1
|
Nelson AL, Mancino C, Gao X, Choe JA, Chubb L, Williams K, Czachor M, Marcucio R, Taraballi F, Cooke JP, Huard J, Bahney C, Ehrhart N. β-catenin mRNA encapsulated in SM-102 lipid nanoparticles enhances bone formation in a murine tibia fracture repair model. Bioact Mater 2024; 39:273-286. [PMID: 38832305 PMCID: PMC11145078 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Fractures continue to be a global economic burden as there are currently no osteoanabolic drugs approved to accelerate fracture healing. In this study, we aimed to develop an osteoanabolic therapy which activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a molecular driver of endochondral ossification. We hypothesize that using an mRNA-based therapeutic encoding β-catenin could promote cartilage to bone transformation formation by activating the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in chondrocytes. To optimize a delivery platform built on recent advancements in liposomal technologies, two FDA-approved ionizable phospholipids, DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3) and SM-102, were used to fabricate unique ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations and then tested for transfection efficacy both in vitro and in a murine tibia fracture model. Using firefly luciferase mRNA as a reporter gene to track and quantify transfection, SM-102 LNPs showed enhanced transfection efficacy in vitro and prolonged transfection, minimal fracture interference and no localized inflammatory response in vivo over MC3 LNPs. The generated β-cateninGOF mRNA encapsulated in SM-102 LNPs (SM-102-β-cateninGOF mRNA) showed bioactivity in vitro through upregulation of downstream canonical Wnt genes, axin2 and runx2. When testing SM-102-β-cateninGOF mRNA therapeutic in a murine tibia fracture model, histomorphometric analysis showed increased bone and decreased cartilage composition with the 45 μg concentration at 2 weeks post-fracture. μCT testing confirmed that SM-102-β-cateninGOF mRNA promoted bone formation in vivo, revealing significantly more bone volume over total volume in the 45 μg group. Thus, we generated a novel mRNA-based therapeutic encoding a β-catenin mRNA and optimized an SM-102-based LNP to maximize transfection efficacy with a localized delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laura Nelson
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI), Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Vail, CO, USA
- Colorado State University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Fort Collins CO, USA
| | - Chiara Mancino
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston TX, USA
| | - Xueqin Gao
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI), Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Vail, CO, USA
| | - Joshua A. Choe
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical Scientist Training Program, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Laura Chubb
- Colorado State University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Fort Collins CO, USA
| | - Katherine Williams
- Colorado State University, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Molly Czachor
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI), Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Vail, CO, USA
| | - Ralph Marcucio
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston TX, USA
| | - John P. Cooke
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Johnny Huard
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI), Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Vail, CO, USA
- Colorado State University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Fort Collins CO, USA
| | - Chelsea Bahney
- Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI), Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Vail, CO, USA
- Colorado State University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Fort Collins CO, USA
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Ehrhart
- Colorado State University, School of Biomedical Engineering, Fort Collins CO, USA
- Colorado State University, Department of Clinical Sciences, Fort Collins CO, USA
- Colorado State University, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu S, Lin L, Shi L, Liu S. An overview of lipid constituents in lipid nanoparticle mRNA delivery systems. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1978. [PMID: 38965928 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics have shown great potential for a broad spectrum of disease treatment. However, the challenges of mRNA's inherent instability and difficulty in cellular entry have hindered its progress in the biomedical field. To address the cellular barriers and deliver mRNA to cells of interest, various delivery systems are designed. Among these, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) stand out as the most extensively used mRNA delivery systems, particularly following the clinical approvals of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines. LNPs are comprised of ionizable cationic lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol, and polyethylene glycol derived lipids (PEG-lipids). In this review, we primarily summarize the recent advancements of the LNP mRNA delivery technology, focusing on the structures of four lipid constituents and their biomedical applications. We delve into structure-activity relationships of the lipids, while also exploring the future prospects and challenges in developing more efficacious mRNA delivery systems. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Lin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sedlmayr VL, Schobesberger S, Spitz S, Ertl P, Wurm DJ, Quehenberger J, Spadiut O. Archaeal ether lipids improve internalization and transfection with mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 197:114213. [PMID: 38346479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114213] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Neutral and positively charged archaeal ether lipids (AEL) have been studied for their utilization as novel delivery systems for pDNA, showing efficient immune response with a strong memory effect while lacking noticeable toxicity. Recent technological advances placed mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) at the forefront of next-generation delivery systems; however, no study has examined AELs in mRNA delivery yet. In this study, we investigated either a crude lipid extract or the purified tetraether lipid caldarchaeol from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius as potential novel excipients for mRNA LNPs. Depending on their molar share in the respective LNP, particle uptake, and mRNA expression levels could be increased by up to 10-fold in in vitro transfection experiments using both primary cell sources (HSMM) and established cell lines (Caco-2, C2C12) compared to a well-known reference formulation. This increased efficiency might be linked to a substantial effect on endosomal escape, indicating fusogenic and lyotropic features of AELs. This study shows the high value of archaeal ether lipids for mRNA delivery and provides a solid foundation for future in vivo experiments and further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Laurin Sedlmayr
- Research Division Integrated Bioprocess Development, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Silvia Schobesberger
- Research Division Organic & Biological Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Research Division Organic & Biological Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | - Peter Ertl
- Research Division Organic & Biological Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/163, Vienna 1060, Austria
| | | | - Julian Quehenberger
- Research Division Integrated Bioprocess Development, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, Vienna 1060, Austria; NovoArc GmbH, Pottendorfer Straße 23-25, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Oliver Spadiut
- Research Division Integrated Bioprocess Development, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Straße 1a, Vienna 1060, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wibel R, van Hoogevest P, Drescher S. The role of phospholipids in drug delivery formulations - Recent advances presented at the Researcher's Day 2023 Conference of the Phospholipid Research Center Heidelberg. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 197:114215. [PMID: 38350530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114215] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
This Focus on Meetings contribution summarizes recent advances in the research on phospholipids and their applications for drug delivery and analytical purposes that have been presented at the hybrid Researcher's Day 2023 Conference of the Phospholipid Research Center (PRC), held on July 3-5, 2023, in Bad Dürkheim, Germany. The PRC is a non-profit organization focused on expanding and sharing scientific and technological knowledge of phospholipids in pharmaceutical and other applications. This is accomplished by, e.g., funding doctoral and postdoctoral research projects. The progress made with these projects is presented at the Researcher's Day Conference every two years. Four main topics were presented and discussed in various lectures: (1) formulation of phospholipid-based nanocarriers, (2) therapeutic applications of phospholipids and phospholipid-based nanocarriers, (3) phospholipids as excipients in oral, dermal, and parenteral dosage forms, and (4) interactions of phospholipids and phospholipid-based vesicles in biological environment and their use as analytical platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Wibel
- Phospholipid Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 515, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter van Hoogevest
- Phospholipid Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 515, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Drescher
- Phospholipid Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 515, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Berger S, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Dynamic carriers for therapeutic RNA delivery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307799120. [PMID: 38437544 PMCID: PMC10945752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307799120] [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: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Carriers for RNA delivery must be dynamic, first stabilizing and protecting therapeutic RNA during delivery to the target tissue and across cellular membrane barriers and then releasing the cargo in bioactive form. The chemical space of carriers ranges from small cationic lipids applied in lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles, over medium-sized sequence-defined xenopeptides, to macromolecular polycations applied in polyplexes and polymer micelles. This perspective highlights the discovery of distinct virus-inspired dynamic processes that capitalize on mutual nanoparticle-host interactions to achieve potent RNA delivery. From the host side, subtle alterations of pH, ion concentration, redox potential, presence of specific proteins, receptors, or enzymes are cues, which must be recognized by the RNA nanocarrier via dynamic chemical designs including cleavable bonds, alterable physicochemical properties, and supramolecular assembly-disassembly processes to respond to changing biological microenvironment during delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna1090, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen SP, Blakney AK. Immune response to the components of lipid nanoparticles for ribonucleic acid therapeutics. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103049. [PMID: 38118363 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid therapeutics have advantages over biologics and small molecules, including lower safety risks, cheaper costs, and extensive targeting flexibility, which is rapidly fueling the expansion of the field. This is made possible by breakthroughs in the field of drug delivery, wherein lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are one of the most clinically advanced systems. LNP formulations that are currently approved for clinical use typically contain an ionizable cationic lipid, a phospholipid, cholesterol, and a polyethylene glycol-lipid; each contributes to the stability and/or effectiveness of LNPs. In this review, we discuss the immunomodulatory effects associated with each of the lipid components. We highlight several studies in which the components of LNPs have been implicated in cellular sensing and explore the pathways involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunny P Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Anna K Blakney
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Haase F, Pöhmerer J, Yazdi M, Grau M, Zeyn Y, Wilk U, Burghardt T, Höhn M, Hieber C, Bros M, Wagner E, Berger S. Lipoamino bundle LNPs for efficient mRNA transfection of dendritic cells and macrophages show high spleen selectivity. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 194:95-109. [PMID: 38065313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.11.025] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a powerful tool for nucleic acid-based therapies and vaccination, but efficient and specific delivery to target tissues remains a significant challenge. In this study, we demonstrate lipoamino xenopeptide carriers as components of highly efficient mRNA LNPs. These lipo-xenopeptides are defined as 2D sequences in different 3D topologies (bundles or different U-shapes). The polar artificial amino acid tetraethylene pentamino succinic acid (Stp) and various lipophilic tertiary lipoamino fatty acids (LAFs) act as ionizable amphiphilic units, connected in different ratios via bisamidated lysines as branching units. A series of more lipophilic LAF4-Stp1 carriers with bundle topology is especially well suited for efficient encapsulation of mRNA into LNPs, facilitated cellular uptake and strongly enhanced endosomal escape. These LNPs display improved, faster transfection kinetics compared to standard LNP formulations, with high potency in a variety of tumor cell lines (including N2a neuroblastoma, HepG2 and Huh7 hepatocellular, and HeLa cervical carcinoma cells), J774A.1 macrophages, and DC2.4 dendritic cells. High transfection levels were obtained even in the presence of serum at very low sub-microgram mRNA doses. Upon intravenous application of only 3 µg mRNA per mouse, in vivo mRNA expression is found with a high selectivity for dendritic cells and macrophages, resulting in a particularly high overall preferred expression in the spleen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Haase
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Jana Pöhmerer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Mina Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Melina Grau
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Yanira Zeyn
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Wilk
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Tobias Burghardt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Miriam Höhn
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Christoph Hieber
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 Munich, Germany; CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany.
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany; Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 Munich, Germany; CNATM - Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tafech B, Mohabatpour F, Hedtrich S. Surface modification of lipid nanoparticles for gene therapy. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3642. [PMID: 38043928 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3642] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies have the potential to target and effectively treat a variety of diseases including cancer as well as genetic, neurological, and autoimmune disorders. Although we have made significant advances in identifying non-viral strategies to deliver genetic cargo, certain limitations remain. In general, gene delivery is challenging for several reasons including the instabilities of nucleic acids to enzymatic and chemical degradation and the presence of restrictive biological barriers such as cell, endosomal and nuclear membranes. The emergence of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) helped overcome many of these challenges. Despite its success, further optimization is required for LNPs to yield efficient gene delivery to extrahepatic tissues, as LNPs favor accumulation in the liver after systemic administration. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of current preclinical approaches in that LNP surface modification was leveraged for cell and tissue targeting by conjugating aptamers, antibodies, and peptides among others. In addition to their cell uptake and efficiency-enhancing effects, we outline the (dis-)advantages of the different targeting moieties and commonly used conjugation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belal Tafech
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Mohabatpour
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Center of Biological Design, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
He S, Liu S. Zwitterionic materials for nucleic acid delivery and therapeutic applications. J Control Release 2024; 365:919-935. [PMID: 38103789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.017] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics have demonstrated substantial potential in combating various diseases. However, challenges persist, particularly in the delivery of multifunctional nucleic acids. To address this issue, numerous gene delivery vectors have been developed to fully unlock the potential of gene therapy. The advancement of innovative materials with exceptional delivery properties is critical to propel the clinical translation of nucleic acid drugs. Cationic vector materials have received extensive attention, while zwitterionic materials remain relatively underappreciated in delivery. In this review, we outline a diverse range of zwitterionic material nucleic acid carriers, predominantly encompassing zwitterionic lipids, polymers and peptides. Their respective chemical structures, synthesis approaches, properties, advantages, and therapeutic applications are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges and future opportunities associated with the development of zwitterionic vector materials. This review will aid to understand the zwitterionic materials in aiding gene delivery, contributing to the continual progress of nucleic acid therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ramsay E, Lajunen T, Bhattacharya M, Reinisalo M, Rilla K, Kidron H, Terasaki T, Urtti A. Selective drug delivery to the retinal cells: Biological barriers and avenues. J Control Release 2023; 361:1-19. [PMID: 37481214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.028] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Retinal drug delivery is a challenging, but important task, because most retinal diseases are still without any proper therapy. Drug delivery to the retina is hampered by the anatomical and physiological barriers resulting in minimal bioavailability after topical ocular and systemic administrations. Intravitreal injections are current method-of-choice in retinal delivery, but these injections show short duration of action for small molecules and low target bioavailability for many protein, gene based drugs and nanomedicines. State-of-art delivery systems are based on prolonged retention, controlled drug release and physical features (e.g. size and charge). However, drug delivery to the retina is not cell-specific and these approaches do not facilitate intracellular delivery of modern biological drugs (e.g. intracellular proteins, RNA based medicines, gene editing). In this focused review we highlight biological factors and mechanisms that form the basis for the selective retinal drug delivery systems in the future. Therefore, we are presenting current knowledge related to retinal membrane transporters, receptors and targeting ligands in relation to nanomedicines, conjugates, extracellular vesicles, and melanin binding. These issues are discussed in the light of retinal structure and cell types as well as future prospects in the field. Unlike in some other fields of targeted drug delivery (e.g. cancer research), selective delivery technologies have been rarely studied, even though cell targeted delivery may be even more feasible after local administration into the eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ramsay
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tatu Lajunen
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Madhushree Bhattacharya
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Reinisalo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Rilla
- School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heidi Kidron
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bondue T, Berlingerio SP, van den Heuvel L, Levtchenko E. The Zebrafish Embryo as a Model Organism for Testing mRNA-Based Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11224. [PMID: 37446400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA-based therapeutics have revolutionized the world of molecular therapy and have proven their potential in the vaccination campaigns for SARS-CoV2 and clinical trials for hereditary disorders. Preclinical studies have mainly focused on in vitro and rodent studies. However, research in rodents is costly and labour intensive, and requires ethical approval for all interventions. Zebrafish embryonic disease models are not always classified as laboratory animals and have been shown to be extremely valuable for high-throughput drug testing. Zebrafish larvae are characterized by their small size, optical transparency and high number of embryos, and are therefore also suited for the study of mRNA-based therapeutics. First, the one-cell stage injection of naked mRNA can be used to assess the effectivity of gene addition in vivo. Second, the intravascular injection in older larvae can be used to assess tissue targeting efficiency of (packaged) mRNA. In this review, we describe how zebrafish can be used as a steppingstone prior to testing mRNA in rodent models. We define the procedures that can be employed for both the one-cell stage and later-stage injections, as well as the appropriate procedures for post-injection follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tjessa Bondue
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Lambertus van den Heuvel
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Levtchenko
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alter CL, Detampel P, Schefer RB, Lotter C, Hauswirth P, Puligilla RD, Weibel VJ, Schenk SH, Heusermann W, Schürz M, Meisner-Kober N, Palivan C, Einfalt T, Huwyler J. High efficiency preparation of monodisperse plasma membrane derived extracellular vesicles for therapeutic applications. Commun Biol 2023; 6:478. [PMID: 37137966 PMCID: PMC10156699 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04859-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are highly interesting for the design of next-generation therapeutics. However, their preparation methods face challenges in standardization, yield, and reproducibility. Here, we describe a highly efficient and reproducible EV preparation method for monodisperse nano plasma membrane vesicles (nPMVs), which yields 10 to 100 times more particles per cell and hour than conventional EV preparation methods. nPMVs are produced by homogenizing giant plasma membrane vesicles following cell membrane blebbing and apoptotic body secretion induced by chemical stressors. nPMVs showed no significant differences compared to native EVs from the same cell line in cryo-TEM analysis, in vitro cellular interactions, and in vivo biodistribution studies in zebrafish larvae. Proteomics and lipidomics, on the other hand, suggested substantial differences consistent with the divergent origin of these two EV types and indicated that nPMVs primarily derive from apoptotic extracellular vesicles. nPMVs may provide an attractive source for developing EV-based pharmaceutical therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio L Alter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 82, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Detampel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roman B Schefer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Lotter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Hauswirth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ramya D Puligilla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vera J Weibel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Susanne H Schenk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolf Heusermann
- Imaging Core Facility, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Schürz
- Department of Biosciences & Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nicole Meisner-Kober
- Department of Biosciences & Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Cornelia Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tomaž Einfalt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Huwyler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Golubovic A, Tsai S, Li B. Bioinspired Lipid Nanocarriers for RNA Delivery. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2023; 3:114-136. [PMID: 37101812 PMCID: PMC10125326 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
RNA therapy is a disruptive technology comprising a rapidly expanding category of drugs. Further translation of RNA therapies to the clinic will improve the treatment of many diseases and help enable personalized medicine. However, in vivo delivery of RNA remains challenging due to the lack of appropriate delivery tools. Current state-of-the-art carriers such as ionizable lipid nanoparticles still face significant challenges, including frequent localization to clearance-associated organs and limited (1-2%) endosomal escape. Thus, delivery vehicles must be improved to further unlock the full potential of RNA therapeutics. An emerging strategy is to modify existing or new lipid nanocarriers by incorporating bioinspired design principles. This method generally aims to improve tissue targeting, cellular uptake, and endosomal escape, addressing some of the critical issues facing the field. In this review, we introduce the different strategies for creating bioinspired lipid-based RNA carriers and discuss the potential implications of each strategy based on reported findings. These strategies include incorporating naturally derived lipids into existing nanocarriers and mimicking bioderived molecules, viruses, and exosomes. We evaluate each strategy based on the critical factors required for delivery vehicles to succeed. Finally, we point to areas of research that should be furthered to enable the more successful rational design of lipid nanocarriers for RNA delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Golubovic
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Shannon Tsai
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Bowen Li
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
- Institute
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mackiewicz M, Dagdelen S, Abubakar MS, Romanski J, Waleka-Bargiel E, Karbarz M. Stimuli-sensitive and degradable capsules as drug carriers with decreased toxicity against healthy cells. Polym Degrad Stab 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2023.110349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
|