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Moreira L, Guimarães NM, Santos RS, Loureiro JA, Pereira MDC, Azevedo NF. Oligonucleotide probes for imaging and diagnosis of bacterial infections. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38830823 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2344574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The rise of infectious diseases as a public health concern has necessitated the development of rapid and precise diagnostic methods. Imaging techniques like nuclear and optical imaging provide the ability to diagnose infectious diseases within the body, eliminating delays caused by sampling and pre-enrichments of clinical samples and offering spatial information that can aid in a more informed diagnosis. Traditional molecular probes are typically created to image infected tissue without accurately identifying the pathogen. In contrast, oligonucleotides can be tailored to target specific RNA sequences, allowing for the identification of pathogens, and even generating antibiotic susceptibility profiles by focusing on drug resistance genes. Despite the benefits that nucleic acid mimics (NAMs) have provided in terms of stabilizing oligonucleotides, the inadequate delivery of these relatively large molecules into the cytoplasm of bacteria remains a challenge for widespread use of this technology. This review summarizes the key advancements in the field of oligonucleotide probes for in vivo imaging, highlighting the most promising delivery systems described in the literature for developing optical imaging through in vivo hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Moreira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Miguel Guimarães
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Sobral Santos
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Angélica Loureiro
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Filipe Azevedo
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Alipour M, Sheikhnejad R, Fouani MH, Bardania H, Hosseinkhani S. DNAi-peptide nanohybrid smart particles target BCL-2 oncogene and induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115299. [PMID: 37573657 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115299] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA sequences provide unique target sites, with high druggability value, for treatment of genetically-linked diseases like cancer. B-cell lymphoma protein-2 (BCL-2) prevents Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and Bcl-2 antagonist killer 1 (BAK) oligomerization, which would otherwise lead to the release of several apoptogenic molecules from the mitochondrion. It is also known that BCL-2 binds to and inactivates BAX and other pro-apoptotic proteins, thereby inhibiting apoptosis. BCL-2 protein family, through its role in regulation of apoptotic pathways, is possibly related to chemo-resistance in almost half of all cancer types including breast cancer. Here for the first time, we have developed a nanohybrid using a peptide-based carrier and a Deoxyribonucleic acid inhibitor (DNAi) against BCL-2 oncogene to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The genetically designed nanocarrier was functionalized with an internalizing RGD (iRGD) targeting motif and successfully produced by recombinant DNA technology. Gel retardation assay demonstrated that the peptide-based carrier binds single-stranded DNAi upon simple mixing. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses further revealed the formation of nanohybrid particles with a size of 30 nm and a slightly positive charge. This hemocompatible nanohybrid efficiently delivered its contents into cancer cells using iRGD targeting moiety. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that the nanohybrids, which contained DNAi against BCL-2 proficiently suppressed the expression of this oncogene in a sequence specific manner. In addition, the nanohybrid, triggered release of cytochrome c (cyt c) and caspase3/7 activation with high efficiency. Although the DNAi and free nanocarrier were separately unable to affect the cell viability, the nanohybrid of 20 nM of DNAi showed outstanding antineoplastic potential, which was adjusted by the ratio of the MiRGD nanocarrier to DNAi. It should be noted that, the designed nanohybrid showed a suitable specificity profile and did not affect the viability of normal cells. The results suggest that this nanohybrid may be useful for robust breast cancer treatment through targeting the BCL-2 oncogene without any side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Alipour
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran; Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences,Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Sheikhnejad
- Department of Molecular Biology, Tofigh Daru Co. (TODACO), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamad Hassan Fouani
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences,Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Bardania
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Saman Hosseinkhani
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences,Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Xu F, Lin R, Liu J, Chen Z, Zhuo H, Liu X. Intravenous Immunoglobulin Inhibits Liver Cancer Progression by Promoting p38MAPK-Associated Apoptosis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:1300989. [PMID: 35874633 PMCID: PMC9303155 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1300989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to explore the effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on the development of rat hepatocellular carcinoma and its possible molecular mechanism. METHODS Sixty adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, diethylnitrosamine(DEN) + normal saline(NS), and DEN + IVIG groups, with 20 rats in each group. The rats in the DEN + NS group and DEN + IVIG group were given DEN 0.2 g/kg intraperitoneal injection once on day 1 and then 0.05% DEN aqueous solution in drinking water to establish a rat liver cancer model. Immunoglobulin (IgG) was injected intraperitoneally into the DEN + IVIG group twice a week at the dose of 100 mg/kg, and saline was administered intraperitoneally into the control group at a 50 mg/kg dosage. The body weight of each group of rats was recorded twice a week. All treatments were maintained continuously for 12 weeks. After the intervention, the liver function indexes of rats were measured by a fully automated biochemical analysis instrument. The liver histopathology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect c-myc protein expression, and Western blotting was used to determine p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK protein expressions, as well as apoptosis-related proteins such as Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3. RESULTS Compared with the rats in the DEN + NS group, rats in the DEN + IVIG group showed substantially higher body mass (P < 0.05), higher survival rate (P < 0.05), and lower liver function indexes (P < 0.05). Few focal necrosis of cancer cells and few nuclear division were observed in the rats in the DEN + IVIG group. The rats in the DEN + NS group showed lamellar necrosis of cancer foci, destruction of normal liver lobular structure, and hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Immunohistochemical analysis results revealed that the expression of c-myc was reduced in the DEN + IVIG group (P < 0.05), and Western blotting confirmed that the Bcl-2 expression was decreased (P < 0.05), while Bax, p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK, and cleaved caspase-3 protein expressions were increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION IVIG prophylactic injection can delay tumor development and induce apoptosis in primary hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. The mechanism is connected to the activation of the p38MAPK signaling pathway by upregulating the level of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax proteins while downregulating the level of Bcl-2 and c-myc proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjie Xu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Runzhui Lin
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jianrui Liu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zeming Chen
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Hua Zhuo
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xingmu Liu
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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Making Sense of Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Targeting Bcl-2. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14010097. [PMID: 35056993 PMCID: PMC8778715 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family, comprised of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, regulates the delicate balance between programmed cell death and cell survival. The Bcl-2 family is essential in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, but also a key culprit in tumorigenesis. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, the founding member of this family, was discovered due to its dysregulated expression in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Bcl-2 is a central protagonist in a wide range of human cancers, promoting cell survival, angiogenesis and chemotherapy resistance; this has prompted the development of Bcl-2-targeting drugs. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are highly specific nucleic acid polymers used to modulate target gene expression. Over the past 25 years several Bcl-2 ASO have been developed in preclinical studies and explored in clinical trials. This review will describe the history and development of Bcl-2-targeted ASO; from initial attempts, optimizations, clinical trials undertaken and the promising candidates at hand.
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Westin J, Maris MB, Jacobson CA, Patel P, Lakhani N, Harb W, Patel-Donnelly D, McCaul K, Escobar C, Klencke B, Al-Katib AM. Safety and Efficacy of a DNA Oligonucleotide Therapy in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2021; 22:52-59. [PMID: 34454850 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PNT2258 is a liposomal formulation that encapsulates multiple copies of PNT100, a native, chemically unmodified, 24-base DNA oligonucleotide designed to target the regulatory region upstream of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) gene. METHODS This phase II, multicenter, single-arm, open-label, 2-stage design study investigated the single-agent activity of PNT2258 in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Initially, patients had to have a performance status (PS) of ≤2 and prior exposure to CD20-targeted therapy, an alkylating agent, and a steroid with no upper limit. Criteria were modified to PS of 0 or 1 and at least 1 to ≤3 prior therapies (identified as the target population) after observing an initially high frequency of rapid disease progression in patients with extensive prior therapies or poor PS. RESULTS The study was stopped early following an interim analysis, despite surpassing the protocol predetermined futility boundary, because the ORR was below the expectations of response in an evolving DLBCL treatment landscape. The final analysis included all 45 enrolled patients and demonstrated an ORR of 11%. In the response evaluable subset (n = 26), defined as patients in the target population with exposure to ≥8 doses of PNT2258 within the first 35 days and evaluable baseline/post-baseline scans, the ORR was 19%. The most common adverse events were fatigue (44%), nausea (42%), diarrhea (40%), pyrexia (36%), anemia (32%), and vomiting (27%). CONCLUSIONS PNT2258 was well-tolerated in a chemotherapy refractory DLBCL population. Despite demonstration of single-agent activity, ORR was lower than acceptable for further new therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Westin
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma, Houston, TX
| | | | - Caron A Jacobson
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Prapti Patel
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Hematology/Oncology Dallas, TX
| | - Nehal Lakhani
- Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI
| | - Wael Harb
- Horizon Oncology Research, Inc., Lafayette, IN
| | | | - Kelly McCaul
- Avera Cancer Institute, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Sioux Falls, SD
| | | | - Barbara Klencke
- Sierra Oncology, Inc. (formerly ProNAi Therapeutics, Inc.), San Mateo, CA.
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Harb W, Lakhani NJ, Messmann R, Klencke B, Al-Katib AM. A Phase 2 Study of PNT2258 for Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Malignancies. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2021; 21:823-830. [PMID: 34417162 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PNT2258 consists of a native, chemically unmodified, 24-base DNA oligonucleotide designed to target the regulatory region upstream of the BCL2 gene, delivered in a protective liposome. Derangement of BCL2-regulated control mechanisms is a defining characteristic of certain malignancies, and it was hypothesized that the oligonucleotide would promote anticancer activity via suppression of BCL2 transcription. METHODS PNT2258 was evaluated in this, multicenter, nonrandomized, open-label Phase 2 study in 13 participants with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies to investigate potential antitumor activity and safety. Participants with follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia received intravenous PNT2258 120 mg/m2 on Days 1 to 5 of a 21-day cycle for up to 8 cycles, followed by 100 mg/m2 on Days 1 to 2 of a 28-day cycle until study withdrawal. RESULTS All 13 participants were treated with PNT2258 monotherapy and evaluable for response and safety and tolerability. The overall response rate was 53.8% (7/13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.1%-80.8%). Median duration of response was 23.4 months (range, 3, 31.5). The disease control rate of participants with stable disease or better was 84.6% (95% CI, 54.6%-98.1%). The most frequently (≥50%) observed adverse events (AEs) were nausea, chills, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and back pain. Hypertension (30.8%) and diarrhea (23.1%) were the most frequent grade ≥3 AEs. No deaths were observed. CONCLUSION Clinically meaningful and durable activity with an acceptable safety profile was observed in participants with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies who received single-agent PNT2258. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01733238, first posted 26-Nov-2012. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01733238.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Harb
- Horizon Oncology Center, Lafayette, IA
| | | | | | - Barbara Klencke
- Sierra Oncology, Inc. (formerly ProNAi Therapeutics, Inc.), Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Medici S, Peana M, Coradduzza D, Zoroddu MA. Gold nanoparticles and cancer: detection, diagnosis and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 76:27-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Developing small activating RNA as a therapeutic: current challenges and promises. Ther Deliv 2020; 10:151-164. [PMID: 30909853 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2018-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA activation (RNAa) allows specific gene upregulation mediated by a small activating RNA (saRNA). Harnessing this process would help in developing novel therapeutics for undruggable diseases. Since its discovery in mid 2000s, improvements of saRNA design, synthetic chemistry and understanding of the biology have matured the way to apply RNAa. Indeed, MiNA therapeutics Ltd has conducted the first RNAa clinical trial for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients with promising outcomes. However, to fully realize the RNAa potential better saRNA delivery strategies are needed to target other diseases. Currently, saRNA can be delivered in vivo by lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, lipid and polymer hybrids and aptamers. Further developing these delivery technologies and novel application of RNAa will prove to be invaluable for new treatment development.
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Karimi S, Fouani MH, Moshaii A, Nikkhah M, Hosseinkhani S, Sheikhnejad R. Development of Dual Functional Nucleic Acid Delivery Nanosystem for DNA Induced Silencing of Bcl-2 Oncogene. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:1693-1708. [PMID: 32210560 PMCID: PMC7073599 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s236217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer treatment using functionalized vehicles in order to block involved genes has attracted a remarkable interest. In this study, we investigated the cellular uptake and cytotoxic effects of three sizes of anti Bcl-2 DNAi-conjugated gold nanoparticles by MCF-7 cells. Methods Three different sizes of gold nanoparticles were synthesized by citrate reduction method and after characterization, the nanoparticles were functionalized by Bcl-2 targeted DNAi. Cell internalization of the nanoparticles was analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and light microscopy. The cytotoxic effects of the nanoparticles were investigated by MTT assay, flow cytometry and RT-PCR of the target gene. Results While poor cell internalization of bare gold nanoparticles was observed, the results demonstrated that cellular uptake of DNAi-conjugated gold nanoparticles is completely size-dependent, and the largest nanoparticle (~42 nm) revealed the highest internalization rate compared to other sizes (~14 and ~26 nm). Experimental findings showed that the DNAi-conjugated gold nanoparticles induced apoptotic pathway by silencing of the targeted Bcl-2 gene. In addition, supplementary theoretical studies demonstrated that the 42 nm DNAi-conjugated gold nanoparticles have great photothermal conversion efficiency for treatment under external illumination and these nanoparticles can be induced further cytotoxic effect by approximately 10°C temperature elevations. Conclusion Remarkable photothermal properties of DNAi-conjugated 42 nm Au-NPs in parallel with their high cell internalization and cytotoxic effects introduce them as potential dual functional anticancer nanosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Karimi
- Department of Physics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Moshaii
- Department of Physics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Nikkhah
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Reza Sheikhnejad
- Department of Molecular Biology, Tofigh Daru Engineering-Research Co., Tehran, Iran
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Gene activation of CEBPA using saRNA: preclinical studies of the first in human saRNA drug candidate for liver cancer. Oncogene 2018; 37:3216-3228. [PMID: 29511346 PMCID: PMC6013054 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver diseases is a growing epidemic worldwide. If unresolved, liver fibrosis develops and can lead to cirrhosis and clinical decompensation. Around 5% of cirrhotic liver diseased patients develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which in its advanced stages has limited therapeutic options and negative survival outcomes. CEPBA is a master regulator of hepatic function where its expression is known to be suppressed in many forms of liver disease including HCC. Injection of MTL-CEBPA, a small activating RNA oligonucleotide therapy (CEBPA-51) formulated in liposomal nanoparticles (NOV340- SMARTICLES®) upregulates hepatic CEBPA expression. Here we show how MTL-CEBPA therapy promotes disease reversal in rodent models of cirrhosis, fibrosis, hepatosteatosis and significantly reduces tumour burden in cirrhotic HCC. Restoration of liver function markers were observed in a carbon-tetrachloride induced rat model of fibrosis following 2-weeks of MTL-CEBPA therapy. At 14-weeks animals showed reduction in ascites and enhanced survival rates. MTL-CEBPA reversed changes associated with hepatosteatosis in non-alcoholic methionine and cholic deficient diet induced steaotic liver disease. In diethylnitrosamine induced cirrhotic HCC rats, MTL-CEBPA treatment led to a significant reduction in tumour burden. The data included here and the rapid adoption of MTL-CEBPA into a Phase 1 study may lead to new therapeutic oligonucleotides for undruggable diseases.
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PNT2258, a novel deoxyribonucleic acid inhibitor, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via a distinct mechanism of action: a new class of drug for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:42374-42384. [PMID: 27283896 PMCID: PMC5173141 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Current therapy for BCL-2-associated tumors such as Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) is inadequate. The DNAi PNT2258, a 24 base single-stranded phosphodiester DNA oligodeoxynucleotide (PNT100) encapsulated in a protective liposome, was precisely designed to treat cancers that over-express BCL-2. PNT2258 strongly inhibited BCL-2 promoter activity, confirming its predicted mechanism of action. BCL-2 mRNA and protein expression were significantly downregulated in a follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma (WSU-FSCCL) cell line. 2.5μM PNT2258 induced an initial S- phase arrest followed by a gradual increase in the sub-G0 (apoptosis) compartment and a reciprocal progressive decrease of the S phase. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-positive populations and cleaved caspase-3 and PARP were also increased. The data are consistent with the idea that BCL-2 inhibition by PNT2258 activates apoptotic pathways in WSU-FSCCL cells. This is the first report to address the distinct mechanism of action underlying the anti-BCL-2 functions of PNT2258. Growth inhibition in two other cell lines, WSU-DLCL2 and WSU-WM, supports broad applicability of BCL-2 DNAi to treatment of B-cell NHL.
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Ebrahim AS, Kandouz M, Emara N, Sugalski AB, Lipovich L, Al-Katib AM. Unintended target effect of anti-BCL-2 DNAi. Cancer Manag Res 2017; 9:427-432. [PMID: 28989285 PMCID: PMC5624602 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s139105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research suggested that a novel compound PNT2258 inhibits B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) transcription by DNA interference (DNAi) and demonstrated its activity in preclinical xenograft models and in a pilot Phase II clinical trial in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). While the drug downregulates BCL-2 at the promoter, mRNA, and protein levels, there is a significant homology (13-16 bases) between PNT100 and a number of promoters of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and survival. In this study, we identify cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (CDK4) as an unintended target gene of PNT2258 and examine its relevance to NHL. METHODS We performed a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) homology search using PNT100 DNAi sequences. Also, we conducted CDK4 promoter assay in K562 cells and studied the protein expression of CDK4 in Wayne State University (WSU)-follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma (FSCCL), WSU-diffuse large cell lymphoma, and WSU-Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) lymphoma cells. RESULTS BLAST homology search showed that PNT100 completely binds to BCL-2 gene as expected. However, there was 100% homology in a stretch of 14 bases (8-21) between PNT100 and CDK4. PNT2258 strongly inhibited CDK4 promoter activity in K562 cells. Moreover, CDK4 protein expression was significantly downregulated by PNT2258 in WSU-FSCCL and WSU-WM cell lines. DISCUSSION DNAi may work not only through knocking down the intended gene but also by knocking down other genes. PNT2258 affects CDK4 expression and promoter activity. Results of the present study suggest a broader mechanism of action for DNAi targeting both intended (BCL-2) and unintended (CDK4) genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amara B Sugalski
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Leonard Lipovich
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Kubota K, Onishi K, Sawaki K, Li T, Mitsuoka K, Sato T, Takeoka S. Effect of the nanoformulation of siRNA-lipid assemblies on their cellular uptake and immune stimulation. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:5121-5133. [PMID: 28790820 PMCID: PMC5529365 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s136426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Two lipid-based nanoformulations have been used to date in clinical studies: lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). In this study, we prepared small interfering RNA (siRNA)-loaded carriers using lipid components of the same composition to form molecular assemblies of differing structures, and evaluated the impact of structure on cellular uptake and immune stimulation. Lipoplexes are electrostatic complexes formed by mixing preformed cationic lipid liposomes with anionic siRNA in an aqueous environment, whereas LNPs are nanoparticles embedding siRNA prepared by mixing an alcoholic lipid solution with an aqueous siRNA solution in one step. Although the physicochemical properties of lipoplexes and LNPs were similar except for small increases in apparent size of lipoplexes and zeta potential of LNPs, siRNA uptake efficiency of LNPs was significantly higher than that of lipoplexes. Furthermore, in the case of LNPs, both siRNA and lipid were effectively incorporated into cells in a co-assembled state; however, in the case of lipoplexes, the amount of siRNA internalized into cells was small in comparison with lipid. siRNAs in lipoplexes were thought to be more likely to localize on the particle surface and thereby undergo dissociation into the medium. Inflammatory cytokine responses also appeared to differ between lipoplexes and LNPs. For tumor necrosis factor-α, release was mainly caused by siRNA. On the other hand, the release of interleukin-1β was mainly due to the cationic nature of particles. LNPs released lower amounts of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β than lipoplexes and were thus considered to be better tolerated with respect to cytokine release. In conclusion, siRNA-loaded nanoformulations effect their cellular uptake and immune stimulation in a manner that depends on the structure of the molecular assembly; therefore, nanoformulations should be optimized before extending studies into the in vivo environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Kubota
- Cooperative Major in Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Advanced Sciences and Engineering, Waseda University (TWIns), Tokyo, Japan.,Formulation Research and Phramaceutical Process Group, CMC R&D Center, Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kohei Onishi
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering,Waseda University (TWIns), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Sawaki
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering,Waseda University (TWIns), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tianshu Li
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University (TWIns), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Mitsuoka
- Research Center for Ultra-High Voltage Electron Microscopy, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takaaki Sato
- Department of Chemistry and Materials, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Shinji Takeoka
- Cooperative Major in Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Advanced Sciences and Engineering, Waseda University (TWIns), Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering,Waseda University (TWIns), Tokyo, Japan.,Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University (TWIns), Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Avram S, Coricovac DE, Pavel IZ, Pinzaru I, Ghiulai R, Baderca F, Soica C, Muntean D, Branisteanu DE, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis AM, Dehelean CA. Standardization of A375 human melanoma models on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane and Balb/c nude mice. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:89-99. [PMID: 28535001 PMCID: PMC5492638 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a metastatic disease characterized by high resistance to treatment, the incidence of which has alarmingly increased worldwide over the past years. A thorough characterization of tumor onset, progression and metastasis is compulsory to overcome the gaps existent in melanoma biology. The present study suggests a well-established protocol and a detailed histological description of human melanoma models in ovo and in vivo obtained by the inoculation of A375 cells to chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and Balb/c nude mice. The inoculation of A375 cells on CAM led to the formation of compact primary and secondary tumors on day 4 post-inoculation, with mean surface area values of 2.2±0.4 mm2 and 1.5±0.3 mm2, respectively. Moreover, the vessels around the tumors presented a spike wheel pattern, indicating a strong angiogenic reaction. All the injected mice, apart from one, developed solid polypoid primary tumors with lobulated surfaces and intense vascularization, and achromic epithelioid malignant melanocytes with vesiculous nuclei and necrosis area were detected. Metastasis was histologically confirmed in only 30% of the mice with the tumor xenografts. These data indicate that the standardization protocols proposed are complex and reproducible, and can be further employed for the therapeutic surveillance of antiangiogenic and anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefana Avram
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Dorina-Elena Coricovac
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Ioana Zinuca Pavel
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Iulia Pinzaru
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Flavia Baderca
- Department of Microscopic Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Codruta Soica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Danina Muntean
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Daciana E Branisteanu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Iasi 7000115, Romania
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Aristides M Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
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15
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Castillo JJ, Hunter ZR, Yang G, Argyropoulos K, Palomba ML, Treon SP. Future therapeutic options for patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2016; 29:206-215. [PMID: 27825467 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2016.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoma characterized by the accumulation of IgM-producing lymphoplasmacytic cells. Although WM patients can experience prolonged remissions, the disease invariably recurs. Therefore, novel treatments associated with higher success rates and lower toxicity profiles are needed. The discovery of recurrent mutations in the MYD88 and CXCR4 genes has unraveled potential therapeutic targets in WM patients. As a result of these findings and based on the design and execution of a prospective clinical trial, the FDA granted approval to ibrutinib, an oral Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, to treat patients with symptomatic WM. The present review focuses on potential therapies that could change the landscape of treatment of patients with WM, specifically focusing on inhibitors or antagonists or the proteasome, BTK, CD38, BCL2 and the CXCR4 and MYD88 genes themselves. Novel agents with novel mechanisms of action should be evaluated in the context of carefully designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge J Castillo
- Bing Center for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Zachary R Hunter
- Bing Center for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guang Yang
- Bing Center for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimon Argyropoulos
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Lia Palomba
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven P Treon
- Bing Center for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Ebrahim AS, Sabbagh H, Liddane A, Raufi A, Kandouz M, Al-Katib A. Hematologic malignancies: newer strategies to counter the BCL-2 protein. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2016; 142:2013-22. [PMID: 27043233 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-016-2144-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION BCL-2 is the founding member of the BCL-2 family of apoptosis regulatory proteins that either induce (pro-apoptotic) or inhibit (anti-apoptotic) apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic BCL-2 is classified as an oncogene, as damage to the BCL-2 gene has been shown to cause a number of cancers, including lymphoma. Ongoing research has demonstrated that disruption of BCL-2 leads to cell death. BCL-2 is also known to be involved in the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, further underscoring the importance of targeting the BCL-2 gene in cancer therapeutics. Thus, numerous approaches have been developed to block or modulate the production of BCL-2 at the RNA level using antisense oligonucleotides or at the protein level with BCL-2 inhibitors, such as the novel ABT737. METHODS In this article, we briefly review previous strategies to target the BCL-2 gene and focus on a new approach to silence DNA, DNA interference (DNAi). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION DNA interference is aimed at blocking BCL-2 gene transcription. Evaluations of this technology in preclinical and early clinical studies are very encouraging and strongly support further development of DNAi as cancer therapeutics. A pilot phase II clinical trial in patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, PNT2258 demonstrated clinical benefit in 11 of 13 patients with notable responses in diffuse large B cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. By targeting the DNA directly, the DNAi technology promises to be more effective compared with other gene-interference strategies that target the RNA or protein but leaves the dysregulated DNA functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Shukkur Ebrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hussam Sabbagh
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Allison Liddane
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Ali Raufi
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Ayad Al-Katib
- Department of Internal Medicine-Lymphoma Research Lab, Wayne State University and School of Medicine, 8229 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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17
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Cheng X, Lee RJ. The role of helper lipids in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) designed for oligonucleotide delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 99:129-137. [PMID: 26900977 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 349] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown promise as delivery vehicles for therapeutic oligonucleotides, including antisense oligos (ONs), siRNA, and microRNA mimics and inhibitors. In addition to a cationic lipid, LNPs are typically composed of helper lipids that contribute to their stability and delivery efficiency. Helper lipids with cone-shape geometry favoring the formation hexagonal II phase, such as dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), can promote endosomal release of ONs. Meanwhile, cylindrical-shaped lipid phosphatidylcholine can provide greater bilayer stability, which is important for in vivo application of LNPs. Cholesterol is often included as a helper that improves intracellular delivery as well as LNP stability in vivo. Inclusion of a PEGylating lipid can enhance LNP colloidal stability in vitro and circulation time in vivo but may reduce uptake and inhibit endosomal release at the cellular level. This problem can be addressed by choosing reversible PEGylation in which the PEG moiety is gradually released in blood circulation. pH-sensitive anionic helper lipids, such as fatty acids and cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS), can trigger low-pH-induced changes in LNP surface charge and destabilization that can facilitate endosomal release of ONs. Generally speaking, there is no correlation between LNP activity in vitro and in vivo because of differences in factors limiting the efficiency of delivery. Designing LNPs requires the striking of a proper balance between the need for particle stability, long systemic circulation time, and the need for LNP destabilization inside the target cell to release the oligonucleotide cargo, which requires the proper selection of both the cationic and helper lipids. Customized design and empirical optimization is needed for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Cheng
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Robert J Lee
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
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18
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Muqbil I, Mohammad RM. Selecting efficacious Bcl-2 family inhibitors for optimal clinical outcome. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2015; 3:312. [PMID: 26697472 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.09.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irfana Muqbil
- 1 Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA ; 2 Interim translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ramzi M Mohammad
- 1 Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA ; 2 Interim translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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19
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Wang Y, Miao L, Satterlee A, Huang L. Delivery of oligonucleotides with lipid nanoparticles. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 87:68-80. [PMID: 25733311 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Since their inception in the 1980s, oligonucleotide-based (ON-based) therapeutics have been recognized as powerful tools that can treat a broad spectrum of diseases. The discoveries of novel regulatory methods of gene expression with diverse mechanisms of action are still driving the development of novel ON-based therapeutics. Difficulties in the delivery of this class of therapeutics hinder their in vivo applications, which forces drug delivery systems to be a prerequisite for clinical translation. This review discusses the strategy of using lipid nanoparticles as carriers to deliver therapeutic ONs to target cells in vitro and in vivo. A discourse on how chemical and physical properties of the lipid materials could be utilized during formulation and the resulting effects on delivery efficiency constitutes the major part of this review.
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