1
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Feng H, Bavister G, Gribble KE, Mark Welch DB. Highly efficient CRISPR-mediated gene editing in a rotifer. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001888. [PMID: 37478130 PMCID: PMC10395877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rotifers have been studied in the laboratory and field for over 100 years in investigations of microevolution, ecological dynamics, and ecotoxicology. In recent years, rotifers have emerged as a model system for modern studies of the molecular mechanisms of genome evolution, development, DNA repair, aging, life history strategy, and desiccation tolerance. However, a lack of gene editing tools and transgenic strains has limited the ability to link genotype to phenotype and dissect molecular mechanisms. To facilitate genetic manipulation and the creation of reporter lines in rotifers, we developed a protocol for highly efficient, transgenerational, CRISPR-mediated gene editing in the monogonont rotifer Brachionus manjavacas by microinjection of Cas9 protein and synthetic single-guide RNA into the vitellaria of young amictic (asexual) females. To demonstrate the efficacy of the method, we created knockout mutants of the developmental gene vasa and the DNA mismatch repair gene mlh3. More than half of mothers survived injection and produced offspring. Genotyping these offspring and successive generations revealed that most carried at least 1 CRISPR-induced mutation, with many apparently mutated at both alleles. In addition, we achieved precise CRISPR-mediated knock-in of a stop codon cassette in the mlh3 locus, with half of injected mothers producing F2 offspring with an insertion of the cassette. Thus, this protocol produces knockout and knock-in CRISPR/Cas9 editing with high efficiency, to further advance rotifers as a model system for biological discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Feng
- Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gemma Bavister
- Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kristin E Gribble
- Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David B Mark Welch
- Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
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2
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Liu BR, Chen CW, Huang YW, Lee HJ. Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Use in Development of Transgenic Plants. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083367. [PMID: 37110602 PMCID: PMC10142301 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified plants and crops can contribute to remarkable increase in global food supply, with improved yield and resistance to plant diseases or insect pests. The development of biotechnology introducing exogenous nucleic acids in transgenic plants is important for plant health management. Different genetic engineering methods for DNA delivery, such as biolistic methods, Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and other physicochemical methods have been developed to improve translocation across the plasma membrane and cell wall in plants. Recently, the peptide-based gene delivery system, mediated by cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), has been regarded as a promising non-viral tool for efficient and stable gene transfection into both animal and plant cells. CPPs are short peptides with diverse sequences and functionalities, capable of agitating plasma membrane and entering cells. Here, we highlight recent research and ideas on diverse types of CPPs, which have been applied in DNA delivery in plants. Various basic, amphipathic, cyclic, and branched CPPs were designed, and modifications of functional groups were performed to enhance DNA interaction and stabilization in transgenesis. CPPs were able to carry cargoes in either a covalent or noncovalent manner and to internalize CPP/cargo complexes into cells by either direct membrane translocation or endocytosis. Importantly, subcellular targets of CPP-mediated nucleic acid delivery were reviewed. CPPs offer transfection strategies and influence transgene expression at subcellular localizations, such as in plastids, mitochondria, and the nucleus. In summary, the technology of CPP-mediated gene delivery provides a potent and useful tool to genetically modified plants and crops of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Revon Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Chen
- Department of Life Science, College of Science and Engineering, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 974301, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Wern Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA
| | - Han-Jung Lee
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, College of Environmental Studies and Oceanography, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 974301, Taiwan
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3
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Jin P, Jiang J, Zhou L, Huang Z, Nice EC, Huang C, Fu L. Mitochondrial adaptation in cancer drug resistance: prevalence, mechanisms, and management. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:97. [PMID: 35851420 PMCID: PMC9290242 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01313-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance represents a major obstacle in cancer management, and the mechanisms underlying stress adaptation of cancer cells in response to therapy-induced hostile environment are largely unknown. As the central organelle for cellular energy supply, mitochondria can rapidly undergo dynamic changes and integrate cellular signaling pathways to provide bioenergetic and biosynthetic flexibility for cancer cells, which contributes to multiple aspects of tumor characteristics, including drug resistance. Therefore, targeting mitochondria for cancer therapy and overcoming drug resistance has attracted increasing attention for various types of cancer. Multiple mitochondrial adaptation processes, including mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial metabolism, and mitochondrial apoptotic regulatory machinery, have been demonstrated to be potential targets. However, recent increasing insights into mitochondria have revealed the complexity of mitochondrial structure and functions, the elusive functions of mitochondria in tumor biology, and the targeting inaccessibility of mitochondria, which have posed challenges for the clinical application of mitochondrial-based cancer therapeutic strategies. Therefore, discovery of both novel mitochondria-targeting agents and innovative mitochondria-targeting approaches is urgently required. Here, we review the most recent literature to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial stress adaptation and their intricate connection with cancer drug resistance. In addition, an overview of the emerging strategies to target mitochondria for effectively overcoming chemoresistance is highlighted, with an emphasis on drug repositioning and mitochondrial drug delivery approaches, which may accelerate the application of mitochondria-targeting compounds for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Bio-Membrane Internalization Mechanisms of Arginine-Rich Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Various Species. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12010088. [PMID: 35054614 PMCID: PMC8778423 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12010088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recently, membrane-active peptides or proteins that include antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cytolytic proteins, and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have attracted attention due to their potential applications in the biomedical field. Among them, CPPs have been regarded as a potent drug/molecules delivery system. Various cargoes, such as DNAs, RNAs, bioactive proteins/peptides, nanoparticles and drugs, can be carried by CPPs and delivered into cells in either covalent or noncovalent manners. Here, we focused on four arginine-rich CPPs and reviewed the mechanisms that these CPPs used for intracellular uptake across cellular plasma membranes. The varying transduction efficiencies of them alone or with cargoes were discussed, and the membrane permeability was also expounded for CPP/cargoes delivery in various species. Direct membrane translocation (penetration) and endocytosis are two principal mechanisms for arginine-rich CPPs mediated cargo delivery. Furthermore, the amino acid sequence is the primary key factor that determines the cellular internalization mechanism. Importantly, the non-cytotoxic nature and the wide applicability make CPPs a trending tool for cellular delivery.
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Namazi F, Bolhassani A, Sadat SM, Irani S. Delivery of HIV-1 Polyepitope Constructs Using Cationic and Amphipathic Cell Penetrating Peptides into Mammalian Cells. Curr HIV Res 2020; 17:408-428. [DOI: 10.2174/1570162x17666191121114522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background:
An effective vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) is
an important global health priority. Despite many efforts in the development of the HIV-1 vaccine,
no effective vaccine has been approved yet. Recently, polyepitope vaccines including several immunogenic
and conserved epitopes of HIV-1 proteins have received special attention.
Methods:
In this study, HIV-1 Nef, Tat, Gp160 and P24 proteins were considered for selection of
immunodominant and conserved epitopes due to their critical roles in the viral life cycle and pathogenesis.
At first, the Nef60-84-Nef126-144-Tat29-49-Gp16030-53-Gp160308-323-P248-151 DNA construct was
designed using in silico studies. Then, the DNA construct was subcloned in pEGFP-N1 and pET-
24a (+) expression vectors and the rNef-Tat-Gp160-P24 polyepitope peptide was generated in E.coli
expression system for in vitro delivery using novel cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), LDP-NLS and
CyLoP-1, in a non-covalent manner. Also, the HR9 and MPG CPPs were used to transfer the DNA
construct.
Results:
Our results showed that the recombinant polyepitope peptide generated in Rosetta strain
migrated as a clear band of ~31 kDa in SDS-PAGE. The SEM data confirmed the formation of stable
nanoparticles with a size below 250 nm. MTT assay revealed that the complexes did not represent
any considerable cytotoxic effect compared to untreated cells. The results of fluorescence microscopy,
flow cytometry and western blotting indicated that these CPPs successfully delivered polyepitope
constructs into HEK-293T cell line.
Conclusion:
These data suggested that these CPPs can be used as a promising approach for the development
of the HIV-1 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Namazi
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Kardani K, Hashemi A, Bolhassani A. Comparison of HIV-1 Vif and Vpu accessory proteins for delivery of polyepitope constructs harboring Nef, Gp160 and P24 using various cell penetrating peptides. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223844. [PMID: 31671105 PMCID: PMC6822742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To develop an effective therapeutic vaccine against HIV-1, prediction of the most conserved epitopes derived from major proteins using bioinformatics tools is an alternative achievement. The epitope-driven vaccines against variable pathogens represented successful results. Hence, to overcome this hyper-variable virus, we designed the highly conserved and immunodominant peptide epitopes. Two servers were used to predict peptide-MHC-I binding affinity including NetMHCpan4.0 and Syfpeithi servers. The NetMHCIIpan3.2 server was utilized for MHC-II binding affinity. Then, we determined immunogenicity scores and allergenicity by the IEDB immunogenicity predictor and Algpred, respectively. Next, for estimation of toxicity and population coverage, ToxinPred server and IEDB population coverage tool were applied. After that, the MHC-peptide binding was investigated by GalexyPepDock peptide-protein flexible docking server. Finally, two different DNA and peptide constructs containing Nef-Vif-Gp160-P24 and Nef-Vpu-Gp160-P24 were prepared and complexed with four various cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) for delivery into mammalian cells (MPG and HR9 CPPs for DNA delivery, and CyLoP-1 and LDP-NLS CPPs for protein delivery). Our results indicated that the designed DNA and peptide constructs could form non-covalent stable nanoparticles at certain ratios as observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Zetasizer. The flow cytometry results obtained from in vitro transfection of the nanoparticles into HEK-293T cell lines showed that the percentage of GFP expressing cells was about 38.38 ± 1.34%, 25.36% ± 0.30, 54.95% ± 0.84, and 25.11% ± 0.36 for MPG/pEGFP-nef-vif-gp160-p24, MPG/pEGFP-nef-vpu-gp160-p24, HR9/pEGFP-nef-vif-gp160-p24 and HR9/pEGFP-nef-vpu-gp160-p24, respectively. Thus, these data showed that the DNA construct harboring nef-vif-gp160-p24 multi-epitope gene had higher efficiency than the DNA construct harboring nef-vpu-gp160-p24 multi-epitope gene to penetrate into the cells. Moreover, delivery of the recombinant Nef-Vif-Gp160-P24 and Nef-Vpu-Gp160-P24 polyepitope peptides in HEK-293T cells was confirmed as a single band about 32 kDa using western blot analysis. Although, both DNA and peptide constructs could be successfully transported by a variety of CPPs into the cells, but the difference between them in transfection rate will influence the levels of immune responses for development of therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Hashemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Kardani K, Milani A, H Shabani S, Bolhassani A. Cell penetrating peptides: the potent multi-cargo intracellular carriers. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2019; 16:1227-1258. [PMID: 31583914 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2019.1676720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) known as protein translocation domains (PTD), membrane translocating sequences (MTS), or Trojan peptides (TP) are able to cross biological membranes without clear toxicity using different mechanisms, and facilitate the intracellular delivery of a variety of bioactive cargos. CPPs could overcome some limitations of drug delivery and combat resistant strains against a broad range of diseases. Despite delivery of different therapeutic molecules by CPPs, they lack cell specificity and have a short duration of action. These limitations led to design of combined cargo delivery systems and subsequently improvement of their clinical applications. Areas covered: This review covers all our studies and other researchers in different aspects of CPPs such as classification, uptake mechanisms, and biomedical applications. Expert opinion: Due to low cytotoxicity of CPPs as compared to other carriers and final degradation to amino acids, they are suitable for preclinical and clinical studies. Generally, the efficiency of CPPs was suitable to penetrate the cell membrane and deliver different cargos to specific intracellular sites. However, no CPP-based therapeutic approach has approved by FDA, yet; because there are some disadvantages for CPPs including short half-life in blood, and nonspecific CPP-mediated delivery to normal tissue. Thus, some methods were used to develop the functions of CPPs in vitro and in vivo including the augmentation of cell specificity by activatable CPPs, specific transport into cell organelles by insertion of corresponding localization sequences, incorporation of CPPs into multifunctional dendrimeric or liposomal nanocarriers to improve selectivity and efficiency especially in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Alireza Milani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Samaneh H Shabani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
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8
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Namazi F, Bolhassani A, Sadat SM, Irani S. In vitro Delivery of HIV-1 Nef Antigen by Histidine-rich nona-arginine and Latarcin 1 peptide. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019. [DOI: 10.29252/jommid.7.4.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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9
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Anderson SD, Hobbs RJ, Gwenin VV, Ball P, Bennie LA, Coulter JA, Gwenin CD. Cell-Penetrating Peptides as a Tool for the Cellular Uptake of a Genetically Modified Nitroreductase for use in Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy. J Funct Biomater 2019; 10:E45. [PMID: 31581475 PMCID: PMC6963571 DOI: 10.3390/jfb10040045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Directed enzyme prodrug therapy (DEPT) involves the delivery of a prodrug-activating enzyme to a solid tumour site, followed by the subsequent activation of an administered prodrug. One of the most studied enzyme-prodrug combinations is the nitroreductase from Escherichia coli (NfnB) with the prodrug CB1954 [5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitro-benzamide]. One of the major issues faced by DEPT is the ability to successfully internalize the enzyme into the target cells. NfnB has previously been genetically modified to contain cysteine residues (NfnB-Cys) which bind to gold nanoparticles for a novel DEPT therapy called magnetic nanoparticle directed enzyme prodrug therapy (MNDEPT). One cellular internalisation method is the use of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which aid cellular internalization of cargo. Here the cell-penetrating peptides: HR9 and Pep-1 were tested for their ability to conjugate with NfnB-Cys. The conjugates were further tested for their potential use in MNDEPT, as well as conjugating with the delivery vector intended for use in MNDEPT and tested for the vectors capability to penetrate into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D Anderson
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
| | - Robert J Hobbs
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
| | - Vanessa V Gwenin
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
| | - Patrick Ball
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
| | - Lindsey A Bennie
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN Belfast, UK.
| | | | - Chris D Gwenin
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
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10
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Alizadeh S, Irani S, Bolhassani A, Sadat SM. Simultaneous use of natural adjuvants and cell penetrating peptides improves HCV NS3 antigen-specific immune responses. Immunol Lett 2019; 212:70-80. [PMID: 31254535 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To improve an effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapeutic vaccine, induction of a strong and long term HCV antigen-specific immune response is an important parameter. HCV non-structural protein 3 (NS3) has antigenic properties and plays a major role in viral clearance. In this study, DNA constructs encoding HCV NS3 and heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27)-NS3 genes, and the recombinant (r) NS3 and rHsp27-NS3 proteins complexed with HR9 and Cady-2 cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) were utilized to evaluate antibody, cytokine and Granzyme B secretion in mice. Herein, the formation of NS3 and Hsp27-NS3 DNA/ HR9 CPP complexes were revealed by gel retardation assay and protection against DNase and protease. Cady-2 peptide was used to form the nanoparticles with rNS3 and rHsp27-NS3 proteins. The size and charge of the nanoparticles were confirmed by SEM and Zetasizer instruments. Next, in vitro transfection of the nanoparticles was assessed by flow cytometry and western blotting. Finally, humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated using different modalities in mice. Our data showed that HR9 and Cady-2 could form stable nanoparticles with DNA and proteins, respectively and enhance their delivery into HEK-293 T cells in a non-covalent approach. Furthermore, the heterologous Hsp27-NS3 DNA + HR9 prime/rHsp27-NS3+Cady-2 protein boost elicited a higher Th1 cellular immune response with a predominant IgG2a, IgG2b, IFN-γ profile and strong Granzyme B secretion than those induced by other groups. Briefly, the combination of a natural adjuvant (Hsp27) and CPPs (HR9 and Cady-2) could significantly stimulate effective immune responses as a promising approach for development of HCV therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Alizadeh
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Chang Y, Lee E, Kim J, Kwon YW, Kwon Y, Kim J. Efficient in vivo direct conversion of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using a nanoparticle-based gene carrier. Biomaterials 2018; 192:500-509. [PMID: 30513475 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The reprogramming of induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) has shown potential in regenerative medicine. However, in vivo reprogramming of iCMs is significantly inefficient, and novel gene delivery systems are required to more efficiently and safely induce in vivo reprogramming of iCMs for therapeutic applications in heart injury. In this study, we show that cationic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) loaded with Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 function as nanocarriers for cardiac reprogramming. The AuNP/GMT/PEI nanocomplexes show high reprogramming efficiency in human and mouse somatic cells with low cytotoxicity and direct conversion into iCMs without integrating factors into the genome. Importantly, AuNP/GMT/PEI nanocomplexes led to efficient in vivo conversion into cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction (MI), resulting in the effective recovery of cardiac function and scar area. Taken together, these results show that the AuNP/GMT/PEI nanocarrier can be used to develop effective therapeutics for heart regeneration in cardiac disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujung Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Euiyeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyeop Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Wook Kwon
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youngeun Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jongpil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21plus), Dongguk University, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, 30, Pildong-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea.
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12
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pH-Sensitive nanoparticles as smart carriers for selective intracellular drug delivery to tumor. Int J Pharm 2018; 545:274-285. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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13
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Pepper JT, Maheshwari P, Ziemienowicz A, Hazendonk P, Kovalchuk I, Eudes F. Tetrabutylphosphonium Bromide Reduces Size and Polydispersity Index of Tat 2:siRNA Nano-Complexes for Triticale RNAi. Front Mol Biosci 2017; 4:30. [PMID: 28560213 PMCID: PMC5432540 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2017.00030] [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] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short 8-30 amino-acid oligopeptides that act as effective transducers of macromolecular cargo, particularly nucleic acids. They have been implemented in delivering dsDNA, ssDNA, and dsRNA into animal and plant cells. CPPs and nucleic acids form nano-complexes that are often 100-300 nm in size but still effectively transit the cell membrane of animal cells, but are less effective with plant cells due to the plant cell wall. To overcome this obstacle, nano-complexes of the CPP Tat2 and various lengths of nucleic acid (21-mer siRNA duplex (dsRNA) to ~5.5 kb circular plasmid) were evaluated for size using dynamic light scattering (DLS), under conditions of increasing ionic strength (Ic) and addition of phase transfer catalyst salts (tetrabutylammonium bromide-TBAB and tetrabutylphosphonium bromide-TBPB) and sugars (maltose-mannitol solution). It was found that the combination of 21-mer siRNA:Tat2 complexes with TBPB produced small 10-20 nm diameter nano-complexes with a polydispersity index (PDI) of ~0.1. Furthermore, it was found that for each length of nucleic acid that a linear mathematical relationship existed between the theoretical volume of the nano-complex and the nucleic acid length. Next, nano-complex formulation was tested for its ability to carry small interfering RNA molecules into plant cells and to trigger silencing of phytoene desaturase (PDS) in Triticale leaves. RT-qPCR showed 75% suppression of PDS, demonstrating that TBPB acts as an adjuvant in effecting the entry and efficacy of siRNA in young Triticale plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan T Pepper
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Priti Maheshwari
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Alicja Ziemienowicz
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Paul Hazendonk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of LethbridgeLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of LethbridgeLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - François Eudes
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaLethbridge, AB, Canada
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14
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Bolhassani A, Jafarzade BS, Mardani G. In vitro and in vivo delivery of therapeutic proteins using cell penetrating peptides. Peptides 2017; 87:50-63. [PMID: 27887988 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The failure of proteins to penetrate mammalian cells or target tumor cells restricts their value as therapeutic tools in a variety of diseases such as cancers. Recently, protein transduction domains (PTDs) or cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been shown to promote the delivery of therapeutic proteins or peptides into live cells. The successful delivery of proteins mainly depends on their physicochemical properties. Although, linear cell penetrating peptides are one of the most effective delivery vehicles; but currently, cyclic CPPs has been developed to potently transport bioactive full-length proteins into cells. Up to now, several small protein transduction domains from viral proteins including Tat or VP22 could be fused to other peptides or proteins to entry them in various cell types at a dose-dependent approach. A major disadvantage of PTD-fusion proteins is primary uptake into endosomal vesicles leading to inefficient release of the fusion proteins into the cytosol. Recently, non-covalent complex formation (Chariot) between proteins and CPPs has attracted a special interest to overcome some delivery limitations (e.g., toxicity). Many preclinical and clinical trials of CPP-based delivery are currently under evaluation. Generally, development of more efficient protein transduction domains would significantly increase the potency of protein therapeutics. Moreover, the synergistic or combined effects of CPPs with other delivery systems for protein/peptide drug delivery would promote their therapeutic effects in cancer and other diseases. In this review, we will describe the functions and implications of CPPs for delivering the therapeutic proteins or peptides in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Golnaz Mardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Chen ZP, Li M, Zhang LJ, He JY, Wu L, Xiao YY, Duan JA, Cai T, Li WD. Mitochondria-targeted drug delivery system for cancer treatment. J Drug Target 2015; 24:492-502. [DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2015.1108325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Peng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P.R. China and
| | - Man Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P.R. China and
| | - Liu-Jie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P.R. China and
| | - Jia-Yu He
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P.R. China and
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P.R. China and
| | - Yan-Yu Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P.R. China and
| | - Ting Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Dong Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P.R. China and
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16
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YUAN RUN, YU WEIMIN, CHENG FAN, ZHANG XIAOBIN, RUAN YUAN, CAO ZHIXIU, LARRÉ STÉPHANE. Effect of quantum dots on the biological behavior of the EJ human bladder urothelial carcinoma cell line. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:6157-63. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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17
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Zhu S, Chen S, Gao Y, Guo F, Li F, Xie B, Zhou J, Zhong H. Enhanced oral bioavailability of insulin using PLGA nanoparticles co-modified with cell-penetrating peptides and Engrailed secretion peptide (Sec). Drug Deliv 2015; 23:1980-91. [PMID: 26181841 DOI: 10.3109/10717544.2015.1043472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradable polymer nanoparticle drug carriers are an attractive strategy for oral delivery of peptide and protein drugs. However, their ability to cross the intestinal epithelium membrane is largely limited. Therefore, in the present study, cell-penetrating peptides (R8, Tat, penetratin) and a secretion peptide (Sec) with N-terminal stearylation were introduced to modify nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface to improve oral bioavailability of peptide and protein drugs. In vitro studies conducted in Caco-2 cells showed the value of the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of the nanoparticles co-modified with Sec and penetratin (Sec-Pen-NPs) was about two-times greater than that of the nanoparticles modified with only penetratin (Pen-NPs), while the increase of transcellular transport of nanoparticles modified together with Sec and R8 (Sec-R8-NPs), or Sec and Tat (Sec-Tat-NPs), was not significant compared with nanoparticles modified with only R8 (R8-NPs) or Tat (Tat-NPs). Using insulin as the model drug, in vivo studies performed on rats indicated that compared to Pen-NPs, the relative bioavailability of insulin for Sec-Pen-NPs was 1.71-times increased after ileal segments administration, and stronger hypoglycemic effects was also observed. Therefore, the nanoparticles co-modified with penetratin and Sec could act as attractive carriers for oral delivery of insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Zhu
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University , Jiangxi , China and
| | - Shuangxi Chen
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University , Jiangxi , China and
| | - Yuan Gao
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University , Jiangxi , China and
| | - Feng Guo
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University , Jiangxi , China and
| | - Fengying Li
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University , Jiangxi , China and
| | - Baogang Xie
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University , Jiangxi , China and
| | - Jianliang Zhou
- b Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University , Jiangxi , China
| | - Haijun Zhong
- a School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University , Jiangxi , China and
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18
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Reen FJ, Gutiérrez-Barranquero JA, Dobson ADW, Adams C, O’Gara F. Emerging concepts promising new horizons for marine biodiscovery and synthetic biology. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:2924-54. [PMID: 25984990 PMCID: PMC4446613 DOI: 10.3390/md13052924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast oceans of the world, which comprise a huge variety of unique ecosystems, are emerging as a rich and relatively untapped source of novel bioactive compounds with invaluable biotechnological and pharmaceutical potential. Evidence accumulated over the last decade has revealed that the diversity of marine microorganisms is enormous with many thousands of bacterial species detected that were previously unknown. Associated with this diversity is the production of diverse repertoires of bioactive compounds ranging from peptides and enzymes to more complex secondary metabolites that have significant bioactivity and thus the potential to be exploited for innovative biotechnology. Here we review the discovery and functional potential of marine bioactive peptides such as lantibiotics, nanoantibiotics and peptidomimetics, which have received particular attention in recent years in light of their broad spectrum of bioactivity. The significance of marine peptides in cell-to-cell communication and how this may be exploited in the discovery of novel bioactivity is also explored. Finally, with the recent advances in bioinformatics and synthetic biology, it is becoming clear that the integration of these disciplines with genetic and biochemical characterization of the novel marine peptides, offers the most potential in the development of the next generation of societal solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Jerry Reen
- BIOMERIT Research Centre, School of Microbiology, University College Cork—National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland; E-Mails: (F.J.R.); (J.A.G.-B.); (C.A.)
| | - José A. Gutiérrez-Barranquero
- BIOMERIT Research Centre, School of Microbiology, University College Cork—National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland; E-Mails: (F.J.R.); (J.A.G.-B.); (C.A.)
| | - Alan D. W. Dobson
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork—National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland; E-Mail:
| | - Claire Adams
- BIOMERIT Research Centre, School of Microbiology, University College Cork—National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland; E-Mails: (F.J.R.); (J.A.G.-B.); (C.A.)
| | - Fergal O’Gara
- BIOMERIT Research Centre, School of Microbiology, University College Cork—National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland; E-Mails: (F.J.R.); (J.A.G.-B.); (C.A.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth WA 6845, Australia
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19
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Delivery of nucleic acids and nanomaterials by cell-penetrating peptides: opportunities and challenges. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:834079. [PMID: 25883975 PMCID: PMC4391616 DOI: 10.1155/2015/834079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many viral and nonviral systems have been developed to aid delivery of biologically active molecules into cells. Among these, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have received increasing attention in the past two decades for biomedical applications. In this review, we focus on opportunities and challenges associated with CPP delivery of nucleic acids and nanomaterials. We first describe the nature of versatile CPPs and their interactions with various types of cargoes. We then discuss in vivo and in vitro delivery of nucleic acids and nanomaterials by CPPs. Studies on the mechanisms of cellular entry and limitations in the methods used are detailed.
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20
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Comparative Mechanisms of Protein Transduction Mediated by Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Prokaryotes. J Membr Biol 2015; 248:355-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-015-9777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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21
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Wang F, Wang Y, Zhang X, Zhang W, Guo S, Jin F. Recent progress of cell-penetrating peptides as new carriers for intracellular cargo delivery. J Control Release 2013; 174:126-36. [PMID: 24291335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The plasma membrane as a selectively permeable barrier of living cells is essential to cell survival and function. In many cases, however, the efficient passage of exogenous bioactive molecules through the plasma membrane remains a major hurdle for intracellular delivery of cargoes. During the last two decades, the potential of peptides for drug delivery into cells has been highlighted by the discovery of numerous cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs serving as carriers can successfully intracellular transport cargoes such as siRNA, nucleic acids, proteins, small molecule therapeutic agents, quantum dots and MRI contrast agents. This review mainly introduces recent advances of CPPs as new carriers for the development of cellular imaging, nuclear localization, pH-sensitive and thermally targeted delivery systems. In particular, we highlight the exploiting of the synergistic effects of targeting ligands and CPPs. What's more, the classification and cellular uptake mechanisms of CPPs are briefly discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feihu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 1111 Zhongshan Beiyi Road, Shanghai 200437, PR China
| | - Yun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shengrong Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| | - Fang Jin
- Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 1111 Zhongshan Beiyi Road, Shanghai 200437, PR China.
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22
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Liu BR, Lo SY, Liu CC, Chyan CL, Huang YW, Aronstam RS, Lee HJ. Endocytic Trafficking of Nanoparticles Delivered by Cell-penetrating Peptides Comprised of Nona-arginine and a Penetration Accelerating Sequence. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67100. [PMID: 23840594 PMCID: PMC3694042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) can traverse cellular membranes and deliver biologically active molecules into cells. In this study, we demonstrate that CPPs comprised of nona-arginine (R9) and a penetration accelerating peptide sequence (Pas) that facilitates escape from endocytic lysosomes, denoted as PR9, greatly enhance the delivery of noncovalently associated quantum dots (QDs) into human A549 cells. Mechanistic studies, intracellular trafficking analysis and a functional gene assay reveal that endocytosis is the main route for intracellular delivery of PR9/QD complexes. Endocytic trafficking of PR9/QD complexes was monitored using both confocal and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Zeta-potential and size analyses indicate the importance of electrostatic forces in the interaction of PR9/QD complexes with plasma membranes. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy reveals that the secondary structural elements of PR9 have similar conformations in aqueous buffer at pH 7 and 5. This study of nontoxic PR9 provides a basis for the design of optimized cargo delivery that allows escape from endocytic vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty R Liu
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
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