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Kwak G, Grewal A, Slika H, Mess G, Li H, Kwatra M, Poulopoulos A, Woodworth GF, Eberhart CG, Ko HS, Manbachi A, Caplan J, Price RJ, Tyler B, Suk JS. Brain Nucleic Acid Delivery and Genome Editing via Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Opening and Long-Circulating Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2024; 18:24139-24153. [PMID: 39172436 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
We introduce a two-pronged strategy comprising focused ultrasound (FUS)-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening and long-circulating biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) for systemic delivery of nucleic acids to the brain. Biodegradable poly(β-amino ester) polymer-based NPs were engineered to stably package various types of nucleic acid payloads and enable prolonged systemic circulation while retaining excellent serum stability. FUS was applied to a predetermined coordinate within the brain to transiently open the BBB, thereby allowing the systemically administered long-circulating NPs to traverse the BBB and accumulate in the FUS-treated brain region, where plasmid DNA or mRNA payloads produced reporter proteins in astrocytes and neurons. In contrast, poorly circulating and/or serum-unstable NPs, including the lipid NP analogous to a platform used in clinic, were unable to provide efficient nucleic acid delivery to the brain regardless of the BBB-opening FUS. The marriage of FUS-mediated BBB opening and the long-circulating NPs engineered to copackage mRNA encoding CRISPR-associated protein 9 and single-guide RNA resulted in genome editing in astrocytes and neurons precisely in the FUS-treated brain region. The combined delivery strategy provides a versatile means to achieve efficient and site-specific therapeutic nucleic acid delivery to and genome editing in the brain via a systemic route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijung Kwak
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
- Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Angad Grewal
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Hasan Slika
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Griffin Mess
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Haolin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Mohit Kwatra
- Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Alexandros Poulopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Graeme F Woodworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
- Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Han Seok Ko
- Institute for Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Amir Manbachi
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Justin Caplan
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Richard J Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
- Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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2
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Neill B, Romero AR, Fenton OS. Advances in Nonviral mRNA Delivery Materials and Their Application as Vaccines for Melanoma Therapy. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:4894-4913. [PMID: 37930174 PMCID: PMC11220486 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are promising platforms for cancer immunotherapy because of their potential to encode for a variety of tumor antigens, high tolerability, and capacity to induce strong antitumor immune responses. However, the clinical translation of mRNA cancer vaccines can be hindered by the inefficient delivery of mRNA in vivo. In this review, we provide an overview of mRNA cancer vaccines by discussing their utility in treating melanoma. Specifically, we begin our review by describing the barriers that can impede mRNA delivery to target cells. We then review native mRNA structure and discuss various modification methods shown to enhance mRNA stability and transfection. Next, we outline the advantages and challenges of three nonviral carrier platforms (lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and lipopolyplexes) frequently used for mRNA delivery. Last, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated nonviral mRNA vaccines for the treatment of melanoma. In writing this review, we aim to highlight innovative nonviral strategies designed to address mRNA delivery challenges while emphasizing the exciting potential of mRNA vaccines as next-generation therapies for the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevin Neill
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Adriana Retamales Romero
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Owen S. Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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BenDavid E, Ramezanian S, Lu Y, Rousseau J, Schroeder A, Lavertu M, Tremblay JP. Emerging Perspectives on Prime Editor Delivery to the Brain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:763. [PMID: 38931430 PMCID: PMC11206523 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060763] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Prime editing shows potential as a precision genome editing technology, as well as the potential to advance the development of next-generation nanomedicine for addressing neurological disorders. However, turning in prime editors (PEs), which are macromolecular complexes composed of CRISPR/Cas9 nickase fused with a reverse transcriptase and a prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA), to the brain remains a considerable challenge due to physiological obstacles, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This review article offers an up-to-date overview and perspective on the latest technologies and strategies for the precision delivery of PEs to the brain and passage through blood barriers. Furthermore, it delves into the scientific significance and possible therapeutic applications of prime editing in conditions related to neurological diseases. It is targeted at clinicians and clinical researchers working on advancing precision nanomedicine for neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli BenDavid
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada;
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Gene Therapy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Laboratory of Nanopharmacology and Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525433, Israel
| | - Sina Ramezanian
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Gene Therapy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Yaoyao Lu
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Gene Therapy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Joël Rousseau
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Avi Schroeder
- Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel;
| | - Marc Lavertu
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada;
| | - Jacques P. Tremblay
- Division of Human Genetics, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec—Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Gene Therapy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Rao D, Kwak G, Wang H, Eberhart CG, Hanes J, Suk JS. Bioreducible Gene Delivery Platform that Promotes Intracellular Payload Release and Widespread Brain Dispersion. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:4567-4572. [PMID: 37523785 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
We here introduce a novel bioreducible polymer-based gene delivery platform enabling widespread transgene expression in multiple brain regions with therapeutic relevance following intracranial convection-enhanced delivery. Our bioreducible nanoparticles provide markedly enhanced gene delivery efficacy in vitro and in vivo compared to nonbiodegradable nanoparticles primarily due to the ability to release gene payloads preferentially inside cells. Remarkably, our platform exhibits competitive gene delivery efficacy in a neuron-rich brain region compared to a viral vector under previous and current clinical investigations with demonstrated positive outcomes. Thus, our platform may serve as an attractive alternative for the intracranial gene therapy of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Rao
- Center for Nanomedicine at Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Gijung Kwak
- Center for Nanomedicine at Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
- Department of Neuropathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Justin Hanes
- Center for Nanomedicine at Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Center for Nanomedicine at Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
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5
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Negron K, Kwak G, Wang H, Li H, Huang YT, Chen SW, Tyler B, Eberhart CG, Hanes J, Suk JS. A Highly Translatable Dual-arm Local Delivery Strategy To Achieve Widespread Therapeutic Coverage in Healthy and Tumor-bearing Brain Tissues. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207278. [PMID: 36651002 PMCID: PMC10082594 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Drug delivery nanoparticles (NPs) based entirely on materials generally recognized as safe that provide widespread parenchymal distribution following intracranial administration via convection-enhanced delivery (CED) are introduced. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs are coated with various poloxamers, including F68, F98, or F127, via physical adsorption to render particle surfaces non-adhesive, thereby resisting interactions with brain extracellular matrix. F127-coated PLGA (F127/PLGA) NPs provide markedly greater distribution in healthy rat brains compared to uncoated NPs and widespread coverage in orthotopically-established brain tumors. Distribution analysis of variously-sized F127/PLGA NPs determines the average rat brain tissue porosity to be between 135 and 170 nm while revealing unprecedented brain coverage of larger F127/PLGA NPs with an aid of hydraulic pressure provided by CED. Importantly, F127/PLGA NPs can be lyophilized for long-term storage without compromising their ability to penetrate the brain tissue. Further, 65- and 200-nm F127/PLGA NPs lyophilized-reconstituted and administered in a moderately hyperosmolar infusate solution show further enhance particle dissemination in the brain via osmotically-driven enlargement of the brain tissue porosity. Combination of F127/PLGA NPs and osmotic tissue modulation provides a means with a clear regulatory path to maximize the brain distribution of large NPs that enable greater drug loading and prolong drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Negron
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231; Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Gijung Kwak
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Haolin Li
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Yi-Ting Huang
- Department of Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Shun-Wen Chen
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Betty Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Charles G. Eberhart
- Department of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Justin Hanes
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231; Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231; Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
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6
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Yang J, Luly KM, Green JJ. Nonviral nanoparticle gene delivery into the CNS for neurological disorders and brain cancer applications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1853. [PMID: 36193561 PMCID: PMC10023321 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral nanoparticles have emerged as an attractive alternative to viral vectors for gene therapy applications, utilizing a range of lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic materials. These materials can either encapsulate or be functionalized to bind nucleic acids and protect them from degradation. To effectively elicit changes to gene expression, the nanoparticle carrier needs to undergo a series of steps intracellularly, from interacting with the cellular membrane to facilitate cellular uptake to endosomal escape and nucleic acid release. Adjusting physiochemical properties of the nanoparticles, such as size, charge, and targeting ligands, can improve cellular uptake and ultimately gene delivery. Applications in the central nervous system (CNS; i.e., neurological diseases, brain cancers) face further extracellular barriers for a gene-carrying nanoparticle to surpass, with the most significant being the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Approaches to overcome these extracellular challenges to deliver nanoparticles into the CNS include systemic, intracerebroventricular, intrathecal, and intranasal administration. This review describes and compares different biomaterials for nonviral nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy to the CNS and explores challenges and recent preclinical and clinical developments in overcoming barriers to nanoparticle-mediated delivery to the brain. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Yang
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn M Luly
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Wei J, Zhu L, Lu Q, Li G, Zhou Y, Yang Y, Zhang L. Recent progress and applications of poly(beta amino esters)-based biomaterials. J Control Release 2023; 354:337-353. [PMID: 36623697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Poly(beta-amino esters, PBAEs) are a promising class of cationic polymers synthesized from diacrylates and amines via Michael addition. Recently, PBAEs have been widely developed for drug delivery, immunotherapy, gene therapy, antibacterial, tissue engineering and other applications due to their convenient synthesis, good bio-compatibility and degradation properties. Herein, we mainly summarize the recent progress in the PBAEs synthesis and their applications. The amine groups of PBAEs could be protonated in low pH environment, exhibiting proton sponge and pH-sensitive abilities. Furthermore, the positive PBAEs can interact with negative genes via electrostatic interactions for efficient delivery of nucleic acids. Moreover, positive PBAEs could also directly kill bacteria by disrupting their membranes at high doses. Finally, PBAEs can augment the immune responses, and improve the bioactivity of hydrogels in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-regeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Linglin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-regeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qiuyun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-regeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Guicai Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-regeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Youlang Zhou
- Hand Surgery Research Center, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yumin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-regeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Luzhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-regeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuro-regeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China.
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8
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Lee D, Kwak G, Johnson TV, Suk JS. Formulation and Evaluation of Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Intravitreal Gene-Delivery Applications. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e607. [PMID: 36469609 PMCID: PMC9731353 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The advent of the first-ever retinal gene therapy product, involving subretinal administration of a virus-based gene delivery platform, has garnered hope that this state-of-the-art therapeutic modality may benefit a broad spectrum of patients with diverse retinal disorders. On the other hand, clinical studies have revealed limitations of the applied delivery strategy that may restrict its universal use. To this end, intravitreal administration of synthetic gene-delivery platforms, such as polymer-based nanoparticles (PNPs), has emerged as an attractive alternative to the current mainstay. To achieve success, however, it is imperative that synthetic platforms overcome key biological barriers in human eyes encountered following intravitreal administration, including the vitreous gel and inner limiting membrane (ILM). Here, we introduce a series of experiments, from the fabrication of PNPs to a comprehensive evaluation in relevant experimental models, to determine whether PNPs overcome these barriers and efficiently deliver therapeutic gene payloads to retinal cells. We conclude the article by discussing a few important considerations for successful implementation of the strategy. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation and characterization of PNPs Basic Protocol 2: Evaluation of in vitro transfection efficacy Basic Protocol 3: Evaluation of PNP diffusion in vitreous gel Basic Protocol 4: Ex vivo assessment of PNP penetration within vitreoretinal explant culture Basic Protocol 5: Assessment of in vivo transgene expression mediated by intravitreally administered PNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiheon Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Gijung Kwak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Thomas V. Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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9
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Caraway CA, Gaitsch H, Wicks EE, Kalluri A, Kunadi N, Tyler BM. Polymeric Nanoparticles in Brain Cancer Therapy: A Review of Current Approaches. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:2963. [PMID: 35890738 PMCID: PMC9322801 DOI: 10.3390/polym14142963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Translation of novel therapies for brain cancer into clinical practice is of the utmost importance as primary brain tumors are responsible for more than 200,000 deaths worldwide each year. While many research efforts have been aimed at improving survival rates over the years, prognosis for patients with glioblastoma and other primary brain tumors remains poor. Safely delivering chemotherapeutic drugs and other anti-cancer compounds across the blood-brain barrier and directly to tumor cells is perhaps the greatest challenge in treating brain cancer. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are powerful, highly tunable carrier systems that may be able to overcome those obstacles. Several studies have shown appropriately-constructed polymeric NPs cross the blood-brain barrier, increase drug bioavailability, reduce systemic toxicity, and selectively target central nervous system cancer cells. While no studies relating to their use in treating brain cancer are in clinical trials, there is mounting preclinical evidence that polymeric NPs could be beneficial for brain tumor therapy. This review includes a variety of polymeric NPs and how their associated composition, surface modifications, and method of delivery impact their capacity to improve brain tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad A. Caraway
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.A.C.); (H.G.); (E.E.W.); (A.K.); (N.K.)
| | - Hallie Gaitsch
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.A.C.); (H.G.); (E.E.W.); (A.K.); (N.K.)
- NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Elizabeth E. Wicks
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.A.C.); (H.G.); (E.E.W.); (A.K.); (N.K.)
- University of Mississippi School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Anita Kalluri
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.A.C.); (H.G.); (E.E.W.); (A.K.); (N.K.)
| | - Navya Kunadi
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.A.C.); (H.G.); (E.E.W.); (A.K.); (N.K.)
| | - Betty M. Tyler
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (C.A.C.); (H.G.); (E.E.W.); (A.K.); (N.K.)
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