1
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Scherer D, Burger M, Leroux JC. Revival of Bioengineered Proteins as Carriers for Nucleic Acids. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:561-566. [PMID: 38621363 PMCID: PMC11099893 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- David Scherer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Michael Burger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Christophe Leroux
- Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
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2
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Eweje F, Walsh ML, Ahmad K, Ibrahim V, Alrefai A, Chen J, Chaikof EL. Protein-based nanoparticles for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122464. [PMID: 38181574 PMCID: PMC10872380 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
To realize the full potential of emerging nucleic acid therapies, there is a need for effective delivery agents to transport cargo to cells of interest. Protein materials exhibit several unique properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of functionalization via recombinant and chemical modifications, among other features, which establish a promising basis for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery systems. In this review, we highlight progress made in the use of non-viral protein-based nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery in vitro and in vivo, while elaborating on key physicochemical properties that have enabled the use of these materials for nanoparticle formulation and drug delivery. To conclude, we comment on the prospects and unresolved challenges associated with the translation of protein-based nucleic acid delivery systems for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyisayo Eweje
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Michelle L Walsh
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Harvard and MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA, 02115
| | - Kiran Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Vanessa Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Assma Alrefai
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jiaxuan Chen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Elliot L Chaikof
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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3
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Zhang Y, Luo J, Gui X, Zheng Y, Schaar E, Liu G, Shi J. Bioengineered nanotechnology for nucleic acid delivery. J Control Release 2023; 364:124-141. [PMID: 37879440 PMCID: PMC10838211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating various diseases, such as genetic disorders, cancers, and viral infections. Diverse nucleic acid delivery systems have been reported, and some, including lipid nanoparticles, have exhibited clinical success. In parallel, bioengineered nucleic acid delivery nanocarriers have also gained significant attention due to their flexible functional design and excellent biocompatibility. In this review, we summarize recent advances in bioengineered nucleic acid delivery nanocarriers, focusing on exosomes, cell membrane-derived nanovesicles, protein nanocages, and virus-like particles. We highlight their unique features, advantages for nucleic acid delivery, and biomedical applications. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges that bioengineered nanocarriers face towards clinical translation and the possible avenues for their further development. This review ultimately underlines the potential of bioengineered nanotechnology for the advancement of nucleic acid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xiran Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yating Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Eric Schaar
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Jinjun Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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4
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Zhu H, Luo H, Chang R, Yang Y, Liu D, Ji Y, Qin H, Rong H, Yin J. Protein-based delivery systems for RNA delivery. J Control Release 2023; 363:253-274. [PMID: 37741460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have emerged as promising approaches to modulate gene expression and generate therapeutic proteins or antigens capable of inducing immune responses to treat a variety of diseases, such as infectious diseases, cancers, immunologic disorders, and genetic disorders. However, the efficient delivery of RNA molecules into cells poses significant challenges due to their large molecular weight, negative charge, and susceptibility to degradation by RNase enzymes. To overcome these obstacles, viral and non-viral vectors have been developed, including lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, proteins, dendritic macromolecules, among others. Among these carriers, protein-based delivery systems have garnered considerable attention due to their potential to address specific issues associated with nanoparticle-based systems, such as liver accumulation and immunogenicity. This review provides an overview of currently marketed RNA drugs, underscores the significance of RNA delivery vector development, delineates the essential characteristics of an ideal RNA delivery vector, and introduces existing protein carriers for RNA delivery. By offering valuable insights, this review aims to serve as a reference for the future development of protein-based delivery vectors for RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichao Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruilong Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yue Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Guizhou Hospital, No. 206, Sixian Street, Baiyun District, Guiyang City 550014, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Haibo Rong
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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5
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João J, Prazeres DMF. Manufacturing of non-viral protein nanocages for biotechnological and biomedical applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1200729. [PMID: 37520292 PMCID: PMC10374429 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1200729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein nanocages are highly ordered nanometer scale architectures, which are typically formed by homo- or hetero-self-assembly of multiple monomers into symmetric structures of different size and shape. The intrinsic characteristics of protein nanocages make them very attractive and promising as a biological nanomaterial. These include, among others, a high surface/volume ratio, multi-functionality, ease to modify or manipulate genetically or chemically, high stability, mono-dispersity, and biocompatibility. Since the beginning of the investigation into protein nanocages, several applications were conceived in a variety of areas such as drug delivery, vaccine development, bioimaging, biomineralization, nanomaterial synthesis and biocatalysis. The ability to generate large amounts of pure and well-folded protein assemblies is one of the keys to transform nanocages into clinically valuable products and move biomedical applications forward. This calls for the development of more efficient biomanufacturing processes and for the setting up of analytical techniques adequate for the quality control and characterization of the biological function and structure of nanocages. This review concisely covers and overviews the progress made since the emergence of protein nanocages as a new, next-generation class of biologics. A brief outline of non-viral protein nanocages is followed by a presentation of their main applications in the areas of bioengineering, biotechnology, and biomedicine. Afterwards, we focus on a description of the current processes used in the manufacturing of protein nanocages with particular emphasis on the most relevant aspects of production and purification. The state-of-the-art on current characterization techniques is then described and future alternative or complementary approaches in development are also discussed. Finally, a critical analysis of the limitations and drawbacks of the current manufacturing strategies is presented, alongside with the identification of the major challenges and bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge João
- iBB–Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB–Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Duarte Miguel F. Prazeres
- iBB–Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB–Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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6
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Simple Complexity: Incorporating Bioinspired Delivery Machinery within Self-Assembled Peptide Biogels. Gels 2023; 9:gels9030199. [PMID: 36975648 PMCID: PMC10048788 DOI: 10.3390/gels9030199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioinspired self-assembly is a bottom-up strategy enabling biologically sophisticated nanostructured biogels that can mimic natural tissue. Self-assembling peptides (SAPs), carefully designed, form signal-rich supramolecular nanostructures that intertwine to form a hydrogel material that can be used for a range of cell and tissue engineering scaffolds. Using the tools of nature, they are a versatile framework for the supply and presentation of important biological factors. Recent developments have shown promise for many applications such as therapeutic gene, drug and cell delivery and yet are stable enough for large-scale tissue engineering. This is due to their excellent programmability—features can be incorporated for innate biocompatibility, biodegradability, synthetic feasibility, biological functionality and responsiveness to external stimuli. SAPs can be used independently or combined with other (macro)molecules to recapitulate surprisingly complex biological functions in a simple framework. It is easy to accomplish localized delivery, since they can be injected and can deliver targeted and sustained effects. In this review, we discuss the categories of SAPs, applications for gene and drug delivery, and their inherent design challenges. We highlight selected applications from the literature and make suggestions to advance the field with SAPs as a simple, yet smart delivery platform for emerging BioMedTech applications.
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7
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Kim HS, Bae JH, Kim G, Song JJ, Kim HS. Construction and Functionalization of a Clathrin Assembly for a Targeted Protein Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204620. [PMID: 36456203 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Protein assemblies have drawn much attention as platforms for biomedical applications, including gene/drug delivery and vaccine, due to biocompatibility and functional diversity. Here, the construction and functionalization of a protein assembly composed of human clathrin heavy chain and light chain for a targeted protein delivery, is presented. The clathrin heavy and light chains are redesigned and associated with each other, and the resulting triskelion unit further self-assembled into a clathrin assembly with the size of about 28 nm in diameter. The clathrin assembly is dual-functionalized with a protein cargo and a targeting moiety using two different orthogonal protein-ligand pairs through one-pot reaction. The functionalized clathrin assembly exhibits about a 900-fold decreased KD value for a cell-surface target due to avidity compared to a native targeting moiety. The utility of the clathrin assembly is demonstrated by an efficient delivery of a protein cargo into tumor cells in a target-specific manner, resulting in a strong cytotoxic effect. The present approach can be used in the creation of protein assemblies with multimodality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Sik Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Gijeong Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Joon Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak-Sung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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8
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Wang H, Liu N, Yang F, Hu N, Wang M, Cui M, Bruns N, Guan X. Bioengineered Protein Nanocage by Small Heat Shock Proteins Delivering mTERT siRNA for Enhanced Colorectal Cancer Suppression. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:1330-1340. [PMID: 35234441 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c01221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The efficient delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) for target gene silencing holds great promise for cancer therapy. Protein nanocages have attracted considerable attention as ideal drug delivery systems because of their material-derived advantages and unique structural properties. However, most studies about siRNA delivery have not indicated the real role of protein nanocages in inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. Herein, we fabricated an efficient siRNA delivery system using a small heat shock protein (Hsp) nanocage decorated with Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) and the transactivator of transcription (Tat) peptide. Hsp-Tat-RGD NC showed good cellular uptake and lysosomal escape in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, the nanocage could efficiently transfect siRNA into the cytoplasmic area of CT26 cells. Hsp-Tat-RGD NC delivering telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT)-targeting siRNA could significantly downregulate TERT protein expression and trigger tumor cell apoptosis in vitro. More importantly, Hsp-Tat-RGD/siTERT complexes nearly completely inhibited the tumor growth after five times of treatment in mice bearing CT26 xenograft. Our results demonstrate the great potential of the Tat/RGD-decorated Hsp nanocage as a promising siRNA delivery platform for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Medical College, Taizhou University, 1139 Shifu Avenue, Taizhou 318000, P. R. China.,College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Ning Liu
- College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Fuxu Yang
- Medical College, Taizhou University, 1139 Shifu Avenue, Taizhou 318000, P. R. China.,College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Nannan Hu
- Medical College, Taizhou University, 1139 Shifu Avenue, Taizhou 318000, P. R. China.,College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Meiying Cui
- College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Xingang Guan
- Medical College, Taizhou University, 1139 Shifu Avenue, Taizhou 318000, P. R. China.,College of Medical Technology, Beihua University, 3999 East Binjiang Road, Jilin 132013, P. R. China
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9
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Ramos R, Bernard J, Ganachaud F, Miserez A. Protein‐Based Encapsulation Strategies: Toward Micro‐ and Nanoscale Carriers with Increased Functionality. SMALL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202100095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Ramos
- Université de Lyon INSA Lyon CNRS IMP 5223 Villeurbanne Cedex 69621 France
- INSA-Lyon, IMP Villeurbanne F-69621 France
- CNRS, UMR 5223 Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères Villeurbanne F-69621 France
| | - Julien Bernard
- Université de Lyon INSA Lyon CNRS IMP 5223 Villeurbanne Cedex 69621 France
- INSA-Lyon, IMP Villeurbanne F-69621 France
- CNRS, UMR 5223 Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères Villeurbanne F-69621 France
| | - François Ganachaud
- Université de Lyon INSA Lyon CNRS IMP 5223 Villeurbanne Cedex 69621 France
- INSA-Lyon, IMP Villeurbanne F-69621 France
- CNRS, UMR 5223 Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères Villeurbanne F-69621 France
| | - Ali Miserez
- Biological and Biomimetic Material Laboratory Center for Sustainable Materials (SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering Nanyang Technological University (NTU) 50 Nanyang Avenue Singapore 637 553 Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences NTU 59 Nanyang Drive Singapore 636921 Singapore
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10
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van Hees M, Slott S, Hansen AH, Kim HS, Ji HP, Astakhova K. New approaches to moderate CRISPR-Cas9 activity: Addressing issues of cellular uptake and endosomal escape. Mol Ther 2022; 30:32-46. [PMID: 34091053 PMCID: PMC8753288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is rapidly entering molecular biology and biomedicine as a promising gene-editing tool. A unique feature of CRISPR-Cas9 is a single-guide RNA directing a Cas9 nuclease toward its genomic target. Herein, we highlight new approaches for improving cellular uptake and endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9. As opposed to other recently published works, this review is focused on non-viral carriers as a means to facilitate the cellular uptake of CRISPR-Cas9 through endocytosis. The majority of non-viral carriers, such as gold nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and nanoscale zeolitic imidazole frameworks, is developed with a focus toward optimizing the endosomal escape of CRISPR-Cas9 by taking advantage of the acidic environment in the late endosomes. Among the most broadly used methods for in vitro and ex vivo ribonucleotide protein transfection are electroporation and microinjection. Thus, other delivery formats are warranted for in vivo delivery of CRISPR-Cas9. Herein, we specifically revise the use of peptide and nanoparticle-based systems as platforms for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery in vivo. Finally, we highlight future perspectives of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool and the prospects of using non-viral vectors to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja van Hees
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Slott
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Heon Seok Kim
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Hanlee P. Ji
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94350, USA
| | - Kira Astakhova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark,Corresponding author: Kira Astakhova, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark.
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11
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Pediconi N, Ghirga F, Del Plato C, Peruzzi G, Athanassopoulos CM, Mori M, Crestoni ME, Corinti D, Ugozzoli F, Massera C, Arcovito A, Botta B, Boffi A, Quaglio D, Baiocco P. Design and Synthesis of Piperazine-Based Compounds Conjugated to Humanized Ferritin as Delivery System of siRNA in Cancer Cells. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:1105-1116. [PMID: 33978420 PMCID: PMC8253483 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression regulation by small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds promise in treating a wide range of diseases through selective gene silencing. However, successful clinical application of nucleic acid-based therapy requires novel delivery options. Herein, to achieve efficient delivery of negatively charged siRNA duplexes, the internal cavity of "humanized" chimeric Archaeal ferritin (HumAfFt) was specifically decorated with novel cationic piperazine-based compounds (PAs). By coupling these rigid-rod-like amines with thiol-reactive reagents, chemoselective conjugation was efficiently afforded on topologically selected cysteine residues properly located inside HumAfFt. The capability of PAs-HumAfFt to host and deliver siRNA molecules through human transferrin receptor (TfR1), overexpressed in many cancer cells, was explored. These systems allowed siRNA delivery into HeLa, HepG2, and MCF-7 cancer cells with improved silencing effect on glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene expression with respect to traditional transfection methodologies and provided a promising TfR1-targeting system for multifunctional siRNA delivery to therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Pediconi
- Center
for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), V.le Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence
2018−2022”, Sapienza University
of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Del Plato
- Center
for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), V.le Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence
2018−2022”, Sapienza University
of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Peruzzi
- Center
for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), V.le Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Constantinos M. Athanassopoulos
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Patras, GR-26504 Rio-Patras, Greece
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, “Department of Excellence
2018−2022”, University of
Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Elisa Crestoni
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence
2018−2022”, Sapienza University
of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Corinti
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence
2018−2022”, Sapienza University
of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Ugozzoli
- Department
of Engineering and Architecture, University
of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Massera
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Life and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Biotecnologiche di base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence
2018−2022”, Sapienza University
of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Boffi
- Center
for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), V.le Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Institute
of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National
Research Council, P.le
A. Moro 7, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence
2018−2022”, Sapienza University
of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Baiocco
- Center
for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), V.le Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Delfi M, Sartorius R, Ashrafizadeh M, Sharifi E, Zhang Y, De Berardinis P, Zarrabi A, Varma RS, Tay FR, Smith BR, Makvandi P. Self-assembled peptide and protein nanostructures for anti-cancer therapy: Targeted delivery, stimuli-responsive devices and immunotherapy. NANO TODAY 2021; 38:101119. [PMID: 34267794 PMCID: PMC8276870 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2021.101119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled peptides and proteins possess tremendous potential as targeted drug delivery systems and key applications of these well-defined nanostructures reside in anti-cancer therapy. Peptides and proteins can self-assemble into nanostructures of diverse sizes and shapes in response to changing environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, as well as host and guest molecular interactions; their countless benefits include good biocompatibility and high loading capacity for hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. These self-assembled nanomaterials can be adorned with functional moieties to specifically target tumor cells. Stimuli-responsive features can also be incorporated with respect to the tumor microenvironment. This review sheds light on the growing interest in self-assembled peptides and proteins and their burgeoning applications in cancer treatment and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Delfi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia, Naples 80126, Italy
| | - Rossella Sartorius
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esmaeel Sharifi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, 6517838736, Hamadan, Iran
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Yapei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rajender S. Varma
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Franklin R Tay
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Bryan Ronain Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Radiology and the Molecular Imaging Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Micro-BioRobotics, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
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Carrion CC, Nasrollahzadeh M, Sajjadi M, Jaleh B, Soufi GJ, Iravani S. Lignin, lipid, protein, hyaluronic acid, starch, cellulose, gum, pectin, alginate and chitosan-based nanomaterials for cancer nanotherapy: Challenges and opportunities. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 178:193-228. [PMID: 33631269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems are relatively new, they are rapidly evolving since the nanomaterials are deployed as effective means of diagnosis and delivery of assorted therapeutic agents to targeted intracellular sites in a controlled release manner. Nanomedicine and nanoparticulate drug delivery systems are rapidly developing as they play crucial roles in the development of therapeutic strategies for various types of cancer and malignancy. Nevertheless, high costs, associated toxicity and production of complexities are some of the critical barriers for their applications. Green nanomedicines have continually been improved as one of the viable approaches towards tumor drug delivery, thus making a notable impact on which considerably affect cancer treatment. In this regard, the utilization of natural and renewable feedstocks as a starting point for the fabrication of nanosystems can considerably contribute to the development of green nanomedicines. Nanostructures and biopolymers derived from natural and biorenewable resources such as proteins, lipids, lignin, hyaluronic acid, starch, cellulose, gum, pectin, alginate, and chitosan play vital roles in the development of cancer nanotherapy, imaging and management. This review uncovers recent investigations on diverse nanoarchitectures fabricated from natural and renewable feedstocks for the controlled/sustained and targeted drug/gene delivery systems against cancers including an outlook on some of the scientific challenges and opportunities in this field. Various important natural biopolymers and nanomaterials for cancer nanotherapy are covered and the scientific challenges and opportunities in this field are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Carrillo Carrion
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Marie Curie, Ctra Nnal IV-A Km. 396, E-14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Mohaddeseh Sajjadi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Qom, Qom 37185-359, Iran
| | - Babak Jaleh
- Department of Physics, Bu-Ali Sina University, 65174 Hamedan, Iran
| | | | - Siavash Iravani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Wang D, Chen L, Wang M, Cui M, Huang L, Xia W, Guan X. Delivering Proapoptotic Peptide by HSP Nanocage for Cancer Therapy. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202000003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Wang
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Meiying Cui
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Lili Huang
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Wei Xia
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
| | - Xingang Guan
- College of Medical TechnologyBeihua University Jilin 132013 P. R. China
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Palombarini F, Di Fabio E, Boffi A, Macone A, Bonamore A. Ferritin Nanocages for Protein Delivery to Tumor Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:E825. [PMID: 32070033 PMCID: PMC7070480 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The delivery of therapeutic proteins is one of the greatest challenges in the treatment of human diseases. In this frame, ferritins occupy a very special place. Thanks to their hollow spherical structure, they are used as modular nanocages for the delivery of anticancer drugs. More recently, the possibility of encapsulating even small proteins with enzymatic or cytotoxic activity is emerging. Among all ferritins, particular interest is paid to the Archaeoglobus fulgidus one, due to its peculiar ability to associate/dissociate in physiological conditions. This protein has also been engineered to allow recognition of human receptors and used in vitro for the delivery of cytotoxic proteins with extremely promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (E.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Alessandra Bonamore
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (E.D.F.); (A.B.)
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Shreffler JW, Pullan JE, Dailey KM, Mallik S, Brooks AE. Overcoming Hurdles in Nanoparticle Clinical Translation: The Influence of Experimental Design and Surface Modification. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E6056. [PMID: 31801303 PMCID: PMC6928924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles are becoming an increasingly popular tool for biomedical imaging and drug delivery. While the prevalence of nanoparticle drug-delivery systems reported in the literature increases yearly, relatively little translation from the bench to the bedside has occurred. It is crucial for the scientific community to recognize this shortcoming and re-evaluate standard practices in the field, to increase clinical translatability. Currently, nanoparticle drug-delivery systems are designed to increase circulation, target disease states, enhance retention in diseased tissues, and provide targeted payload release. To manage these demands, the surface of the particle is often modified with a variety of chemical and biological moieties, including PEG, tumor targeting peptides, and environmentally responsive linkers. Regardless of the surface modifications, the nano-bio interface, which is mediated by opsonization and the protein corona, often remains problematic. While fabrication and assessment techniques for nanoparticles have seen continued advances, a thorough evaluation of the particle's interaction with the immune system has lagged behind, seemingly taking a backseat to particle characterization. This review explores current limitations in the evaluation of surface-modified nanoparticle biocompatibility and in vivo model selection, suggesting a promising standardized pathway to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Amanda E. Brooks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA; (J.W.S.); (J.E.P.); (K.M.D.); (S.M.)
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Sandra F, Khaliq NU, Sunna A, Care A. Developing Protein-Based Nanoparticles as Versatile Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy and Imaging. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:E1329. [PMID: 31527483 PMCID: PMC6781024 DOI: 10.3390/nano9091329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, it has become apparent that cancer nanomedicine's reliance on synthetic nanoparticles as drug delivery systems has resulted in limited clinical outcomes. This is mostly due to a poor understanding of their "bio-nano" interactions. Protein-based nanoparticles (PNPs) are rapidly emerging as versatile vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, offering a potential alternative to synthetic nanoparticles. PNPs are abundant in nature, genetically and chemically modifiable, monodisperse, biocompatible, and biodegradable. To harness their full clinical potential, it is important for PNPs to be accurately designed and engineered. In this review, we outline the recent advancements and applications of PNPs in cancer nanomedicine. We also discuss the future directions for PNP research and what challenges must be overcome to ensure their translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Febrina Sandra
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia.
| | - Nisar Ul Khaliq
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong 30019, Korea.
| | - Anwar Sunna
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Andrew Care
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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Edwardson TGW, Hilvert D. Virus-Inspired Function in Engineered Protein Cages. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:9432-9443. [PMID: 31117660 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b03705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The structural and functional diversity of proteins combined with their genetic programmability has made them indispensable modern materials. Well-defined, hollow protein capsules have proven to be particularly useful due to their ability to compartmentalize macromolecules and chemical processes. To this end, viral capsids are common scaffolds and have been successfully repurposed to produce a suite of practical protein-based nanotechnologies. Recently, the recapitulation of viromimetic function in protein cages of nonviral origin has emerged as a strategy to both complement physical studies of natural viruses and produce useful scaffolds for diverse applications. In this perspective, we review recent progress toward generation of virus-like behavior in nonviral protein cages through rational engineering and directed evolution. These artificial systems can aid our understanding of the emergence of viruses from existing cellular components, as well as provide alternative approaches to tackle current problems, and open up new opportunities, in medicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry , ETH Zurich , 8093 Zurich , Switzerland
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Pottash AE, Kuffner C, Noonan-Shueh M, Jay SM. Protein-based vehicles for biomimetic RNAi delivery. J Biol Eng 2019; 13:19. [PMID: 30891095 PMCID: PMC6390323 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-018-0130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Broad translational success of RNA interference (RNAi) technology depends on the development of effective delivery approaches. To that end, researchers have developed a variety of strategies, including chemical modification of RNA, viral and non-viral transfection approaches, and incorporation with delivery vehicles such as polymer- and lipid-based nanoparticles, engineered and native proteins, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and others. Among these, EVs and protein-based vehicles stand out as biomimetically-inspired approaches, as both proteins (e.g. Apolipoprotein A-1, Argonaute 2, and Arc) and EVs mediate intercellular RNA transfer physiologically. Proteins specifically offer significant therapeutic potential due to their biophysical and biochemical properties as well as their ability to facilitate and tolerate manipulation; these characteristics have made proteins highly successful translational therapeutic molecules in the last two decades. This review covers engineered protein vehicles for RNAi delivery along with what is currently known about naturally-occurring extracellular RNA carriers towards uncovering design rules that will inform future engineering of protein-based vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Eli Pottash
- 1Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Christopher Kuffner
- 1Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Madeleine Noonan-Shueh
- 1Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Steven M Jay
- 1Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA.,2Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.,3Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
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