1
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Chang TY, Waxman DJ. HDI-STARR-seq: Condition-specific enhancer discovery in mouse liver in vivo. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4559581. [PMID: 38978599 PMCID: PMC11230509 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4559581/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background STARR-seq and other massively-parallel reporter assays are widely used to discover functional enhancers in transfected cell models, which can be confounded by plasmid vector-induced type-I interferon immune responses and lack the multicellular environment and endogenous chromatin state of complex mammalian tissues. Results Here, we describe HDI-STARR-seq, which combines STARR-seq plasmid library delivery to the liver, by hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HDI), with reporter RNA transcriptional initiation driven by a minimal Albumin promoter, which we show is essential for mouse liver STARR-seq enhancer activity assayed 7 days after HDI. Importantly, little or no vector-induced innate type-I interferon responses were observed. Comparisons of HDI-STARR-seq activity between male and female mouse livers and in livers from males treated with an activating ligand of the transcription factor CAR (Nr1i3) identified many condition-dependent enhancers linked to condition-specific gene expression. Further, thousands of active liver enhancers were identified using a high complexity STARR-seq library comprised of ~ 50,000 genomic regions released by DNase-I digestion of mouse liver nuclei. When compared to stringently inactive library sequences, the active enhancer sequences identified were highly enriched for liver open chromatin regions with activating histone marks (H3K27ac, H3K4me1, H3K4me3), were significantly closer to gene transcriptional start sites, and were significantly depleted of repressive (H3K27me3, H3K9me3) and transcribed region histone marks (H3K36me3). Conclusions HDI-STARR-seq offers substantial improvements over current methodologies for large scale, functional profiling of enhancers, including condition-dependent enhancers, in liver tissue in vivo, and can be adapted to characterize enhancer activities in a variety of species and tissues by selecting suitable tissue- and species-specific promoter sequences.
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2
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Suda T, Yokoo T, Kanefuji T, Kamimura K, Zhang G, Liu D. Hydrodynamic Delivery: Characteristics, Applications, and Technological Advances. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041111. [PMID: 37111597 PMCID: PMC10141091 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The principle of hydrodynamic delivery was initially used to develop a method for the delivery of plasmids into mouse hepatocytes through tail vein injection and has been expanded for use in the delivery of various biologically active materials to cells in various organs in a variety of animal species through systemic or local injection, resulting in significant advances in new applications and technological development. The development of regional hydrodynamic delivery directly supports successful gene delivery in large animals, including humans. This review summarizes the fundamentals of hydrodynamic delivery and the progress that has been made in its application. Recent progress in this field offers tantalizing prospects for the development of a new generation of technologies for broader application of hydrodynamic delivery.
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3
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Hashimoto K, Hanzawa N. In Vivo Tissue-Specific DNA Demethylation in Mouse Liver Through a Hydrodynamic Tail Vein Injection. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2577:269-277. [PMID: 36173580 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2724-2_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A new technique called the dCas9-SunTag and scFv-TET1CD epigenome editing system has recently been developed to edit the DNA methylation status of specific genes. The transfection of an all-in-one vector containing this system into cells is feasible and induces the DNA demethylation of specific genes; however, due to the large size of the vector, difficulties are associated with its introduction into mice. We herein used a hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVi) to introduce the all-in-one vector into mice for in vivo epigenome editing. HTVi needs to be considered for inducing the targeted DNA demethylation of particular genes in the mouse liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koshi Hashimoto
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Hematology, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Koshigaya, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Nozomi Hanzawa
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, National Disaster Medical Center, Tachikawa, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Pang L, Yeung OWH, Ng KTP, Liu H, Zhu J, Liu J, Yang X, Ding T, Qiu W, Wang Y, Chiu TLS, Chen Z, Lo CM, Man K. Postoperative Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Secrete IFNα to Promote Recruitment of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Drive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence. Cancer Res 2022; 82:4206-4218. [PMID: 36112065 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) confront a high incidence of tumor recurrence after curative surgical resection. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the major consequence of surgical stress during hepatectomy. Although it has been suggested that hepatic IRI-induced immunosuppression could contribute to tumor relapse after surgery, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully defined. Here, using a multiplex cytokine array, we found that levels of postoperative IFNα serve as an independent risk factor for tumor recurrence in 100 patients with HCC with curative hepatectomy. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), the major source of IFNα, were activated after surgery and correlated with poor disease-free survival. Functionally, IFNα was responsible for mobilization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) following hepatic IRI. Conditioned medium from IFNα-treated hepatocytes mediated the migration of MDSCs in vitro. Mechanistically, IFNα upregulated IRF1 to promote hepatocyte expression of CX3CL1, which subsequently recruited CX3CR1+ monocytic MDSCs. Knockdown of Irf1 or Cx3cl1 in hepatocytes significantly inhibited the accumulation of monocytic MDSCs in vivo. Therapeutically, elimination of pDCs, IFNα, or CX3CR1 could restore the tumor-killing activity of CD8+ T cells, hence limiting tumor growth and lung metastasis following hepatic IRI. Taken together, these data suggest that IFNα-producing pDCs drive CX3CR1+ MDSC recruitment via hepatocyte IRF1/CX3CL1 signaling and lead to tumor recurrence after hepatectomy in HCC. Targeting pDCs and the IFNα/CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis could inhibit surgical stress-induced HCC recurrence by attenuating postoperative immunosuppression. SIGNIFICANCE IFNα secreted by plasmacytoid dendritic cells drives postoperative immunosuppression and early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, providing new biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes after surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Pang
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Oscar W H Yeung
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin T P Ng
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiye Zhu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Hepato-pancreato-biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxiang Yang
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tao Ding
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenqi Qiu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuewen Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - T L Shirley Chiu
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung-Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU-SZH & LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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5
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Yu JH, Ma S. Organoids as research models for hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Cell Res 2021; 411:112987. [PMID: 34942189 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Organoid culture is an emerging research tool that has proved tremendously useful in a multitude of aspects, one of which is cancer research. They largely overcome the limitations of previous cancer models by their faithful recapitulation of the in vivo biology, while still remaining amenable to perturbations. Using a cocktail of biologicals that mimic the stem cell niche signaling, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) organoids could be generated from tissue samples of both human and murine origin. Existing reports show that HCC organoids retain key characteristics of their parental tumor tissue, including the histological architecture, genomic landscape, expression profile and intra-tumor heterogeneity. There is ongoing effort to establish living biobanks of patient-derived cancer organoids, annotated with multi-omics data and clinical data, and they can be particularly valuable in stratification of HCC subtypes, pre-clinical drug discovery and personalized medicine. In the future, efforts in the standardization of procedures and nomenclature, refinement of protocols, as well as engineering of the culture systems will enable scientists to unleash the full potential of organoid technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Hy Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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6
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Fu Z, Zhang X, Zhou X, Ur-Rehman U, Yu M, Liang H, Guo H, Guo X, Kong Y, Su Y, Ye Y, Hu X, Cheng W, Wu J, Wang Y, Gu Y, Lu SF, Wu D, Zen K, Li J, Yan C, Zhang CY, Chen X. In vivo self-assembled small RNAs as a new generation of RNAi therapeutics. Cell Res 2021; 31:631-648. [PMID: 33782530 PMCID: PMC8169669 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-021-00491-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNAi therapy has undergone two stages of development, direct injection of synthetic siRNAs and delivery with artificial vehicles or conjugated ligands; both have not solved the problem of efficient in vivo siRNA delivery. Here, we present a proof-of-principle strategy that reprogrammes host liver with genetic circuits to direct the synthesis and self-assembly of siRNAs into secretory exosomes and facilitate the in vivo delivery of siRNAs through circulating exosomes. By combination of different genetic circuit modules, in vivo assembled siRNAs are systematically distributed to multiple tissues or targeted to specific tissues (e.g., brain), inducing potent target gene silencing in these tissues. The therapeutic value of our strategy is demonstrated by programmed silencing of critical targets associated with various diseases, including EGFR/KRAS in lung cancer, EGFR/TNC in glioblastoma and PTP1B in obesity. Overall, our strategy represents a next generation RNAi therapeutics, which makes RNAi therapy feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fu
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XChemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Xinyan Zhou
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Uzair Ur-Rehman
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Mengchao Yu
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China ,grid.412521.1Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Hongwei Liang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Hongyuan Guo
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Xu Guo
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Yan Kong
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Yuanyuan Su
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Yangyang Ye
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Xiuting Hu
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Wei Cheng
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinrong Wu
- grid.440259.e0000 0001 0115 7868Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Yayun Gu
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng-feng Lu
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dianqing Wu
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Pharmacology, Vascular Biology and Therapeutic Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Ke Zen
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Jing Li
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Chao Yan
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XChemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen-Yu Zhang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China
| | - Xi Chen
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Extracellular RNA, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XChemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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7
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Targeted DNA demethylation of the Fgf21 promoter by CRISPR/dCas9-mediated epigenome editing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5181. [PMID: 32198422 PMCID: PMC7083849 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62035-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported PPARα-dependent DNA demethylation of the Fgf21 promoter in the postnatal mouse liver, where reduced DNA methylation is associated with enhanced gene expression after PPARα activation. However, there is no direct evidence for the effect of site-specific DNA methylation on gene expression. We employed the dCas9-SunTag and single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-TET1 catalytic domain (TET1CD) system to induce targeted DNA methylation of the Fgf21 promoter both in vitro and in vivo. We succeeded in targeted DNA demethylation of the Fgf 21 promoter both in Hepa1-6 cells and PPARα-deficient mice, with increased gene expression response to PPARα synthetic ligand administration and fasting, respectively. This study provides direct evidence that the DNA methylation status of a particular gene may determine the magnitude of the gene expression response to activation cues.
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8
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Niola F, Dagnæs-Hansen F, Frödin M. In Vivo Editing of the Adult Mouse Liver Using CRISPR/Cas9 and Hydrodynamic Tail Vein Injection. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1961:329-341. [PMID: 30912055 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9170-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 technology allows facile modification of the genome in virtually any desired way through the use of easily designed plasmid constructs that express a gRNA targeting a genomic site-of-interest and Cas9. Hydrodynamic tail vein injection, on the other hand, is a simple method to deliver "naked" plasmid DNA to 5-40% of the hepatocytes of the liver of adult mice. Here, we describe how these two techniques can be combined to create a workflow for fast, easy, and cost-efficient in vivo genome editing of the adult mouse liver. Using this method, large cohorts of mice with genetically modified livers can be established within 3 weeks to generate models for gene function in normal physiology and diseases of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Niola
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Morten Frödin
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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9
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YAP determines the cell fate of injured mouse hepatocytes in vivo. Nat Commun 2017; 8:16017. [PMID: 28681838 PMCID: PMC5504293 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms16017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of senescent, transformed or damaged cells can impair tissue function or lead to tumorigenesis; therefore, organisms have evolved quality control mechanisms to eliminate them. Here, we show that YAP activation induced by inactivation of the Hippo pathway specifically in damaged hepatocytes promotes their selective elimination by using in vivo mosaic analysis in mouse liver. These damaged hepatocytes migrate into the hepatic sinusoids, undergo apoptosis and are engulfed by Kupffer cells. In contrast, YAP activation in undamaged hepatocytes leads to proliferation. Cellular stresses such as ethanol that damage both liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes switch cell fate from proliferation to migration/apoptosis in the presence of activated YAP. This involves the activation of CDC42 and Rac that regulate cell migration. Thus, we suggest that YAP acts as a stress sensor that induces elimination of injured cells to maintain tissue and organ homeostasis. Senescent and injured cells affect tissue functions and can drive tumorigenesis. Thus, efficient elimination of these cells is pivotal for tissue integrity. Here Miyamura et al. show that YAP acts as a cellular stress sensor and promotes the elimination of damaged cells to maintain tissue homeostasis.
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10
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Abstract
Hydrodynamic HBV transfection mouse model is an established method of the last decade where macromolecules, non-normally permeable to cell membrane, are delivered intracellular. The basic principle is that a large volume of solution, containing HBV plasmid construct, is infused rapidly in circulation to permit the preferential entrance of these macromolecules to liver parenchymal cells. The aim of this chapter is to describe the basic principles of the hydrodynamic HBV transfection in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ling Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Hurng-Yi Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
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11
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Chira S, Jackson CS, Oprea I, Ozturk F, Pepper MS, Diaconu I, Braicu C, Raduly LZ, Calin GA, Berindan-Neagoe I. Progresses towards safe and efficient gene therapy vectors. Oncotarget 2016; 6:30675-703. [PMID: 26362400 PMCID: PMC4741561 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of genetic engineering at the beginning of the 1970′s opened the era of biomedical technologies, which aims to improve human health using genetic manipulation techniques in a clinical context. Gene therapy represents an innovating and appealing strategy for treatment of human diseases, which utilizes vehicles or vectors for delivering therapeutic genes into the patients' body. However, a few past unsuccessful events that negatively marked the beginning of gene therapy resulted in the need for further studies regarding the design and biology of gene therapy vectors, so that this innovating treatment approach can successfully move from bench to bedside. In this paper, we review the major gene delivery vectors and recent improvements made in their design meant to overcome the issues that commonly arise with the use of gene therapy vectors. At the end of the manuscript, we summarized the main advantages and disadvantages of common gene therapy vectors and we discuss possible future directions for potential therapeutic vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Carlo S Jackson
- Department of Immunology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Iulian Oprea
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ferhat Ozturk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Canik Başari University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Michael S Pepper
- Department of Immunology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Lajos-Zsolt Raduly
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Physiopathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, Oncological Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuţă", Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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12
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Yokoo T, Kanefuji T, Suda T, Kamimura K, Liu D, Terai S. Site-Specific Impact of a Regional Hydrodynamic Injection: Computed Tomography Study during Hydrodynamic Injection Targeting the Swine Liver. Pharmaceutics 2015; 7:334-43. [PMID: 26389943 PMCID: PMC4588204 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics7030334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A hemodynamic study of hydrodynamic gene delivery (HGD) from the tail vein in rodents has inspired a mechanism and an approach to further improve the efficacy of this procedure. However, there is no report on the hemodynamics of a regional HGD, which is an inevitable approach in large animals. Here, we report the hemodynamics of a regional hydrodynamic injection in detail based on 3D volume data and the dynamism of tissue intensity over time by using computed tomography (CT) both during and after a regional hydrodynamic injection that targeted the liver of a pig weighing 15.6 kg. Contrast medium (CM) was injected at a steady speed of 20 mL/s for 7.5 s under the temporal balloon occlusion of the hepatic vein (HV). A retrograde flow formed a wedge-shaped strong enhancement area downstream of the corresponding HV within 2.5 s, which was followed by drainage into another HV beginning from the target area and the portal vein (PV) toward a non-target area of the liver. After the injection, the CM was readily eliminated from the PV outside the target area. These data suggest that an interventional radiology approach is effective in limiting the hydrodynamic impacts in large animals at a target area and that the burden overflowing into the PV is limited. A further investigation that simultaneously evaluates gene delivery efficiency and hemodynamics using CT is needed to establish feasible parameters for a regional HGD in large animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata 950-8510, Japan.
| | - Tsutomu Kanefuji
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Uonuma Institute of Community Medicine, Niigata University, 4132 Urasa, Minami Uonuma, Niigata, 949-7392, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Uonuma Institute of Community Medicine, Niigata University, 4132 Urasa, Minami Uonuma, Niigata, 949-7392, Japan.
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata 950-8510, Japan.
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Sciences, University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy, 250 W. Green street, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata 950-8510, Japan.
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13
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Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) was discovered as a cellular defense mechanism more than decade ago. It has been exploited as a powerful tool for genetic manipulation. Characterized with specifically silencing target gene expression, it has great potential application for disease treatment. Currently, there are human clinical trials in progress or planned. Despite the excitement regarding this prominent technology, there are many obstacles and concerns that prevent RNAi from being widely used in the therapeutic field. Among them, the non-spatial and non-temporal control is the most difficult challenge, as well as off-target effects and triggering type I immune responses. Inducible RNAi technology can effectively regulate target genes by inducer-mediated small hairpin RNA expression. Combination with inducible regulation systems this makes RNAi technology more sophisticated and may provide a wider application field. This review discusses approaches of inducible RNAi systems, the potential problem areas and solutions and their therapeutic applications. Given the limitations discussed herein being resolved, we believe that inducible RNAi will be a major therapeutic modality within the next several years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liao
- a Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology , Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
| | - Liling Tang
- a Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology , Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
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14
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Abstract
Hydrodynamic delivery (HD) is a broadly used procedure for DNA and RNA delivery in rodents, serving as a powerful tool for gene/protein drug discovery, gene function analysis, target validation, and identification of elements in regulating gene expression in vivo. HD involves a pressurized injection of a large volume of solution into a vasculature. New procedures are being developed to satisfy the need for a safe and efficient gene delivery in clinic. Here, we summarize the fundamentals of HD, its applications, and future perspectives for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Suda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Dexi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, School of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA
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15
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16
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Abstract
The suppression of genes involved in tumor progression, metastasis formation, or therapy resistance by RNA interference is a promising tool to treat cancer disease. Efficient delivery of interfering molecules and their sustained presence in tumor cells are required for therapeutic success. This chapter describes a method of systemic application of shRNA expression plasmid via tail vein injection in xenograft mice, causing the sustained reduction of target gene expression in the primary tumor. By choosing S100A4 as a metastasis driving target gene, this therapeutic approach restricted the formation of distant colorectal cancer metastases after intrasplenic transplantation. In vivo imaging of bioluminescent cancer cells allows the monitoring of tumor growth and metastasis formation over time. End point analysis of the trial included scoring of the metastatic burden and the quantification of target gene expression in the tumor. Average S100A4 expression in tumor tissues was reduced by 30 %, causing a 70 % decrease of liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Dahlmann
- Translational Oncology of Solid Tumors, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité University Medicine Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany,
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17
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Wang D, Lv Y, Zhu H, Lv G, Huang J. Remedial applications of silencing ribonucleic acids and modalities for its delivery to the kidneys--a review. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY, AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES 2014; 11:89-93. [PMID: 25392587 DOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v11i4.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Kidney has been the target organ for the delivery of silencing ribonucleic acids (silencing RNA) administered systemically in comparison to other body tissues. MATERIALS AND METHOD In this review, we discussed different approaches made to delivering proteins to the kidneys in different conditions like normal and pathological defects. Data from clinical experiments have been used to discuss and support the administration of silencing RNA for the treatment of kidney diseases. RESULTS Results were achieved using the available genome wide RNA libraries. CONCLUSION The research results are helpful in application to 3D and conventional models to find the involvement of signal pathways in kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie Wang
- Medical Education Center, Langfang Health Vocational College, 065001. Langfang, Heibei Province, China
| | - Yanfen Lv
- Children Health Department, Langfang Women and Children's Health Center, 065000, Langfang, Heibei Province, China
| | - Huifang Zhu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Education Center, Langfang Health Vocational College, 065001, Langfang, Heibei Province, China
| | - Guifeng Lv
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Education Center, Langfang Health Vocational College, 065001, Langfang, Heibei Province, China
| | - Jiyi Huang
- Nephrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Tongmin Branch Court, 361000, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
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18
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Huang YH, Chen YX, Zhang LJ, Chen ZX, Wang XZ. Hydrodynamics-based transfection of rat interleukin-10 gene attenuates porcine serum-induced liver fibrosis in rats by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Int J Mol Med 2014; 34:677-86. [PMID: 24993843 PMCID: PMC4121348 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common pathological outcome for the majority of chronic liver diseases. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine that downregulates proinflammatory responses and has a modulatory effect on liver fibrogenesis. However, little is known regarding the effect of rat interleukin-10 (rIL-10) gene by hydrodynamics-based transfection (HBT) on liver fibrosis in rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the rIL-10 gene by HBT on the progression of liver fibrosis induced by porcine serum (PS) in rats and explore its possible mechanism. Plasmid-expressing rIL-10 was transferred into rats by HBT and immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to detect the major organ expressing rIL-10. Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of PS for 8 weeks. Plasmid pcDNA3-rIL-10 solution was administered weekly by HBT starting at the 5th week. Liver function and hepatic histology were examined. The possible molecular mechanisms of rIL-10 gene therapy were assessed in liver tissue and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) co-cultured with BRL cells (a hepatocyte line) in vitro. The results showed rIL-10 expression occurred mainly in the liver following rIL-10 gene transfer by HBT. Maintaining a stable expression of rIL-10 in serum was assessed by repeated administration. The rIL-10 gene treatment attenuated liver inflammation and fibrosis in PS-induced fibrotic rats, reduced the deposition of collagen and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in fibrotic rats. The in vitro experiment showed that the expression of a-SMA and procollagen type I in HSCs co-cultured with the BRL-transfected rIL-10 gene were significantly decreased. These findings indicate that rIL-10 gene therapy by HBT attenuates PS-induced liver fibrosis in rats and that its mechanism is associated with rIL-10 inhibiting the activation of HSCs and promoting the degeneration of collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Hong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Xin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - Li-Juan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Xin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Zhong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, P.R. China
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Khargharia S, Kizzire K, Ericson M, Baumhover NJ, Rice KG. PEG length and chemical linkage controls polyacridine peptide DNA polyplex pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, metabolic stability and in vivo gene expression. J Control Release 2013; 170:325-33. [PMID: 23735574 PMCID: PMC3904502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics (PK), biodistribution and metabolism of non-viral gene delivery systems administered systemically are directly related to in vivo efficacy. The magnitude of luciferase expression in the liver of mice following a tail vein dose of a polyplex, composed of 1 μg of pGL3 in complex with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polyacridine peptide, followed by a delayed hydrodynamic (HD) stimulation (1-9 h), depends on the HD stimulation delay time and the structure of the polyacridine peptide. As demonstrated in the present study, the PEG length and the type of chemical linkage joining PEG to the polyacridine peptide dramatically influence the in vivo gene transfer efficiency. To understand how PEG length, linkage and location influence gene transfer efficiency, detailed PK, biodistribution and HD-stimulated gene expression experiments were performed on polyplexes prepared with an optimized polyacridine peptide modified through a single terminal Cys or Pen (penicillamine) with a PEG chain of average length of 2, 5, 10, 20, or 30 kDa. The chemical linkage was examined by attaching PEG(5 kDa) to the polyacridine peptide through a thiol-thiol (SS), thiol-maleimide (SM), thiol-vinylsulfone (SV), thiol-acetamide (SA), penicillamine-thiol-maleimide (PM) or penicillamine-thiol-thiol (PS). The influence of PEG location was analyzed by attaching PEG(5 kDa) to the polyacridine peptide through a C-terminal, N-terminal, or a middle Cys residue. The results established rapid metabolism of polyplexes containing SV and SA chemical linkages that leads to a decreased polyplex PK half-life and a complete loss of HD-stimulated gene expression at delay times of 5 h. Conversely, polyplexes containing PM, PS, and SM chemical linkages were metabolically stable, allowing robust HD-stimulated expression at delay times up to 5h post-polyplex administration. The location of PEG(₅ kDa) within the polyacridine peptide exerted only a minor influence on the gene transfer of polyplexes. However, varying the PEG length from 2, 5, 10, 20, or 30 kDa dramatically altered polyplex biodistribution, with a 30 kDa PEG maximally blocking liver uptake to 13% of dose, while maintaining the ability to mediate HD-stimulated gene expression. The combination of results establishes important relationships between PEGylated polyacridine peptide structure, physical properties, in vivo metabolism, PK and biodistribution resulting in an optimal PEG length and linkage that leads to a robust HD-stimulated gene expression in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib Khargharia
- Division of Medicinal & Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City IA 52242
| | - Koby Kizzire
- Division of Medicinal & Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City IA 52242
| | - Mark Ericson
- Division of Medicinal & Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City IA 52242
| | - Nicholas J. Baumhover
- Division of Medicinal & Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City IA 52242
| | - Kevin G. Rice
- Division of Medicinal & Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City IA 52242
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20
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Ando M, Takahashi Y, Nishikawa M, Watanabe Y, Takakura Y. Constant and steady transgene expression of interferon-γ by optimization of plasmid construct for safe and effective interferon-γ gene therapy. J Gene Med 2013; 14:288-95. [PMID: 22359360 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrodynamic injection of pmCMV(enh) -hEF-1(prom) -muIFN-γ, a plasmid DNA (pDNA) expressing murine interferon (IFN)-γ with a murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) enhancer and a human elongation factor (EF)-1 promoter, has been proven effective for the treatment of cancer and atopic dermatitis in mice. However, the initial peak of IFN-γ soon after injection was quite high compared to the steady level for subsequent periods, which could cause unwanted adverse effects. Therefore, in the present study, aiming to optimize the efficacy/side-effect ratio of IFN-γ gene transfer, we have developed plasmid vectors encoding murine IFN-γ under the control of different combinations of promoter and enhancer sequences. METHODS The promoter and enhancer sequence of pmCMV(enh) -hEF-1(prom) -huIFN-γ, a prototype plasmid expressing human IFN-γ, was replaced or deleted to obtain various pDNAs. To assess the transgene expression profile, each pDNA was delivered to mice by hydrodynamic injection and the serum IFN-γ concentration was measured periodically. On the basis of the results obtained, murine IFN-γ expressing pDNAs were constructed and the body weight change was monitored as an indicator of adverse effects. RESULTS The prototype pmCMV(enh) -hEF-1(prom) -huIFN-γ showed a high but declining concentration of IFN-γ. Those containing hROSA26 promoter expressed the transgene in a more constant manner with no initial high concentrations and scarcely reduced the body weight. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that hROSA26 promoter, irrespective of the presence and type of enhancers, is suitable for achieving constant and steady level of transgene expression and effective in avoiding the body weight loss caused by high concentrations of IFN-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Ando
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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21
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Anguela XM, Tafuro S, Roca C, Callejas D, Agudo J, Obach M, Ribera A, Ruzo A, Mann CJ, Casellas A, Bosch F. Nonviral-mediated hepatic expression of IGF-I increases Treg levels and suppresses autoimmune diabetes in mice. Diabetes 2013; 62:551-60. [PMID: 23099863 PMCID: PMC3554392 DOI: 10.2337/db11-1776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In type 1 diabetes, loss of tolerance to β-cell antigens results in T-cell-dependent autoimmune destruction of β cells. The abrogation of autoreactive T-cell responses is a prerequisite to achieve long-lasting correction of the disease. The liver has unique immunomodulatory properties and hepatic gene transfer results in tolerance induction and suppression of autoimmune diseases, in part by regulatory T-cell (Treg) activation. Hence, the liver could be manipulated to treat or prevent diabetes onset through expression of key genes. IGF-I may be an immunomodulatory candidate because it prevents autoimmune diabetes when expressed in β cells or subcutaneously injected. Here, we demonstrate that transient, plasmid-derived IGF-I expression in mouse liver suppressed autoimmune diabetes progression. Suppression was associated with decreased islet inflammation and β-cell apoptosis, increased β-cell replication, and normalized β-cell mass. Permanent protection depended on exogenous IGF-I expression in liver nonparenchymal cells and was associated with increased percentage of intrapancreatic Tregs. Importantly, Treg depletion completely abolished IGF-I-mediated protection confirming the therapeutic potential of these cells in autoimmune diabetes. This study demonstrates that a nonviral gene therapy combining the immunological properties of the liver and IGF-I could be beneficial in the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier M. Anguela
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Tafuro
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Roca
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Callejas
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Agudo
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Obach
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Ribera
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Ruzo
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christopher J. Mann
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Casellas
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fatima Bosch
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Barcelona, Spain
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Cheng W, Miao L, Zhang H, Yang O, Ge H, Li Y, Wang L. Induction of interleukin 2 expression in the liver for the treatment of H22 hepatoma in mice. Dig Liver Dis 2013; 45:50-7. [PMID: 22999060 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2012.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We designed this study to evaluate the ability of a plasmid carrying an RU486 regulatory system to induce expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene and to examine the antitumour efficacy of the induced IL-2 gene. METHODS The plasmid pRS-mIL-2,which contains an RU486 inducible system and IL-2 gene was injected into mice. Sera and tissues from liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys were taken to test the properties of the plasmid. To examine the antitumour efficacy of pRS-mIL-2, tumours were established in the liver by direct inoculation of H22 hepatoma cells. RESULTS The IL-2 levels in serum correlated with the dose of plasmid and RU486. High and sustained IL-2 levels could be achieved by administration of RU486 every day. The mRNA of transgene IL-2 was found only in the liver. Treatment of mice with pRS-mIL-2 plus RU486 resulted in the significant reduction in tumour volume compared with control groups. CONCLUSIONS Tight temporal and spatial control of transgene IL-2 expression can be achieved by a plasmid containing an RU486 inducible system driven by liver specific promoter. pRS-mIL-2 exhibited strong antitumour efficacy following consecutive induction with RU486.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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23
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Ma J, Huang C, Yao X, Shi C, Sun L, Yuan L, Lei P, Zhu H, Liu H, Wu X, Ning Q, Zhou C, Shen G. Inhibition of hepatitis B virus and induction of hepatoma cell apoptosis by ASGPR-directed delivery of shRNAs. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46096. [PMID: 23094023 PMCID: PMC3477153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide liver disease and nearly 25% of chronic HBV infections terminate in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, there is no effective therapy to inhibit HBV replication and to eliminate hepatoma cells, making it highly desired to develop novel therapies for these two stages of the HBV-caused detrimental disease. Recently, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) has emerged as a potential therapy for virus-infected disease and cancer. Here, we have generated a shRNA, pGenesil-siHBV4, which effectively inhibits HBV replication in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2.2.15. The inhibitory effects of pGenesil-siHBV4 are manifested by the decrease of both the HBV mRNA level and the protein levels of the secreted HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV e antigen (HBeAg), and by the reduction of secreted HBV DNA. Using mouse hydrodynamic tail vein injection, we demonstrate that pGenesil-siHBV4 is effective in inhibiting HBV replication in vivo. Because survivin plays a key role in cancer cell escape from apoptosis, we further generated pGenesil-siSurvivin, a survivin-silencing shRNA, and showed its effect of triggering apoptosis of HBV-containing hepatoma cells. To develop targeted shRNA therapy, we have identified that as a specific binder of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), jetPEI-Hepatocyte delivers pGenesil-siHBV4 and pGenesil-siSurvivin specifically to hepatocytes, not other types of cells. Finally, co-transfection of pGenesil-siHBV4 and pGenesil-siSurvivin exerts synergistic effects in inducing hepatoma cell apoptosis, a novel approach to eliminate hepatoma by downregulating survivin via multiple mechanisms. The application of these novel shRNAs with the jetPEI-Hepatocyte targeting strategy demonstrates the proof-of-principle for a promising approach to inhibit HBV replication and eliminate hepatoma cells with high specificity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Asialoglycoprotein Receptor/genetics
- Asialoglycoprotein Receptor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/etiology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- DNA, Viral/antagonists & inhibitors
- DNA, Viral/biosynthesis
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Vectors
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/genetics
- Hepatitis B e Antigens/genetics
- Hepatitis B virus/genetics
- Hepatitis B virus/growth & development
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/genetics
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/therapy
- Humans
- Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins/genetics
- Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins/metabolism
- Injections, Intravenous
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/virology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Organ Specificity
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- Repressor Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Survivin
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Ma
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Huang
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Yao
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Shi
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lifang Sun
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Yuan
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Lei
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifen Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Liu
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiongwen Wu
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CZ); (GS)
| | - Guanxin Shen
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (CZ); (GS)
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Klingler J, Kaufmann D. Polypropylenimine generation four: a suitable vector for targeted gene alteration in vitro. J Drug Target 2012; 20:474-80. [PMID: 22577856 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2012.685476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypropylenimine dendrimers have been shown to be alternative vectors for DNA delivery. PURPOSE Up to now, polypropylenimine dendrimers have not been investigated for the transport of specific single stranded modified oligonucleotides for targeted gene alteration. METHODS We investigated generation four polypropylenimine dendrimers to target a 45 base (phosphorothioate modified) DNA oligonucleotide in the cell nuclei of cultured cells in order to correct a specific point mutation in hprt. RESULTS Transfection resulted in a high cellular uptake of the FITC-labeled oligonucleotides in V79 hamster fibroblasts and HuH-7 human liver cell lines, at low toxicity levels. Using transmission electron microscopy and immunolabeling, oligonucleotides were found 24 h after transfection predominantly in the nuclear compartment. The oligonucleotides showed the desired biological activity, the correction of the hprt point mutation in V79-400 cells. CONCLUSIONS For the transfection of modified oligonucleotides in targeted gene alteration, generation four polypropylenimine dendrimer is a suitable vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Klingler
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee, Ulm, Germany
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Vidal-Alabró A, Gómez-Valadés AG, Méndez-Lucas A, Llorens J, Bartrons R, Bermúdez J, Perales JC. Liver Glucokinase(A456V) Induces Potent Hypoglycemia without Dyslipidemia through a Paradoxical Induction of the Catalytic Subunit of Glucose-6-Phosphatase. Int J Endocrinol 2011; 2011:707928. [PMID: 22194744 PMCID: PMC3238378 DOI: 10.1155/2011/707928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent reports point out the importance of the complex GK-GKRP in controlling glucose and lipid homeostasis. Several GK mutations affect GKRP binding, resulting in permanent activation of the enzyme. We hypothesize that hepatic overexpression of a mutated form of GK, GK(A456V), described in a patient with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI) and could provide a model to study the consequences of GK-GKRP deregulation in vivo. GK(A456V) was overexpressed in the liver of streptozotocin diabetic mice. Metabolite profiling in serum and liver extracts, together with changes in key components of glucose and lipid homeostasis, were analyzed and compared to GK wild-type transfected livers. Cell compartmentalization of the mutant but not the wild-type GK was clearly affected in vivo, demonstrating impaired GKRP regulation. GK(A456V) overexpression markedly reduced blood glucose in the absence of dyslipidemia, in contrast to wild-type GK-overexpressing mice. Evidence in glucose utilization did not correlate with increased glycogen nor lactate levels in the liver. PEPCK mRNA was not affected, whereas the mRNA for the catalytic subunit of glucose-6-phosphatase was upregulated ~4 folds in the liver of GK(A456V)-treated animals, suggesting that glucose cycling was stimulated. Our results provide new insights into the complex GK regulatory network and validate liver-specific GK activation as a strategy for diabetes therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Vidal-Alabró
- Biophysics Unit, Department of Physiological Sciences II, IDIBELL-University of Barcelona, Campus de Bellvitge, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Alícia G. Gómez-Valadés
- Biophysics Unit, Department of Physiological Sciences II, IDIBELL-University of Barcelona, Campus de Bellvitge, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Andrés Méndez-Lucas
- Biophysics Unit, Department of Physiological Sciences II, IDIBELL-University of Barcelona, Campus de Bellvitge, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jordi Llorens
- Biophysics Unit, Department of Physiological Sciences II, IDIBELL-University of Barcelona, Campus de Bellvitge, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ramon Bartrons
- Biophysics Unit, Department of Physiological Sciences II, IDIBELL-University of Barcelona, Campus de Bellvitge, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jordi Bermúdez
- Biophysics Unit, Department of Physiological Sciences II, IDIBELL-University of Barcelona, Campus de Bellvitge, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jose C. Perales
- Biophysics Unit, Department of Physiological Sciences II, IDIBELL-University of Barcelona, Campus de Bellvitge, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
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26
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Shashidharamurthy R, Machiah D, Bozeman EN, Srivatsan S, Patel J, Cho A, Jacob J, Selvaraj P. Hydrodynamic delivery of plasmid DNA encoding human FcγR-Ig dimers blocks immune-complex mediated inflammation in mice. Gene Ther 2011; 19:877-85. [PMID: 22113315 PMCID: PMC3296821 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic use and function of recombinant molecules can be studied by the expression of foreign genes in mice. In this study, we have expressed human Fcgamma receptor –Ig fusion molecules (FcγR-Igs) in mice by administering FcγR-Ig plasmid DNAs hydrodynamically and compared their effectiveness to purified molecules in blocking immune-complex (IC) mediated inflammation in mice. The concentration of hydrodynamically expressed FcγR-Igs (CD16AF-Ig, CD32AR-Ig and CD32AH-Ig) reached a maximum of 130 μg/ml of blood within 24 h after plasmid DNA administration. The in vivo half-life of FcγR-Igs was found to be 9-16 days and Western blot analysis showed that the FcγR-Igs were expressed as a homodimer. The hydrodynamically expressed FcγR-Igs blocked 50-80% of IC-mediated inflammation up to 3 days in a reverse passive Arthus reaction model. Comparative analysis with purified molecules showed that hydrodynamically expressed FcγR-Igs are more efficient than purified molecules in blocking IC-mediated inflammation and had a higher half-life. In summary, these results suggest that the administration of a plasmid vector with a FcγR-Ig gene can be used to study the consequences of blocking IC-binding to FcγRs during the development of inflammatory diseases. This approach may have potential therapeutic value in treating IC-mediated inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis and autoimmune vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Shashidharamurthy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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27
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Thakor AS, Luong R, Paulmurugan R, Lin FI, Kempen P, Zavaleta C, Chu P, Massoud TF, Sinclair R, Gambhir SS. The fate and toxicity of Raman-active silica-gold nanoparticles in mice. Sci Transl Med 2011; 3:79ra33. [PMID: 21508310 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3001963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy is an optical imaging method that is based on the Raman effect, the inelastic scattering of a photon when energy is absorbed from light by a surface. Although Raman spectroscopy is widely used for chemical and molecular analysis, its clinical application has been hindered by the inherently weak nature of the Raman effect. Raman-silica-gold-nanoparticles (R-Si-Au-NPs) overcome this limitation by producing larger Raman signals through surface-enhanced Raman scattering. Because we are developing these particles for use as targeted molecular imaging agents, we examined the acute toxicity and biodistribution of core polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ylated R-Si-Au-NPs after different routes of administration in mice. After intravenous administration, PEG-R-Si-Au-NPs were removed from the circulation by macrophages in the liver and spleen (that is, the reticuloendothelial system). At 24 hours, PEG-R-Si-Au-NPs elicited a mild inflammatory response and an increase in oxidative stress in the liver, which subsided by 2 weeks after administration. No evidence of significant toxicity was observed by measuring clinical, histological, biochemical, or cardiovascular parameters for 2 weeks. Because we are designing targeted PEG-R-Si-Au-NPs (for example, PEG-R-Si-Au-NPs labeled with an affibody that binds specifically to the epidermal growth factor receptor) to detect colorectal cancer after administration into the bowel lumen, we tested the toxicity of the core nanoparticle after administration per rectum. We observed no significant bowel or systemic toxicity, and no PEG-R-Si-Au-NPs were detected systemically. Although additional studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of PEG-R-Si-Au-NPs and their toxicity when carrying the targeting moiety, the results presented here support the idea that PEG-R-Si-Au-NPs can be safely used in living subjects, especially when administered rectally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avnesh S Thakor
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5427, USA
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Rácz Z, Godó M, Révész C, Hamar P. Immune activation and target organ damage are consequences of hydrodynamic treatment but not delivery of naked siRNAs in mice. Nucleic Acid Ther 2011; 21:215-24. [PMID: 21749298 PMCID: PMC3198622 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2010.0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs), key mediators of RNA interference comprise a promising therapeutic tool, although side effects such as interferon (IFN) response are still not perfectly understood. Further, delivery to target organs is a major challenge, possibly associated with side effects including immune activation or organ damage. We investigated whether immune activation as a consequence of double-stranded RNA induced IFN response (Jak/STAT pathway activation or cytokine production) or target organ damage is induced by in vivo low-volume (LV) or high-volume (HV) hydrodynamic delivery or treatment with naked siRNA. NMRI mice were injected with naked siRNAs or saline by hydrodynamic injection (HDI) and positive control mice received polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid (poly I:C). LV (1 mL/mouse) and HV (10% of body weight) HDI were compared. After LV HDI, STAT1 and OAS1 gene expression inflammatory cytokine plasma levels and target organ injury were assessed. LV HDI induced slight alanine aminotransferase elevation and mild hepatocyte injury, whereas HV HDI resulted in high ALAT level and extensive hepatocyte necrosis. STAT1 or OAS1 was not induced by LV siRNA; however, HV saline led to a time-dependent slight increase in gene expression. Inflammatory cytokine plasma level and organ histology and functional parameters demonstrated no damage following LV HDI with or without siRNA. Our data demonstrate that naked siRNAs may be harnessed, without the induction of IFN response or immune activation, and that LV HDI is preferable, because HV HDI may cause organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Rácz
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, Hungary
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Herrero MJ, Monleon D, Morales JM, Mata M, Serna E, Aliño SF. Analysis of metabolic and gene expression changes after hydrodynamic DNA injection into mouse liver. Biol Pharm Bull 2011; 34:167-72. [PMID: 21212539 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.34.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The hydrodynamic injection in mice tail vein of a plasmid (40 µg DNA) bearing the human α1-antitrypsin gene mediates: a) good liver gene transfer resulting in therapeutic plasma levels of human protein (1 mg/ml, approximately) from days 1-10 after injection; b) low liver injury as demonstrated by a poor and transient increase of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in mouse plasma; 3) limited expression and metabolic changes in host liver genes and metabolites as evaluated on days 2 and 10 after injection. Groups of three mice were uninjected (control) or hydrodynamically injected with saline or plasmid DNA and then sacrificed on days 2 and 10 after injection. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) show, both in expression microarray and metabolomic analysis, that changes between control and hydrodynamically injected groups are not dramatic and tend to normalize after 10 d. The differences are even smaller between DNA and saline hydrodynamically injected mice. Hydrodynamic injection induces a complex but limited gene expression and metabolic change which includes variations in molecules related to energy metabolism and stress response. The results contribute to support that hydrodynamic method is a safe procedure of liver gene transfer but the long-term effect of hydrodynamic gene transfer procedure, remains to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jose Herrero
- Gene Therapy Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain
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30
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Katsimpoulas M, Zacharoulis D, Rountas C, Dimitriou C, Mantziaras G, Kostomitsopoulos N, Habib N, Kostakis A. Minimal invasive technique for gene delivery in porcine liver lobe segment. J INVEST SURG 2011; 24:13-7. [PMID: 21275525 DOI: 10.3109/08941939.2010.519815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The feasibility and outcome of large volume injection of gene solution in a segment of a liver lobe, without backflow, were studied in a porcine model, using a custom-designed balloon catheter. METHOD Eight anesthetized pigs underwent successful injection of 200 ml of gene solution at a rate of 20 ml/s via a minimally invasive technique without backflow. A custom-made balloon catheter was introduced under fluoroscopy guidance into the right lateral liver lobe via the right external jugular vein. The vein of the liver lobe was occluded with the balloon catheter and contrast material was injected to check if total occlusion was achieved. Since there was no backflow an angiographic pump injected the solution. The catheter was left in place for 10 min. Then contrast material was injected to check whether the vein remained occluded. RESULTS All animals tolerated the procedure without obvious adverse effects. Ultrasound scan showed no gross changes within liver three days following the infusion. A transient rise in platelet count was observed which returned to normal after 13 days and remained stable; all other biochemistry values were normal. CONCLUSIONS Injecting large volume of gene solution in a liver lobe segment using this minimally invasive technique in a porcine model is possible, making the development of a successful gene transfer protocol in humans feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Katsimpoulas
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Center for Experimental Surgery, 4, Soranou Ephesius str, Athens, 115 27, Greece.
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31
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Un K, Kawakami S, Suzuki R, Maruyama K, Yamashita F, Hashida M. Suppression of Melanoma Growth and Metastasis by DNA Vaccination Using an Ultrasound-Responsive and Mannose-Modified Gene Carrier. Mol Pharm 2011; 8:543-54. [DOI: 10.1021/mp100369n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Keita Un
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8471, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kawakami
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ryo Suzuki
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, 1091-1 Suwarashi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5195, Japan
| | - Kazuo Maruyama
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, 1091-1 Suwarashi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5195, Japan
| | - Fumiyoshi Yamashita
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Hashida
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8302, Japan
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Doenecke A, Krömer A, Scherer MN, Schlitt HJ, Geissler EK. AAV plasmid DNA simplifies liver-directed in vivo gene therapy: comparison of expression levels after plasmid DNA-, adeno-associated virus- and adenovirus-mediated liver transfection. J Gene Med 2011; 12:810-7. [PMID: 20809479 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful liver gene therapy depends on efficient gene transfer techniques and long-lasting gene expression after successful transfer. Over the last decades, important progress has been made with the introduction of viral vectors using animal models, although their use is hampered by a complex and costly preparation compared to the simple and cost-effective preparation of plasmid DNA. These problems become even more critical when considering the application of viral vectors in human gene therapy and gene therapy trials. In a previous study, we were able to show that the hydrodynamics-based gene transfer of plasmid-DNA, containing the adeno-associated-virus specific inverted terminal repeats (AAV-ITR), prolongs gene expression in the liver, although it remained unclear whether plasmid gene transfer could achieve similar expression levels compared to viral-vector gene transfer. METHODS Rat livers were transfected in-vivo with AAV-ITR-containing plasmid-DNA using a modified hydrodynamics-based procedure. Expression levels were monitored thereafter and compared with expression levels after viral-vector gene transfer. RESULTS A high and stable long-term expression was achieved after in vivo transfection of rat livers with AAV-ITR-containing plasmids. The expression course resembled that after AAV-mediated gene transfer, and the expression was at least as high, and lasted as long, compared to recombinant AAV-mediated gene transfer. CONCLUSIONS We consider AAV-ITR-containing plasmids as a simple and cost-effective alternative to recombinant viral vectors, especially for liver-directed gene therapy in rodents. With ongoing progress in gene transfer methods for naked DNA, these plasmids may also become a successful alternative to recombinant viral vectors in human gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Doenecke
- University Medical Center Regensburg, Department of Surgery, Regensburg, Germany.
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33
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Listeria monocytogenes infection induces prosurvival metabolic signaling in macrophages. Infect Immun 2011; 79:1526-35. [PMID: 21263022 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01195-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Host cells use metabolic signaling through the LXRα nuclear receptor to defend against Listeria monocytogenes infection. 25-Hydroxycholesterol is a natural ligand of LXRs that is produced by the enzyme cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H). We found that expression of Ch25h is upregulated following L. monocytogenes infection in a beta interferon (IFN-β)-dependent fashion. Moreover, increased Ch25h expression promotes survival of L. monocytogenes-infected cells and increases sensitivity of the host to infection. We determined that expression of Cd5l, a prosurvival gene, is controlled by CH25H. In addition, we found that CD5L inhibits activation of caspase-1, promoting survival of infected macrophages. Our results reveal a mechanism by which an intracellular pathogen can prolong survival of infected cells, thus providing itself with a protected environment in which to replicate.
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Gamble LJ, Matthews QL. Current progress in the development of a prophylactic vaccine for HIV-1. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2010; 5:9-26. [PMID: 21267356 PMCID: PMC3023272 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s6959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery and characterization in the early 1980s as a virus that attacks the immune system, there has been some success for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. However, due to the overwhelming public health impact of this virus, a vaccine is needed urgently. Despite the tireless efforts of scientist and clinicians, there is still no safe and effective vaccine that provides sterilizing immunity. A vaccine that provides sterilizing immunity against HIV infection remains elusive in part due to the following reasons: 1) degree of diversity of the virus, 2) ability of the virus to evade the hosts' immunity, and 3) lack of appropriate animal models in which to test vaccine candidates. There have been several attempts to stimulate the immune system to provide protection against HIV-infection. Here, we will discuss attempts that have been made to induce sterilizing immunity, including traditional vaccination attempts, induction of broadly neutralizing antibody production, DNA vaccines, and use of viral vectors. Some of these attempts show promise pending continued research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena J Gamble
- Department of Medicine, The Gene Therapy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA
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Du J, Zhao F, Zhou Y, Yan H, Duan XG, Liang SQ, Wang YL, Fu QX, Wang XH, Peng JC, Zhan LS. Bioluminescence imaging allows monitoring hepatitis C virus core protein inhibitors in mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14043. [PMID: 21124971 PMCID: PMC2987796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The development of small molecule inhibitors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein as antiviral agents has been intensively pursued as a viable strategy to eradicate HCV infection. However, lack of a robust and convenient small animal model has hampered the assessment of in vivo efficacy of any antiviral compound. Methodology/Principal Findings The objective of this work was to develop a novel method to screen anti-core protein siRNA in the mouse liver by bioluminescence imaging. The inhibitory effect of two shRNAs targeting the highly conserved core region of the HCV genome, shRNA452 and shRNA523, was examined using this method. In the transient mouse model, the effect of shRNA-523 was detectable at as early as 24 h and became even more pronounced at later time points. The effect of shRNA-452 was not detectable until 48 h post-transduction. In a stable mouse model, shRNA523 reduced luciferase levels by up to 76.4±26.0% and 91.8±8.0% at 6 h and 12 h after injection respectively, and the inhibitory effect persisted for 1 day after a single injection while shRNA-Scramble did not seem to have an effect on the luciferase activity in vivo. Conclusions/Significance Thus, we developed a simple and quantitative assay for real-time monitoring of HCV core protein inhibitors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Du
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Yan
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Ying-li Wang
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiu-xia Fu
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-hui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-chun Peng
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lin-sheng Zhan
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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González-González E, Ra H, Spitler R, Hickerson RP, Contag CH, Kaspar RL. Increased interstitial pressure improves nucleic acid delivery to skin enabling a comparative analysis of constitutive promoters. Gene Ther 2010; 17:1270-8. [PMID: 20463756 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapies hold great promise for treatment of skin disorders if delivery challenges can be overcome. To investigate one mechanism of nucleic acid delivery to keratinocytes, a fixed mass of expression plasmid was intradermally injected into mouse footpads in different volumes, and reporter expression was monitored by intravital imaging or skin sectioning. Reporter gene expression increased with higher delivery volumes, suggesting that pressure drives nucleic acid uptake into cells after intradermal injections similar to previously published studies for muscle and liver. For spatiotemporal analysis of reporter gene expression, a dual-axis confocal (DAC) fluorescence microscope was used for intravital imaging following intradermal injections. Individual keratinocytes expressing hMGFP were readily visualized in vivo and initially appeared to preferentially express in the stratum granulosum and subsequently migrate to the stratum corneum over time. Fluorescence microscopy of frozen skin sections confirmed the patterns observed by intravital imaging. Intravital imaging with the DAC microscope is a noninvasive method for probing spatiotemporal control of gene expression and should facilitate development and testing of new nucleic acid delivery technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E González-González
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a common consequence in patients with chronic liver damage. To date, no agent has been approved for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. RNA interference (RNAi) is known to be a powerful tool for post-transcriptional gene silencing and has opened new avenues in gene therapy. The problems of lack of cell specificity in vivo and subsequently the occurrence of side effects has hampered the development of hepatic fibrosis treatment. To overcome these shortcomings, several targeted strategies have been developed, such as hydrodynamics-based approaches, local administration, cell-type-selective ligands and cell-type-specific promoters or enhancers, etc. Here, we provide an overview of targeted strategies for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis, and particularly, targeted RNAi for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Fang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 20003, China
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Effect of nuclear localization and hydrodynamic delivery-induced cell division on phiC31 integrase activity. Gene Ther 2009; 17:217-26. [PMID: 19847205 PMCID: PMC2820593 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2009.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Phage φC31 integrase is a recombinase that can be expressed in mammalian cells to integrate plasmids carrying an attB sequence into the genome at specific pseudo attP locations. We demonstrate by immunofluoresence that wild-type φC31 integrase is cytoplasmic and that addition of a SV40 nuclear localization signal (NLS) localizes φC31 integrase to the nucleus. Unexpectedly, the NLS depressed integration efficiency in HeLa cells and provided no benefit when used to integrate the human Factor IX (hFIX) gene into mouse liver. Since breakdown of the nuclear membrane during mitosis could allow cytoplasmic integrase access to the chromosomes, we analyzed whether cell division was required for integration into liver cells in vivo. Hepatocytes were labeled with iododeoxyuridine to mark cells that underwent DNA replication during the week following hydrodynamic injection. Hydrodynamic delivery led to DNA replication in one-third of hepatocytes. Approximately 3 out of 4 cells having φC31 integrase-mediated stable hFIX expression did not undergo replication, indicating that cell division was not required for integrase function in liver. Therefore, although the bulk of φC31 integrase protein appears to be cytoplasmic in mammalian cells, integration can still occur in the nucleus, even without cell division.
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Kren BT, Unger GM, Sjeklocha L, Trossen AA, Korman V, Diethelm-Okita BM, Reding MT, Steer CJ. Nanocapsule-delivered Sleeping Beauty mediates therapeutic Factor VIII expression in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells of hemophilia A mice. J Clin Invest 2009; 119:2086-99. [PMID: 19509468 DOI: 10.1172/jci34332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2007] [Accepted: 04/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells are a major endogenous source of Factor VIII (FVIII), lack of which causes the human congenital bleeding disorder hemophilia A. Despite extensive efforts, gene therapy using viral vectors has shown little success in clinical hemophilia trials. Here we achieved cell type-specific gene targeting using hyaluronan- and asialoorosomucoid-coated nanocapsules, generated using dispersion atomization, to direct genes to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes, respectively. To highlight the therapeutic potential of this approach, we encapsulated Sleeping Beauty transposon expressing the B domain-deleted canine FVIII in cis with Sleeping Beauty transposase in hyaluronan nanocapsules and injected them intravenously into hemophilia A mice. The treated mice exhibited activated partial thromboplastin times that were comparable to those of wild-type mice at 5 and 50 weeks and substantially shorter than those of untreated controls at the same time points. Further, plasma FVIII activity in the treated hemophilia A mice was nearly identical to that in wild-type mice through 50 weeks, while untreated hemophilia A mice exhibited no detectable FVIII activity. Thus, Sleeping Beauty transposon targeted to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells provided long-term expression of FVIII, without apparent antibody formation, and improved the phenotype of hemophilia A mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy T Kren
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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40
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Nishikawa M, Nakayama A, Takahashi Y, Fukuhara Y, Takakura Y. Reactivation of silenced transgene expression in mouse liver by rapid, large-volume injection of isotonic solution. Hum Gene Ther 2009; 19:1009-20. [PMID: 18694297 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2008.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid, large-volume injection, or so-called hydrodynamic injection, of naked plasmid DNA gives high transgene expression in mouse liver, and this method has been applied to liver-directed gene transfer in humans with slight modifications. To prove that injection-induced biological changes are involved in hydrodynamic injection-induced, high-level transgene expression in mouse liver, isotonic solutions were injected into mice that had received a hydrodynamic injection of plasmid DNA. Transgene expression in the liver was increased by such injections irrespective of the cDNA, promoter, and type of solution. This reactivation was repeatable and detectable even 3 months after gene transfer. Parameters required for reactivation were similar to those required for the hydrodynamic injection of plasmid DNA. Plasmid DNA-polyethyleneimine complex-based transgene expression in mouse liver was also reactivated by the same treatment. DNA microarray and quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that the expression of immediate-early response genes c-fos and c-jun was increased 70 and 100-fold, respectively. Activator protein (AP)-1- or nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B-dependent transgene expression was increased by an injection of isotonic solutions. These findings indicate for the first time that a rapid, large-volume injection of isotonic solution activates the transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kappa B in the liver, which in turn increases the transcription of genes delivered by hydrodynamic injection or other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiya Nishikawa
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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41
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Hattori Y, Koga K, Izumisawa T, Yamasaki M, Narishima R, Yoshida S, Fukui T, Maitani Y. The Distribution of mRNA Expression and Protein after Hydrodynamic Injection of Transgene in Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2009; 32:755-9. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.32.755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimiko Koga
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University
| | | | | | | | - Saki Yoshida
- Department of Health Chemistry, Hoshi University
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42
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Cordero P, Campion J, Milagro FI, Marzo F, Martinez JA. Fat-to-glucose interconversion by hydrodynamic transfer of two glyoxylate cycle enzyme genes. Lipids Health Dis 2008; 7:49. [PMID: 19077206 PMCID: PMC2614421 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-7-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The glyoxylate cycle, which is well characterized in higher plants and some microorganisms but not in vertebrates, is able to bypass the citric acid cycle to achieve fat-to-carbohydrate interconversion. In this context, the hydrodynamic transfer of two glyoxylate cycle enzymes, such as isocytrate lyase (ICL) and malate synthase (MS), could accomplish the shift of using fat for the synthesis of glucose. Therefore, 20 mice weighing 23.37 +/- 0.96 g were hydrodinamically gene transferred by administering into the tail vein a bolus with ICL and MS. After 36 hours, body weight, plasma glucose, respiratory quotient and energy expenditure were measured. The respiratory quotient was increased by gene transfer, which suggests that a higher carbohydrate/lipid ratio is oxidized in such animals. This application could help, if adequate protocols are designed, to induce fat utilization for glucose synthesis, which might be eventually useful to reduce body fat depots in situations of obesity and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cordero
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Physiology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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43
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Clanchy FIL, Williams RO. Plasmid DNA as a safe gene delivery vehicle for treatment of chronic inflammatory disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2008; 8:1507-19. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.8.10.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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White PJ. Barriers to successful delivery of short interfering RNA after systemic administration. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2008; 35:1371-6. [PMID: 18565190 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2008.04992.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
1. RNA interference in vivo has tremendous potential, both with respect to the elucidation of protein function in animals and as a therapeutic platform in humans. In vitro, short interfering RNA (siRNA) has been shown to completely silence gene expression in mammalian cells at low picomolar concentrations. 2. Although many good publications have shown specific silencing to occur in vivo, there are few that have transferred the combination of maximal efficacy and high potency to this setting. The present review considers the biological barriers that limit the movement of siRNA from vascular lumen to target cell cytoplasm and the strategies that have been used to overcome them. 3. Intravenous administration of siRNA results in rapid, extensive removal of siRNA from the blood via renal excretion, tissue distribution and nuclease degradation. Movement across vascular capillaries appears to be a limiting factor in some cases; few examples of silencing have been reported in organs with a conventional capillary endothelium. 4. Cellular uptake and endosomal trapping are significant barriers, but can be overcome using strategies such as antibody mediated cellular uptake or polyethyleneimine-mediated endosomal escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J White
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Sawaya RM, Riddick DS. Cytochrome P450 2C11 5'-flanking region and promoter mediate in vivo suppression by 3-methylcholanthrene. Drug Metab Dispos 2008; 36:1803-11. [PMID: 18524872 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.108.020966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatic hydrocarbons such as 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) elicit toxic and adaptive responses through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Aromatic hydrocarbons act via an unknown mechanism to suppress the transcription of CYP2C11, a growth hormone-regulated gene encoding the male-specific rat hepatic cytochrome P450 2C11. We hypothesize that suppression of CYP2C11 by aromatic hydrocarbons is mediated by the gene's promoter and 5'-flank. Using hydrodynamics-based injections to deliver plasmid DNA to the liver of live rats, we studied the MC responsiveness of luciferase constructs containing 10.1, 5.6, and 2.4 kilobases (kb) of the CYP2C11 5'-flank. MC suppressed CYP2C11-luciferase activity of the 10.1- and 5.6-kb constructs to less than 50% of vehicle levels by 24 and 72 h. Luciferase activity of the 2.4-kb CYP2C11 construct was decreased to 63% of vehicle levels 24 h after MC treatment, but no suppression was detected by 72 h. Negative regulatory element(s) responsible for CYP2C11 reporter suppression by MC exist in the proximal 2.4 kb of the 5'-flank; however, additional cis-acting elements located between -5.6 and -2.4 kb mediate persistent reporter suppression. As a positive control for AHR activation, MC dramatically induced the luciferase activity of a Cyp1a1-driven luciferase plasmid under AHR control. Modulation of reporter gene activity by MC was accompanied by induction of endogenous CYP1A1 and suppression of endogenous CYP2C11 mRNA/protein. This is the first demonstration of aromatic hydrocarbon-mediated suppression of a CYP2C11-luciferase construct, and this finding suggests that the 5'-flanking region and promoter mediate down-regulation of this gene in the intact rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana M Sawaya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Doenecke A, Frank E, Scherer MN, Schlitt HJ, Geissler EK. Prolongation of heart allograft survival after long-term expression of soluble MHC class I antigens and vIL-10 in the liver by AAV-plasmid-mediated gene transfer. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2008; 393:343-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00423-008-0298-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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47
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Delivery of DNA HIV-1 vaccine to the liver induces high and long-lasting humoral immune responses. Vaccine 2008; 26:1541-51. [PMID: 18304708 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2007] [Revised: 11/26/2007] [Accepted: 01/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The quality of immune responses induced by DNA vaccination depends on the site of DNA administration, the expression, and the properties of the encoded antigen. In the present study, we demonstrate that intravenous hydrodynamic HIV-1 envelope DNA injection resulted in high levels of expression of HIV-1 envelope antigen in the liver. When compared to the administration of DNA by i.n., i.d., i.m., and i.splenic routes, hydrodynamic vaccination induced, upon DNA boosting, levels of HIV-1 envelope-specific antibodies 40-fold higher than those elicited by the other routes tested. Hydrodynamic vaccination with 1 microg DNA induced higher humoral responses than 100 microg DNA given intramuscularly in the prime-boost regimen. High levels of envelope-specific IgG and IgA antibodies were induced in genital tract secretions after two doses of DNA followed by intranasal boosting with recombinant HIV-1 gp120 protein. Furthermore, two doses of 100 microg DNA generated interferon-gamma production in approximately 4.3+/-1.7% of CD8(+) splenocytes after in vitro stimulation with HIV-1 envelope peptides. These results demonstrate that DNA vaccines targeted to tissues with high proteosynthetic activity, such as the liver, results in enhanced immune responses.
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Abstract
Efficient and safe methods for delivering genetic materials into cells must be developed before the clinical potential of gene therapy can be fully realized. Recently, hydrodynamic gene delivery using a rapid injection of a relatively large volume of DNA solution has opened up a new avenue for gene therapy studies in vivo. This method is superior to the existing delivery systems because of its simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. Wide success in applying hydrodynamic principles to delivery of DNA, RNA, proteins, and synthetic compounds, into the cells in various tissues of small animals, has inspired the recent attempts at establishing a hydrodynamic procedure for clinical use. In this review, we provide an overview of the theory and practice of hydrodynamic gene delivery so as to aid researchers for the use of this method in their pre-clinical and translational gene therapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Suda
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
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49
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Yonenaga Y, Mori A, Fujimoto A, Nagayama S, Tachibana T, Onodera H, Uemoto S. The administration of naked plasmid DNA into the liver induces antitumor innate immunity in a murine liver metastasis model. J Gene Med 2007; 9:299-307. [PMID: 17397091 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene therapy is a promising strategy against advanced cancer; however, the safety of viral vectors and the effectiveness of non-viral vectors have not yet been established. Recently, a hydrodynamics-based procedure was reported to be an effective and safe method to deliver and transduce DNA into the liver. Herein, we propose a strategy for liver metastasis by a hydrodynamics-based procedure to deliver naked non-coding plasmid DNA (pDNA) into the liver as an immunocompetent organ. METHODS AND RESULTS Mice received a rapid intravenous (i.v.) injection of naked pDNA in a large volume of saline (0.1 ml/g body weight). The single administration of a naked non-coding pDNA by the hydrodynamics-based procedure before tumor cell inoculation strongly suppressed liver metastasis formation. However, the usual i.v. injection (200 microl/body) of the same dose of naked pDNA could not suppress liver metastasis formation. Following the methylation of CpG sequences within the pDNA using CpG methylase, injection of the methylated pDNA by the hydrodynamics-based procedure could not suppress liver metastasis formation. Gadolinium chloride pretreatment did not interfere with this antitumor effect, but anti-asialo GM1 antiserum treatment did. These findings indicated that natural killer (NK) cells, not Kupffer cells, were involved in this antitumor effect. The NK cytotoxic activities of liver mononuclear cells were strongly enhanced after receiving a naked pDNA by the hydrodynamics-based procedure. CONCLUSIONS These observations suggest that unmethylated CpG motifs in pDNA stimulated immune cells, resulting in the activation of NK cells in the liver to suppress liver metastases in a murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikuni Yonenaga
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
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50
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Lewis DL, Wolff JA. Systemic siRNA delivery via hydrodynamic intravascular injection. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2007; 59:115-23. [PMID: 17442446 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2007.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2006] [Accepted: 03/04/2007] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The main barrier to the use of RNAi in mammalian systems is the difficulty in delivering siRNA or shRNA to the appropriate tissues. Although progress has been made in this area, many of the technologies developed require specialized expertise and reagents that are beyond the reach of most investigators. In contrast, the hydrodynamic injection technique is simple to perform and enables highly efficient delivery of naked, unmodified siRNA to a number of tissues, especially the liver. This review describes the development of the technique and explores the possible mechanisms that enable uptake of siRNA to biological effect. Examples of the use of hydrodynamic injection in animal models of disease and for the study of gene function are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Lewis
- Mirus Bio Corporation, 505 S. Rosa Rd., Madison, WI 53719, USA.
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