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Schmitt S, Nuhn L, Barz M, Butt HJ, Koynov K. Shining Light on Polymeric Drug Nanocarriers with Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100892. [PMID: 35174569 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The use of nanoparticles as carriers is an extremely promising way for administration of therapeutic agents, such as drug molecules, proteins and nucleic acids. Such nanocarriers (NCs) can increase the solubility of hydrophobic compounds, protect their cargo from the environment, and if properly functionalized, deliver it to specific target cells and tissues. Polymer-based NCs are especially promising, because they offer high degree of versatility and tunability. However, in order to get a full advantage of this therapeutic approach and develop efficient delivery systems, a careful characterization of the NCs is needed. This Feature Article highlights the fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) technique as a powerful and versatile tool for NCs characterization at all stages of the drug delivery process. In particular, FCS can monitor and quantify the size of the NCs and the drug loading efficiency after preparation, the NCs stability and possible interactions with, e.g., plasma proteins in the blood stream and the kinetic of drug release in the cytoplasm of the target cells. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Schmitt
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Lutz Nuhn
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Matthias Barz
- Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans-Jürgen Butt
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Kaloian Koynov
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, Mainz, 55128, Germany
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2
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Van de Vyver T, Bogaert B, De Backer L, Joris F, Guagliardo R, Van Hoeck J, Merckx P, Van Calenbergh S, Ramishetti S, Peer D, Remaut K, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Cationic Amphiphilic Drugs Boost the Lysosomal Escape of Small Nucleic Acid Therapeutics in a Nanocarrier-Dependent Manner. ACS NANO 2020; 14:4774-4791. [PMID: 32250113 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c00666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Small nucleic acid (NA) therapeutics, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), are generally formulated in nanoparticles (NPs) to overcome the multiple extra- and intracellular barriers upon in vivo administration. Interaction with target cells typically triggers endocytosis and sequesters the NPs in endosomes, thus hampering the pharmacological activity of the encapsulated siRNAs that occurs in the cytosol. Unfortunately, for most state-of-the-art NPs, endosomal escape is largely inefficient. As a result, the bulk of the endocytosed NA drug is rapidly trafficked toward the degradative lysosomes that are considered as a dead end for siRNA nanomedicines. In contrast to this paradigm, we recently reported that cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs) could strongly promote functional siRNA delivery from the endolysosomal compartment via transient induction of lysosomal membrane permeabilization. However, many questions still remain regarding the broader applicability of such a CAD adjuvant effect on NA delivery. Here, we report a drug repurposing screen (National Institutes of Health Clinical Collection) that allowed identification of 56 CAD adjuvants. We furthermore demonstrate that the CAD adjuvant effect is dependent on the type of nanocarrier, with NPs that generate an appropriate pool of decomplexed siRNA in the endolysosomal compartment being most susceptible to CAD-promoted gene silencing. Finally, the CAD adjuvant effect was verified on human ovarian cancer cells and for antisense oligonucleotides. In conclusion, this study strongly expands our current knowledge on how CADs increase the cytosolic release of small NAs, providing relevant insights to more rationally combine CAD adjuvants with NA-loaded NPs for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Van de Vyver
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bram Bogaert
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lynn De Backer
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Freya Joris
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roberta Guagliardo
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelter Van Hoeck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieterjan Merckx
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Katrien Remaut
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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3
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Kunz-Schughart LA, Dubrovska A, Peitzsch C, Ewe A, Aigner A, Schellenburg S, Muders MH, Hampel S, Cirillo G, Iemma F, Tietze R, Alexiou C, Stephan H, Zarschler K, Vittorio O, Kavallaris M, Parak WJ, Mädler L, Pokhrel S. Nanoparticles for radiooncology: Mission, vision, challenges. Biomaterials 2016; 120:155-184. [PMID: 28063356 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading non-communicable diseases with highest mortality rates worldwide. About half of all cancer patients receive radiation treatment in the course of their disease. However, treatment outcome and curative potential of radiotherapy is often impeded by genetically and/or environmentally driven mechanisms of tumor radioresistance and normal tissue radiotoxicity. While nanomedicine-based tools for imaging, dosimetry and treatment are potential keys to the improvement of therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects, radiotherapy is an established technique to eradicate the tumor cells. In order to progress the introduction of nanoparticles in radiooncology, due to the highly interdisciplinary nature, expertise in chemistry, radiobiology and translational research is needed. In this report recent insights and promising policies to design nanotechnology-based therapeutics for tumor radiosensitization will be discussed. An attempt is made to cover the entire field from preclinical development to clinical studies. Hence, this report illustrates (1) the radio- and tumor-biological rationales for combining nanostructures with radiotherapy, (2) tumor-site targeting strategies and mechanisms of cellular uptake, (3) biological response hypotheses for new nanomaterials of interest, and (4) challenges to translate the research findings into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leoni A Kunz-Schughart
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia Peitzsch
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Ewe
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Samuel Schellenburg
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael H Muders
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Silke Hampel
- Leibniz Institute of Solid State and Material Research Dresden, 01171 Dresden, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Francesca Iemma
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Rainer Tietze
- ENT-Department, Section for Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius Professorship, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Alexiou
- ENT-Department, Section for Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius Professorship, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Holger Stephan
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01314 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kristof Zarschler
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01314 Dresden, Germany
| | - Orazio Vittorio
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, Sydney, UNSW, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology and Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, Sydney, UNSW, Australia
| | - Wolfgang J Parak
- Fachbereich Physik, Philipps Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany; CIC Biomagune, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Lutz Mädler
- Foundation Institute of Materials Science (IWT), Department of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Suman Pokhrel
- Foundation Institute of Materials Science (IWT), Department of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
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Oliveira ACN, Raemdonck K, Martens T, Rombouts K, Simón-Vázquez R, Botelho C, Lopes I, Lúcio M, González-Fernández Á, Real Oliveira MECD, Gomes AC, Braeckmans K. Stealth monoolein-based nanocarriers for delivery of siRNA to cancer cells. Acta Biomater 2015. [PMID: 26225736 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
While the delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is an attractive strategy to treat several clinical conditions, siRNA-nanocarriers' stability after intravenous administration is still a major obstacle for the development of RNA-interference based therapies. But, although the need for stability is well recognized, the notion that strong stabilization can decrease nanocarriers' efficiency is sometimes neglected. In this work we evaluated two stealth functionalization strategies to stabilize the previously validated dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB):monoolein (MO) siRNA-lipoplexes. The nanocarriers were pre- and post-pegylated, forming vectors with different stabilities in biological fluids. The stealth nanocarriers' behavior was tested under biological mimetic conditions, as the production of stable siRNA-lipoplexes is determinant to achieve efficient intravenous siRNA delivery to cancer cells. Upon incubation in human serum for 2h, by fluorescence Single Particle Tracking microscopy, PEG-coated lipoplexes were found to have better colloidal stability as they could maintain a relatively stable size. In addition, using fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy, post-pegylation also proved to avoid siRNA dissociation from the nanocarriers in human serum. Concomitantly it was found that PEG-coated lipoplexes improved cellular uptake and transfection efficiency in H1299 cells, and had the ability to silence BCR-ABL, affecting the survival of K562 cells. Based on an efficient cellular internalization, good silencing effect, good siRNA retention and good colloidal stability in human serum, DODAB:MO (2:1) siRNA-lipoplexes coated with PEG-Cer are considered promising nanocarriers for further in vivo validation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE This work describes two stealth functionalization strategies for the stabilization of the previously validated dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB):monoolein (MO) siRNA-lipoplexes. These nanocarriers are capable of efficiently incorporating and delivering siRNA molecules to cells in order to silence genes whose expression is implicated in a pathological condition. The main objective was to functionalize these nanocarriers with a coating conferring protection to siRNA in blood without compromising its efficient delivery to cancer cells, validating the potential of DODAB:MO (2:1) siRNA-lipoplexes as therapeutic vectors. We show that the stealth strategy is determinant to achieve a stable and efficient nanocarrier, and that DODAB:MO mixtures have a very promising potential for systemic siRNA delivery to leukemic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C N Oliveira
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Centre of Physics, Department of Physics, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Martens
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Rombouts
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rosana Simón-Vázquez
- Immunology, Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Vigo (IBIV), University of Vigo, Campus Lagoas Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Cláudia Botelho
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ivo Lopes
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Centre of Physics, Department of Physics, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Marlene Lúcio
- Centre of Physics, Department of Physics, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - África González-Fernández
- Immunology, Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Vigo (IBIV), University of Vigo, Campus Lagoas Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | | | - Andreia C Gomes
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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5
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Wang Y, Miao L, Satterlee A, Huang L. Delivery of oligonucleotides with lipid nanoparticles. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 87:68-80. [PMID: 25733311 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Since their inception in the 1980s, oligonucleotide-based (ON-based) therapeutics have been recognized as powerful tools that can treat a broad spectrum of diseases. The discoveries of novel regulatory methods of gene expression with diverse mechanisms of action are still driving the development of novel ON-based therapeutics. Difficulties in the delivery of this class of therapeutics hinder their in vivo applications, which forces drug delivery systems to be a prerequisite for clinical translation. This review discusses the strategy of using lipid nanoparticles as carriers to deliver therapeutic ONs to target cells in vitro and in vivo. A discourse on how chemical and physical properties of the lipid materials could be utilized during formulation and the resulting effects on delivery efficiency constitutes the major part of this review.
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New Techniques to Assess In Vitro Release of siRNA from Nanoscale Polyplexes. Pharm Res 2014; 32:1957-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-014-1589-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Dakwar GR, Zagato E, Delanghe J, Hobel S, Aigner A, Denys H, Braeckmans K, Ceelen W, De Smedt SC, Remaut K. Colloidal stability of nano-sized particles in the peritoneal fluid: towards optimizing drug delivery systems for intraperitoneal therapy. Acta Biomater 2014; 10:2965-75. [PMID: 24657672 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2014.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of nano-sized delivery vehicles containing small interfering RNA (siRNA) has recently gained attention as an alternative route for the efficient treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The colloidal stability of nanomatter following IP administration has, however, not been thoroughly investigated yet. Here, enabled by advanced microscopy methods such as single particle tracking and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we follow the aggregation and cargo release of nano-scaled systems directly in peritoneal fluids from healthy mice and ascites fluid from a patient diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis. The colloidal stability in the peritoneal fluids was systematically studied as a function of the charge (positive or negative) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) degree of liposomes and polystyrene nanoparticles, and compared to human serum. Our data demonstrate strong aggregation of cationic and anionic nanoparticles in the peritoneal fluids, while only slight aggregation was observed for the PEGylated ones. PEGylated liposomes, however, lead to a fast and premature release of siRNA cargo in the peritoneal fluids. Based on our observations, we reflect on how to tailor improved delivery systems for IP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- George R Dakwar
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elisa Zagato
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joris Delanghe
- Laboratory for Clinical Biology, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Hobel
- Rudolf Boehm Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf Boehm Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University Leipzig, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hannelore Denys
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Ceelen
- Department of Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Braeckmans K, Buyens K, Naeye B, Vercauteren D, Deschout H, Raemdonck K, Remaut K, Sanders NN, Demeester J, De Smedt SC. Advanced fluorescence microscopy methods illuminate the transfection pathway of nucleic acid nanoparticles. J Control Release 2010; 148:69-74. [PMID: 20833214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2010] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A great deal of attention in biopharmacy and pharmaceutical technology is going to the development of nanoscopic particles to efficiently deliver nucleic acids to target cells. Despite the great potential of nucleic acids for treatment of various diseases, progress in the field is fairly slow. One of the causes is that development of suitable nanoscopic delivery vehicles is hampered by insufficient knowledge of their physicochemical and biophysical properties during the various phases of the transfection process. To address this issue, in the past decade we have developed and applied advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques that can provide a better insight in the transport and stability of nanoparticles in various biological media. This mini-review discusses the basic principles of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and single particle tracking (SPT), and gives an overview of studies in which we have employed these techniques to characterize the transport and stability of nucleic acid containing nanoparticles in extracellular media and in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Buyens
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Broes Naeye
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Dries Vercauteren
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Deschout
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jo Demeester
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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Malek A, Merkel O, Fink L, Czubayko F, Kissel T, Aigner A. In vivo pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and underlying mechanisms of various PEI(-PEG)/siRNA complexes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2009; 236:97-108. [PMID: 19371615 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2009.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) represents a novel therapeutic strategy allowing the knockdown of any pathologically relevant target gene. Since it relies on the action of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), the in vivo delivery of siRNAs is instrumental. Polyethylenimines (PEIs) and PEGylated PEIs have been shown previously to complex siRNAs, thus mediating siRNA protection against nucleolytic degradation, cellular uptake and intracellular release. PURPOSE The present study determines in vivo pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution/efficacy of siRNA delivery and adverse effects of a broad panel of PEI(-PEG)-based siRNA complexes. The aim is to systematically evaluate the effects of different degrees and patterns of PEGylation in PEI-PEG copolymers on the in vivo behavior of PEI(-PEG)/siRNA complexes in mice. RESULTS Upon i.v. injection of radioactively labeled, PEI(-PEG) complexed siRNAs, marked differences in the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of the complexes are observed, with the fate of the PEI(-PEG)/siRNA complexes being mainly dependent on the degree of uptake in liver, spleen, lung and kidney. Thus, the role of these tissues is investigated in greater detail using representative PEI(-PEG)/siRNA complexes. The induction of erythrocyte aggregation and hemorrhage is dependent on the degree and pattern of PEGylation as well as on the PEI/siRNA (N/P) ratio, and represents one important effect in the lung. Furthermore, siRNA uptake in liver and spleen, but not in lung or kidney, is mediated by macrophage and is dependent on macrophage activity. In the kidney PEI(-PEG)/siRNA uptake is mostly passive and reflects the total stability of the complexes. CONCLUSION Liver, lung, spleen and kidney are the major players determining the in vivo biodistribution of PEI(-PEG)/siRNA complexes. Beyond their physicochemical and in vitro bioactivity characteristics, PEI(-PEG)/siRNA complexes show marked differences in vivo which can be explained by distinct effects in different tissues. Based on these data, our study also identifies which PEGylated PEIs are promising tools for in vivo siRNA delivery in future therapeutic studies and which major determinants require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Malek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Philipps-University, School of Medicine, Karl-v.-Frisch-Strasse 1, D-35033 Marburg, Germany
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10
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Hecker JG, Berger GO, Scarfo KA, Zou S, Nantz MH. A flexible method for the conjugation of aminooxy ligands to preformed complexes of nucleic acids and lipids. ChemMedChem 2008; 3:1356-61. [PMID: 18666266 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.200800084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Attachment of targeted ligands to nonviral DNA or RNA delivery systems is a promising strategy that seeks to overcome the poor target selectivity generally observed in systemic delivery applications. Several methods have been developed for the conjugation of ligands to lipids or polymers, however, direct conjugation of ligands onto lipid- or polymer-nucleic acid complexes is not as straightforward. Here, we examine an oximation approach to directly label a lipoplex formulation. Specifically, we report the synthesis of a cationic diketo lipid DMDK, and its use as a convenient ligation tool for attachment of aminooxy-functionalized reagents after its complexation with DNA. We demonstrate the feasibility of direct lipoplex labeling by attaching an aminooxy-functionalized fluorescent probe onto pre-formed plasmid DNA-DMDK lipoplexes (luciferase, GFP). The results reveal that DMDK protects DNA from degradation on exposure to either DNase or human cerebral spinal fluid, and that simple mixing of DMDK lipoplexes with the aminooxy probe labels the complexes without sacrificing transfection efficiency. The biocompatibility and selectivity of this method, as well as the ease of bioconjugation, make this labeling approach ideal for biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G Hecker
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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11
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Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to study the degradation of oligonucleotides, both naked and complexed, to cationic carriers. J Control Release 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Malek A, Czubayko F, Aigner A. PEG grafting of polyethylenimine (PEI) exerts different effects on DNA transfection and siRNA-induced gene targeting efficacy. J Drug Target 2008; 16:124-39. [DOI: 10.1080/10611860701849058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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13
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DeRouchey J, Schmidt C, Walker GF, Koch C, Plank C, Wagner E, Rädler JO. Monomolecular Assembly of siRNA and Poly(ethylene glycol)−Peptide Copolymers. Biomacromolecules 2008; 9:724-32. [DOI: 10.1021/bm7011482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason DeRouchey
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80539 Munich, Germany, Institute of Experimental Oncology, Technische Universität, 81675 Munich, Germany, and National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20692
| | - Claudia Schmidt
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80539 Munich, Germany, Institute of Experimental Oncology, Technische Universität, 81675 Munich, Germany, and National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20692
| | - Greg F. Walker
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80539 Munich, Germany, Institute of Experimental Oncology, Technische Universität, 81675 Munich, Germany, and National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20692
| | - Christian Koch
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80539 Munich, Germany, Institute of Experimental Oncology, Technische Universität, 81675 Munich, Germany, and National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20692
| | - Christian Plank
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80539 Munich, Germany, Institute of Experimental Oncology, Technische Universität, 81675 Munich, Germany, and National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20692
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80539 Munich, Germany, Institute of Experimental Oncology, Technische Universität, 81675 Munich, Germany, and National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20692
| | - Joachim O. Rädler
- Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80539 Munich, Germany, Institute of Experimental Oncology, Technische Universität, 81675 Munich, Germany, and National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20692
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14
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Wen X, Wang T, Wang Z, Li L, Zhao C. Preparation of konjac glucomannan hydrogels as DNA-controlled release matrix. Int J Biol Macromol 2007; 42:256-63. [PMID: 18190958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2007.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2007] [Revised: 11/24/2007] [Accepted: 11/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study, hydrogels for DNA-controlled release was prepared with konjac glucomannan (KGM), a water-soluble non-ionic polysaccharide, by means of deacetylated reaction and physically cross-linking method under mild conditions. The properties of the KGM hydrogels were analyzed by FTIR spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The integrality of the released DNA was investigated by circular dichroism (CD). The DNA release kinetics was performed using the DNA-loaded KGM gels in buffer solutions of pH 7.4 at 37+/-0.5 degrees C. Peppas model and Higuchi model were used to analysis the DNA release mechanism; the data indicated that the DNA release can be controlled by changing the preparation conditions and the structure parameters of the gels. This study suggested that the KGM hydrogels have a potential use for advanced controlled release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Wen
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
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15
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Buyens K, Lucas B, Raemdonck K, Braeckmans K, Vercammen J, Hendrix J, Engelborghs Y, De Smedt SC, Sanders NN. A fast and sensitive method for measuring the integrity of siRNA-carrier complexes in full human serum. J Control Release 2007; 126:67-76. [PMID: 18068258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2007.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2007] [Revised: 10/25/2007] [Accepted: 10/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
SiRNA based therapeutics are currently under investigation for treatment of cancer and viral infections. Upon intravenous administration, the nanoscopic delivery systems which carry the siRNA need to be stable in serum, an aspect which is often overlooked in numerous publications on siRNA delivery systems. Techniques currently available for studying the dissociation of siRNA-liposome complexes are time consuming and incompatible with full serum. We therefore developed a fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) based method which allows to monitor the integrity of siRNA-carrier complexes. The method can very rapidly provide quantitative information on the complex integrity in biological media, like full human serum, and at very low siRNA concentrations (approximately 20 nM siRNA). Information on the integrity of intravenously injected siRNA nanoparticles in serum is crucial. Consequently, the FFS method reported in this work may find broad applicability in the field of siRNA-carrier design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Buyens
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Margineanu A, De Feyter S, Melnikov S, Marchand D, van Aerschot A, Herdewijn P, Habuchi S, De Schryver FC, Hofkens J. Complexation of lipofectamine and cholesterol-modified DNA sequences studied by single-molecule fluorescence techniques. Biomacromolecules 2007; 8:3382-92. [PMID: 17958438 DOI: 10.1021/bm700486q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Lipoplex formation for normal and cholesterol-modified oligonucleotides is investigated by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). To overcome the problems related to the fitting of autocorrelation curves when fluorescence bursts are present, the baseline fluorescence levels and the fluorescence bursts in the same trace were separately analyzed. This approach was not previously used in FCS studies of lipoplexes and allowed a more detailed characterization of this heterogeneous system. From the baseline levels, the number of free/bound DNA molecules and the presence of tens to hundreds of nanometer-sized lipoplexes were estimated using various mathematical models. Analysis of the fluorescent bursts provided an indication about the sizes of the lipoplexes, the number of DNA molecules in these aggregates, and the relative amount of lipids in each aggregate. An explanation for the higher transfection efficiency previously reported for one of the cholesterol-modified oligonucleotide compounds was found in relation to the formation of large size lipoplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Margineanu
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Spectroscopy, Catholic University of Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Abstract
Nanotechnology, or systems/device manufacture at sizes generally ranging between 1 and 100 nm, is a multidisciplinary scientific field undergoing explosive development. The genesis of nanotechnology can be traced to advances in medicine, communications, genomics and robotics. One of the greatest values of nanotechnology will be in the development of new and effective medical treatments (i.e. nanomedicine). This review focuses on the potential of nanomedicine as it relates to the development of nanoparticles for enabling and improving the targeted delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. We highlight the use of nanoparticles for specific intra-compartmental analysis using the examples of delivery to malignant cancers, to the central nervous system, and across the gastrointestinal barriers.
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18
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Hussain S, Plückthun A, Allen TM, Zangemeister-Wittke U. Chemosensitization of carcinoma cells using epithelial cell adhesion molecule-targeted liposomal antisense against bcl-2/bcl-xL. Mol Cancer Ther 2007; 5:3170-80. [PMID: 17172421 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-06-0412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nanoscale drug delivery systems, such as sterically stabilized immunoliposomes binding to internalizing tumor-associated antigens, can increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity to normal tissues compared with nontargeted liposomes. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is of interest as a ligand for targeted drug delivery because it is abundantly expressed in solid tumors but shows limited distribution in normal tissues. To generate EpCAM-specific immunoliposomes for targeted cancer therapy, the humanized single-chain Fv antibody fragment 4D5MOCB was covalently linked to the exterior of coated cationic liposomes. As anticancer agent, we encapsulated the previously described antisense oligonucleotide 4625 specific for both bcl-2 and bcl-xL. The EpCAM-targeted immunoliposomes (SIL25) showed specific binding to EpCAM-overexpressing tumor cells, with a 10- to 20-fold increase in binding compared with nontargeted control liposomes. No enhanced binding was observed on EpCAM-negative control cells. On cell binding, SIL25 was efficiently internalized by receptor-mediated endocytosis, ultimately leading to down-regulation of both bcl-2 and bcl-xL expression on both the mRNA and protein level, which resulted in enhanced tumor cell apoptosis. In combination experiments, the use of SIL25 led to a 2- to 5-fold sensitization of EpCAM-positive tumor cells of diverse origin to death induction by doxorubicin. Our data show the promise of EpCAM-specific drug delivery systems, such as antisense-loaded immunoliposomes, for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Hussain
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Friedbühlstrasse 49, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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19
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Remaut K, Lucas B, Raemdonck K, Braeckmans K, Demeester J, De Smedt SC. Can we better understand the intracellular behavior of DNA nanoparticles by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy? J Control Release 2007; 121:49-63. [PMID: 17509716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2007.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2007] [Revised: 04/02/2007] [Accepted: 04/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of non-viral gene carriers to deliver small nucleic acids like antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) remains an attractive but challenging goal in antisense therapy. Indeed, different barriers need to be overcome in the delivery process before a therapeutic effect can be obtained. One promising technique which we have been evaluating to improve our understanding of the intracellular behavior of nucleic acids/carrier complexes is Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS). In particular, we have used FCS for studying the protection of the nucleic acids against enzymatic degradation, and the association and dissociation of the nucleic acids with their carrier, both in buffer and in living cells. In this report, we will review our experience and findings on the use of FCS for that purpose and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this interesting technique.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Buffers
- Carbocyanines/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Nucleus/metabolism
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Cytoplasm/metabolism
- DNA/chemistry
- Dextran Sulfate/chemistry
- Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate/metabolism
- Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
- Fluorescent Dyes/metabolism
- Humans
- Liposomes/chemistry
- Models, Chemical
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/administration & dosage
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/chemistry
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage
- RNA, Small Interfering/chemistry
- Ribonuclease, Pancreatic/pharmacology
- Spectrometry, Fluorescence/instrumentation
- Spectrometry, Fluorescence/methods
- Vero Cells
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Affiliation(s)
- K Remaut
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Remaut K, Lucas B, Raemdonck K, Braeckmans K, Demeester J, De Smedt SC. Protection of oligonucleotides against enzymatic degradation by pegylated and nonpegylated branched polyethyleneimine. Biomacromolecules 2007; 8:1333-40. [PMID: 17358077 DOI: 10.1021/bm0611578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Among the cationic polymers, polyethyleneimine (PEI) is a promising candidate for delivery of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs). In this study, we wondered whether pegylation of PEI influences the complexation with ODNs. We especially aimed to investigate whether ODNs are differently protected against enzymatic degradation in PEI and polyethylene glycol-polyethyleneimine (PEG-PEI) polyplexes. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer combined with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we found that PEI/ODN polyplexes remain to protect the ODNs they carry over a prolonged period of time while in PEG-PEI/ODN polyplexes the degradation of the ODNs slowly proceeds. We attribute this to the fact that PEI seems to compact the ODNs more firmly in the polyplexes' core than PEG-PEI, which apparently also results in a better protection against enzymatic degradation. These observations may also influence the efficiency of PEI-based ODN delivery in vivo, where pegylation is an attractive strategy to enhance the stability of the polyplexes in the blood stream.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Remaut
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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21
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Kaji N, Tokeshi M, Baba Y. Single-molecule measurements with a single quantum dot. CHEM REC 2007; 7:295-304. [DOI: 10.1002/tcr.20128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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22
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Remaut K, Lucas B, Braeckmans K, Demeester J, De Smedt SC. Pegylation of liposomes favours the endosomal degradation of the delivered phosphodiester oligonucleotides. J Control Release 2006; 117:256-66. [PMID: 17188777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2006.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2006] [Revised: 10/18/2006] [Accepted: 10/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Liposomal vesicles have been widely investigated as carriers for the intracellular delivery of oligonucleotides (ONs). To avoid unspecific uptake by the reticulo endothelial system, 'pegylation' of the liposomes, by incorporating polyethyleneglycol (PEG) at the surface, has been an attractive strategy. While pegylation has a clear benefit on the systemic level, one could wonder if pegylation also benefits the delivery efficacy of liposomes at the intracellular level. We compared the intracellular distribution of non-pegylated and pegylated liposomes, with special attention to the integrity of the oligonucleotides they are carrying. After uptake in the cells, the non-pegylated liposomes efficiently escaped from the endosomes thereby releasing phosphodiester oligonucleotides (PO-ONs) in the cytoplasm of the cells. The PO-ONs were however rapidly degraded in the intracellular environment. In contrast to non-pegylated liposomes, pegylated liposomes failed in protecting the PO-ONs they were carrying, leading to rapid degradation of the PO-ONs in the endosomal compartment. Furthermore, the PEG chains inhibited the endosomal escape of the degraded ONs. These intracellular findings explain why pegylated liposomes failed in establishing an antisense effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Remaut
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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23
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Ho YP, Chen HH, Leong KW, Wang TH. Evaluating the intracellular stability and unpacking of DNA nanocomplexes by quantum dots-FRET. J Control Release 2006; 116:83-9. [PMID: 17081642 PMCID: PMC1764605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2006.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/08/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate a highly sensitive method to characterize the structural composition and intracellular fate of polymeric DNA nanocomplexes, formed by condensing plasmid DNA with cationic polymers through electrostatic interactions. Rational design of more efficient polymeric gene carriers will be possible only with mechanistic insights of the rate-limiting steps in the non-viral gene transfer process. To characterize the composition and binding dynamics of nanocomplexes, plasmid and its polymer carrier within nanocomplexes were labeled with quantum dots (QDs) and fluorescent organic dyes, respectively, as a donor and acceptor pair for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The high signal-to-noise ratio in QD-mediated FRET enabled precise detection of discrete changes in nanocomplex state at the single-particle level, against various intracellular microenvironments. The distribution and unpacking of individual nanocomplexes within cells could thus be unambiguously followed by fluorescence microscopy. QD-FRET is a highly sensitive and quantitative method to determine the composition and dynamic stability of nanocomplexes during intracellular transport, where barriers to gene delivery may be identified to facilitate gene carrier optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Ho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University and School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA
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24
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Emerich DF, Thanos CG. The pinpoint promise of nanoparticle-based drug delivery and molecular diagnosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 23:171-84. [PMID: 16843058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioeng.2006.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2006] [Revised: 05/17/2006] [Accepted: 05/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology, or systems/device manufacture at the molecular level, is a multidisciplinary scientific field undergoing explosive development. The genesis of nanotechnology can be traced to the promise of revolutionary advances across medicine, communications, genomics and robotics. Without doubt one of the greatest values of nanotechnology will be in the development of new and effective medical treatments (i.e., nanomedicine). This review focuses on the potential of nanomedicine as it specifically relates to (1) the development of nanoparticles for enabling and improving the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents; (2) developing novel and more effective diagnostic and screening techniques to extend the limits of molecular diagnostics providing point-of-care diagnosis and more personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwaine F Emerich
- LCT BioPharma, Inc., 4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI, United States.
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25
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Remaut K, Lucas B, Braeckmans K, Sanders NN, Demeester J, De Smedt SC. Delivery of phosphodiester oligonucleotides: can DOTAP/DOPE liposomes do the trick? Biochemistry 2006; 45:1755-64. [PMID: 16460022 DOI: 10.1021/bi0519755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Delivering phosphodiester ONs (PO-ONs) remains an attractive but challenging goal in antisense therapy. Both in the literature and in our experiments, most cationic liposomes fail in generating an antisense effect with PO-ONs, while they succeed with chemically modified ONs such as phosphothioate ONs (PS-ONs). This work aims to explain the biological activity of PO- and PS-ONs delivered by DOTAP/DOPE liposomes based on a detailed understanding of their cell biological behavior by means of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. We conclude that DOTAP/DOPE liposomes are not suited to deliver PO-ONs due to the release of naked PO-ONs in the cytosol at the time of the endosomal escape of the liposomes and the subsequent rapid degradation of the naked PO-ONs. Carriers that would not release the PO-ONs upon endosomal escape but would continue to carry the PO-ONs until they arrive at the target mRNA could therefore be better suited to delivering PO-ONs. In the case of PS-ONs, the ONs are not degraded upon release at the time of the endosomal escape of the liposomes, creating a pool of intact, biologically active PS-ONs and thus making DOTAP/DOPE liposomes mainly suitable for delivering nuclease resistant ONs. However, the cells seemed to display an export pathway for removing intact PS-ONs from the cells, limiting the presence of naked PS-ONs in the nucleus to approximately 8 h following the delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Remaut
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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26
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Chiu SJ, Liu S, Perrotti D, Marcucci G, Lee RJ. Efficient delivery of a Bcl-2-specific antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (G3139) via transferrin receptor-targeted liposomes. J Control Release 2006; 112:199-207. [PMID: 16564596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2006.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2005] [Revised: 02/12/2006] [Accepted: 02/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A novel transferrin receptor (TfR)-targeted liposomal formulation was synthesized and evaluated for the delivery of a phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) (G3139, oblimerson sodium, or Genasense) to Bcl-2 in K562 leukemia cells. Liposomes composed of DC-Chol/egg PC/PEG-DSPE (25:73.5:1.5, mol/mol/mol) were loaded with G3139 with high efficiency (70-80%). To prepare targeted liposomes, transferrin was first coupled to PEG-DSPE and then incorporated into the bilayer by post-insertion. The liposomes had a mean diameter of 100 to 150 nm and exhibited colloidal stability for up to 8 weeks. Uptake of Tf-conjugated G3139-containing liposomes in TfR positive K562 cells was found to be more efficient than that of the non-targeted control formulation and could be blocked by excess free Tf. Treatment with Tf-conjugated liposomes resulted in Bcl-2 protein downregulation in K562 cells that was approximately 2-fold greater than with non-targeted liposomes (p<0.05) and 10-fold greater than with free G3139. Treatment with 2 microM G3139 in Tf-conjugated liposomes resulted in >80% reduction in Bcl-2 transcript. In addition, Tf-conjugated liposomal G3139-sensitized K562 cells to daunorubicin, lowering IC50 from 1.8 microM to 0.18 microM. In conclusion, Tf-conjugated liposomes are effective delivery vehicles for G3139 antisense oligos in TfR positive K562 cells and warrant further investigation as an in vivo oligo delivery vehicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Jiuan Chiu
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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