Anti-angiogenic inhibition of tumor growth by systemic delivery of PEI-g-PEG-RGD/pCMV-sFlt-1 complexes in tumor-bearing mice

Polyethylenimine (PEI) in gene therapy: Current status and clinical applications

Polyethlyenimine (PEI) was introduced 1995 as a cationic polymer for nucleic acid delivery. PEI and its derivatives are extensively used in basic research and as reference formulations in the field of polymer-based gene delivery. Despite its widespread use, the number of clinical applications to date is limited. Thus, this review aims to consolidate the past applications of PEI in DNA delivery, elucidate the obstacles that hinder its transition to clinical use, and highlight potential prospects for novel iterations of PEI derivatives. The present review article is divided into three sections. The first section examines the mechanism of action employed by PEI, examining fundamental aspects of cellular delivery including uptake mechanisms, release from endosomes, and transport into the cell nucleus, along with potential strategies for enhancing these delivery phases. Moreover, an in-depth analysis is conducted concerning the mechanism underlying cellular toxicity, accompanied with approaches to overcome this major challenge. The second part is devoted to the in vivo performance of PEI and its application in various therapeutic indications. While systemic administration has proven to be challenging, alternative localized delivery routes hold promise, such as treatment of solid tumors, application as a vaccine, or serving as a therapeutic agent for pulmonary delivery. In the last section, the outcome of completed and ongoing clinical trials is summarized. Finally, an expert opinion is provided on the potential of PEI and its future applications. PEI-based formulations for nucleic acid delivery have a promising potential, it will be an important task for the years to come to introduce innovations that address PEI-associated shortcomings by introducing well-designed PEI formulations in combination with an appropriate route of administration.

Nutraceutical-Based Nanoformulations for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Different strategies have been investigated for a more satisfactory treatment of advanced breast cancer, including the adjuvant use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These nutritional compounds have been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities, the capacity to affect transduction pathways/receptors involved in cell growth and to reprogram tumor microenvironment. Omega-3 PUFA-containing nanoformulations designed for drug delivery in breast cancer were shown to potentiate the effects of enclosed drugs, enhance drug delivery to target sites, and minimize drug-induced side effects. We have critically analyzed here the results of the most recent studies investigating the effects of omega-3 PUFA-containing nanoformulations in breast cancer. The anti-neoplastic efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs has also been convincingly demonstrated by using preclinical in vivo models of ovarian cancer. The results obtained are critically analyzed here and seem to provide a sufficient rationale to move to still lacking interventional clinical trials, as well as to evaluate possible advantages of enclosing omega-3 PUFAs to drug-delivery nanosystems for ovarian cancer. Future perspectives in this area are also provided.

Emerging concepts in designing next-generation multifunctional nanomedicine for cancer treatment

Nanotherapy has emerged as an improved anticancer therapeutic strategy to circumvent the harmful side effects of chemotherapy. It has been proven to be beneficial to offer multiple advantages, including their capacity to carry different therapeutic agents, longer circulation time and increased therapeutic index with reduced toxicity. Over time, nanotherapy evolved in terms of their designing strategies like geometry, size, composition or chemistry to circumvent the biological barriers. Multifunctional nanoscale materials are widely used as molecular transporter for delivering therapeutics and imaging agents. Nanomedicine involving multi-component chemotherapeutic drug-based combination therapy has been found to be an improved promising approach to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment. Next-generation nanomedicine has also utilized and combined immunotherapy to increase its therapeutic efficacy. It helps in targeting tumor immune response sparing the healthy systemic immune function. In this review, we have summarized the progress of nanotechnology in terms of nanoparticle designing and targeting cancer. We have also discussed its further applications in combination therapy and cancer immunotherapy. Integrating patient-specific proteomics and biomarker based information and harnessing clinically safe nanotechnology, the development of precision nanomedicine could revolutionize the effective cancer therapy.

Polycation-Mediated Transfection: Mechanisms of Internalization and Intracellular Trafficking

Polyplex-mediated gene transfection is now in its' fourth decade of serious research, but the promise of polyplex-mediated gene therapy has yet to fully materialize. Only approximately one in a million applied plasmids actually expresses. A large part of this is due to an incomplete understanding of the mechanism of polyplex transfection. There is an assumption that internalization must follow a canonical mechanism of receptor mediated endocytosis. Herein, we present arguments that untargeted (and most targeted) polyplexes do not utilize these routes. By incorporating knowledge of syndecan-polyplex interactions, we can show that syndecans are the "target" for polyplexes. Further, it is known that free polycations (which disrupt cell-membranes by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of phospholipid esters) are necessary for (untargeted) endocytosis. This can be incorporated into the model to produce a novel mechanism of endocytosis, which fits the observed phenomenology. After membrane translocation, polyplex containing vesicles reach the endosome after diffusing through the actin mesh below the cell membrane. From there, they are acidified and trafficked toward the lysosome. Some polyplexes are capable of escaping the endosome and unpacking, while others are not. Herein, it is argued that for some polycations, as acidification proceeds the polyplexes excluding free polycations, which disrupt the endosomal membrane by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, allowing the polyplex to escape. The polyplex's internal charge ratio is now insufficient for stability and it releases plasmids which diffuse to the nucleus. A small proportion of these plasmids diffuse through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), with aggregation being the major cause of loss. Those plasmids that have diffused through the NPC will also aggregate, and this appears to be the reason such a small proportion of nuclear plasmids express mRNA. Thus, the structural features which promote unpacking in the endosome and allow for endosomal escape can be determined, and better polycations can be designed.

Nanoparticles modified with vasculature-homing peptides for targeted cancer therapy and angiogenesis imaging

The two major challenges in cancer treatment include lack of early detection and ineffective therapies with various side effects. Angiogenesis is the key process in the growth, survival, invasiveness, and metastasis of many of cancerous tumors. Imaging of the angiogenesis could lead to diagnosis of tumors in the early stage and evaluation of the therapeutic responses. Angiogenic blood vessels express specific molecular markers different from normal blood vessels (in level or kind). This fact would make the tumor vasculature a suitable site to target therapeutics and imaging agents within the tumor. Surface modified nanoparticles using peptide ligands with high binding affinity to the vasculature markers, provide efficient delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents, while avoiding undesirable side effects. In this review, we discuss discoveries of various tumor targeting peptides useful for tumor angiogenesis imaging and targeted therapy with emphasis on surface modified nanomedicines using vasculature targeting peptides.

Nanotechnology to the Rescue: Treatment Perspective for the Immune Dysregulation Observed in COVID-19

The study of the use of nanotechnology for drug delivery has been extensive. Nanomedical approaches for therapeutics; drug delivery in particular is superior to conventional methods in that it allows for controlled targeted delivery and release, higher stability, extended circulation time, minimal side-effects, and improved pharmacokinetic clearance (of the drug) form the body, to name a few. The magnitude of COVID-19, the current ongoing pandemic has been severe; it has caused widespread the loss of human life. In individuals with severe COVID-19, immune dysregulation and a rampant state of hyperinflammation is observed. This kind of an immunopathological response is detrimental and results in rapid disease progression, development of secondary infections, sepsis and can be fatal. Several studies have pin-pointed the reason for this immune dysregulation; deviations in the signaling pathways involved in the mediation and control of immune responses. In severe COVID-19 patients, many signaling cascades including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, TGF beta, VEGF, and Notch signaling were found to be either upregulated or inactivated. Targeting these aberrant signaling pathways in conjunction with antiviral therapy will effectuate mitigation of the hyperinflammation, hypercytokinemia, and promote faster recovery. The science of the use of nanocarriers as delivery agents to modulate these signaling pathways is not new; it has already been explored for other inflammatory diseases and in particular, cancer therapy. Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy and potential of nanomedical approaches to modulate these signaling pathways and have been met with positive results. A treatment regime, that includes nanotherapeutics and antiviral therapies will prove effective and holds great promise for the successful treatment of COVID-19. In this article, we review different nanomedical approaches already studied for targeting aberrant signaling pathways, the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2, immunopathology and the dysregulated signaling pathways observed in severe COVID-19 and the current treatment methods in use for targeting signaling cascades in COVID-19. We then conclude by suggesting that the use of nanomedical drug delivery systems for targeting signaling pathways can be extended to effectively target the aberrant signaling pathways in COVID-19 for best treatment results.

Nanodrug Delivery Systems Modulate Tumor Vessels to Increase the Enhanced Permeability and Retention Effect

The use of nanomedicine for antitumor therapy has been extensively investigated for a long time. Enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect-mediated drug delivery is currently regarded as an effective way to bring drugs to tumors, especially macromolecular drugs and drug-loaded pharmaceutical nanocarriers. However, a disordered vessel network, and occluded or embolized tumor blood vessels seriously limit the EPR effect. To augment the EPR effect and improve curative effects, in this review, we focused on the perspective of tumor blood vessels, and analyzed the relationship among abnormal angiogenesis, abnormal vascular structure, irregular blood flow, extensive permeability of tumor vessels, and the EPR effect. In this commentary, nanoparticles including liposomes, micelles, and polymers extravasate through the tumor vasculature, which are based on modulating tumor vessels, to increase the EPR effect, thereby increasing their therapeutic effect.

Virus Mimetic Shell-Sheddable Chitosan Micelles for siVEGF Delivery and FRET-Traceable Acid-Triggered Release

Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using small interfering RNA (siVEGF) has shown great potential in inhibiting the growth, proliferation, and migration of tumors by reducing the proliferation of blood vessels. On the basis of bionic principles, a novel pH-responsive and virus mimetic shell-sheddable chitosan (CS) micelles (CMs) as siRNA delivery system was introduced in this study. The cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe-Lys) (cRGD) modified poly(enthylene glycol) (PEG) was conjugated to the HA2 modified chitosan via a hydrazone linkage (cRGD-PEG-Hz-CS-HA2). The cRGD-PEG-Hz-CS-HA2 conjugate could form micelles by interacting with the complex of octanal, Boc-l-lysine, and 9-d-arginine (9R) (octyl-Lys-9R) as a hydrophodic core forming agent, termed as cRGD-PEG-Hz-CS-HA2/octyl-Lys-9R (abbreviated as cRGD/HA2/Hz-CMs).The CMs modified with cRGD can accurately target glioma cells (U87MG cells) with high expression of αvβ3. The payloads of siVEGF were packed into the core of cRGD/HA2/Hz-CMs via electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic interaction. The intracellular cargo release was achieved by the pH-responsive lysis of the hydrazone bond in acidic environment of endosome. Moreover, the exposed HA2, as a pH-sensitive membrane-disruptive peptide, assists the escape of the carriers from endosome into cytosol. In addition, cRGD/HA2/Hz-CMs can effectively deliver siVEGF and silence VEGF gene expression in U87MG cells, leading to the significant tumor growth inhibition. This study demonstrates that cRGD/HA2/Hz-CMs can deliver and release siVEGF in a controlled manner, which was traced by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system in order to achieve RNAi-based anti-angiogenic treatment of cancer in vivo.

PEGylated gene carriers in serum under shear flow

The behaviour of drug/gene carriers in the blood stream under shear is still a puzzle. In this work, using the complexes formed by 21 bp DNA and poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-lysine) (PEG-PLL) of varying PEG lengths, we studied the dynamic behaviour of the complexes in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and under flow at different shear rates, a condition mimicking the internal physical environment of blood vessels. The PEG5k-PLL/DNA complex possesses a dense DNA/PLL core and a loose PEG5k protecting layer. The PEGylated DNA complexes exhibit multiple responses to external shear in the presence of FBS. The loose PEG5k layer is firstly disturbed at a shear rate below 30 s-1. The exposure of the charged core to the environment results in a secondary aggregation of the complex with FBS. The size of the aggregate is limited to a certain range as the shear rate increases to 50 s-1. The dense DNA/PLL core starts to withstand the shear force as the shear rate reaches 500 s-1. The reorganization of the core to accommodate more serum molecules leads to tertiary aggregation of the complexes. If PEG cannot form a valid layer around the complex, as in PEG2k-PLL/DNA, the complex forms an aggregate even without shear, and the first shear dependent region is missing. If the PEG layer is too stable around the complex, as in PEG10k-PLL/DNA, no tertiary aggregation occurs. The mechanism of shear on the behaviour of delivery particles in serum helps to design gene carriers with high efficacy.

Local anti-angiogenic therapy by magnet-assisted downregulation of SHP2 phosphatase

Anti-angiogenic therapies are promising options for diseases with enhanced vessel formation such as tumors or retinopathies. In most cases, a site-specific local effect on vessel growth is required, while the current focus on systemic distribution of angiogenesis inhibitors may cause severe unwanted side-effects. Therefore, in the current study we have developed an approach for the local inhibition of vascularization, using complexes of lentivirus and magnetic nanoparticles in combination with magnetic fields. Using this strategy in the murine embryonic stem cell (ESC) system, we were able to site-specifically downregulate the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 by RNAi technology in areas with active vessel formation. This resulted in a reduction of vessel development, as shown by reduced vascular tube length, branching points and vascular loops. The anti-angiogenic effect could also be recapitulated in the dorsal skinfold chamber of mice in vivo. Here, site-specific downregulation of SHP2 reduced re-vascularization after wound induction. Thus, we have developed a magnet-assisted, RNAi-based strategy for the efficient local inhibition of angiogenesis in ESCs in vitro and also in vivo.

Model Affitin and PEG modifications onto siRNA lipid nanocapsules: cell uptake and in vivo biodistribution improvements

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive tumor, associated with the presence of local and/or distant metastases. The development of gene therapy by the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) represents a promising new treatment. However, the protection of this biomolecule is necessary in order for it to be intravenously administrated, for example via its incorporation into nanomedicines. In parallel to the passive targeting usually obtained by pegylation, various studies have aimed at developing “smart” nanomedicines to efficiently deliver the drug to tumor sites. In this work, siRNA loaded lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) were modified with DSPE-polyethylene glycol (DSPE-PEG), tetraether-PEG (TE-PEG) and/or with an Affitin model, to assay multiple targeting strategies. The uptake of fluorescently labelled LNCs, nanocarrier integrity and siRNA release into human SK-Mel28 melanoma cells were studied by flow cytometry, conventional confocal microscopy and by confocal spectral imaging in a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) mode. Surface modified siRNA LNCs were followed after human plasma incubation and after intravenous injection, in order to compare the stealth properties. Finally, the biodistribution of the different siRNA LNCs in healthy and melanoma tumor bearing mice models was assessed by in vivo biofluorescence imaging (BFI), to evaluate the potential tumor targeting ability. The post-insertion of DSPE-PEG induced a strong decrease of the internalization into melanoma cells compared to TE-PEG modification. Both PEG polymer decorations induced a great plasma protection of siRNA but only DSPE-PEG led to stealth properties, even at low concentration (5 mM). The Affitin grafting by thiolation of DSPE-PEG was validated on siRNA LNCs. DSPE-PEG-Affitin LNCs were not detected in this melanoma tumor model but did not show unspecific accumulation in organs. DSPE-PEG and TE-PEG LNCs induced a significant intratumoral accumulation of modified LNCs.

Surface modifications of siRNA LNCs were assessed with innovative TE-PEG polymers and an Affitin model, in comparison to classic DSPE-PEG LNCs, in order to evaluate the potential tumor targeting of siRNA after intravenous administration.

Block Copolymer Micelles in Nanomedicine Applications

Polymeric micelles are demonstrating high potential as nanomedicines capable of controlling the distribution and function of loaded bioactive agents in the body, effectively overcoming biological barriers, and various formulations are engaged in intensive preclinical and clinical testing. This Review focuses on polymeric micelles assembled through multimolecular interactions between block copolymers and the loaded drugs, proteins, or nucleic acids as translationable nanomedicines. The aspects involved in the design of successful micellar carriers are described in detail on the basis of the type of polymer/payload interaction, as well as the interplay of micelles with the biological interface, emphasizing on the chemistry and engineering of the block copolymers. By shaping these features, polymeric micelles have been propitious for delivering a wide range of therapeutics through effective sensing of targets in the body and adjustment of their properties in response to particular stimuli, modulating the activity of the loaded drugs at the targeted sites, even at the subcellular level. Finally, the future perspectives and imminent challenges for polymeric micelles as nanomedicines are discussed, anticipating to spur further innovations.

Modulating angiogenesis with integrin-targeted nanomedicines

Targeting angiogenesis-related pathologies, which include tumorigenesis and metastatic processes, has become an attractive strategy for the development of efficient guided nanomedicines. In this respect, integrins are cell-adhesion molecules involved in angiogenesis signaling pathways and are overexpressed in many angiogenic processes. Therefore, they represent specific biomarkers not only to monitor disease progression but also to rationally design targeted nanomedicines. Arginine-glycine-aspartic (RGD) containing peptides that bind to specific integrins have been widely utilized to provide ligand-mediated targeting capabilities to small molecules, peptides, proteins, and antibodies, as well as to drug/imaging agent-containing nanomedicines, with the final aim of maximizing their therapeutic index. Within this review, we aim to cover recent and relevant examples of different integrin-assisted nanosystems including polymeric nanoconstructs, liposomes, and inorganic nanoparticles applied in drug/gene therapy as well as imaging and theranostics. We will also critically address the overall benefits of integrin-targeting.

Gene delivery nanoparticles to modulate angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is naturally balanced by many pro- and anti-angiogenic factors while an imbalance of these factors leads to aberrant angiogenesis, which is closely associated with many diseases. Gene therapy has become a promising strategy for the treatment of such a disordered state through the introduction of exogenous nucleic acids that express or silence the target agents, thereby engineering neovascularization in both directions. Numerous non-viral gene delivery nanoparticles have been investigated towards this goal, but their clinical translation has been hampered by issues associated with safety, delivery efficiency, and therapeutic effect. This review summarizes key factors targeted for therapeutic angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis gene therapy, non-viral nanoparticle-mediated approaches to gene delivery, and recent gene therapy applications in pre-clinical and clinical trials for ischemia, tissue regeneration, cancer, and wet age-related macular degeneration. Enhanced nanoparticle design strategies are also proposed to further improve the efficacy of gene delivery nanoparticles to modulate angiogenesis.

Redirecting adenovirus tropism by genetic, chemical, and mechanical modification of the adenovirus surface for cancer gene therapy

INTRODUCTION

Despite remarkable advancements, clinical evaluations of adenovirus (Ad)-mediated cancer gene therapies have highlighted the need for improved delivery and targeting.

AREA COVERED

Genetic modification of Ad capsid proteins has been extensively attempted. Although genetic modification enhances the therapeutic potential of Ad, it is difficult to successfully incorporate extraneous moieties into the capsid and the engineering process is laborious. Recently, chemical modification of the Ad surface with nanomaterials and targeting moieties has been found to enhance Ad internalization into the target by both passive and active mechanisms. Alternatively, external stimulus-mediated targeting can result in selective accumulation of Ad in the tumor and prevent dissemination of Ad into surrounding nontarget tissues. In the present review, we discuss various genetic, chemical, and mechanical engineering strategies for overcoming the challenges that hinder the therapeutic efficacy of Ad-based approaches.

EXPERT OPINION

Surface modification of Ad by genetic, chemical, or mechanical engineering strategies enables Ad to overcome the shortcomings of conventional Ad and enhances delivery efficiency through distinct and unique mechanisms that unmodified Ad cannot mimic. However, although the therapeutic potential of Ad-mediated gene therapy has been enhanced by various surface modification strategies, each strategy still possesses innate limitations that must be addressed, requiring innovative ideas and designs.

Nanodevices for studying nano-pathophysiology

Nano-scaled devices are a promising platform for specific detection of pathological targets, facilitating the analysis of biological tissues in real-time, while improving the diagnostic approaches and the efficacy of therapies. Herein, we review nanodevice approaches, including liposomes, nanoparticles and polymeric nanoassemblies, such as polymeric micelles and vesicles, which can precisely control their structure and functions for specifically interacting with cells and tissues. These systems have been successfully used for the selective delivery of reporter and therapeutic agents to specific tissues with controlled cellular and subcellular targeting of biomolecules and programmed operation inside the body, suggesting a high potential for developing the analysis for nano-pathophysiology.

Tumor targeting RGD conjugated bio-reducible polymer for VEGF siRNA expressing plasmid delivery

Targeted delivery of therapeutic genes to the tumor site is critical for successful and safe cancer gene therapy. The arginine grafted bio-reducible poly (cystamine bisacrylamide-diaminohexane, CBA-DAH) polymer (ABP) conjugated poly (amido amine) (PAMAM), PAM-ABP (PA) was designed previously as an efficient gene delivery carrier. To achieve high efficacy in cancer selective delivery, we developed the tumor targeting bio-reducible polymer, PA-PEG1k-RGD, by conjugating cyclic RGDfC (RGD) peptides, which bind αvβ3/5 integrins, to the PAM-ABP using polyethylene glycol (PEG, 1 kDa) as a spacer. Physical characterization showed nanocomplex formation with bio-reducible properties between PA-PEG1k-RGD and plasmid DNA (pDNA). In transfection assays, PA-PEG1k-RGD showed significantly higher transfection efficiency in comparison with PAM-ABP or PA-PEG1k-RAD in αvβ3/5 positive MCF7 breast cancer and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. The targeting ability of PA-PEG1k-RGD was further established using a competition assay. To confirm the therapeutic effect, the VEGF siRNA expressing plasmid was constructed and then delivered into cancer cells using PA-PEG1k-RGD. PA-PEG1k-RGD showed 20-59% higher cellular uptake rate into MCF7 and PANC-1 than that of non-targeted polymers. In addition, MCF7 and PANC-1 cancer cells transfected with PA-PEG1k-RGD/pshVEGF complexes had significantly decreased VEGF gene expression (51-71%) and cancer cell viability (35-43%) compared with control. These results demonstrate that a tumor targeting bio-reducible polymer with an anti-angiogenic therapeutic gene could be used for efficient and safe cancer gene therapy.

Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of an adenovirus-PEI-bile-acid complex in tumors with low coxsackie and adenovirus receptor expression

Adenovirus (Ad) is a potential vehicle for cancer gene therapy. However, cells that express low levels of the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) demonstrate poor Ad infection efficiency. We developed a bile acid-conjugated poly(ethyleneimine) (DA3)-coated Ad complex (Ad/DA3) to enhance Ad transduction efficiency. The size distribution and zeta potential of Ad/DA3 increased to 324 ± 3.08 nm and 10.13 ± 0.21 mV, respectively, compared with those of naked Ad (108 ± 2.26 nm and -17.7 ± 1.5 mV). The transduction efficiency of Ad/DA3 increased in a DA3 polymer concentration-dependent manner. Enhanced gene transfer by Ad/DA3 was more evident in CAR-moderate and CAR-negative cancer cells. Competition assays with a CAR-specific antibody revealed that internalization of Ad/DA3 was not mediated primarily by CAR but involved clathrin-, caveolae-, and macropinocytosis-mediated endocytosis. Cancer cell death was significantly increased when oncolytic Ad and DA3 were complexed (RdB-KOX/DA3) compared to that of naked oncolytic Ad and was inversely proportional to CAR levels. Importantly, RdB-KOX/DA3 significantly enhanced apoptosis, reduced angiogenesis, reduced proliferation, and increased active viral replication in human tumor xenografts compared to that of naked Ad. These results demonstrate that a hybrid vector system can increase the efficacy of oncolytic Ad virotherapy, particularly in CAR-limited tumors.

Systemic siRNA Delivery via Peptide-Tagged Polymeric Nanoparticles, Targeting PLK1 Gene in a Mouse Xenograft Model of Colorectal Cancer

Polymeric nanoparticles were developed from a series of chemical reactions using chitosan, polyethylene glycol, and a cell-targeting peptide (CP15). The nanoparticles were complexed with PLK1-siRNA. The optimal siRNA loading was achieved at an N : P ratio of 129.2 yielding a nanoparticle size of >200 nm. These nanoparticles were delivered intraperitoneally and tested for efficient delivery, cytotoxicity, and biodistribution in a mouse xenograft model of colorectal cancer. Both unmodified and modified chitosan nanoparticles showed enhanced accumulation at the tumor site. However, the modified chitosan nanoparticles showed considerably, less distribution in other organs. The relative gene expression as evaluated showed efficient delivery of PLK1-siRNA (0.5 mg/kg) with 50.7 ± 19.5% knockdown (P = 0.031) of PLK1 gene. The in vivo data reveals no systemic toxicity in the animals, when tested for systemic inflammation and liver toxicity. These results indicate a potential of using peptide-tagged nanoparticles for systemic delivery of siRNA at the targeted tumor site.

A review of RGD-functionalized nonviral gene delivery vectors for cancer therapy

The development of effective treatments that enable many patients suffering from cancer to be successfully cured is highly demanded. Angiogenesis, which is a process for the formation of new capillary blood vessels, has a crucial role in solid tumor progression and the development of metastasis. Antiangiogenic therapy designed to prevent tumor angiogenesis, thereby arresting the growth or spread of tumors, has emerged as a non-invasive and safe option for cancer treatment. Due to the fact that integrin receptors are overexpressed on the surface of angiogenic endothelial cells, various strategies have been made to develop targeted delivery systems for cancer gene therapy utilizing integrin-targeting peptides with an exposed arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) sequence. The aim of this review is to summarize the progress and prospect of RGD-functionalized nonviral vectors toward targeted delivery of genetic materials in order to achieve an efficient therapeutic outcome for cancer gene therapy, including antiangiogenic therapy.

Gene carrier showing all-or-none response to cancer cell signaling

In this work we designed a novel nano carrier, a linear polyethylenimine (LPEI)-peptide conjugate, for cancer-specific expression of transgenes. The conjugate was easily synthesized by using a click chemistry scheme orthogonal to the reactive side groups of the peptide, which is the substrate of protein kinase Cα (PKCα). Polyplexes of the conjugates with plasmid DNA (pDNA) were intact and stably dispersed even in the presence of cell lysate. Despite this stability, the polyplexes readily dissociated upon phosphorylation of the grafted peptides by PKCα. Because of its endosomal escape ability and adequate susceptibility to PKCα, the polyplexes showed an all-or-none type response to PKCα activity in transgene expression in vitro. The polyplexes achieved cancer tissue-specific transgene expression even for a tumor with a relatively low PKCα activity. Thus the LPEI-peptide conjugate has high potential as a nanocarrier for cancer-targeted gene therapy.

Polymers in small-interfering RNA delivery

This review will cover the current strategies that are being adopted to efficiently deliver small interfering RNA using nonviral vectors, including the use of polymers such as polyethylenimine, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), polypeptides, chitosan, cyclodextrin, dendrimers, and polymers-containing different nanoparticles. The article will provide a brief and concise account of underlying principle of these polymeric vectors and their structural and functional modifications which were intended to serve different purposes to affect efficient therapeutic outcome of small-interfering RNA delivery. The modifications of these polymeric vectors will be discussed with reference to stimuli-responsiveness, target specific delivery, and incorporation of nanoconstructs such as carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, and silica nanoparticles. The emergence of small-interfering RNA as the potential therapeutic agent and its mode of action will also be mentioned in a nutshell.

Non-viral gene transfection in vitro using endosomal pH-sensitive reversibly hydrophobilized polyethylenimine

Reversibly hydrophobilized 10 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI) based on rapidly acid-degradable acetal-containing hydrophobe was designed for nontoxic and highly efficient non-viral gene transfer. Water soluble PEI derivatives with average 5, 9 and 14 units of pH-sensitive 2,4,6-trimethoxybenzylidene-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane (TMB-THME) hydrophobe per molecule, denoted as PEI-g-(TMB-THME)(n), were readily obtained by treating 10 kDa PEI with varying amounts of TMB-THME-nitrophenyl chloroformate. Gel retardation assays showed that all PEI-g-(TMB-THME)(n) derivatives could effectively condense DNA at an N/P ratio of 5/1. Notably, polyplexes of PEI-g-(TMB-THME)(n) derivatives had smaller sizes (about 100∼170 nm) and higher surface charges (+25 ∼ +43 mV) than the parent 10 kDa PEI at the same N/P ratios ranging from 10/1 to 40/1. MTT assays revealed that these PEI-g-(TMB-THME)(n) derivatives were practically non-toxic at polymer concentrations used in transfection experiments. The acetal degradation of PEI-g-(TMB-THME)(9) was shown to be highly pH dependent in which half lives of 1.3, 2.8 and 11 h were determined for pH 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0, respectively, while negligible hydrolysis (<12%) was observed after 24 h at pH 7.4. Gel electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analyses indicated that polyplexes formed at an N/P ratio of 10/1 were dissociated following 5 h incubation at pH 5.0, highlighting the importance of hydrophobic TMB-THME moieties in DNA condensation and supporting that acetal hydrolysis in endosomes would facilitate DNA release. Notably, in vitro transfection experiments performed at N/P ratios of 10/1 and 20/1 in HeLa, 293T, HepG2 and KB cells using plasmid pGL3 expressing luciferase as the reporter gene showed that reversibly hydrophobilized PEIs had superior transfection activity to 25 kDa PEI control. For example, polyplexes of PEI-g-(TMB-THME)(14) showed about 235-fold and 175-fold higher transfection efficiency as compared to 10 kDa PEI in HeLa cells in serum-free and 10% serum media, respectively, which were approximately 7-fold and 16-fold higher than 25 kDa PEI formulation at its optimal N/P ratio under otherwise the same conditions. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) studies confirmed that PEI-g-(TMB-THME)(14) efficiently delivered Cy5-labeled DNA to the nuclei of HeLa cells. These endosomal pH-sensitive reversibly hydrophobilized PEIs have great potentials for safe and efficient non-viral gene transfection.

Potential role of soluble VEGFR-1 in antiangiogenesis therapy for cancer

Antiangiogenesis therapy for cancer may inhibit tumor growth and metastasis when combined with chemotherapy, and has received a great deal of attention over recent years. However, accurate assessments of biological efficacy and toxicity are major hurdles for this approach. Soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sFlt-1) has been reported to have a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, the hallmark of which is similar to the toxicities related to antiangiogenesis therapy. Clinical evidence and animal studies support the hypothesis that sFlt-1 may contribute to hypertension and proteinuria in patients treated with anti-VEGF agents. The intratumoral imbalance between sFlt-1 and VEGF levels correlates with the malignancy grades of tumors, survival and responsiveness to therapy. The therapeutic potential of sFlt-1 as an antiangiogenic agent has been validated by an increasing number of preclinical studies. Furthermore, antiangiogenesis therapy changes the concentration of circulating VEGF, PlGF, sFlt-1, soluble VEGFR-2 and even soluble VEGFR-3, with some of these being identified as potential biomarkers of response and toxicity. All these factors suggest that sFlt-1 may prove invaluable for driving the future development of molecular therapeutics with novel targets and mechanisms of action, and its impact on antiangiogenesis therapy in cancers needs further investigation.

Selective modification of HK peptides enhances siRNA silencing of tumor targets in vivo

Our research has focused on systemic delivery of small interference RNA (siRNA) by branched peptides composed of histidine and lysine. After studying several histidine-lysine (HK) peptides, one four-branched peptide, H3K(+H)4b, with a predominant repeating pattern of -HHHK-, was found to be an effective carrier of siRNA. Although the unmodified H3K(+H)4b carrier of siRNA targeting an oncogene was previously shown to have promise in a tumor-bearing mouse model, we sought to develop a more effective HK carrier of siRNA in this study. Our primary goal was to determine whether different ligand (cyclic RGD)-pegylation patterns on the H3K(+H)4b peptide affect siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. We compared the unmodified H3K(+H)4b with two modified H3K(+H)4b peptides for their ability to deliver siRNA in a tumor-bearing mouse model; one modified HK peptide, (RGD-PEG)(4)-H3K(+H)4b, had four cyclic RGD-polyethylene glycol (cRGD-PEG) conjugates per molecule, whereas the other peptide, (RGD-PEG)-H3K(+H)4b, had one cRGD-PEG per molecule. Although the modified HK peptides by themselves did not form stable nanoplexes with siRNA, combination of a highly charged unmodified HK peptide, H2K4b, with either of the modified HK peptides did form stable siRNA nanoparticles. For in vitro experiments with MDA-MB-435 cells that expressed luciferase (Luc), the H3K(+H)4b siRNA nanoplexes targeting Luc decreased its activity by 90% compared with negligible downregulation by the modified H3K(+H)4b nanoplexes (P<0.01). In contrast, the two modified H3K(+H)4b siRNA nanoplexes administered intravenously were more effective than the H3K(+H)4b nanoplexes in silencing Luc in a tumor xenograft model. The Luc activity in tumor lysates of mice administered H3K(+H)4b, (RGD-PEG)-H3K(+H)4b and (RGD-PEG)(4)-H3K(+H)4b nanoplexes decreased by 18, 35 and 75%, respectively. Thus, the siRNA nanoplex incorporating the highly modified peptide, (RGD-PEG)(4)-H3K(+H)4b, was the most effective at silencing its target in vivo (P<0.01). These studies demonstrate that selectively modified HK polymers are promising candidates for targeting oncogenes with siRNA.

Biomaterials to gene delivery

It has been over 40 years since I started biomaterials research. This article is a short summary of past research in my laboratory.

PEI-g-PEG-RGD/small interference RNA polyplex-mediated silencing of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and its potential as an anti-angiogenic tumor therapeutic strategy

Tumor angiogenesis appears to be achieved by the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) within solid tumors that stimulate host vascular endothelial cell mitogenesis and possibly chemotaxis. VEGF's angiogenic actions are mediated through its high-affinity binding to 2 endothelium-specific receptor tyrosine kinase, Flt-1 (VEGFR1), and Flk-1/KDR (VEGFR2). RNA interference-mediated knockdown of protein expression at the messenger RNA level provides a new therapeutic strategy to overcome various diseases. To achieve high efficacy in RNA interference-mediated therapy, it is critical to develop an efficient delivering system to deliver small interference RNA (siRNA) into tissues or cells site-specifically. We previously reported an angiogenic endothelial cell-targeted polymeric gene carrier, PEI-g-PEG-RGD. This targeted carrier was developed by the conjugation of the ανβ3/ανβ5 integrin-binding RGD peptide (ACDCRGDCFC) to the cationic polymer, branched polyethylenimine, with a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer. In this study, we used PEI-g-PEG-RGD to deliver siRNA against VEGFR1 into tumor site. The physicochemical properties of PEI-g-PEG-RGD/siRNA complexes was evaluated. Further, tumor growth profile was also investigated after systemic administration of PEI-g-PEG-RGD/siRNA complexes.

Nanotechnology-mediated targeting of tumor angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is disregulated in many diseased states, most notably in cancer. An emerging strategy for the development of therapies targeting tumor-associated angiogenesis is to harness the potential of nanotechnology to improve the pharmacology of chemotherapeutics, including anti-angiogenic agents. Nanoparticles confer several advantages over that of free drugs, including their capability to carry high payloads of therapeutic agents, confer increased half-life and reduced toxicity to the drugs, and provide means for selective targeting of the tumor tissue and vasculature. The plethora of nanovectors available, in addition to the various methods available to combine them with anti-angiogenic drugs, allows researchers to fine-tune the pharmacological profile of the drugs ad infinitum. Use of nanovectors has also opened up novel avenues for non-invasive imaging of tumor angiogenesis. Herein, we review the types of nanovector and therapeutic/diagnostic agent combinations used in targeting tumor angiogenesis.

Polyethylenimines for RNAi-mediated gene targeting in vivo and siRNA delivery to the lung

RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising strategy to inhibit the expression of pathologically relevant genes, which show aberrant (over-)expression, e.g. in tumors or other pathologies. The induction of RNAi relies on small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which trigger the specific mRNA degradation. Their instability and poor delivery into target tissues including the lung, however, so far severely limits the therapeutic use of siRNAs and requires the development of nanoscale delivery systems. Polyethylenimines (PEIs) are synthetic polymers, which are able to form non-covalent complexes with siRNAs. These nanoscale complexes ('nanoplexes') allow the protection of siRNAs from nucleolytic degradation, their efficient cellular uptake through endocytosis and intracellular release through the 'proton sponge effect'. Chemical modifications of PEIs as well as the coupling of cell/tissue-specific ligands are promising approaches to increase the biocompatibility, specificity and efficacy of PEI-based nanoparticles. This review article gives a comprehensive overview of pre-clinical in vivo studies on the PEI-mediated delivery of therapeutic siRNAs in various animal models. It discusses the chemical properties of PEIs and PEI modifications, and their influences on siRNA knockdown efficacy, on adverse effects of the polymer or the nanoplex and on siRNA biodistribution in vivo. Beyond systemic application, PEI-based complexation allows the local siRNA application to the lung. Biodistribution studies demonstrate cellular uptake of PEI-complexed, but not of naked siRNAs in the lung with little systemic availability of the siRNAs, indicating the usefulness of this approach for the targeting of genes, which are pathologically relevant in lung tumors or lung metastases. Taken together, (i) PEI and PEI derivatives may represent an efficient delivery platform for siRNAs, (ii) siRNA-mediated induction of RNAi is a promising approach for the knockdown of pathologically relevant genes, and (iii) when sufficiently addressing biocompatibility issues, the locoregional delivery of PEI/siRNA complexes may become an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of lung diseases with little systemic side effects.

Antiangiogenic gene therapy of solid tumor by systemic injection of polyplex micelles loading plasmid DNA encoding soluble flt-1

In this study, a polyplex micelle was developed as a potential formulation for antiangiogenic gene therapy of subcutaneous pancreatic tumor model. Poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lysine) block copolymers (PEG-PLys) with thiol groups in the side chain of the PLys segment were synthesized and applied for preparation of disulfide cross-linked polyplex micelles through ion complexation with plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding the soluble form of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-1 (sFlt-1), which is a potent antiangiogenic molecule. Antitumor activity and gene expression of polyplex micelles with various cross-linking rates were evaluated in mice bearing subcutaneously xenografted BxPC3 cell line, derived from human pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and polyplex micelles with optimal cross-linking rate achieved effective suppression of tumor growth. Significant gene expression of this micelle was detected selectively in tumor tissue, and its antiangiogenic effect was confirmed by decreased vascular density inside the tumor. Therefore, the disulfide cross-linked polyplex micelle loading sFlt-1 pDNA has a great potential for antiangiogenic therapy against subcutaneous pancreatic tumor model by systemic application.

Cell-targeting and cell-penetrating peptides for delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents

This review will discuss the basic concepts concerning the use of cell-targeting peptides (CTPs) and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) in the context of nanocarrier technology. It deals with the discovery and subsequent evolution of CTPs and CPPs, issues concerning their interactions with cells and their biodistribution in vivo, and their potential advantages and disadvantages as delivery agents. The article also briefly discusses several specific examples of the use of CTPs or CPPs to assist in the delivery of nanoparticles, liposomes, and other nanocarriers.

Dual bio-responsive gene delivery via reducible poly(amido amine) and survivin-inducible plasmid DNA

A bioreducible poly(amido amine) (SS-PAA) gene carrier, known as poly (amido-butanol) (pABOL), was used to transfect a variety of cancer and non-cancer cell lines. To obtain cancer-specific transgene expression for therapeutic efficiency in cancer treatment, we constructed survivin-inducible plasmid DNA expressing the soluble VEGF receptor, sFlt-1, downstream of the survivin promoter (pSUR-sFlt-1). Cancer-specific expression of sFlt-1 was observed in the mouse renal carcinoma (RENCA) cell line. pABOL enhanced the efficiency of gene delivery compared to traditional carriers used in the past. Thus, a dual bio-responsive gene delivery system was developed by using bioreducible p(ABOL) for enhanced intracellular gene delivery and survivin-inducible gene expression system (pSUR-sFlt-1 or pSUR-Luc reporter gene) that demonstrates increased gene expression in cancer that has advantages over current gene delivery systems.

Antiangiogenic gene therapy of experimental pancreatic tumor by sFlt-1 plasmid DNA carried by RGD-modified crosslinked polyplex micelles

Disulfide crosslinked polyplex micelles with RGD peptides were formed through ion complexation of thiolated c(RGDfK)-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L-lysine) (c(RGDfK)-PEG-P(Lys-SH)) and plasmid DNA encoding sFlt-1 and tested for their therapeutic effect in BxPC3 pancreatic adenocarcinoma tumor bearing mice. These micelles, systemically injected, demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor growth up to day 18, as a result of the antiangiogenic effect that was confirmed by vascular density measurements. Significant therapeutic activity of the 15% crosslinked micelle (c(RGDfK)-PEG-P(Lys-SH15)) was achieved by combined effect of increased tumor accumulation, interaction with endothelial cells and enhanced intracellular uptake through receptor-mediated endocytosis. These results suggest that RGD targeted crosslinked polyplex micelles can be effective plasmid DNA carriers for antiangiogenic gene therapy.