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Kachanov A, Kostyusheva A, Brezgin S, Karandashov I, Ponomareva N, Tikhonov A, Lukashev A, Pokrovsky V, Zamyatnin AA, Parodi A, Chulanov V, Kostyushev D. The menace of severe adverse events and deaths associated with viral gene therapy and its potential solution. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:2112-2193. [PMID: 38549260 DOI: 10.1002/med.22036] [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] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, in vivo gene replacement therapy has significantly advanced, resulting in market approval of numerous therapeutics predominantly relying on adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV). While viral vectors have undeniably addressed several critical healthcare challenges, their clinical application has unveiled a range of limitations and safety concerns. This review highlights the emerging challenges in the field of gene therapy. At first, we discuss both the role of biological barriers in viral gene therapy with a focus on AAVs, and review current landscape of in vivo human gene therapy. We delineate advantages and disadvantages of AAVs as gene delivery vehicles, mostly from the safety perspective (hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, inflammatory responses etc.), and outline the mechanisms of adverse events in response to AAV. Contribution of every aspect of AAV vectors (genomic structure, capsid proteins) and host responses to injected AAV is considered and substantiated by basic, translational and clinical studies. The updated evaluation of recent AAV clinical trials and current medical experience clearly shows the risks of AAVs that sometimes overshadow the hopes for curing a hereditary disease. At last, a set of established and new molecular and nanotechnology tools and approaches are provided as potential solutions for mitigating or eliminating side effects. The increasing number of severe adverse reactions and, sadly deaths, demands decisive actions to resolve the issue of immune responses and extremely high doses of viral vectors used for gene therapy. In response to these challenges, various strategies are under development, including approaches aimed at augmenting characteristics of viral vectors and others focused on creating secure and efficacious non-viral vectors. This comprehensive review offers an overarching perspective on the present state of gene therapy utilizing both viral and non-viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artyom Kachanov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Brezgin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Ivan Karandashov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Ponomareva
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Andrey Tikhonov
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Lukashev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vadim Pokrovsky
- Laboratory of Biochemical Fundamentals of Pharmacology and Cancer Models, Blokhin Cancer Research Center, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biochemistry, People's Friendship University, Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Belozersky Research, Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alessandro Parodi
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kostyushev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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Noske S, Karimov M, Krüger M, Lilli B, Ewe A, Aigner A. Spray-drying of PEI-/PPI-based nanoparticles for DNA or siRNA delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 199:114297. [PMID: 38641228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Spray-drying of nucleic acid-based drugs designed for gene therapy or gene knockdown is associated with many advantages including storage stability and handling as well as the possibility of pulmonary application. The encapsulation of nucleic acids in nanoparticles prior to spray-drying is one strategy for obtaining efficient formulations. This, however, strongly relies on the definition of optimal nanoparticles, excipients and spray-drying conditions. Among polymeric nanoparticles, polyethylenimine (PEI)-based complexes with or without chemical modifications have been described previously as very efficient for gene or oligonucleotide delivery. The tyrosine-modification of linear or branched low molecular weight PEIs, or of polypropylenimine (PPI) dendrimers, has led to high complex stability, improved cell uptake and transfection efficacy as well as high biocompatibility. In this study, we identify optimal spray-drying conditions for PEI-based nanoparticles containing large plasmid DNA or small siRNAs, and further explore the spray-drying of nanoparticles containing chemically modified polymers. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), but not trehalose or lactose, is particularly well-suited as excipient, retaining or even enhancing transfection efficacies compared to fresh complexes. A big mesh size is critically important as well, while the variation of the spray-drying temperature plays a minor role. Upon spray-drying, microparticles in a ∼ 3.3 - 8.5 µm size range (laser granulometry) are obtained, dependent on the polymers. Upon their release from the spray-dried material, the nanoparticles show increased sizes and markedly altered zeta potentials as compared to their fresh counterparts. This may contribute to their high efficacy that is seen also after prolonged storage of the spray-dried material. We conclude that these spray-dried systems offer a great potential for the preparation of nucleic acid drug storage forms with facile reconstitution, as well as for their direct pulmonary application as dry powder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Noske
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Karimov
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krüger
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 13, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bettina Lilli
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Härtelstraße 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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3
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Moraes-Lacerda T, Garcia-Fossa F, de Jesus MB. Exploring the interplay between the TGF- βpathway and SLN-mediated transfection: implications for gene delivery efficiency in prostate cancer and non-cancer cells. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:325102. [PMID: 38688253 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad4556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are widely recognized for their biocompatibility, scalability, and long-term stability, making them versatile formulations for drug and gene delivery. Cellular interactions, governed by complex endocytic and signaling pathways, are pivotal for successfully applying SLN as a therapeutic agent. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the intricate interplay between SLN and cells by investigating the influence of specific endocytic and cell signaling pathways, with a focus on the impact of the TGF-βpathway on SLN-mediated cell transfection in both cancerous and non-cancerous prostate cells. Here, we systematically explored the intricate mechanisms governing the interactions between solid lipid nanoparticles and cells. By pharmacologically manipulating endocytic and signaling pathways, we analyzed alterations in SLNplex internalization, intracellular traffic, and cell transfection dynamics. Our findings highlight the significant role of macropinocytosis in the internalization and transfection processes of SLNplex in both cancer and non-cancer prostate cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the TGF-βpathway is an important factor influencing endosomal release, potentially impacting gene expression and modulating cell transfection efficiency. This study provides novel insights into the dynamic mechanisms governing the interaction between cells and SLN, emphasizing the pivotal role of TGF-βsignaling in SLN-mediated transfection, affecting internalization, intracellular transport, and release of the genetic cargo. These findings provide valuable insight for the optimization of SLN-based therapeutic strategies in prostate-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Moraes-Lacerda
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, São Paulo 13083862, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Garcia-Fossa
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, São Paulo 13083862, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bispo de Jesus
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, São Paulo 13083862, Brazil
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Xu L, Cao Y, Xu Y, Li R, Xu X. Redox-Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticle for Nucleic Acid Delivery and Cancer Therapy: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300238. [PMID: 37573033 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer development and progression of cancer are closely associated with the activation of oncogenes and loss of tumor suppressor genes. Nucleic acid drugs (e.g., siRNA, mRNA, and DNA) are widely used for cancer therapy due to their specific ability to regulate the expression of any cancer-associated genes. However, nucleic acid drugs are negatively charged biomacromolecules that are susceptible to serum nucleases and cannot cross cell membrane. Therefore, specific delivery tools are required to facilitate the intracellular delivery of nucleic acid drugs. In the past few decades, a variety of nanoparticles (NPs) are designed and developed for nucleic acid delivery and cancer therapy. In particular, the polymeric NPs in response to the abnormal redox status in cancer cells have garnered much more attention as their potential in redox-triggered nanostructure dissociation and rapid intracellular release of nucleic acid drugs. In this review, the important genes or signaling pathways regulating the abnormal redox status in cancer cells are briefly introduced and the recent development of redox-responsive NPs for nucleic acid delivery and cancer therapy is systemically summarized. The future development of NPs-mediated nucleic acid delivery and their challenges in clinical translation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
| | - Ya Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
| | - Rong Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoding Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, P. R. China
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5
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Lu B, Lim JM, Yu B, Song S, Neeli P, Sobhani N, K P, Bonam SR, Kurapati R, Zheng J, Chai D. The next-generation DNA vaccine platforms and delivery systems: advances, challenges and prospects. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1332939. [PMID: 38361919 PMCID: PMC10867258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have proven effective in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases. However, traditional attenuated and inactivated vaccines suffer from certain drawbacks such as complex preparation, limited efficacy, potential risks and others. These limitations restrict their widespread use, especially in the face of an increasingly diverse range of diseases. With the ongoing advancements in genetic engineering vaccines, DNA vaccines have emerged as a highly promising approach in the treatment of both genetic diseases and acquired diseases. While several DNA vaccines have demonstrated substantial success in animal models of diseases, certain challenges need to be addressed before application in human subjects. The primary obstacle lies in the absence of an optimal delivery system, which significantly hampers the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. We conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current status and limitations of DNA vaccines by focusing on both viral and non-viral DNA delivery systems, as they play crucial roles in the exploration of novel DNA vaccines. We provide an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses based on our critical assessment. Additionally, the review summarizes the most recent advancements and breakthroughs in pre-clinical and clinical studies, highlighting the need for further clinical trials in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Lu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Ming Lim
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Boyue Yu
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Siyuan Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Praveen Neeli
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pavithra K
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Rajendra Kurapati
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dafei Chai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Song M, Fang Z, Wang J, Liu K. A Nano-targeted Co-delivery System Based on Gene Regulation and Molecular Blocking Strategy for Synergistic Enhancement of Platinum Chemotherapy Sensitivity in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Pharm 2023; 640:123022. [PMID: 37156306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123022] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) has a low five-year survival rate, mainly because of its drug resistance to chemotherapy. It is the key to reverse drug resistance to combine multiple sensitization pathways to play a synergistic role. A nano scaled targeted co-delivery system (P123-PEI-G12, PPG) modified by bifunctional peptide tLyP-1-NLS (G12) was fabricated by using Pluronic P123 conjugated with low molecular weight polyethyleneimine (PEI). This delivery system can co-delivery Olaparib (Ola) and p53 plasmids to synergistically enhance the sensitivity of OC to platinum-based chemotherapy. P53@P123-PEI-G2/Ola (Co-PPGs) can achieve efficient tumor accumulation and cellular internalization through G12-mediated targeting. Co-PPGs then break down in the tumor cells, releasing the drug. Co-PPGs significantly enhanced the sensitivity of cisplatin (DDP) in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) and synergistically inhibited the proliferation of PROC in vitro and in vivo. The sensitizing and synergistic effects of Co-PPGs were related to the activation of p53, inhibition of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and p-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression. This work provides a promising strategy for the effective treatment of PROC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Song
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Zhou Fang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Kehai Liu
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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7
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Shtykalova S, Deviatkin D, Freund S, Egorova A, Kiselev A. Non-Viral Carriers for Nucleic Acids Delivery: Fundamentals and Current Applications. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:903. [PMID: 37109432 PMCID: PMC10142071 DOI: 10.3390/life13040903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, non-viral DNA and RNA delivery systems have been intensively studied as an alternative to viral vectors. Despite the most significant advantage over viruses, such as the lack of immunogenicity and cytotoxicity, the widespread use of non-viral carriers in clinical practice is still limited due to the insufficient efficacy associated with the difficulties of overcoming extracellular and intracellular barriers. Overcoming barriers by non-viral carriers is facilitated by their chemical structure, surface charge, as well as developed modifications. Currently, there are many different forms of non-viral carriers for various applications. This review aimed to summarize recent developments based on the essential requirements for non-viral carriers for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Shtykalova
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Embankment 7-9, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Deviatkin
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Embankment 7-9, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Svetlana Freund
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Embankment 7-9, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Egorova
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anton Kiselev
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Sailer V, von Amsberg G, Duensing S, Kirfel J, Lieb V, Metzger E, Offermann A, Pantel K, Schuele R, Taubert H, Wach S, Perner S, Werner S, Aigner A. Experimental in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models in prostate cancer research. Nat Rev Urol 2023; 20:158-178. [PMID: 36451039 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00677-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy has a central role in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, often causing initial tumour remission before increasing independence from signal transduction mechanisms of the androgen receptor and then eventual disease progression. Novel treatment approaches are urgently needed, but only a fraction of promising drug candidates from the laboratory will eventually reach clinical approval, highlighting the demand for critical assessment of current preclinical models. Such models include standard, genetically modified and patient-derived cell lines, spheroid and organoid culture models, scaffold and hydrogel cultures, tissue slices, tumour xenograft models, patient-derived xenograft and circulating tumour cell eXplant models as well as transgenic and knockout mouse models. These models need to account for inter-patient and intra-patient heterogeneity, the acquisition of primary or secondary resistance, the interaction of tumour cells with their microenvironment, which make crucial contributions to tumour progression and resistance, as well as the effects of the 3D tissue network on drug penetration, bioavailability and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Sailer
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gunhild von Amsberg
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Cancer Center Hamburg Eppendorf and Martini-Klinik, Prostate Cancer Center, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Duensing
- Section of Molecular Urooncology, Department of Urology, University Hospital Heidelberg and National Center for Tumour Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Verena Lieb
- Research Division Molecular Urology, Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eric Metzger
- Department of Urology, Center for Clinical Research, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anne Offermann
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute for Tumour Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Clinics Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentrum HaTRiCs4, University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roland Schuele
- Department of Urology, Center for Clinical Research, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Research Division Molecular Urology, Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Wach
- Research Division Molecular Urology, Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Stefan Werner
- Institute for Tumour Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Clinics Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentrum HaTRiCs4, University Cancer Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Clinical Pharmacology, Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany.
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9
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Jin Y, Adams F, Möller J, Isert L, Zimmermann CM, Keul D, Merkel OM. Synthesis and Application of Low Molecular Weight PEI-Based Copolymers for siRNA Delivery with Smart Polymer Blends. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200409. [PMID: 36446588 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200409] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a commonly used cationic polymer for small-interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery due to its high transfection efficiency at low commercial cost. However, high molecular weight PEI is cytotoxic and thus, its practical application is limited. In this study, different formulations of low molecular weight PEI (LMW-PEI) based copolymers polyethylenimine-g-polycaprolactone (PEI-PCL) (800 Da-40 kDa) and PEI-PCL-PEI (5-5-5 kDa) blended with or without polyethylene glycol-b-polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL) (5 kDa-4 kDa) are investigated to prepare nanoparticles via nanoprecipitation using a solvent displacement method with sizes ≈100 nm. PEG-PCL can stabilize the nanoparticles, improve their biocompatibility, and extend their circulation time in vivo. The nanoparticles composed of PEI-PCL-PEI and PEG-PCL show higher siRNA encapsulation efficiency than PEI-PCL/PEG-PCL based nanoparticles at low N/P ratios, higher cellular uptake, and a gene silencing efficiency of ≈40% as a result of the higher molecular weight PEI blocks. These results suggest that the PEI-PCL-PEI/PEG-PCL nanoparticle system could be a promising vehicle for siRNA delivery at minimal synthetic effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Friederike Adams
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Center for Ophthalmology, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Judith Möller
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Lorenz Isert
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph M Zimmermann
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Department for Chemistry, University of Bern, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Freiestrasse 3, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - David Keul
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia M Merkel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
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10
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Karimov M, Scherer M, Franke H, Ewe A, Aigner A. Analysis of polymeric nanoparticle properties for siRNA/DNA delivery in a tumor xenograft tissue slice air-liquid interface model. Biotechnol J 2022; 18:e2200415. [PMID: 36541426 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202200415] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Classical two-dimensional (2D) cell culture as a drug or nanoparticle test system only poorly recapitulates in vivo conditions. Animal studies are costly, ethically controversial, and preclude large-scale testing. METHODS AND RESULTS We established a three-dimensional (3D) tissue slice air-liquid interface (ALI) culture model for nanoparticle testing. We developed an optimized procedure for the reproducible generation of large sets of tissue slices from tumor xenografts that retain their tissue architecture. When used for the analysis of nanoparticles based on chemically modified polyethylenimines (PEIs) to deliver siRNA or DNA, differences in transfection efficacy and cytotoxicity between nanoparticles were observed more clearly than in 2D cell culture. While nanoparticle efficacies between cell culture and the tissue slice model overall correlated, the tissue slice model also identified particularly suitable candidates whose efficacy was underestimated in 2D cell culture and had already been shown in previous in vivo studies. CONCLUSION The ex vivo 3D tissue slice ALI culture model is a powerful system that allows the effective evaluation of biological nanoparticle efficacy and biocompatibility in an intact tissue environment. It is comparably inexpensive, time-saving, and follows the 3R principle, while allowing the identification of critical nanoparticle properties and optimal candidates for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karimov
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marlene Scherer
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heike Franke
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Jiang Y, Fan M, Yang Z, Liu X, Xu Z, Liu S, Feng G, Tang S, Li Z, Zhang Y, Chen S, Yang C, Law WC, Dong B, Xu G, Yong KT. Recent advances in nanotechnology approaches for non-viral gene therapy. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6862-6892. [PMID: 36222758 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01001a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy has shown great potential in the treatment of many diseases by downregulating the expression of certain genes. The development of gene vectors as a vehicle for gene therapy has greatly facilitated the widespread clinical application of nucleic acid materials (DNA, mRNA, siRNA, and miRNA). Currently, both viral and non-viral vectors are used as delivery systems of nucleic acid materials for gene therapy. However, viral vector-based gene therapy has several limitations, including immunogenicity and carcinogenesis caused by the exogenous viral vectors. To address these issues, non-viral nanocarrier-based gene therapy has been explored for superior performance with enhanced gene stability, high treatment efficiency, improved tumor-targeting, and better biocompatibility. In this review, we discuss various non-viral vector-mediated gene therapy approaches using multifunctional biodegradable or non-biodegradable nanocarriers, including polymer-based nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), quantum dots (QDs), silica nanoparticles, metal-based nanoparticles and two-dimensional nanocarriers. Various strategies to construct non-viral nanocarriers based on their delivery efficiency of targeted genes will be introduced. Subsequently, we discuss the cellular uptake pathways of non-viral nanocarriers. In addition, multifunctional gene therapy based on non-viral nanocarriers is summarized, in which the gene therapy can be combined with other treatments, such as photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We also provide a comprehensive discussion of the biological toxicity and safety of non-viral vector-based gene therapy. Finally, the present limitations and challenges of non-viral nanocarriers for gene therapy in future clinical research are discussed, to promote wider clinical applications of non-viral vector-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Miaozhuang Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Zhenxu Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. .,The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,The Biophotonics and Mechanobioengineering Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Xiaochen Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. .,The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,The Biophotonics and Mechanobioengineering Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Zhourui Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Shikang Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Gang Feng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Shuo Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Zhengzheng Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Yibin Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Shilin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Chengbin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Wing-Cheung Law
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Biqin Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Durability for Marine Civil Engineering, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Gaixia Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Ken-Tye Yong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. .,The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,The Biophotonics and Mechanobioengineering Laboratory, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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12
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Kubczak M, Michlewska S, Karimov M, Ewe A, Aigner A, Bryszewska M, Ionov M. Comparison of tyrosine-modified low molecular weight branched and linear polyethylenimines for siRNA delivery. Nanotoxicology 2022; 16:867-882. [PMID: 36697400 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2022.2159891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylenimines (PEIs) have been previously introduced for siRNA delivery. In particular, in the case of higher molecular weight PEIs, this is associated with toxicity, while low molecular weight PEIs are often insufficient for siRNA complexation. The tyrosine-modification of PEIs has been shown to enhance PEI efficacy and biocompatibility. This paper evaluates a set of tyrosine-modified low molecular weight linear or branched polyethylenimines as efficient carriers of siRNA. Complexation efficacies and biophysical complex properties were analyzed by zeta potential, dynamic light scattering and circular dichroism measurements as well as gel electrophoresis. Biological knockdown was studied in 2 D cell culture and 3 D ex vivo tissue slice air-liquid interface culture. The results demonstrate that siRNAs were able to form stable complexes with all tested polymers. Complexation was able to protect siRNA from degradation by RNase and to mediate target gene knockdown, as determined on the mRNA level and in PC3-Luc3/EGFP and HCT116-Luc3/EGFP expressing reporter cells on the protein level, using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The direct comparison of the studied polymers revealed differences in biological efficacies. Moreover, the tyrosine-modified PEIs showed high biocompatibility, as determined by LDH release and mitochondria integrity (J-aggregate assay) as well as caspase 3/7 (apoptosis) and H2O2 levels (ROS). In 3 D tissue slices, complexes based on LP10Y proved to be most efficient, by combining tissue penetration with efficient gene expression knockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Kubczak
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Sylwia Michlewska
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Laboratory of Microscopic Imaging and Specialized Biological Techniques, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Michael Karimov
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Germany, Leipzig
| | - Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Germany, Leipzig
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Germany, Leipzig
| | - Maria Bryszewska
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maksim Ionov
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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13
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Chen Y, Liu C, Yang Z, Sun Y, Chen X, Liu L. Fabrication of zein-based hydrophilic nanoparticles for efficient gene delivery by layer-by-layer assembly. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 217:381-397. [PMID: 35839955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As a natural biological macromolecule, zein has broad application prospects in drug delivery due to its unique self-assembly properties. In this work, zein/sodium alginate (Zein/SA) nanocomposites were prepared by a pH-cycle method, Then Zein/SA/PEI (ZSP) nanocomposites were prepared by efficient layer-by-layer assembly method, ZSP nanocomposite of higher transfection performance was further labeled by folic acid (FA). After characterizing the physicochemical properties of ZSP by various methods, the potential of ZSP as a gene delivery vehicle was explored in vitro. The results showed that ZSP had good dispersibility and stability, the diameter distribution was in the range of 124-203 nm, and it had a typical core-shell structure, which could effectively condensate DNA and protect it from nuclease hydrolysis. ZSP exhibited proton buffering capacity similar to PEI, lower cellular toxicity, lower protein adsorption and erythrocyte hemolysis effect than PEI. ZSP/pDNA complexes could be taken up by cells and exhibited higher transfection efficiency than PEI/DNA complexes at the same weight ratio. The transfection efficiency of the complex in HeLa and 293T cells can be improved by FA labeling, especially in HeLa cells. These results provide new perspective for the design and development of efficient zein-based gene delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Chaobing Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Zhaojun Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Yanlin Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Liang Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China.
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14
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Berger S, Berger M, Bantz C, Maskos M, Wagner E. Performance of nanoparticles for biomedical applications: The in vitro/ in vivo discrepancy. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:011303. [PMID: 38505225 PMCID: PMC10903387 DOI: 10.1063/5.0073494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Nanomedicine has a great potential to revolutionize the therapeutic landscape. However, up-to-date results obtained from in vitro experiments predict the in vivo performance of nanoparticles weakly or not at all. There is a need for in vitro experiments that better resemble the in vivo reality. As a result, animal experiments can be reduced, and potent in vivo candidates will not be missed. It is important to gain a deeper knowledge about nanoparticle characteristics in physiological environment. In this context, the protein corona plays a crucial role. Its formation process including driving forces, kinetics, and influencing factors has to be explored in more detail. There exist different methods for the investigation of the protein corona and its impact on physico-chemical and biological properties of nanoparticles, which are compiled and critically reflected in this review article. The obtained information about the protein corona can be exploited to optimize nanoparticles for in vivo application. Still the translation from in vitro to in vivo remains challenging. Functional in vitro screening under physiological conditions such as in full serum, in 3D multicellular spheroids/organoids, or under flow conditions is recommended. Innovative in vivo screening using barcoded nanoparticles can simultaneously test more than hundred samples regarding biodistribution and functional delivery within a single mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig–Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Berger
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Bantz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, Carl-Zeiss-Str. 18-20, D-55129 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig–Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Butenandtstr. 5-13, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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15
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Huang Z, Xiao YP, Guo Y, Yang HZ, Zhao RM, Zhang J, Yu XQ. A cyclen-based fluoropolymer as a versatile vector for gene and protein delivery. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Chitosan-Crosslinked Low Molecular Weight PEI-Conjugated Iron Oxide Nanoparticle for Safe and Effective DNA Delivery to Breast Cancer Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12040584. [PMID: 35214917 PMCID: PMC8876741 DOI: 10.3390/nano12040584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer has attracted tremendous research interest in treatment development as one of the major threats to public health. The use of non-viral carriers for therapeutic DNA delivery has shown promise in treating various cancer types, including breast cancer, due to their high DNA loading capacity, high cell transfection efficiency, and design versatility. However, cytotoxicity and large sizes of non-viral DNA carriers often raise safety concerns and hinder their applications in the clinic. Here we report the development of a novel nanoparticle formulation (termed NP-Chi-xPEI) that can safely and effectively deliver DNA into breast cancer cells for successful transfection. The nanoparticle is composed of an iron oxide core coated with low molecular weight (800 Da) polyethyleneimine crosslinked with chitosan via biodegradable disulfide bonds. The NP-Chi-xPEI can condense DNA into a small nanoparticle with the overall size of less than 100 nm and offer full DNA protection. Its biodegradable coating of small-molecular weight xPEI and mildly positive surface charge confer extra biocompatibility. NP-Chi-xPEI-mediated DNA delivery was shown to achieve high transfection efficiency across multiple breast cancer cell lines with significantly lower cytotoxicity as compared to the commercial transfection agent Lipofectamine 3000. With demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties and functionality, NP-Chi-xPEI may serve as a reliable vehicle to deliver DNA to breast cancer cells.
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17
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Integrating disulfides into a polyethylenimine gene carrier selectively boosts significant transfection activity in lung tissue enabling robust IL-12 gene therapy against metastatic lung cancers. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 128:112358. [PMID: 34474905 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bioreducible polyethylenimines (SSPEIs) are promising non-viral carriers for cancer gene therapy. However, the availability of significant gene transfection activity by SSPEIs remains a challenge. Herein, an essential step was taken to ascertain whether or not the disulfide bonds of SSPEIs play a critical role in promoting significant gene transfection activity in different tissues. Initially, a disulfide-linked linear polyethylenimine (denoted as SSLPEI) consisting of one 5.0 kDa LPEI main chain and three disulfide-linked 5.7 kDa LPEI grafts was designed and prepared to possess similar molecular weight with commercialized 25 kDa LPEI as a positive control. The SSLPEI could induce superior in vitro transfection activity in different cells to the LPEI control as well as low cytotoxicity. Notably, such enhanced in vitro transfection effect by the SSLPEI was more marked in type-II alveolar epithelial cells compared to different cancer cells. In a Balb/c nude mouse model bearing SKOV-3 tumor, the SSLPEI caused parallel level of transgene expression with the LPEI control in the tumor but significantly higher level in the mouse lung. Furthermore, the SSLPEI and LPEI groups afforded an identical antitumor efficacy against the SKOV-3 tumor via intravenous delivery of a shRNA for silencing VEGF expression in the tumor. However, via intravenous delivery of an interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene into metastatic lung cancers in a C57BL/6 mouse model, the SSLPEI group exerted markedly higher IL-12 expression level in the mouse lung and peripheral blood as compared to the LPEI group, thereby boosting IL-12 immunotherapy against the lung metastasis with longer medium survival time. The results of this work elicit that the disulfide bonds of SSPEIs play a pivotal role in enhancing gene transfection activity selectively in the lung tissue rather than solid tumor, enabling high translational potential of SSPEIs for non-viral gene therapy against metastatic lung cancers.
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Gao M, Zhang Q, Feng XH, Liu J. Synthetic modified messenger RNA for therapeutic applications. Acta Biomater 2021; 131:1-15. [PMID: 34133982 PMCID: PMC8198544 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic modified messenger RNA (mRNA) has manifested great potentials for therapeutic applications such as vaccines and gene therapies, with the recent mRNA vaccines for global pandemic COVID-19 (corona virus disease 2019) attracting the tremendous attention. The chemical modifications and delivery vehicles of synthetic mRNAs are the two key factors for their in vivo therapeutic applications. Chemical modifications like nucleoside methylation endow the synthetic mRNAs with high stability and reduced stimulation of innate immunity. The development of scalable production of synthetic mRNA and efficient mRNA formulation and delivery strategies in recent years have remarkably advanced the field. It is worth noticing that we had limited knowledge on the roles of mRNA modifications in the past. However, the last decade has witnessed not only new discoveries of several naturally occurring mRNA modifications but also substantial advances in understanding their roles on regulating gene expression. It is highly necessary to reconsider the therapeutic system made by synthetic modified mRNAs and delivery vectors. In this review, we will mainly discuss the roles of various chemical modifications on synthetic mRNAs, briefly summarize the progresses of mRNA delivery strategies, and highlight some latest mRNA therapeutics applications including infectious disease vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, mRNA-based genetic reprogramming and protein replacement, mRNA-based gene editing. Statement of significance The development of synthetic mRNA drug holds great promise but lies behind small molecule and protein drugs largely due to the challenging issues regarding its stability, immunogenicity and potency. In the last 15 years, these issues have beensubstantially addressed by synthesizing chemically modified mRNA and developing powerful delivery systems; the mRNA therapeutics has entered an exciting new era begun with the approved mRNA vaccines for the COVID-19 infection disease. Here, we provide recent progresses in understanding the biological roles of various RNA chemical modifications, in developing mRNA delivery systems, and in advancing the emerging mRNA-based therapeutic applications, with the purpose to inspire the community to spawn new ideas for curing diseases.
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