. This review will focus on the application of peptides to mediate nonviral gene delivery. By examining the literature over the past 20 years, it becomes clear that no other class of biomolecules are simultaneously capable of DNA condensation, blocking metabolism, endosomal escape, nuclear localization, and receptor targeting. Based on virtually limitless diversity of peptide sequence and function information from nature, it is increasingly clear that peptide-guided gene delivery is still in its infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E. Martin
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, 115 S Grand Avenue, 52242 Iowa City, IA
| | - Kevin G. Rice
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, 115 S Grand Avenue, 52242 Iowa City, IA
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Haitao P, Qixin Z, Xiaodong G. A novel synthetic peptide vector system for optimal gene delivery to bone marrow stromal cells. J Pept Sci 2007; 13:154-63. [PMID: 17154339 DOI: 10.1002/psc.826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A 23-amino acid, bifunctional, integrin-targeted synthetic peptide was evaluated for ex vivo gene delivery to rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The peptide (K)(16)GRGDSPC consists of an amino terminal domain of 16 lysines for electrostatic binding of DNA, and a 7-amino acid integrin-binding domain at the carboxyl terminal. PcDNA3-EGFP plasmids were transfected into BMSCs by (K)(16)GRGDSPC and the positive cells gave out a bright green fluorescence. High levels of gene delivery of pcDNA3-TGF-beta1 plasmids were obtained with 2 to 4 microg/ml DNA concentration, with (K)(16)GRGDSPC at an optimal peptide: DNA w/w ratio of 3:1, with a required exposure time of more than 4 h but shorter than 24 h for BMSC exposure to the peptide/DNA complexes with completely absent serum in the initial stage; with 100 microM chloroquine and at least 8 h exposure for BMSC exposure to chloroquine; with a fusogenic peptide at an optimal (K)(16)GRGDSPC/DNA/fusogenic peptide w/w ratio of 3:1:5; and with Lipofectamine 2000 at an optimal (K)(16)GRGDSPC/DNA/Lipofectamine 2000 w/w ratio of 3:1:2 at a constant DNA concentration of 2 microg/ml. Chloroquine, the fusogenic peptide and Lipofectamine 2000 all significantly promoted gene delivery, but chloroquine was more effective than the fusogenic peptide and had obvious synergistic effects with Lipofectamine 2000. Under optimal conditions, TGF-beta1 gene was transfected into BMSCs without observable toxicity, and the stable expression was examined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The stable transgenic cells showed obvious bands. This novel synthetic peptide, providing a new way for the use of polylysine and RGD motif in DNA vector system, is potentially well suited to ex vivo gene delivery to BMSCs for experimental and clinical applications in the field of bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Haitao
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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15
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Lavigne MD, Górecki DC. Emerging vectors and targeting methods for nonviral gene therapy. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2006; 11:541-57. [PMID: 16939390 DOI: 10.1517/14728214.11.3.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, nonviral vectors were outside the mainstream of gene transfer technology. Recent problems in clinical trials using viral vectors renewed interest in these methods. The clinical usefulness of nonviral methods is still hindered by their relatively low gene delivery/transgene expression efficiencies. Vectors must navigate a series of obstacles before the therapeutic gene can be expressed. This review considers these barriers and the properties of components of nonviral vectors that are essential for nucleic acid transfer. Although developments of new physical methods (hydrodynamic delivery, ultrasound, electroporation) have made a significant impact on gene transfer efficiency, various chemical carriers (lipids and polymers) have been shown to achieve high-level gene delivery and functional expression. Success of nonviral gene targeting will depend not only on the efficacy, but also safety of this methodology, and this aspect is also discussed. Understanding problems associated with nonviral targeting can also help in designing better viral vectors. In fact, interplay between viral and nonviral technologies should lead to a continued refinement of both methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu D Lavigne
- University of Portsmouth, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, St. Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, UK
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Wagner E, Culmsee C, Boeckle S. Targeting of Polyplexes: Toward Synthetic Virus Vector Systems. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2005; 53PA:333-354. [PMID: 16243070 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2660(05)53013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dominating issues in gene vector optimization are specific in recognizing the target cells and exploiting the proper intracellular trafficking routes. Any progress in this area will result in improved specific gene transfer, reduce the required therapeutic vector doses and, in consequence, lower the overall toxicity to the host. To provide polyplexes with the ability to distinguish between non-target and target cells, cell-binding ligands have been incorporated which recognize target-specific cellular receptors. In addition, polyplex domains with unspecific binding capacity (such as surface charges) have to be shielded or removed. Cell-binding ligands can be small molecules, vitamins, carbohydrates, peptides or proteins such as growth factors or antibodies. Such ligands have been incorporated into polyplexes after chemical conjugation to cationic polymers. The choice of the ligand and physical properties of the DNA formulation strongly influence extracellular routing (circulation in blood, tissue distribution), uptake and intracellular delivery of polyplexes. Recent efforts are discussed that aim at the development of polyplexes into virus-like supramolecular complexes; such particles should undergo structural changes compatible with extracellular and intracellular targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biology ‐ Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstr. 5‐13, D‐81377 Munich, Germany
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