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Noble JE, Vila-Gómez P, Rey S, Dondi C, Briones A, Aggarwal P, Hoose A, Baran M, Ryadnov MG. Folding-Mediated DNA Delivery by α-Helical Amphipathic Peptides. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:2584-2595. [PMID: 37014978 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
The renaissance gene therapy experiences these days requires specialist biomaterials and a systemic understanding of major factors influencing their ability to deliver genetic material. Peptide transfection systems represent a major class of such biomaterials. Several peptidic reagents have been commercialized to date. However, a comparative assessment of peptide sequences alone without auxiliary support or excipients against a common determinant for their ability to complex and deliver DNA has been lacking. This study cross-compares commercial and experimental transfection reagents from the same family of helical amphiphiles. Factors defining the efficacy of DNA delivery including cell uptake and gene expression are assessed along with cytotoxicity and DNA complexation. The results show that despite differences in sequence composition, length, and origin, peptide reagents of the same structural family exhibit similar characteristics and limitations with common variability trends. The cross-comparison revealed that functional DNA delivery is independent of the peptide sequence used but is mediated by the ability of the reagents to co-fold with DNA. Peptide folding proved to be the common determinant for DNA complexation and delivery by peptidic transfection reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Noble
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Paula Vila-Gómez
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0TR, U.K
| | - Stephanie Rey
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Camilla Dondi
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Andrea Briones
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Purnank Aggarwal
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Alex Hoose
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Maryana Baran
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Maxim G Ryadnov
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
- Department of Physics, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, U.K
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2
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Lin Y, Wagner E, Lächelt U. Non-viral delivery of the CRISPR/Cas system: DNA versus RNA versus RNP. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1166-1192. [DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01658j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery, the CRISPR/Cas technology has rapidly become an essential tool in modern biomedical research. The opportunities to specifically modify and correct genomic DNA has also raised big hope...
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3
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Keim D, Gollner K, Gollner U, Jérôme V, Freitag R. Generation of Recombinant Primary Human B Lymphocytes Using Non-Viral Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8239. [PMID: 34361005 PMCID: PMC8347318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the development of gene delivery systems based on non-viral vectors is advancing, it remains a challenge to deliver plasmid DNA into human blood cells. The current "gold standard", namely linear polyethyleneimine (l-PEI 25 kDa), in particular, is unable to produce transgene expression levels >5% in primary human B lymphocytes. Here, it is demonstrated that a well-defined 24-armed poly(2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA, 755 kDa) nano-star is able to reproducibly elicit high transgene expression (40%) at sufficient residual viability (69%) in primary human B cells derived from tonsillar tissue. Moreover, our results indicate that the length of the mitogenic stimulation prior to transfection is an important parameter that must be established during the development of the transfection protocol. In our hands, four days of stimulation with rhCD40L post-thawing led to the best transfection results in terms of TE and cell survival. Most importantly, our data argue for an impact of the B cell subsets on the transfection outcomes, underlining that the complexity and heterogeneity of a given B cell population pre- and post-transfection is a critical parameter to consider in the multiparametric approach required for the implementation of the transfection protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Keim
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (D.K.); (V.J.)
| | - Katrin Gollner
- Praxis am Schießgraben, Schießgraben 21, 95326 Kulmbach, Germany; (K.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Ulrich Gollner
- Praxis am Schießgraben, Schießgraben 21, 95326 Kulmbach, Germany; (K.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Valérie Jérôme
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (D.K.); (V.J.)
| | - Ruth Freitag
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (D.K.); (V.J.)
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4
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Graceffa V. Physical and mechanical cues affecting biomaterial-mediated plasmid DNA delivery: insights into non-viral delivery systems. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2021; 19:90. [PMID: 34142237 PMCID: PMC8211807 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whilst traditional strategies to increase transfection efficiency of non-viral systems aimed at modifying the vector or the polyplexes/lipoplexes, biomaterial-mediated gene delivery has recently sparked increased interest. This review aims at discussing biomaterial properties and unravelling underlying mechanisms of action, for biomaterial-mediated gene delivery. DNA internalisation and cytoplasmic transport are initially discussed. DNA immobilisation, encapsulation and surface-mediated gene delivery (SMD), the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) and topographical cues, biomaterial stiffness and mechanical stimulation are finally outlined. MAIN TEXT Endocytic pathways and mechanisms to escape the lysosomal network are highly variable. They depend on cell and DNA complex types but can be diverted using appropriate biomaterials. 3D scaffolds are generally fabricated via DNA immobilisation or encapsulation. Degradation rate and interaction with the vector affect temporal patterns of DNA release and transgene expression. In SMD, DNA is instead coated on 2D surfaces. SMD allows the incorporation of topographical cues, which, by inducing cytoskeletal re-arrangements, modulate DNA endocytosis. Incorporation of ECM mimetics allows cell type-specific transfection, whereas in spite of discordances in terms of optimal loading regimens, it is recognised that mechanical loading facilitates gene transfection. Finally, stiffer 2D substrates enhance DNA internalisation, whereas in 3D scaffolds, the role of stiffness is still dubious. CONCLUSION Although it is recognised that biomaterials allow the creation of tailored non-viral gene delivery systems, there still are many outstanding questions. A better characterisation of endocytic pathways would allow the diversion of cell adhesion processes and cytoskeletal dynamics, in order to increase cellular transfection. Further research on optimal biomaterial mechanical properties, cell ligand density and loading regimens is limited by the fact that such parameters influence a plethora of other different processes (e.g. cellular adhesion, spreading, migration, infiltration, and proliferation, DNA diffusion and release) which may in turn modulate gene delivery. Only a better understanding of these processes may allow the creation of novel robust engineered systems, potentially opening up a whole new area of biomaterial-guided gene delivery for non-viral systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Graceffa
- Cellular Health and Toxicology Research Group (CHAT), Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Ln, Bellanode, Sligo, Ireland.
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Ln, Bellanode, Sligo, Ireland.
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5
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van den Berg AIS, Yun CO, Schiffelers RM, Hennink WE. Polymeric delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics: Approaching the clinic. J Control Release 2021; 331:121-141. [PMID: 33453339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy using nucleic acids has many clinical applications for the treatment of diseases with a genetic origin as well as for the development of innovative vaccine formulations. Since nucleic acids in their free form are rapidly degraded by nucleases present in extracellular matrices, have poor pharmacokinetics and hardly pass cellular membranes, carrier systems are required. Suitable carriers that protect the nucleic acid payload against enzymatic attack, prolong circulation time after systemic administration and assist in cellular binding and internalization are needed to develop nucleic acid based drug products. Viral vectors have been investigated and are also clinically used as delivery vehicles. However, some major drawbacks are associated with their use. Therefore there has been substantial attention on the use of non-viral carrier systems based on cationic lipids and polymers. This review focuses on the properties of polymer-based nucleic acid formulations, also referred as polyplexes. Different polymeric systems are summarized, and the cellular barriers polyplexes encounter and ways to tackle these are discussed. Finally attention is given to the clinical status of non-viral nucleic acid formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette I S van den Berg
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Chae-Ok Yun
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Raymond M Schiffelers
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wim E Hennink
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Bellefroid C, Reusch C, Lechanteur A, Evrard B, Debacq-Chainiaux F, Mottet D, Piel G. Systematic study of liposomes composition towards efficient delivery of plasmid DNA as potential application of dermal fibroblasts targeting. Int J Pharm 2020; 593:120122. [PMID: 33307161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.120122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of non-viral DNA vectors to topically treat skin diseases has demonstrated a high potential. However, vectors applied on the skin face extracellular barriers including the stratum corneum and intracellular barriers such as the endosomal escape and the nuclear targeting of the plasmid DNA. The aim of this study was to develop a formulation suitable for dermal application and effective for delivering plasmid DNA into cells. Different formulations were prepared using different cationic lipids (DOTAP, DC-Chol, DOTMA) and co-lipids (DOPE, DSPE). Lipoplexes were produced by complexing liposomes with plasmid DNA at different pDNA/CL (w/w) ratios. Our results showed that appropriate pDNA/CL ratios allowing total complexation of plasmid DNA differed depending on the structure of the lipid used. The transfection rates showed that (i) higher rates were obtained with DOTMA lipoplexes, (ii) DC-Chol lipoplexes provided a transfection twice as important as DOTAP lipoplexes and (iii) when DSPE was added, the cytotoxicity decreased while transfection rates were similar. We found that formulations composed of DC-Chol:DOPE:DSPE or DOTMA:DOPE were appropriate to complex plasmid DNA and to transfect human primary dermal fibroblasts with efficacy and limited cytotoxicity. Therefore, these formulations are highly promising in the context of gene therapy to treat skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bellefroid
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - C Reusch
- Laboratory of Gene Expression and Cancer, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - A Lechanteur
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - B Evrard
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - F Debacq-Chainiaux
- URBC, Namur Research Institute for Life Science (NARILIS), University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - D Mottet
- Laboratory of Gene Expression and Cancer, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - G Piel
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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7
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Redox dual-responsive dendrimeric nanoparticles for mutually synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy to overcome drug resistance. J Control Release 2020; 329:1210-1221. [PMID: 33122002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Combination therapy has exhibited crucial potential in the treatment of cancers, especially in drug-resistant cancers. In this work, a novel tumor-targeted, redox dual-responsive and paclitaxel (PTX) loaded nanoparticle based on multifunctional dendrimer and lentinan was developed for combinational chemo-photodynamic therapy of PTX-resistant cancers. The nanoparticles exhibited enhanced cellular uptake and tumor penetration based on phenylboronic acid-sialic acid interactions, and had the ability to control drug release in response to intracellular high concentration of glutathione and H2O2. Specifically, light irradiation not only triggered the photodynamic effect of the nanoparticles for prominent photodynamic cytotoxicity, but also resulted in increased internalization and accelerated release of PTX into cytoplasm through the lysosome disruption, as well as the obvious damage to microtubules and actin microfilaments, for drug resistance reversal of A549/T cells. Meanwhile, PTX treatment would arrest cells in G2/M phase, thereby prolonging the period when nuclear membrane is broken down, which further facilitated photosensitizer accumulation in nuclei and improved DNA damage response. Consequently, the combination of PTX and photodynamic treatment lead to excellent antitumor effects to drug-resistant A549/T cells in vitro and in vivo, which provides a new strategy for the design of co-delivery system to overcome drug resistance.
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8
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Wang Y, Wagner E. Non-Viral Targeted Nucleic Acid Delivery: Apply Sequences for Optimization. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E888. [PMID: 32961908 PMCID: PMC7559072 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In nature, genomes have been optimized by the evolution of their nucleic acid sequences. The design of peptide-like carriers as synthetic sequences provides a strategy for optimizing multifunctional targeted nucleic acid delivery in an iterative process. The optimization of sequence-defined nanocarriers differs for different nucleic acid cargos as well as their specific applications. Supramolecular self-assembly enriched the development of a virus-inspired non-viral nucleic acid delivery system. Incorporation of DNA barcodes presents a complementary approach of applying sequences for nanocarrier optimization. This strategy may greatly help to identify nucleic acid carriers that can overcome pharmacological barriers and facilitate targeted delivery in vivo. Barcode sequences enable simultaneous evaluation of multiple nucleic acid nanocarriers in a single test organism for in vivo biodistribution as well as in vivo bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, D-81377 Munich, Germany;
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9
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Non-Viral in Vitro Gene Delivery: It is Now Time to Set the Bar! Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12020183. [PMID: 32098191 PMCID: PMC7076396 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Transfection by means of non-viral gene delivery vectors is the cornerstone of modern gene delivery. Despite the resources poured into the development of ever more effective transfectants, improvement is still slow and limited. Of note, the performance of any gene delivery vector in vitro is strictly dependent on several experimental conditions specific to each laboratory. The lack of standard tests has thus largely contributed to the flood of inconsistent data underpinning the reproducibility crisis. A way researchers seek to address this issue is by gauging the effectiveness of newly synthesized gene delivery vectors with respect to benchmarks of seemingly well-known behavior. However, the performance of such reference molecules is also affected by the testing conditions. This survey points to non-standardized transfection settings and limited information on variables deemed relevant in this context as the major cause of such misalignments. This review provides a catalog of conditions optimized for the gold standard and internal reference, 25 kDa polyethyleneimine, that can be profitably replicated across studies for the sake of comparison. Overall, we wish to pave the way for the implementation of standardized protocols in order to make the evaluation of the effectiveness of transfectants as unbiased as possible.
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10
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Fontana G, Martin HL, Lee JS, Schill K, Hematti P, Murphy WL. Mineral-Coated Microparticles Enhance mRNA-Based Transfection of Human Bone Marrow Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:455-464. [PMID: 31655263 PMCID: PMC6831872 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The regenerative potential of bone marrow cells could be harnessed for tissue engineering applications. Bone marrow can be easily collected from patients, providing a valuable autologous source of therapeutic cells. However, years of delivery of bone marrow cells have highlighted the need for their genetic manipulation to overcome heterogeneity and to confer specificity to the regenerative process. In this study, we optimized the use of condensed mRNA as a non-viral alternative. As a proof of concept, we used mRNA encoding for reporter proteins such as EGFP or Firefly luciferase, which was condensed by complexing agents and delivered to human bone marrow cells using mineral-coated microparticles. We demonstrated that human bone marrow cells could be transfected with complexed mRNA, and that this approach was more efficient than the delivery of complexed plasmid DNA. In addition, human bone marrow cells were vulnerable to the toxicity of mRNA complexing agents, but these deleterious effects were mitigated by using mineral-coated microparticles as a carrier of complexed mRNA. Microparticle-mediated delivery of complexed mRNA also enabled higher cell metabolic activity and higher transfection in multiple in vitro culture conditions, including suspension culture and three-dimensional culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Fontana
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hannah L Martin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jae Sung Lee
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kristen Schill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Peiman Hematti
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William L Murphy
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Material Sciences and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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11
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Peng L, Wagner E. Polymeric Carriers for Nucleic Acid Delivery: Current Designs and Future Directions. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:3613-3626. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Nurunnabi M, Khatun Z, Badruddoza AZM, McCarthy JR, Lee YK, Huh KM. Biomaterials and Bioengineering Approaches for Mitochondria and Nuclear Targeting Drug Delivery. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Md Nurunnabi
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02129 United States
| | - Zehedina Khatun
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 United States
| | - Abu Zayed Md Badruddoza
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219 United States
| | - Jason R. McCarthy
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02129 United States
| | - Yong-kyu Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju 380-706, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Moo Huh
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Republic of Korea
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13
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Durymanov M, Reineke J. Non-viral Delivery of Nucleic Acids: Insight Into Mechanisms of Overcoming Intracellular Barriers. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:971. [PMID: 30186185 PMCID: PMC6111240 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery of genes, including plasmid DNAs, short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs), using artificial non-viral nanotherapeutics is a promising approach in cancer gene therapy. However, multiple physiological barriers upon systemic administration remain a key challenge in clinical translation of anti-cancer gene therapeutics. Besides extracellular barriers including sequestration of gene delivery nanoparticles from the bloodstream by resident organ-specific macrophages, and their poor extravasation and tissue penetration in tumors, overcoming intracellular barriers is also necessary for successful delivery of nucleic acids. Whereas for RNA delivery the endosomal barrier holds a key importance, transfer of DNA cargo additionally requires translocation into the nucleus. Better understanding of crossing membrane barriers by nucleic acid nanoformulations is essential to the improvement of current non-viral carriers. This review aims to summarize relevant literature on intracellular trafficking of non-viral nanoparticles and determine key factors toward surmounting intracellular barriers. Moreover, recent data allowed us to propose new interpretations of current hypotheses of endosomal escape mechanisms of nucleic acid nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Durymanov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - Joshua Reineke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
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14
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Levacic AK, Morys S, Kempter S, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Minicircle Versus Plasmid DNA Delivery by Receptor-Targeted Polyplexes. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:862-874. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Krhac Levacic
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Kempter
- Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-based Drug Research, and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Munich, Germany
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15
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Zhang P, Wagner E. History of Polymeric Gene Delivery Systems. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:26. [PMID: 28181193 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0112-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
As an option for genetic disease treatment and an alternative for traditional cancer chemotherapy, gene therapy achieves significant attention. Nucleic acid delivery, however, remains a main challenge in human gene therapy. Polymer-based delivery systems offer a safer and promising route for therapeutic gene delivery. Over the past five decades, various cationic polymers have been optimized for increasingly effective nucleic acid transfer. This resulted in a chemical evolution of cationic polymers from the first-generation polycations towards bioinspired multifunctional sequence-defined polymers and nanocomposites. With the increasing of knowledge in molecular biological processes and rapid progress of macromolecular chemistry, further improvement of polymeric nucleic acid delivery systems will provide effective tool for gene-based therapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM), 80799, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM), 80799, Munich, Germany.,Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80799, Munich, Germany
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16
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Katayama Y. Peptide-Grafted Polymers as Artificial Converter of Cellular Signals. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2017. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20160307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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17
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McErlean EM, McCrudden CM, McCarthy HO. Delivery of nucleic acids for cancer gene therapy: overcoming extra- and intra-cellular barriers. Ther Deliv 2016; 7:619-37. [PMID: 27582234 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2016-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of cancer gene therapy has been limited by the difficulty of delivering genetic material to target sites. Various biological and molecular barriers exist which need to be overcome before effective nonviral delivery systems can be applied successfully in oncology. Herein, various barriers are described and strategies to circumvent such obstacles are discussed, considering both the extracellular and intracellular setting. Development of multifunctional delivery systems holds much promise for the progression of gene delivery, and a growing body of evidence supports this approach involving rational design of vectors, with a unique molecular architecture. In addition, the potential application of composite gene delivery platforms is highlighted which may provide an alternative delivery strategy to traditional systemic administration.
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18
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Xu Y, Liang W, Qiu Y, Cespi M, Palmieri GF, Mason AJ, Lam JKW. Incorporation of a Nuclear Localization Signal in pH Responsive LAH4-L1 Peptide Enhances Transfection and Nuclear Uptake of Plasmid DNA. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:3141-52. [PMID: 27458925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The major intracellular barriers associated with DNA delivery using nonviral vectors are inefficient endosomal/lysosomal escape and poor nuclear uptake. LAH4-L1, a pH responsive cationic amphipathic peptide, is an efficient DNA delivery vector that promotes the release of nucleic acid into cytoplasm through endosomal escape. Here we further enhance the DNA transfection efficiency of LAH4-L1 by incorporating nuclear localizing signal (NLS) to promote nuclear importation. Four NLSs were investigated: Simian virus 40 (SV40) large T-antigen derived NLS, nucleoplasmin targeting signal, M9 sequence, and the reverse SV40 derived NLS. All peptides tested were able to form positively charged nanosized complexes with DNA. Significant improvement in DNA transfection was observed in slow-dividing epithelial cancer cells (Calu-3), macrophages (RAW264.7), dendritic cells (JAWSII), and thymidine-induced growth-arrested cells, but not in rapidly dividing cells (A549). Among the four NLS-modified peptides, PK1 (modified with SV40 derived NLS) and PK2 (modified with reverse SV40 derived NLS) were the most consistent in improving DNA transfection; up to a 10-fold increase in gene expression was observed for PK1 and PK2 over the unmodified LAH4-L1. Additionally PK1 and PK2 were shown to enhance cellular uptake as well as nuclear entry of DNA. Overall, we show that the incorporation of SV40 derived NLS, in particular, to LAH4-L1 is a promising strategy to improve DNA delivery efficiency in slow-dividing cells and dendritic cells, with development potential for in vivo applications and as a DNA vaccine carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Xu
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Wanling Liang
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yingshan Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Marco Cespi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino , Via S. Agostino 1, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
| | - Giovanni F Palmieri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino , Via S. Agostino 1, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
| | - A James Mason
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London , 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny K W Lam
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Kirchenbuechler I, Kirchenbuechler D, Elbaum M. Correlation between cationic lipid-based transfection and cell division. Exp Cell Res 2016; 345:1-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Abstract
Molecular medicine opens into a space of novel specific therapeutic agents: intracellularly active drugs such as peptides, proteins or nucleic acids, which are not able to cross cell membranes and enter the intracellular space on their own. Through the development of cell-targeted shuttles for specific delivery, this restriction in delivery has the potential to be converted into an advantage. On the one hand, due to the multiple extra- and intracellular barriers, such carrier systems need to be multifunctional. On the other hand, they must be precise and reproducibly manufactured due to pharmaceutical reasons. Here we review the design of precise sequence-defined delivery carriers, including solid-phase synthesized peptides and nonpeptidic oligomers, or nucleotide-based carriers such as aptamers and origami nanoboxes.
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21
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Li L, Sun W, Zhang Z, Huang Y. Time-staggered delivery of docetaxel and H1-S6A,F8A peptide for sequential dual-strike chemotherapy through tumor priming and nuclear targeting. J Control Release 2016; 232:62-74. [PMID: 27098443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
While highly effective for slowing cancer progression in principle, the c-Myc inhibitor peptide H1-S6A,F8A (H1) has not performed well in tumor studies, in part because it does not pass efficiently through the nuclear envelope. Here we describe a dual-strike strategy in which tumor cells were treated first with N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-docetaxel (DTX) conjugates (P-DTX), which arrested cells in the G2/M phase and prolonged the period when the nuclear membrane was disassembled. In the second strike, the cells were then treated with P-H1 conjugates, which entered the nucleus and efficiently inhibited c-Myc. The in vitro studies demonstrated that the combination of P-DTX and P-H1 conjugates was sequence-dependent, and P-DTX followed by P-H1 had synergism, which was significantly more effective than reverse sequential delivery, simultaneous co-delivery or monotherapy with P-DTX or P-H1 alone. The in vivo studies showed that sequential delivery of P-DTX followed by P-H1 remarkably slowed the tumor growth and improved the animal survival. This sequential, dual-strike approach provides new opportunities for nuclear-targeted anticancer drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Wei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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Guan S, Li L, Zhu X, Yang Y, Zhang Z, Huang Y. An in vitro investigation of a detachable fork-like structure as efficient nuclear-targeted sub-unit in A2780 cell cultures. Int J Pharm 2016; 500:100-9. [PMID: 26784985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological target of many anticancer drugs is those molecules associated with genetic information which are localized in nucleus. To efficiently deliver drugs into cancer cell nucleus, in our previous study, a fork-like sub-unit, with one end conjugated with a targeting peptide named R8NLS (CRRRRRRRRPKKKRKV) and the other end conjugated with c-Myc oncogene inhibitor H1-S6A,F8A (H1) peptide, was linked onto the N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer via an enzyme degradable glycylphenylalanylleucylglycine (GFLG) tetrapeptide spacer. Here, an in vitro mechanism investigation of the fork-like sub-unit was studied in detail. We found that the fusion with two complementary R8 and NLS motifs is required to exert the multifunctional targeting capability of the tandem R8NLS peptide in overcoming various intracellular barriers, including enhancing cellular uptake, facilitating endosomal escape and penetrating through the double-layered nuclear membrane. Also required is the tactful detachment of the fork-like sub-unit from the copolymer in response to intracellular stimulus, because a smaller sub-unit not only increases the intracellular trafficking efficiency by reducing the size burden of magical bullet R8NLS, but also guarantees successful entry through the restricted nucleopore. Herein, this study highlights that both nuclear targeting ligand R8NLS and detachable fork-like sub-unit are dispensable for programmed nuclear delivery and may show feasibility on other drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and micelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Guan
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Lian Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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Durymanov MO, Yarutkin AV, Khramtsov YV, Rosenkranz AA, Sobolev AS. Live imaging of transgene expression in Cloudman S91 melanoma cells after polyplex-mediated gene delivery. J Control Release 2015; 215:73-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Lächelt U, Wagner E. Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Using Polyplexes: A Journey of 50 Years (and Beyond). Chem Rev 2015; 115:11043-78. [DOI: 10.1021/cr5006793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 418] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Lächelt
- Pharmaceutical
Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilians Universität, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems
Initiative
Munich (NIM), 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical
Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilians Universität, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Nanosystems
Initiative
Munich (NIM), 80799 Munich, Germany
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25
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He D, Wagner E. Defined Polymeric Materials for Gene Delivery. Macromol Biosci 2015; 15:600-12. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201400524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng He
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Center for System-based Drug Research and Center for NanoScience (CeNS); Ludwig-Maximilians-University; 81377 Munich Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Center for System-based Drug Research and Center for NanoScience (CeNS); Ludwig-Maximilians-University; 81377 Munich Germany
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Raad MD, Teunissen EA, Mastrobattista E. Peptide vectors for gene delivery: from single peptides to multifunctional peptide nanocarriers. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2014; 9:2217-32. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.14.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of nucleic acids relies on the availability of sophisticated delivery systems for targeted and intracellular delivery of these molecules. Such a gene delivery should possess essential characteristics to overcome several extracellular and intracellular barriers. Peptides offer an attractive platform for nonviral gene delivery, as several functional peptide classes exist capable of overcoming these barriers. However, none of these functional peptide classes contain all the essential characteristics required to overcome all of the barriers associated with successful gene delivery. Combining functional peptides into multifunctional peptide vectors will be pivotal for improving peptide-based gene delivery systems. By using combinatorial strategies and high-throughput screening, the identification of multifunctional peptide vectors will accelerate the optimization of peptide-based gene delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus de Raad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik A Teunissen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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27
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Park K. The mitotic window of opportunity for plasmid DNA delivery. J Control Release 2014; 179:76. [PMID: 24655433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.03.004] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Kinam Park
- Purdue University Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pharmaceutics West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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28
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Abstract
For the last five decades cationic polymers have been used for nucleic acids transfection. Our understanding of polymer-nucleic acid interactions and their rational use in delivery has continuously increased. The great improvements in macromolecular chemistry and the recognition of distinct biological extra- and intracellular delivery hurdles triggered several breakthrough developments, including the discovery of natural and synthetic polycations for compaction of nucleic acids into stable nanoparticles termed polyplexes; the incorporation of targeting ligands and surface-shielding of polyplexes to enable receptor-mediated gene delivery into defined target tissues; and strongly improved intracellular transfer efficacy by better endosomal escape of vesicle-trapped polyplexes into the cytosol. These experiences triggered the development of second-generation polymers with more dynamic properties, such as endosomal pH-responsive release mechanisms, or biodegradable units for improved biocompatibility and intracellular release of the nucleic acid pay load. Despite a better biological understanding, significant challenges such as efficient nuclear delivery and persistence of gene expression persist. The therapeutic perspectives widened from pDNA-based gene therapy to application of novel therapeutic nucleic acids including mRNA, siRNA, and microRNA. The finding that different therapeutic pay loads require different tailor-made carriers complicates preclinical developments. Convincing evidence of medical efficacy still remains to be demonstrated. Bioinspired multifunctional polyplexes resembling "synthetic viruses" appear as attractive opportunity, but provide additional challenges: how to identify optimum combinations of functional delivery units, and how to prepare such polyplexes reproducibly in precise form? Design of sequence-defined polymers, screening of combinatorial polymer and polyplex libraries are tools for further chemical evolution of polyplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, and Nanosystems Initiative Munich (NIM), Munich, Germany
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