1
|
Xia Q, Jing Q, Lu C, Guo X, Chen X, Tang C, Han J, Wang H, Dong Y, Fang P, Zhang D, Teng X, Ren F. Module-combinatorial design and screening of multifunctional polymers based on polyaspartic acid for DNA delivery. Int J Pharm 2024:124350. [PMID: 38885780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124350] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
It is crucial to develop non-viral gene vectors that can efficiently and safely transfect plasmid DNA into cells. Low transfection efficiency and high cytotoxicity of cationic polymers hinder their application as gene carriers. Modification of cationic polymers has emerged as an attractive strategy for efficient and safe nucleic acids delivery. In this study, a simple and rapid method is developed to synthesize a series of multifunctional polymers by utilizing biodegradable polyaspartic acid as the backbone and modifying it with three modules. This one-component polymer possesses capabilities for nucleic acid condensation, cellular uptake, and endosomal escape. Polymers containing imidazole, triazole, or pyridine group exhibited promising transfection activity. Substituted with dodecylamine or 2-hexyldecan-1-amine enhance cellular uptake and subsequent transfection. Furthermore, the influence of ionizable amine side chains on gene delivery is investigated. Two optimal polymers, combined with the avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV) plasmid vaccine, induced robust specific antibody responses and cellular immune responses in mice and chickens. Through module-combination design and screening of polyaspartamide polymers, this study presents a paradigm for the development of gene delivery vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Xia
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qiufang Jing
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chunjie Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chenlan Tang
- Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiaxin Han
- Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hongxun Wang
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Yanpeng Dong
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Pengfei Fang
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Dahe Zhang
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Xiaonuo Teng
- Suzhou Womei Biology Co Ltd, Suzhou 215613, China
| | - Fuzheng Ren
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mier NC, Roper DK. Effects of an indole derivative on cell proliferation, transfection, and alternative splicing in production of lentiviral vectors by transient co-transfection. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297817. [PMID: 38833479 PMCID: PMC11149887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors derived from human immunodeficiency virus type I are widely used to deliver functional gene copies to mammalian cells for research and gene therapies. Post-transcriptional splicing of lentiviral vector transgene in transduced host and transfected producer cells presents barriers to widespread application of lentiviral vector-based therapies. The present study examined effects of indole derivative compound IDC16 on splicing of lentiviral vector transcripts in producer cells and corresponding yield of infectious lentiviral vectors. Indole IDC16 was shown previously to modify alternative splicing in human immunodeficiency virus type I. Human embryonic kidney 293T cells were transiently transfected by 3rd generation backbone and packaging plasmids using polyethyleneimine. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the fraction of unspliced genomes in human embryonic kidney 293T cells increased up to 31% upon the indole's treatment at 2.5 uM. Corresponding yield of infectious lentiviral vectors decreased up to 4.5-fold in a cell transduction assay. Adjusting timing and duration of IDC16 treatment indicated that the indole's disruption of early stages of transfection and cell cycle had a greater effect on exponential time course of lentiviral vector production than its reduction of post-transcriptional splicing. Decrease in transfected human embryonic kidney 293T proliferation by IDC16 became significant at 10 uM. These findings indicated contributions by early-stage transfection, cell proliferation, and post-transcriptional splicing in transient transfection of human embryonic kidney 293T cells for lentiviral vector production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Carolina Mier
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
| | - Donald Keith Roper
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang Z, Xu Y, Du G, Sun X. Emerging advances in delivery systems for mRNA cancer vaccines. J Control Release 2024; 370:287-301. [PMID: 38679162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.039] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The success of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in treating COVID-19 promotes further research of mRNA vaccines for cancer vaccination. Aiming at overcoming the constraints of currently available mRNA carriers, various alternative nano-vectors have been developed for delivering tumor antigen encoding mRNA and showed versatility to induce potent anti-tumor immunity. The rationally designed nano-vaccines increase the immune activation capacity of the mRNA vaccines by promoting crucial aspects including mRNA stability, cellular uptake, endosomal escape and targeting of immune cells or organs. Herein, we summarized the research progress of various mRNA based nano-vaccines that have been reported for cancer vaccination, including LNPs, lipid enveloped hybrid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles etc. Several strategies that have been reported for further enhancing the immune stimulation efficacy of mRNA nano-vaccines, including developing nano-vaccines for co-delivering adjuvants, combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and optimizing the injection routes for boosting immune responses, have been reviewed. The progress of mRNA nano-vaccines in clinical trials and the prospect of the mRNA vaccines for cancer vaccination are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhimei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Evidence-Based Pharmacy Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanhua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guangsheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Binder J, Winkeljann J, Steinegger K, Trnovec L, Orekhova D, Zähringer J, Hörner A, Fell V, Tinnefeld P, Winkeljann B, Frieß W, Merkel OM. Closing the Gap between Experiment and Simulation─A Holistic Study on the Complexation of Small Interfering RNAs with Polyethylenimine. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2163-2175. [PMID: 38373164 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00747] [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] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Rational design is pivotal in the modern development of nucleic acid nanocarrier systems. With the rising prominence of polymeric materials as alternatives to lipid-based carriers, understanding their structure-function relationships becomes paramount. Here, we introduce a newly developed coarse-grained model of polyethylenimine (PEI) based on the Martini 3 force field. This model facilitates molecular dynamics simulations of true-sized PEI molecules, exemplified by molecules with molecular weights of 1.3, 5, 10, and 25 kDa, with degrees of branching between 50.0 and 61.5%. We employed this model to investigate the thermodynamics of small interfering RNA (siRNA) complexation with PEI. Our simulations underscore the pivotal role of electrostatic interactions in the complexation process. Thermodynamic analyses revealed a stronger binding affinity with increased protonation, notably in acidic (endosomal) pH, compared to neutral conditions. Furthermore, the molecular weight of PEI was found to be a critical determinant of binding dynamics: smaller PEI molecules closely enveloped the siRNA, whereas larger ones extended outward, facilitating the formation of complexes with multiple RNA molecules. Experimental validations, encompassing isothermal titration calorimetry and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, aligned well with our computational predictions. Our findings not only validate the fidelity of our PEI model but also accentuate the importance of in silico data in the rational design of polymeric drug carriers. The synergy between computational predictions and experimental validations, as showcased here, signals a refined and precise approach to drug carrier design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Binder
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Joshua Winkeljann
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80799 München, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Physics I, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstraße 1, 86519 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Steinegger
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Lara Trnovec
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Daria Orekhova
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80799 München, Germany
| | - Jonas Zähringer
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80799 München, Germany
| | - Andreas Hörner
- Chair of Experimental Physics I, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstraße 1, 86519 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Valentin Fell
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Philip Tinnefeld
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80799 München, Germany
| | - Benjamin Winkeljann
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80799 München, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Frieß
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Olivia M Merkel
- Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80799 München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dogaris I, Pylypchuk I, Henriksson G, Abbadessa A. Polyelectrolyte complexes based on a novel and sustainable hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate for drug delivery applications. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01573-2. [PMID: 38530607 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01573-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are polymeric structures formed by the self-assembly of oppositely charged polymers. Novel biomaterials based on PECs are currently under investigation as drug delivery systems, among other applications. This strategy leverages the ability of PECs to entrap drugs under mild conditions and control their release. In this study, we combined a novel and sustainably produced hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate polymer (EH, negatively charged) with polyethyleneimine (PEI) or chitosan (CH, positively charged) and agar for the development of drug-releasing PECs. A preliminary screening demonstrated the effect of several parameters (polyelectrolyte ratio, temperature, and type of polycation) on PECs formation. From this, selected formulations were further characterized in terms of thermal properties, surface morphology at the microscale, stability, and ability to load and release methylene blue (MB) as a model drug. EH/PEI complexes had a more pronounced gel-like behaviour compared to the EH/CH complexes. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results supported the establishment of polymeric interactions during complexation. Overall, PECs' stability was positively affected by low pH, ratios close to 1:1, and the addition of agar. PECs with higher EH content showed a higher MB loading, likely promoted by stronger electrostatic interactions. The EH/CH formulation enriched with agar showed the best sustained release profile of MB during the first 30 h in a pH-dependent environment simulating the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, we defined the conditions to formulate novel PECs based on a sustainable hemicellulose-rich lignosulphonate for potential applications in drug delivery, which promotes the valuable synergy between sustainability and the biomedical field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Dogaris
- Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Ievgen Pylypchuk
- Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Henriksson
- Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Anna Abbadessa
- Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden.
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), IDIS Research Institute, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida Barcelona s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain.
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Natami M, Gorgzadeh A, Gholipour A, Fatemi SN, Firouzeh N, Zokaei M, Mohammed Ali SH, Kheradjoo H, Sedighi S, Gholizadeh O, Kalavi S. An overview on mRNA-based vaccines to prevent monkeypox infection. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:86. [PMID: 38429829 PMCID: PMC10908150 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02355-1] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The human monkeypox virus (Mpox) is classified as a member of the Poxviridae family and belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Mpox possesses double-stranded DNA, and there are two known genetic clades: those originating in West Africa and the Congo Basin, commonly known as Central African clades. Mpox may be treated with either the vaccinia vaccination or the therapeutics. Modifying the smallpox vaccine for treating and preventing Mpox has shown to be beneficial because of the strong link between smallpox and Mpox viruses and their categorization in the same family. Cross-protection against Mpox is effective with two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved smallpox vaccines (ACAM2000 and JYNNEOSTM). However, ACAM2000 has the potential for significant adverse effects, such as cardiac issues, whereas JYNNEOS has a lower risk profile. Moreover, Mpox has managed to resurface, although with modified characteristics, due to the discontinuation and cessation of the smallpox vaccine for 40 years. The safety and efficacy of the two leading mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants have been shown in clinical trials and subsequent data analysis. This first mRNA treatment model involves injecting patients with messenger RNA to produce target proteins and elicit an immunological response. High potency, the possibility of safe administration, low-cost manufacture, and quick development is just a few of the benefits of RNA-based vaccines that pave the way for a viable alternative to conventional vaccines. When protecting against Mpox infection, mRNA vaccines are pretty efficient and may one day replace the present whole-virus vaccines. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a synopsis of the ongoing research, development, and testing of an mRNA vaccine against Mpox.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Natami
- Department of Urology, Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | | | - Arsalan Gholipour
- Free Researchers, Biotechnology and Nanobiotechnology, Babolsar, Iran
| | | | - Nima Firouzeh
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Maryam Zokaei
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Science, Food Science and Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Shaylan Kalavi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Julin S, Best N, Anaya-Plaza E, Enlund E, Linko V, Kostiainen MA. Assembly and optically triggered disassembly of lipid-DNA origami fibers. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:14701-14704. [PMID: 37997149 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04677j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The co-assembly of lipids and other compounds has recently gained increasing interest. Here, we report the formation of stimuli-responsive lipid-DNA origami fibers through the electrostatic co-assembly of cationic lipids and 6-helix bundle (6HB) DNA origami. The photosensitive lipid degrades when exposed to UV-A light, which allows a photoinduced, controlled release of the 6HBs from the fibers. The presented complexation strategy may find uses in developing responsive nanomaterials e.g. for therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Julin
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland.
| | - Nadine Best
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland.
- Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, 55129 Mainz, Germany
| | - Eduardo Anaya-Plaza
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland.
| | - Eeva Enlund
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland.
| | - Veikko Linko
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland.
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mauri A Kostiainen
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland.
- LIBER Center of Excellence, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kevadiya BD, Islam F, Deol P, Zaman LA, Mosselhy DA, Ashaduzzaman M, Bajwa N, Routhu NK, Singh PA, Dawre S, Vora LK, Nahid S, Mathur D, Nayan MU, Baldi A, Kothari R, Patel TA, Madan J, Gounani Z, Bariwal J, Hettie KS, Gendelman HE. Delivery of gene editing therapeutics. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 54:102711. [PMID: 37813236 PMCID: PMC10843524 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102711] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
For the past decades, gene editing demonstrated the potential to attenuate each of the root causes of genetic, infectious, immune, cancerous, and degenerative disorders. More recently, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) editing proved effective for editing genomic, cancerous, or microbial DNA to limit disease onset or spread. However, the strategies to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 cargos and elicit protective immune responses requires safe delivery to disease targeted cells and tissues. While viral vector-based systems and viral particles demonstrate high efficiency and stable transgene expression, each are limited in their packaging capacities and secondary untoward immune responses. In contrast, the nonviral vector lipid nanoparticles were successfully used for as vaccine and therapeutic deliverables. Herein, we highlight each available gene delivery systems for treating and preventing a broad range of infectious, inflammatory, genetic, and degenerative diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for disease treatment and prevention is an emerging field that can change the outcome of many chronic debilitating disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavesh D Kevadiya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Farhana Islam
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Pallavi Deol
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; Institute of Modeling Collaboration and Innovation and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA.
| | - Lubaba A Zaman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Dina A Mosselhy
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Microbiological Unit, Fish Diseases Department, Animal Health Research Institute, ARC, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt.
| | - Md Ashaduzzaman
- Department of Computer Science, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
| | - Neha Bajwa
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India.
| | - Nanda Kishore Routhu
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Preet Amol Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, Punjab.
| | - Shilpa Dawre
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKMs, NMIMS, Babulde Banks of Tapi River, MPTP Park, Mumbai-Agra Road, Shirpur, Maharashtra, 425405, India.
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Sumaiya Nahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | | | - Mohammad Ullah Nayan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Ashish Baldi
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, Punjab.
| | - Ramesh Kothari
- Department of Biosciences, Saurashtra University, Rajkot 360005, Gujarat, India.
| | - Tapan A Patel
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Jitender Madan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-NIPER, Hyderabad 500037, Telangana, India.
| | - Zahra Gounani
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jitender Bariwal
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430-6551, USA.
| | - Kenneth S Hettie
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA; Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shchaslyvyi AY, Antonenko SV, Tesliuk MG, Telegeev GD. Current State of Human Gene Therapy: Approved Products and Vectors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1416. [PMID: 37895887 PMCID: PMC10609992 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101416] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the realm of gene therapy, a pivotal moment arrived with Paul Berg's groundbreaking identification of the first recombinant DNA in 1972. This achievement set the stage for future breakthroughs. Conditions once considered undefeatable, like melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and a host of other ailments, are now being addressed at their root cause-the genetic level. Presently, the gene therapy landscape stands adorned with 22 approved in vivo and ex vivo products, including IMLYGIC, LUXTURNA, Zolgensma, Spinraza, Patisiran, and many more. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into a rich assortment of 16 drugs, from siRNA, miRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9 to DNA aptamers and TRAIL/APO2L, as well as 46 carriers, from AAV, AdV, LNPs, and exosomes to naked mRNA, sonoporation, and magnetofection. The article also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each product and vector type, as well as the current challenges faced in the practical use of gene therapy and its future potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aladdin Y. Shchaslyvyi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150, Zabolotnogo Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine; (S.V.A.); (M.G.T.); (G.D.T.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang A, Ji Q, Sheng X, Wu H. mRNA vaccine in gastrointestinal tumors: Immunomodulatory effects and immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115361. [PMID: 37660645 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115361] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal tumors remain a significant healthcare burden worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. mRNA vaccines have emerged as a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy, harnessing the immune system's potential to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. mRNA vaccines offer several advantages, including their ability to elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses, ease of production, and adaptability to different tumor types. In the context of gastrointestinal tumors, mRNA vaccines hold great potential as a therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will delve into the immunomodulatory mechanisms and immunotherapy strategies of mRNA vaccines in gastrointestinal tumors. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges and ongoing research efforts in optimizing mRNA vaccine development, delivery, and stability. By understanding the potential of mRNA vaccines in addressing the unmet medical need of gastrointestinal tumors, we aim to pave the way for improved treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Qingming Ji
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Cadre Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chandra J, Molugulu N, Annadurai S, Wahab S, Karwasra R, Singh S, Shukla R, Kesharwani P. Hyaluronic acid-functionalized lipoplexes and polyplexes as emerging nanocarriers for receptor-targeted cancer therapy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116506. [PMID: 37369307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is an intricate disease that develops as a response to a combination of hereditary and environmental risk factors, which then result in a variety of changes to the genome. The cluster of differentiation (CD44) is a type of transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as a potential biomarker for cancer stem cells (CSC) and viable targets for therapeutic intervention in the context of cancer therapy. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear polysaccharide that exhibits a notable affinity for the CD44 receptor. This characteristic renders it a promising candidate for therapeutic interventions aimed at selectively targeting CD44-positive cancer cells. Treating cancer via non-viral vector-based gene delivery has changed the notion of curing illness through the incorporation of therapeutic genes into the organism. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of various hyaluronic acid-modified lipoplexes and polyplexes as potential drug delivery methods for specific forms of cancer by effectively targeting CD44.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Chandra
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Nagashekhara Molugulu
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Sivakumar Annadurai
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadma Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ritu Karwasra
- Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Janakpuri, New Delhi 110058, India
| | - Surender Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Rahul Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER-Raebareli), Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow, UP, 226002, India
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jang YH, Raspaud E, Lansac Y. DNA-protamine condensates under low salt conditions: molecular dynamics simulation with a simple coarse-grained model focusing on electrostatic interactions. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:4798-4808. [PMID: 37705794 PMCID: PMC10496769 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00847e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Protamine, a small, strongly positively-charged protein, plays a key role in achieving chromatin condensation inside sperm cells and is also involved in the formulation of nanoparticles for gene therapy and packaging of mRNA-based vaccines against viral infection and cancer. The detailed mechanisms of such condensations are still poorly understood especially under low salt conditions where electrostatic interaction predominates. Our previous study, with a refined coarse-grained model in full consideration of the long-range electrostatic interactions, has demonstrated the crucial role of electrostatic interaction in protamine-controlled reversible DNA condensation. Therefore, we herein pay our attention only to the electrostatic interaction and devise a coarser-grained bead-spring model representing the right linear charge density on protamine and DNA chains but treating other short-range interactions as simply as possible, which would be suitable for real-scale simulations. Effective pair potential calculations and large-scale molecular dynamics simulations using this extremely simple model reproduce the phase behaviour of DNA in a wide range of protamine concentrations under low salt conditions, again revealing the importance of the electrostatic interaction in this process and providing a detailed nanoscale picture of bundle formation mediated by a charge disproportionation mechanism. Our simulations also show that protamine length alters DNA overcharging and in turn redissolution thresholds of DNA condensates, revealing the important role played by entropies and correlated fluctuations of condensing agents and thus offering an additional opportunity to design tailored nanoparticles for gene therapy. The control mechanism of DNA-protamine condensates will also provide a better microscopic picture of biomolecular condensates, i.e., membraneless organelles arising from liquid-liquid phase separation, that are emerging as key principles of intracellular organization. Such condensates controlled by post-translational modification of protamine, in particular phosphorylation, or by variations in protamine length from species to species may also be responsible for the chromatin-nucleoplasm patterning observed during spermatogenesis in several vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Hee Jang
- GREMAN UMR 7347, Université de Tours, CNRS, INSA CVL 37200 Tours France
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST Daegu 42988 Korea
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris-Saclay 91405 Orsay France
| | - Eric Raspaud
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris-Saclay 91405 Orsay France
| | - Yves Lansac
- GREMAN UMR 7347, Université de Tours, CNRS, INSA CVL 37200 Tours France
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST Daegu 42988 Korea
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris-Saclay 91405 Orsay France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Halbi G, Fayer I, Aranovich D, Gat S, Pavan MJ, Nachmias D, Sanchez DS, Brik A, Granek R, Bernheim-Groswasser A. Smart design of universally decorated nanoparticles for drug delivery applications driven by active transport. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2023; 46:74. [PMID: 37653248 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-023-00331-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the cell nucleus remains a challenge for drug delivery. Here, we present a universal platform for the smart design of nanoparticle (NP) decoration that is based on: (i) a spacer polymer, commonly biotin-polyethylene-glycol-thiol, whose grafting density and molecular weight can be tuned for optimized performance, and (ii) protein binding peptides, such as cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), cancer-targeting peptides, or nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptides, that are linked to the PEG free-end by universal chemistry. We manifested our platform with two different bromo-acetamide (Br-Ac) modified NLSs. We used cell extract-based and live cell assays to demonstrate the recruitment of dynein motor proteins, which drive the NP active transport toward the nucleus, and the enhancement of cellular and nuclear entry, manifesting the properties of NLS as a CPP. Our control of the NP decoration scheme, and the modularity of our platform, carry great advantages for nano-carrier design for drug delivery applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gal Halbi
- The Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Itay Fayer
- The Stella and Avram Goren-Goldstein Department of Biotechnology Engineering Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Dina Aranovich
- The Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Shachar Gat
- The Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Mariela J Pavan
- The Ilse Katz Institute for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Dikla Nachmias
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniel Sevilla Sanchez
- The Ilse Katz Institute for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 3200008, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rony Granek
- The Stella and Avram Goren-Goldstein Department of Biotechnology Engineering Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
- The Ilse Katz Institute for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Anne Bernheim-Groswasser
- The Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel.
- The Ilse Katz Institute for Meso and Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yin X, Harmancey R, McPherson DD, Kim H, Huang SL. Liposome-Based Carriers for CRISPR Genome Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12844. [PMID: 37629024 PMCID: PMC10454197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612844] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-based genome editing technology, known as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), has sparked renewed interest in gene therapy. This interest is accompanied by the development of single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs), which enable the introduction of desired genetic modifications at the targeted site when used alongside the CRISPR components. However, the efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas remains a challenge. Successful gene editing relies on the development of a delivery strategy that can effectively deliver the CRISPR cargo to the target site. To overcome this obstacle, researchers have extensively explored non-viral, viral, and physical methods for targeted delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 and a guide RNA (gRNA) into cells and tissues. Among those methods, liposomes offer a promising approach to enhance the delivery of CRISPR/Cas and gRNA. Liposomes facilitate endosomal escape and leverage various stimuli such as light, pH, ultrasound, and environmental cues to provide both spatial and temporal control of cargo release. Thus, the combination of the CRISPR-based system with liposome delivery technology enables precise and efficient genetic modifications in cells and tissues. This approach has numerous applications in basic research, biotechnology, and therapeutic interventions. For instance, it can be employed to correct genetic mutations associated with inherited diseases and other disorders or to modify immune cells to enhance their disease-fighting capabilities. In summary, liposome-based CRISPR genome editing provides a valuable tool for achieving precise and efficient genetic modifications. This review discusses future directions and opportunities to further advance this rapidly evolving field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Yin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Romain Harmancey
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David D McPherson
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hyunggun Kim
- Department of Biomechatronic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Shao-Ling Huang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Maze D, Girardin C, Benz N, Montier T, Pichon C, Midoux P. CFTR and dystrophin encoding plasmids carrying both luciferase reporter gene, nuclear import specific sequences and triple helix sites. Plasmid 2023; 127:102686. [PMID: 37207938 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2023.102686] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Cystic Fibrosis are two major monogenetic diseases which could be treated by non-viral gene therapy. For this purpose, plasmid DNA (pDNA) coding for the functional genes requires its equipment with signal molecules favouring its intracellular trafficking and delivery in the nucleus of the target cells. Here, two novel constructions of large pDNAs encoding the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) and full-length dystrophin (DYS) genes are reported. The expression of CFTR and DYS genes are driven respectively by the hCEF1 airway epithelial cells and spc5-12 muscle cells specific promoter. Those pDNAs encode also the luciferase reporter gene driven by the CMV promoter to evaluate gene delivery in animals by bioluminescence. In addition, oligopurine • oligopyrimidine sequences are inserted to enable equipment of pDNAs with peptides conjugated with a triple helix forming oligonucleotide (TFO). Furthermore, specific κB sequences are also inserted to promote their NFκB-mediated nuclear import. pDNA constructions are reported; transfection efficiency, tissue specific expression of CFTR and dystrophin in target cells, and triple helix formation are demonstrated. These plasmids are tools of interest to develop non-viral gene therapy of Cystic Fibrosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Maze
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Caroline Girardin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Nathalie Benz
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, Brest F-29200, France
| | - Tristan Montier
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, Brest F-29200, France; Service de Génétique Médicale et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre de référence des maladies rares 'Maladies neuromusculaires', CHRU de Brest, Brest F-29200, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans cedex 02, France.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Selianitis D, Katifelis H, Gazouli M, Pispas S. Novel Multi-Responsive Hyperbranched Polyelectrolyte Polyplexes as Potential Gene Delivery Vectors. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1627. [PMID: 37376075 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061627] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, we investigate the complexation behavior of poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)methyl methacrylate)-co-poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate), P(OEGMA-co-DIPAEMA), hyperbranched polyelectrolyte copolymers, synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, with short-linear DNA molecules. The synthesized hyperbranched copolymers (HBC), having a different chemical composition, are prepared in order to study their ability to bind with a linear nucleic acid at various N/P ratios (amine over phosphate groups). Specifically, the three pH and thermo-responsive P(OEGMA-co-DIPAEMA) hyperbranched copolymers were able to form polyplexes with DNA, with dimensions in the nanoscale. Using several physicochemical methods, such as dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS, ELS), as well as fluorescence spectroscopy (FS), the complexation process and the properties of formed polyplexes were explored in response to physical and chemical stimuli such as temperature, pH, and ionic strength. The mass and the size of polyplexes are shown to be affected by the hydrophobicity of the copolymer utilized each time, as well as the N/P ratio. Additionally, the stability of polyplexes in the presence of serum proteins is found to be excellent. Finally, the multi-responsive hyperbranched copolymers were evaluated regarding their cytotoxicity via in vitro experiments on HEK 293 non-cancerous cell lines and found to be sufficiently non-toxic. Based on our results, these polyplexes could be useful candidates for gene delivery and related biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Selianitis
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Hector Katifelis
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Stergios Pispas
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rappoport S, Chrysostomou V, Pispas S, Talmon Y. The nanostructure of polyelectrolyte complexes of QPDMAEMA- b-POEGMA copolymers and oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, and their stability in the presence of serum albumin. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:3688-3699. [PMID: 37171380 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00467h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(oligo(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (QPDMAEMA-b-POEGMA) is a copolymer of a positively charged block and a non-ionic hydrophilic block. The positively charged block, QPDMAEMA, electrostatically interacts with oppositely charged polymers, e.g., poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and DNA, to form a complex. This complex is stable in aqueous solution due to the hydrophilic block, POEGMA, which provides colloidal stability and biocompatibility. Polyplexes can be used as non-viral vectors in gene therapy. Polyplexes are essential for delivering genetic materials into cells because they protect the genetic material from degradation before reaching the target cells, thus increasing the transfection efficiency. However, currently used polyplexes show a low transfection efficiency in vivo, probably because the polyplexes are exposed to blood proteins, such as serum albumin, which cause their dissociation. The main goal of this research is the morphology characterization of QPDMAEMA-b-POEGMA complexes with the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid (NaPAA), and with DNA by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). These methods give qualitative and quantitative data about the morphology of the complexes. The morphology of the complexes was examined at different charge ratios (CRs). Complexes with NaPAA form core-corona spherical micelles and vesicular structures, whereas complexes with DNA form lamellar and hexagonal structures. The QPDMAEMA-b-POEGMA and DNA complexes were also examined after exposing them to bovine serum albumin (BSA). We found that BSA does not affect the complexes for seven days. This morphology characterization is essential for better design and formulation of vectors for gene therapy and polyelectrolyte complexes for biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sapir Rappoport
- Department of Chemical Engineering and The Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI), Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel.
| | - Varvara Chrysostomou
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Stergios Pispas
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Yeshayahu Talmon
- Department of Chemical Engineering and The Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI), Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fan X, Jiang K, Geng F, Lu W, Wei G. Ocular therapies with biomacromolecules: From local injection to eyedrop and emerging noninvasive delivery strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 197:114864. [PMID: 37156266 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114864] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The last two decades have witnessed a continuously increasing number of biomacromolecules approved for the treatment of ocular diseases. The eye possesses multiple protective mechanisms to resist the invasion of exogenous substances, but meanwhile these physiological defense systems also act as strong barriers, impeding absorption of most biomacromolecules into the eye. As a result, local injections play predominant roles for posterior ocular delivery of biomacromolecules in clinical practice. To achieve safe and convenient application of biomacromolecules, alternative strategies to realize noninvasive intraocular delivery are necessary. Various nanocarriers, novel penetration enhancers and physical strategies have been explored to facilitate delivery of biomacromolecules to both anterior and posterior ocular segments but still suffered difficulties in clinical translation. This review compares the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the eyes from those frequently adopted experimental species and profiles the well-established animal models of ocular diseases. We also summarize the ophthalmic biomacromolecules launched on the market and put emphasis on emerging noninvasive intraocular delivery strategies of peptides, proteins and genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingyan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education & Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, PR China
| | - Kuan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education & Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, PR China; Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, P.R. China
| | - Feiyang Geng
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education & Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, PR China
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education & Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, PR China; The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Gang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education & Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, PR China; The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunoTherapeutics, Shanghai, 201203, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yano N, Fedulov AV. Targeted DNA Demethylation: Vectors, Effectors and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051334. [PMID: 37239005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051334] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA hypermethylation at regulatory cis-elements of particular genes is seen in a plethora of pathological conditions including cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, gastrointestinal and renal diseases, as well as in cancer, diabetes and others. Thus, approaches for experimental and therapeutic DNA demethylation have a great potential to demonstrate mechanistic importance, and even causality of epigenetic alterations, and may open novel avenues to epigenetic cures. However, existing methods based on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors that elicit genome-wide demethylation are not suitable for treatment of diseases with specific epimutations and provide a limited experimental value. Therefore, gene-specific epigenetic editing is a critical approach for epigenetic re-activation of silenced genes. Site-specific demethylation can be achieved by utilizing sequence-dependent DNA-binding molecules such as zinc finger protein array (ZFA), transcription activator-like effector (TALE) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated dead Cas9 (CRISPR/dCas9). Synthetic proteins, where these DNA-binding domains are fused with the DNA demethylases such as ten-eleven translocation (Tet) and thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) enzymes, successfully induced or enhanced transcriptional responsiveness at targeted loci. However, a number of challenges, including the dependence on transgenesis for delivery of the fusion constructs, remain issues to be solved. In this review, we detail current and potential approaches to gene-specific DNA demethylation as a novel epigenetic editing-based therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Yano
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Alexey V Fedulov
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gupta T, Sahoo RK, Singh H, Katke S, Chaurasiya A, Gupta U. Lipid-Based Nanocarriers in the Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): Challenges and Opportunities. AAPS PharmSciTech 2023; 24:102. [PMID: 37041350 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02555-2] [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: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (also known as glioblastoma; GBM) is one of the most malignant types of brain tumors that occurs in the CNS. Treatment strategies for glioblastoma are majorly comprised of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy along with combination therapy. Treatment of GBM is itself a tedious task but the involved barriers in GBM are one of the main impediments to move one step closer to the treatment of GBM. Basically, two of the barriers are of utmost importance in this regard, namely blood brain barrier (BBB) and blood brain tumor barrier (BBTB). This review will address different challenges and barriers in the treatment of GBM along with their etiology. The role and recent progress of lipid-based nanocarriers like liposomes, solid lipid nanocarriers (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), lipoplexes, and lipid hybrid carriers in the effective management of GBM will be discussed in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanisha Gupta
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Rakesh K Sahoo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Himani Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Sumeet Katke
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, Telangana, 500078, India
| | - Akash Chaurasiya
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, Telangana, 500078, India
| | - Umesh Gupta
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shereef HA, Moemen YS, Elshami FI, El-Nahas AM, Shaban SY, van Eldik R. DNA Binding and Cleavage, Stopped-Flow Kinetic, Mechanistic, and Molecular Docking Studies of Cationic Ruthenium(II) Nitrosyl Complexes Containing “NS4” Core. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073028. [PMID: 37049792 PMCID: PMC10095794 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aimed to evaluate in vitro DNA binding mechanistically of cationic nitrosyl ruthenium complex [RuNOTSP]+ and its ligand (TSPH2) in detail, correlate the findings with cleavage activity, and draw conclusions about the impact of the metal center. Theoretical studies were performed for [RuNOTSP]+, TSPH2, and its anion TSP−2 using DFT/B3LYP theory to calculate optimized energy, binding energy, and chemical reactivity. Since nearly all medications function by attaching to a particular protein or DNA, the in vitro calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) binding studies of [RuNOTSP]+ and TSPH2 with ctDNA were examined mechanistically using a variety of biophysical techniques. Fluorescence experiments showed that both compounds effectively bind to ctDNA through intercalative/electrostatic interactions via the DNA helix’s phosphate backbone. The intrinsic binding constants (Kb), (2.4 ± 0.2) × 105 M−1 ([RuNOTSP]+) and (1.9 ± 0.3) × 105 M−1 (TSPH2), as well as the enhancement dynamic constants (KD), (3.3 ± 0.3) × 104 M−1 ([RuNOTSP]+) and (2.6 ± 0.2) × 104 M−1 (TSPH2), reveal that [RuNOTSP]+ has a greater binding propensity for DNA compared to TSPH2. Stopped-flow investigations showed that both [RuNOTSP]+ and TSPH2 bind through two reversible steps: a fast second-order binding, followed by a slow first-order isomerization reaction via a static quenching mechanism. For the first and second steps of [RuNOTSP]+ and TSPH2, the detailed binding parameters were established. The total binding constants for [RuNOTSP]+ (Ka = 43.7 M−1, Kd = 2.3 × 10−2 M−1, ΔG0 = −36.6 kJ mol−1) and TSPH2 (Ka = 15.1 M−1, Kd = 66 × 10−2 M, ΔG0 = −19 kJ mol−1) revealed that the relative reactivity is approximately ([RuNOTSP]+)/(TSPH2) = 3/1. The significantly negative ΔG0 values are consistent with a spontaneous binding reaction to both [RuNOTSP]+ and TSPH2, with the former being very favorable. The findings showed that the Ru(II) center had an effect on the reaction rate but not on the mechanism and that the cationic [RuNOTSP]+ was a more highly effective DNA binder than the ligand TSPH2 via strong electrostatic interaction with the phosphate end of DNA. Because of its higher DNA binding affinity, cationic [RuNOTSP]+ demonstrated higher cleavage efficiency towards the minor groove of pBR322 DNA via the hydrolytic pathway than TSPH2, revealing the synergy effect of TSPH2 in the form of the complex. Furthermore, the mode of interaction of both compounds with ctDNA has also been supported by molecular docking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadeer A. Shereef
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt
- Clinical Pathology Department, University Hospital, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt
| | - Yasmine S. Moemen
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt
| | - Fawzia I. Elshami
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. El-Nahas
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt
| | - Shaban Y. Shaban
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
- Correspondence: (S.Y.S.); (R.v.E.)
| | - Rudi van Eldik
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
- Correspondence: (S.Y.S.); (R.v.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xiu K, Zhang J, Xu J, Chen YE, Ma PX. Recent progress in polymeric gene vectors: Delivery mechanisms, molecular designs, and applications. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011313. [PMID: 37008888 PMCID: PMC10062053 DOI: 10.1063/5.0123664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy and gene delivery have drawn extensive attention in recent years especially when the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were developed to prevent severe symptoms caused by the corona virus. Delivering genes, such as DNA and RNA into cells, is the crucial step for successful gene therapy and remains a bottleneck. To address this issue, vehicles (vectors) that can load and deliver genes into cells are developed, including viral and non-viral vectors. Although viral gene vectors have considerable transfection efficiency and lipid-based gene vectors become popular since the application of COVID-19 vaccines, their potential issues including immunologic and biological safety concerns limited their applications. Alternatively, polymeric gene vectors are safer, cheaper, and more versatile compared to viral and lipid-based vectors. In recent years, various polymeric gene vectors with well-designed molecules were developed, achieving either high transfection efficiency or showing advantages in certain applications. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in polymeric gene vectors including the transfection mechanisms, molecular designs, and biomedical applications. Commercially available polymeric gene vectors/reagents are also introduced. Researchers in this field have never stopped seeking safe and efficient polymeric gene vectors via rational molecular designs and biomedical evaluations. The achievements in recent years have significantly accelerated the progress of polymeric gene vectors toward clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kemao Xiu
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | - Peter X. Ma
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: (734) 764-2209
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Corridon PR. Enhancing the expression of a key mitochondrial enzyme at the inception of ischemia-reperfusion injury can boost recovery and halt the progression of acute kidney injury. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1024238. [PMID: 36846323 PMCID: PMC9945300 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1024238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic fluid delivery has shown promise in influencing renal function in disease models. This technique provided pre-conditioned protection in acute injury models by upregulating the mitochondrial adaptation, while hydrodynamic injections of saline alone have improved microvascular perfusion. Accordingly, hydrodynamic mitochondrial gene delivery was applied to investigate the ability to halt progressive or persistent renal function impairment following episodes of ischemia-reperfusion injuries known to induce acute kidney injury (AKI). The rate of transgene expression was approximately 33% and 30% in rats with prerenal AKI that received treatments 1 (T1hr) and 24 (T24hr) hours after the injury was established, respectively. The resulting mitochondrial adaptation via exogenous IDH2 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (NADP+) and mitochondrial) significantly blunted the effects of injury within 24 h of administration: decreased serum creatinine (≈60%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; ≈50%, p < 0.05 at T24hr) and blood urea nitrogen (≈50%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; ≈35%, p < 0.05 at T24hr) levels, and increased urine output (≈40%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; ≈26%, p < 0.05 at T24hr) and mitochondrial membrane potential, Δψm, (≈ by a factor of 13, p < 0.001 at T1hr; ≈ by a factor of 11, p < 0.001 at T24hr), despite elevated histology injury score (26%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; 47%, p < 0.05 at T24hr). Therefore, this study identifies an approach that can boost recovery and halt the progression of AKI at its inception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter R. Corridon
- Department of Immunology and Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,*Correspondence: Peter R. Corridon,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rawas-Qalaji M, Cagliani R, Al-Hashimi N, Al-Dabbagh R, Al-Dabbagh A, Hussain Z. Microfluidics in drug delivery: review of methods and applications. Pharm Dev Technol 2023; 28:61-77. [PMID: 36592376 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2022.2162543] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics technology has emerged as a promising methodology for the fabrication of a wide variety of advanced drug delivery systems. Owing to its ability for accurate handling and processing of small quantities of fluidics as well as immense control over physicochemical properties of fabricated micro and nanoparticles (NPs), microfluidic technology has significantly improved the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. This emerging technology has offered numerous advantages over the conventional drug delivery methods for fabricating of a variety of micro and nanocarriers for poorly soluble drugs. In addition, a microfluidic system can be designed for targeted drug delivery aiming to increase the local bioavailability of drugs. This review spots the light on the recent advances made in the area of microfluidics including various methods of fabrication of drug carriers, their characterization, and unique features. Furthermore, applications of microfluidic technology for the robust fabrication and development of drug delivery systems, the existing challenges associated with conventional fabrication methodologies as well as the proposed solutions offered by microfluidic technology have been discussed in details.HighlightsMicrofluidic technology has revolutionized fabrication of tunable micro and nanocarriers.Microfluidic platforms offer several advantages over the conventional fabrication methods.Microfluidic devices hold great promise in controlling the physicochemical features of fabricated drug carriers.Micro and nanocarriers with controllable release kinetics and site-targeting efficiency can be fabricated.Drug carriers fabricated by microfluidic technology exhibited improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mutasem Rawas-Qalaji
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Research Institute For Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Roberta Cagliani
- Research Institute For Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noor Al-Hashimi
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rahma Al-Dabbagh
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amena Al-Dabbagh
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zahid Hussain
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Research Institute For Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Winkeljann B, Keul DC, Merkel OM. Engineering poly- and micelleplexes for nucleic acid delivery - A reflection on their endosomal escape. J Control Release 2023; 353:518-534. [PMID: 36496051 PMCID: PMC9900387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For the longest time, the field of nucleic acid delivery has remained skeptical whether or not polycationic drug carrier systems would ever make it into clinical practice. Yet, with the disclosure of patents on polyethyleneimine-based RNA carriers through leading companies in the field of nucleic acid therapeutics such as BioNTech SE and the progress in clinical studies beyond phase I trials, this aloofness seems to regress. As one of the most striking characteristics of polymer-based vectors, the extraordinary tunability can be both a blessing and a curse. Yet, knowing about the adjustment screws and how they impact the performance of the drug carrier provides the formulation scientist committed to its development with a head start. Here, we equip the reader with a toolbox - a toolbox that should advise and support the developer to conceptualize a cutting-edge poly- or micelleplex system for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids; to be specific, to engineer the vector towards maximum endosomal escape performance at minimum toxicity. Therefore, after briefly sketching the boundary conditions of polymeric vector design, we will dive into the topic of endosomal trafficking. We will not only discuss the most recent knowledge of the endo-lysosomal compartment but further depict different hypotheses and mechanisms that facilitate the endosomal escape of polyplex systems. Finally, we will combine the different facets introduced in the previous chapters with the fundamental building blocks of polymer vector design and evaluate the advantages and drawbacks. Throughout the article, a particular focus will be placed on cellular peculiarities, not only as an additional barrier, but also to give inspiration to how such cell-specific traits might be capitalized on.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Winkeljann
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 Munich, Germany,Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - David C. Keul
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia M. Merkel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 Munich, Germany,Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80799 Munich, Germany,Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, Haus B, 81377 München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hasanzadeh A, Hamblin MR, Kiani J, Noori H, Hardie JM, Karimi M, Shafiee H. Could artificial intelligence revolutionize the development of nanovectors for gene therapy and mRNA vaccines? NANO TODAY 2022; 47:101665. [PMID: 37034382 PMCID: PMC10081506 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy enables the introduction of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA into host cells, and is expected to revolutionize the treatment of a wide range of diseases. This growth has been further accelerated by the discovery of CRISPR/Cas technology, which allows accurate genomic editing in a broad range of cells and organisms in vitro and in vivo. Despite many advances in gene delivery and the development of various viral and non-viral gene delivery vectors, the lack of highly efficient non-viral systems with low cellular toxicity remains a challenge. The application of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) has great potential to find new paradigms to solve this issue. Herein, we review AI and its major subfields including machine learning (ML), neural networks (NNs), expert systems, deep learning (DL), computer vision and robotics. We discuss the potential of AI-based models and algorithms in the design of targeted gene delivery vehicles capable of crossing extracellular and intracellular barriers by viral mimicry strategies. We finally discuss the role of AI in improving the function of CRISPR/Cas systems, developing novel nanobots, and mRNA vaccine carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Hasanzadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Kiani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Noori
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Joseph M. Hardie
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Mahdi Karimi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
- Research Center for Science and Technology in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 141556559, Iran
- Applied Biotechnology Research Centre, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1584743311, Iran
| | - Hadi Shafiee
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02139 USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chrysostomou V, Foryś A, Trzebicka B, Demetzos C, Pispas S. Amphiphilic Copolymer-Lipid Chimeric Nanosystems as DNA Vectors. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14224901. [PMID: 36433029 PMCID: PMC9699196 DOI: 10.3390/polym14224901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid-polymer chimeric (hybrid) nanosystems are promising platforms for the design of effective gene delivery vectors. In this regard, we developed DNA nanocarriers comprised of a novel poly[(stearyl methacrylate-co-oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] [P(SMA-co-OEGMA)] amphiphilic random copolymer, the cationic 1,2-dioleoyl-3-(trimethylammonium) propane (DOTAP), and the zwitterionic L-α-phosphatidylcholine, hydrogenated soybean (soy) (HSPC) lipids. Chimeric HSPC:DOTAP:P[(SMA-co-OEGMA)] nanosystems, and pure lipid nanosystems as reference, were prepared in several molar ratios of the components. The colloidal dispersions obtained presented well-defined physicochemical characteristics and were further utilized for the formation of lipoplexes with a model DNA of linear topology containing 113 base pairs. Nanosized complexes were formed through the electrostatic interaction of the cationic lipid and phosphate groups of DNA, as observed by dynamic, static, and electrophoretic light scattering techniques. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy disclosed the strong binding affinity of the chimeric and also the pure lipid nanosystems to DNA. Colloidally stable chimeric/lipid complexes were formed, whose physicochemical characteristics depend on the N/P ratio and on the molar ratio of the building components. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM) revealed the formation of nanosystems with vesicular morphology. The results suggest the successful fabrication of these novel chimeric nanosystems with well-defined physicochemical characteristics, which can form stable lipoplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Chrysostomou
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Aleksander Foryś
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 ul. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Barbara Trzebicka
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 ul. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Costas Demetzos
- Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Stergios Pispas
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2107273824
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Danaeifar M. Recent advances in gene therapy: genetic bullets to the root of the problem. Clin Exp Med 2022:10.1007/s10238-022-00925-x. [PMID: 36284069 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00925-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetics and molecular genetic techniques have changed many perspectives and paradigms in medicine. Using genetic methods, many diseases have been cured or alleviated. Gene therapy, in its simplest definition, is application of genetic materials and related techniques to treat various human diseases. Evaluation of the trends in the field of medicine and therapeutics clarifies that gene therapy has attracted a lot of attention due to its powerful potential to treat a number of diseases. There are various genetic materials that can be used in gene therapy such as DNA, single- and double-stranded RNA, siRNA and shRNA. The main gene editing techniques used for in vitro and in vivo gene modification are ZNF, TALEN and CRISPR-Cas9. The latter has increased hopes for more precise and efficient gene targeting as it requires two separate recognition sites which makes it more specific and can also cause rapid and sufficient cleavage within the target sequence. There must be carriers for delivering genes to the target tissue. The most commonly used carriers for this purpose are viral vectors such as adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses and lentiviruses. Non-viral vectors consist of bacterial vectors, liposomes, dendrimers and nanoparticles.
Collapse
|
29
|
Freeze-drying: A Flourishing Strategy to Fabricate Stable Pharmaceutical and Biological Products. Int J Pharm 2022; 628:122233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
30
|
Li ZT, Yu SB, Liu Y, Tian J, Zhang DW. Supramolecular Organic Frameworks: Exploring Water-Soluble, Regular Nanopores for Biomedical Applications. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:2316-2325. [PMID: 35916446 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In past decades, regular porous architectures have received a great amount of attention because of their versatile functions and applications derived from their efficient adsorption of various guests. However, most reported porous architectures exist only in the solid state. Therefore, their applications as biomaterials may face several challenges, such as phase separation, slow degradation, and long-term accumulation in the body. This Account summarizes our efforts with respect to the development and biomedical applications of water-soluble 3D diamondoid supramolecular organic frameworks (dSOFs), a family of supramolecular polymers that possess intrinsic regular nanoscale porosity.dSOFs have been constructed from tetratopic components and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) through hydrophobically driven encapsulation by CB[8] for intermolecular dimers formed by peripheral aromatic subunits of the tetratopic components in water. All dSOFs exhibit porosity regularity or periodicity in aqueous solution, which is confirmed by solution-phase synchrotron SAXS and XRD experiments. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) reveals that their sizes range from 50 to 150 nm, depending on the concentrations of the components. As nonequilibrium supramolecular architectures, dSOFs can maintain their nanoscale sizes at micromolar concentrations for dozens of hours. Their diamondoid pores have aperture sizes ranging from 2.1 to 3.6 nm, whereas their water solubility and porosity regularity allow them to rapidly include discrete guests driven by ion-pair electrostatic attraction, hydrophobicity, or a combination of the two interactions. The guests may be small molecule or large macromolecular drugs, photodynamic agents (PDAs), or DNA.The rapid inclusion of bioactive guests into dSOFs has led to two important biofunctions. The first is to function as antidotes through including residual drugs. For heparins, the inclusion results in full neutralization of their anticoagulant activity. For clinically used porphyrin PDAs, the inclusion can alleviate their long-term posttreatment phototoxicity but does not reduce their photodynamic efficacy. The second is to function as in situ loading carriers for the intracellular delivery of antitumor drugs or DNA. Their nanoscale sizes bring out their ability to overcome the multidrug resistance of tumor cells, which leads to a remarkable enhancement of the bioactivity of the included drugs. By conjugating aldoxorubicin to tetrahedral components, albumin-mimicking prodrugs have also been constructed, which conspicuously improves the efficacy of aldoxorubicin toward multi-drug-resistant tumors through the delivery of the frameworks. As new supramolecular drugs and carriers, dSOFs are generally biocompatible. Thus, further efforts might lead to medical benefits in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Ting Li
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, 2205 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China.,Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-Assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Lu, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shang-Bo Yu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-Assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Lu, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yamin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, 2205 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jia Tian
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Self-Assembly Chemistry for Organic Functional Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Lu, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dan-Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, 2205 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cui L, Renzi S, Quagliarini E, Digiacomo L, Amenitsch H, Masuelli L, Bei R, Ferri G, Cardarelli F, Wang J, Amici A, Pozzi D, Marchini C, Caracciolo G. Efficient Delivery of DNA Using Lipid Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081698. [PMID: 36015328 PMCID: PMC9416266 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccination has been extensively studied as a promising strategy for tumor treatment. Despite the efforts, the therapeutic efficacy of DNA vaccines has been limited by their intrinsic poor cellular internalization. Electroporation, which is based on the application of a controlled electric field to enhance DNA penetration into cells, has been the method of choice to produce acceptable levels of gene transfer in vivo. However, this method may cause cell damage or rupture, non-specific targeting, and even degradation of pDNA. Skin irritation, muscle contractions, pain, alterations in skin structure, and irreversible cell damage have been frequently reported. To overcome these limitations, in this work, we use a microfluidic platform to generate DNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) which are then characterized by a combination of dynamic light scattering (DLS), synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Despite the clinical successes obtained by LNPs for mRNA and siRNA delivery, little is known about LNPs encapsulating bulkier DNA molecules, the clinical application of which remains challenging. For in vitro screening, LNPs were administered to human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines and ranked for their transfection efficiency (TE) and cytotoxicity. The LNP formulation exhibiting the highest TE and the lowest cytotoxicity was then tested for the delivery of the DNA vaccine pVAX-hECTM targeting the human neoantigen HER2, an oncoprotein overexpressed in several cancer types. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), immunofluorescence assays and fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCS), we proved that pVAX-hECTM-loaded LNPs produce massive expression of the HER2 antigen on the cell membrane of HEK-293 cells. Our results provide new insights into the structure–activity relationship of DNA-loaded LNPs and pave the way for the access of this gene delivery technology to preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Cui
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Serena Renzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Quagliarini
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Digiacomo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Ferri
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTechnology (NEST), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Cardarelli
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTechnology (NEST), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Junbiao Wang
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Daniela Pozzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.M.); (G.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ponti F, Bono N, Russo L, Bigini P, Mantovani D, Candiani G. Vibropolyfection: coupling polymer-mediated gene delivery to mechanical stimulation to enhance transfection of adherent cells. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:363. [PMID: 35933375 PMCID: PMC9356458 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01571-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the success of recent non-viral gene delivery-based COVID-19 vaccines, nanovectors have gained some public acceptance and come to the forefront of advanced therapies. Unfortunately, the relatively low ability of the vectors to overcome cellular barriers adversely affects their effectiveness. Scientists have thus been striving to develop ever more effective gene delivery vectors, but the results are still far from satisfactory. Therefore, developing novel strategies is probably the only way forward to bring about genuine change. Herein, we devise a brand-new gene delivery strategy to boost dramatically the transfection efficiency of two gold standard nucleic acid (NA)/polymer nanoparticles (polyplexes) in vitro. Results We conceived a device to generate milli-to-nanoscale vibrational cues as a function of the frequency set, and deliver vertical uniaxial displacements to adherent cells in culture. A short-lived high-frequency vibrational load (t = 5 min, f = 1,000 Hz) caused abrupt and extensive plasmalemma outgrowths but was safe for cells as neither cell proliferation rate nor viability was affected. Cells took about 1 hr to revert to quasi-naïve morphology through plasma membrane remodeling. In turn, this eventually triggered the mechano-activated clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway and made cells more apt to internalize polyplexes, resulting in transfection efficiencies increased from 10-to-100-fold. Noteworthy, these results were obtained transfecting three cell lines and hard-to-transfect primary cells. Conclusions In this work, we focus on a new technology to enhance the intracellular delivery of NAs and improve the transfection efficiency of non-viral vectors through priming adherent cells with a short vibrational stimulation. This study paves the way for capitalizing on physical cell stimulation(s) to significantly raise the effectiveness of gene delivery vectors in vitro and ex vivo. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01571-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ponti
- genT_LΛB, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC Tier I, Department of Min-Met-Mat Engineering and CHU de Québec Research Center, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Nina Bono
- genT_LΛB, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Russo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Bigini
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Mantovani
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC Tier I, Department of Min-Met-Mat Engineering and CHU de Québec Research Center, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriele Candiani
- genT_LΛB, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Girardin C, Maze D, Gonçalves C, Le Guen YT, Pluchon K, Pichon C, Montier T, Midoux P. Selective attachment of a microtubule interacting peptide to plasmid DNA via a triplex forming oligonucleotide for transfection improvement. Gene Ther 2022; 30:271-277. [PMID: 35794469 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In nonviral gene therapy approaches, the linkage of signal molecules to plasmid DNA (pDNA) is of interest for guiding its delivery to the nucleus. Here, we report its linkage to a peptide (P79-98) mediating migration on microtubules by using a triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO). pDNA of 5 kbp and 21 kbp containing 6 and 36 oligopurine • oligopyrimidine sites (TH), respectively, inserted outside the luciferase gene sequence were used. TFO with a dibenzocyclooctyl (DBCO) group in 3' end comprising some Bridged Nucleic Acid bases was conjugated by click chemistry with the peptide carrying an azide function in the C-terminal end. We found the formation of 6 and 18 triplex with pDNA of 5 kbp and 21 kbp, respectively. A twofold increase of the transfection efficiency was observed in the hind-limbs upon Hydrodynamic Limb Vein (HLV) injection in mice of naked P79-98 -pDNA of 21 kbp. This work paves the way for the selective equipping of pDNA with intracellular targeting molecules while preserving the full expression of the encoded gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Girardin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Delphine Maze
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Cristine Gonçalves
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | | | - Kevin Pluchon
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, F-29200, Brest, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Tristan Montier
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, F-29200, Brest, France. .,Service de Génétique Médicale et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre de référence des maladies rares 'Maladies neuromusculaires', CHRU de Brest, F-29200, Brest, France.
| | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dabbaghi M, Hashemi K, Oskuee RK, Afkhami-Goli A. Reverse relation between cytotoxicity and Polyethylenimine/DNA ratio, the effect of using HEPES-buffered saline (HBS) medium in gene delivery. Toxicol In Vitro 2022; 83:105414. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
35
|
An Q, Fan C, Xu S. Recent perspectives of pediatric β-thalassemia. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2022; 74:365-372. [DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.18.04872-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
36
|
Sukocheva OA, Liu J, Neganova ME, Beeraka NM, Aleksandrova YR, Manogaran P, Grigorevskikh EM, Chubarev VN, Fan R. Perspectives of using microRNA-loaded nanocarriers for epigenetic reprogramming of drug resistant colorectal cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:358-375. [PMID: 35623562 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.05.012] [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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation by microRNAs (miRs) demonstrated a promising therapeutic potential of these molecules to regulate genetic activity in different cancers, including colorectal cancers (CRCs). The RNA-based therapy does not change genetic codes in tumor cells but can silence oncogenes and/or reactivate inhibited tumor suppressor genes. In many cancers, specific miRs were shown to promote or stop tumor progression. Among confirmed and powerful epigenetic regulators of colon carcinogenesis and development of resistance are onco-miRs, which include let-7, miR-21, miR-22, miR-23a, miR-27a, miR-34, miR-92, miR-96, miR-125b, miR-135b, miR-182, miR-200c, miR-203, miR-221, miR-421, miR-451, and others. Moreover, various tumor-suppressor miRs (miR-15b-5b, miR-18a, miR-20b, miR-22, miR-96, miR-139-5p, miR-145, miR-149, miR-197, miR-199b, miR-203, miR-214, miR-218, miR-320, miR-375-3p, miR-409-3p, miR-450b-5p, miR-494, miR-577, miR-874, and others) were found silenced in drug-resistant CRCs. Re-expression of tumor suppressor miR is complicated by the chemical nature of miRs that are not long-lasting compounds and require protection from the enzymatic degradation. Several recent studies explored application of miRs using nanocarrier complexes. This study critically describes the most successfully tested nanoparticle complexes used for intracellular delivery of nuclear acids and miRs, including micelles, liposomes, inorganic and polymeric NPs, dendrimers, and aptamers. Nanocarriers shield incorporated miRs and improve the agent stability in circulation. Attachment of antibodies and/or specific peptide or ligands facilitates cell-targeted miR delivery. Addressing in vivo challenges, a broad spectrum of non-toxic materials has been tested and indicated reliable advantages of lipid-based (lipoplexes) and polymer-based liposomes. Recent cutting-edge developments indicated that lipid-based complexes with multiple cargo, including several miRs, are the most effective approach to eradicate drug-resistant tumors. Focusing on CRC-specific miRs, this review provides a guidance and insights towards the most promising direction to achieve dramatic reduction in tumor growth and metastasis using miR-nanocarrier complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Str., Zhengzhou, 450052, China; The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Discipline of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
| | - Junqi Liu
- Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Str., Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Margarita E Neganova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1, Severnii pr., Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia
| | - Narasimha M Beeraka
- Discipline of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia; Department of Human Anatomy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia; Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR), Department of Biochemistry, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Yulia R Aleksandrova
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 1, Severnii pr., Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia
| | - Prasath Manogaran
- Translational Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641046, India
| | - Ekaterina M Grigorevskikh
- Department of Human Anatomy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir N Chubarev
- Department of Human Anatomy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Ruitai Fan
- Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Str., Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Costa B, Boueri B, Oliveira C, Silveira I, Ribeiro AJ. Lipoplexes and polyplexes as nucleic acids delivery nanosystems: The current state and future considerations. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:577-594. [DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2075846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Costa
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Boueri
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Claudia Oliveira
- Group Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Silveira
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Group Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Antonio J. Ribeiro
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Group Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hydrophilic Random Cationic Copolymers as Polyplex-Formation Vectors for DNA. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15072650. [PMID: 35407982 PMCID: PMC9000809 DOI: 10.3390/ma15072650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Research on the improvement and fabrication of polymeric systems as non-viral gene delivery carriers is required for their implementation in gene therapy. Random copolymers have not been extensively utilized for these purposes. In this regard, double hydrophilic poly[(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-co-(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] [P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA)] random copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The copolymers were further modified by quaternization of DMAEMA tertiary amine, producing the cationic P(QDMAEMA-co-OEGMA) derivatives. Fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy revealed the efficient interaction of copolymers aggregates with linear DNAs of different lengths, forming polyplexes, with the quaternized copolymer aggregates exhibiting stronger binding affinity. Light scattering techniques evidenced the formation of polyplexes whose size, molar mass, and surface charge strongly depend on the N/P ratio (nitrogen (N) of the amine group of DMAEMA/QDMAEMA over phosphate (P) groups of DNA), DNA length, and length of the OEGMA chain. Polyplexes presented colloidal stability under physiological ionic strength as shown by dynamic light scattering. In vitro cytotoxicity of the empty nanocarriers was evaluated on HEK293 as a control cell line. P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA) copolymer aggregates were further assessed for their biocompatibility on 4T1, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and T47D breast cancer cell lines presenting high cell viability rates.
Collapse
|
39
|
Saiyed AN, Vasavada AR, Johar SRK. Recent trends in miRNA therapeutics and the application of plant miRNA for prevention and treatment of human diseases. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2022; 8:24. [PMID: 35382490 PMCID: PMC8972743 DOI: 10.1186/s43094-022-00413-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Researchers now have a new avenue to investigate when it comes to miRNA-based therapeutics. miRNAs have the potential to be valuable biomarkers for disease detection. Variations in miRNA levels may be able to predict changes in normal physiological processes. At the epigenetic level, miRNA has been identified as a promising candidate for distinguishing and treating various diseases and defects. Main body In recent pharmacology, plants miRNA-based drugs have demonstrated a potential role in drug therapeutics. The purpose of this review paper is to discuss miRNA-based therapeutics, the role of miRNA in pharmacoepigenetics modulations, plant miRNA inter-kingdom regulation, and the therapeutic value and application of plant miRNA for cross-kingdom approaches. Target prediction and complementarity with host genes, as well as cross-kingdom gene interactions with plant miRNAs, are also revealed by bioinformatics research. We also show how plant miRNA can be transmitted from one species to another by crossing kingdom boundaries in this review. Despite several unidentified barriers to plant miRNA cross-transfer, plant miRNA-based gene regulation in trans-kingdom gene regulation may soon be valued as a possible approach in plant-based drug therapeutics. Conclusion This review summarised the biochemical synthesis of miRNAs, pharmacoepigenetics, drug therapeutics and miRNA transkingdom transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atiyabanu N. Saiyed
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat India
- Ph.D. scholar of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka India
| | - Abhay R. Vasavada
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat India
| | - S. R. Kaid Johar
- Department of Zoology, BMTC, Human Genetics, USSC, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat India
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gene Therapy of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: Vascular Medical Perspectives. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051282. [PMID: 35268373 PMCID: PMC8910863 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A decade ago, gene therapy seemed to be a promising approach for the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia, providing new perspectives for patients without conventional, open or endovascular therapeutic options by potentially enabling neo-angiogenesis. Yet, until now, the results have been far from a safe and routine clinical application. In general, there are two approaches for inserting exogenous genes in a host genome: transduction and transfection. In case of transduction, viral vectors are used to introduce genes into cells, and depending on the selected strain of the virus, a transient or stable duration of protein production can be achieved. In contrast, the transfection of DNA is transmitted by chemical or physical processes such as lipofection, electro- or sonoporation. Relevant risks of gene therapy may be an increasing neo-vascularization in undesired tissue. The risks of malignant transformation and inflammation are the potential drawbacks. Additionally, atherosclerotic plaques can be destabilized by the increased angiogenesis, leading to arterial thrombosis. Clinical trials from pilot studies to Phase II and III studies on angiogenic gene therapy show mainly a mixed picture of positive and negative final results; thus, the role of gene therapy in vascular occlusive disease remains unclear.
Collapse
|
41
|
Mignani S, Shi X, Bryszewska M, Shcharbin D, Majoral JP. Engineered phosphorus dendrimers as powerful non-viral nanoplatforms for gene delivery: a great hope for the future of cancer therapeutics. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:50-61. [PMID: 36046355 PMCID: PMC9402398 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades, tremendous progress has been made in the dendrimer-based delivery of therapeutic molecules including, for instance, small molecules, macromolecules, and genes. This review deals with recent successes in the development of promising biocompatible phosphorus dendrimers, a specific type of dendrimer, to deliver genes to treat cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serge Mignani
- Université Paris Descartes, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 860, Laboratoire de Chimie et de Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologique, 45, rue des Saints Peres, 75006 Paris, France
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, MMRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Correspondence: Serge Mignani, Université Paris Descartes, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 860, Laboratoire de Chimie et de Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologique, 45, rue des Saints Peres, 75006 Paris, France; CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, MMRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal.
| | - Xiangyang Shi
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, MMRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- Xiangyang Shi, CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, MMRG, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal; College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Maria Bryszewska
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 141/143 Pomorska St., 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Dzmitry Shcharbin
- Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering of NASB, Akademicheskaya 27, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Jean-Pierre Majoral
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, 205 route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse, Cedex 4, France
- Université Toulouse, 118 route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse, Cedex 4, France
- Jean-Pierre Majoral, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, 205 route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse, Cedex 4, France; Université Toulouse, 118 route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse, Cedex 4, France.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chrysostomou V, Forys A, Trzebicka B, Demetzos C, Pispas S. Structure of micelleplexes formed between QPDMAEMA-b-PLMA amphiphilic cationic copolymer micelles and DNA of different lengths. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
43
|
OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6576775. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
44
|
Zeng Z, Fang C, Zhang Y, Chen CX, Zhang YF, Zhang K. Mitochondria-Targeted Nanocarriers Promote Highly Efficient Cancer Therapy: A Review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:784602. [PMID: 34869294 PMCID: PMC8633539 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.784602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are the primary organelles which can produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They play vital roles in maintaining normal functions. They also regulated apoptotic pathways of cancer cells. Given that, designing therapeutic agents that precisely target mitochondria is of great importance for cancer treatment. Nanocarriers can combine the mitochondria with other therapeutic modalities in cancer treatment, thus showing great potential to cancer therapy in the past few years. Herein, we summarized lipophilic cation- and peptide-based nanosystems for mitochondria targeting. This review described how mitochondria-targeted nanocarriers promoted highly efficient cancer treatment in photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemotherapy, combined immunotherapy, and sonodynamic therapy (SDT). We further discussed mitochondria-targeted nanocarriers’ major challenges and future prospects in clinical cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Zeng
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Fang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong-Xian Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Feng Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Miliotou AN, Pappas IS, Spyroulias G, Vlachaki E, Tsiftsoglou AS, Vizirianakis IS, Papadopoulou LC. Development of a novel PTD-mediated IVT-mRNA delivery platform for potential protein replacement therapy of metabolic/genetic disorders. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:694-710. [PMID: 34703653 PMCID: PMC8517095 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The potential clinical applications of the powerful in vitro-transcribed (IVT)-mRNAs, to restore defective protein functions, strongly depend on their successful intracellular delivery and transient translation through the development of safe and efficient delivery platforms. In this study, an innovative (international patent-pending) methodology was developed, combining the IVT-mRNAs with the protein transduction domain (PTD) technology, as an efficient delivery platform. Based on the PTD technology, which enables the intracellular delivery of various cargoes intracellularly, successful conjugation of a PTD to the IVT-mRNAs was achieved and evaluated by band-shift assay and NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the PTD-IVT-mRNAs were applied and evaluated in two protein-disease models, including the mitochondrial disorder fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency (attributed to SCO2 gene mutations) and β-thalassemia. The PTD-IVT-mRNA of SCO2 was successfully transduced and translated to the corresponding Sco2 protein inside the primary fibroblasts of a SCO2/COX-deficient patient, whereas the PTD-IVT-mRNA of β-globin was transduced and translated in bone marrow cells, derived from three β-thalassemic patients. The transducibility and the structural stability of the PDT-IVT-mRNAs, in both cases, were confirmed at the RNA and protein levels. We propose that our novel delivery platform could be clinically applicable as a protein therapy for metabolic/genetic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Androulla N Miliotou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece
| | - Ioannis S Pappas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, 431 00 Thessaly, Greece
| | | | - Efthimia Vlachaki
- Adult Thalassemia Unit, Hippokrateion General Hospital, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece
| | - Asterios S Tsiftsoglou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece
| | - Ioannis S Vizirianakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece.,Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Lefkothea C Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 546 42 Macedonia, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Alazzo A, Gumus N, Gurnani P, Stolnik S, Rahman R, Spriggs K, Alexander C. Investigating histidinylated highly branched poly(lysine) for siRNA delivery. J Mater Chem B 2021; 10:236-246. [PMID: 34852030 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01793d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The temporary silencing of disease-associated genes utilising short interfering RNA (siRNA) is a potent and selective route for addressing a wide range of life limiting disorders. However, the few clinically approved siRNA therapies rely on lipid based formulations, which although potent, provide limited chemical space to tune the stability, efficacy and tissue selectivity. In this study, we investigated the role of molar mass and histidinylation for poly(lysine) based non-viral vectors, synthesised through a fully aqueous thermal condensation polymerisation. Formulation and in vitro studies revealed that higher molar mass derivatives yielded smaller polyplexes attributed to a greater affinity for siRNA at lower N/P ratios yielding greater transfection efficiency, albeit with some cytotoxicity. Histidinylation had a negligible effect on formulation size, yet imparted a moderate improvement in biocompatibility, but did not provide any meaningful improvement over silencing efficiency compared to non-histidinylated derivatives. This was attributed to a greater degree of cellular internalisation for non-histidinylated analogues, which was enhanced with the higher molar mass material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.,Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Nurcan Gumus
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Snjezana Stolnik
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Ruman Rahman
- BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Keith Spriggs
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Coelho F, Botelho C, Paris JL, Marques EF, Silva BF. Influence of the media ionic strength on the formation and in vitro biological performance of polycation-DNA complexes. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
48
|
Sabin J, Alatorre-Meda M, Miñones J, Domínguez-Arca V, Prieto G. New insights on the mechanism of polyethylenimine transfection and their implications on gene therapy and DNA vaccines. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 210:112219. [PMID: 34836707 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.112219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Polyethylenimine (PEI) has been demonstrated as an efficient DNA delivery vehicle both in vitro and in vivo. There is a consensus that PEI-DNA complexes enter the cells by endocytosis and escape from endosomes by the so-called "proton sponge" effect. However, little is known on how and where the polyplexes are de-complexed for DNA transcription and replication to occur inside the cell nucleus. To better understand this issue, we (i) tracked the cell internalization of PEI upon transfection to human epithelial cells and (ii) studied the interaction of PEI with phospholipidic layers mimicking nuclear membranes. Both the biological and physicochemical experiments provided evidence of a strong binding affinity between PEI and the lipidic bilayer. Firstly, confocal microscopy revealed that PEI alone could not penetrate the cell nucleus; instead, it arranged throughout the cytoplasm and formed a sort of aureole surrounding the nuclei periphery. Secondly, surface tension measurements, fluorescence dye leakage assays, and differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated that a combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between PEI and the phospholipidic monolayers/bilayers led to the formation of stable defects along the model membranes, allowing the intercalation of PEI through the monolayer/bilayer structure. Results are also supported by molecular dynamics simulation of the pore formation in PEI-lipidic bilayers. As discussed throughout the text, these results might shed light on a the mechanism in which the interaction between PEI and the nucleus membrane might play an active role on the DNA release: on the one hand, the PEI-membrane interaction is anticipated to facilitate the DNA disassembly from the polyplex by establishing a competition with DNA for the PEI binding and on the other hand, the forming defects are expected to serve as channels for the entrance of de-complexed DNA into the cell nucleus. A better understanding of the mechanism of transfection of cationic polymers opens paths to development of more efficiency vectors to improve gene therapy treatment and the new generation of DNA vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Sabin
- Biophysics and Interfaces Group, Applied Physics Department, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; AFFINImeter-Software 4 Science Developments S.L. Edificio Emprendia s/n Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Manuel Alatorre-Meda
- Cátedras CONACyT-Tecnológico Nacional de México/I. T. Tijuana, Centro de Graduados e Investigación en Química-Grupo de Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Blvd. Alberto Limón Padilla S/N, 22510 Tijuana, BC, Mexico
| | - Jose Miñones
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Vicente Domínguez-Arca
- Biophysics and Interfaces Group, Applied Physics Department, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Gerardo Prieto
- Biophysics and Interfaces Group, Applied Physics Department, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have shown great promise in treating a broad spectrum of diseases through various mechanisms including knockdown of pathological genes, expression of therapeutic proteins, and programmed gene editing. Due to the inherent instability and negative-charges of RNA molecules, RNA-based therapeutics can make the most use of delivery systems to overcome biological barriers and to release the RNA payload into the cytosol. Among different types of delivery systems, lipid-based RNA delivery systems, particularly lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), have been extensively studied due to their unique properties, such as simple chemical synthesis of lipid components, scalable manufacturing processes of LNPs, and wide packaging capability. LNPs represent the most widely used delivery systems for RNA-based therapeutics, as evidenced by the clinical approvals of three LNP-RNA formulations, patisiran, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273. This review covers recent advances of lipids, lipid derivatives, and lipid-derived macromolecules used in RNA delivery over the past several decades. We focus mainly on their chemical structures, synthetic routes, characterization, formulation methods, and structure-activity relationships. We also briefly describe the current status of representative preclinical studies and clinical trials and highlight future opportunities and challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuebao Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Changzhen Sun
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Chang Wang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Katarina E Jankovic
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
|