1
|
Kumar V, Wahane A, Gupta A, Manautou JE, Bahal R. Multivalent Lactobionic Acid and N-Acetylgalactosamine-Conjugated Peptide Nucleic Acids for Efficient In Vivo Targeting of Hepatocytes. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202859. [PMID: 36636995 PMCID: PMC10175146 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are used/applied in various studies to target genomic DNA and RNA to modulate gene expression. Non-specific targeting and rapid elimination always remain a challenge for PNA-based applications. Here, the synthesis, characterization, in vitro and in vivo study of di lactobionic acid (diLBA) and tris N-acetyl galactosamine (tGalNAc) conjugated PNAs for liver-targeted delivery are reported. For proof of concept, diLBA, and tGalNAc conjugated PNAs (anti-miR-122 PNAs) were synthesized to target microRNA-122 (miR-122) which is over-expressed in the hepatic tissue. Different lengths of anti-miR-122 PNAs conjugated with diLBA and tGalNAc are tested. Cell culture and in vivo analyses to determine biodistribution, efficacy, and toxicity profile are performed. This work indicates that diLBA conjugates show significant retention in hepatocytes in addition to tGalNAc conjugates after in vivo delivery. Full-length PNA conjugates show significant downregulation of miR-122 levels and subsequent de-repression of its downstream targets with no evidence of toxicity. The results provide a robust framework for ligand-conjugated delivery systems for PNAs that can be explored for broader biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Aniket Wahane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Anisha Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT, 06117, USA
| | - José E Manautou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dhuri K, Pradeep SP, Shi J, Anastasiadou E, Slack FJ, Gupta A, Zhong XB, Bahal R. Simultaneous Targeting of Multiple oncomiRs with Phosphorothioate or PNA-Based Anti-miRs in Lymphoma Cell Lines. Pharm Res 2022; 39:2709-2720. [PMID: 36071352 PMCID: PMC9879158 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03383-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (~ 22 nts) RNAs that regulate gene expression via binding to mRNA. MiRNAs promoting cancer are known as oncomiRs. Targeting oncomiRs is an emerging area of cancer therapy. OncomiR-21 and oncomiR-155 are highly upregulated in lymphoma cells, which are dependent on these oncomiRs for survival. Targeting specific miRNAs and determining their effect on cancer cell progression and metastasis have been the focus of various studies. Inhibiting a single miRNA can have a limited effect, as there may be other overexpressed miRNAs present that may promote tumor proliferation. Herein, we target miR-21 and miR-155 simultaneously using nanoparticles delivered two different classes of antimiRs: phosphorothioates (PS) and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) and compared their efficacy in lymphoma cell lines. METHODS Poly-Lactic-co-Glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) containing PS and PNA-based antimiR-21 and -155 were formulated, and comprehensive NP characterizations: morphology (scanning electron microscopy), size (differential light scattering), and surface charge (zeta potential) were performed. Cellular uptake analysis was performed using a confocal microscope and flow cytometry analysis. The oncomiR knockdown and the effect on downstream targets were confirmed by gene expression (real time-polymerase chain reaction) assay. RESULTS We demonstrated that simultaneous targeting with NP delivered PS and PNA-based antimiRs resulted in significant knockdown of miR-21 and miR-155, as well as their downstream target genes followed by reduced cell viability ex vivo. CONCLUSIONS This project demonstrated that targeting miRNA-155 and miR-21 simultaneously using nanotechnology and a diverse class of antisense oligomers can be used as an effective approach for lymphoma therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Dhuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Sai Pallavi Pradeep
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Jason Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Eleni Anastasiadou
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Frank J Slack
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Anisha Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT, 06117, USA
| | - Xiao-Bo Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Malik S, Kumar V, Liu CH, Shih KC, Krueger S, Nieh MP, Bahal R. Head on Comparison of Self- and Nano-assemblies of Gamma Peptide Nucleic Acid Amphiphiles. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2022; 32:2109552. [PMID: 35210986 PMCID: PMC8863176 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202109552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are nucleic acid analogs with superior hybridization properties and enzymatic stability than deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In addition to gene targeting applications, PNAs have garnered significant attention as bio-polymer due to the Watson-Crick -based molecular recognition and flexibility of synthesis. Here, we engineered PNA amphiphiles using chemically modified gamma PNA (8 mer in length) containing hydrophilic diethylene glycol units at the gamma position and covalently conjugated lauric acid (C12) as a hydrophobic moiety. Gamma PNA (γPNA) amphiphiles self-assemble into spherical vesicles. Further, we formulate nano-assemblies using the amphiphilic γPNA as a polymer via ethanol injection-based protocols. We perform comprehensive head-on comparison of the physicochemical and cellular uptake properties of PNA derived self- and nano-assemblies. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis reveal ellipsoidal morphology of γPNA nano-assemblies that results in superior cellular delivery compate to the spherical self-assembly. Next, we compare the functional activities of γPNA self-and nano-assemblies in lymphoma cells via multiple endpoints, including gene expression, cell viability, and apoptosis-based assays. Overall, we establish that γPNA amphiphile is a functionally active bio-polymer to formulate nano-assemblies for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Chung-Hao Liu
- Polymer Program, Institute of Material Sciences, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Kuo-Chih Shih
- Polymer Program, Institute of Material Sciences, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Susan Krueger
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-6102, USA
| | - Mu-Ping Nieh
- Polymer Program, Institute of Material Sciences, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wahane A, Malik S, Shih KC, Gaddam RR, Chen C, Liu Y, Nieh MP, Vikram A, Bahal R. Dual-Modality Poly-l-histidine Nanoparticles to Deliver Peptide Nucleic Acids and Paclitaxel for In Vivo Cancer Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:45244-45258. [PMID: 34524806 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c11981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cationic polymeric nanoformulations have been explored to increase the transfection efficiency of small molecules and nucleic acid-based drugs. However, an excessive positive charge density often leads to severe cell and tissue-based toxicity that restricts the clinical translation of cationic polymeric nanoformulations. Herein, we investigate a series of cationic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-histidine-based nanoformulations for enhanced cytoplasmic delivery with minimal toxicity. PLGA/poly-l-histidine nanoparticles show promising physico-biochemical features and transfection efficiency in a series of in vitro and cell culture-based studies. Further, the use of acetone/dichloromethane as a solvent mixture during the formulation process significantly improves the morphology and size distribution of PLGA/poly-l-histidine nanoparticles. PLGA/poly-l-histidine nanoformulations undergo clathrin-mediated endocytosis. A contrast-matched small-angle neutron scattering experiment confirmed poly-l-histidine's distribution on the PLGA nanoformulations. PLGA/poly-l-histidine formulations containing paclitaxel as a small molecule-based drug and peptide nucleic acids targeting microRNA-155 as nucleic acid analog are efficacious in in vitro and in vivo studies. PLGA/poly-l-histidine NPs significantly decrease tumor growth in PNA-155 (∼6 fold) and paclitaxel (∼6.5 fold) treatment groups in a lymphoma cell line derived xenograft mice model without inducing any toxicity. Hence, PLGA/poly-l-histidine nanoformulations exhibit substantial transfection efficiency and are safe to deliver reagents ranging from small molecules to synthetic nucleic acid analogs and can serve as a novel platform for drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Wahane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Shipra Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Kuo-Chih Shih
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Ravinder Reddy Gaddam
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Chaohao Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Yun Liu
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Mu-Ping Nieh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
- Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Ajit Vikram
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Extracellular vesicles mediated exocytosis of antisense peptide nucleic acids. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 25:302-315. [PMID: 34458012 PMCID: PMC8379631 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), a synthetic DNA mimic, have been extensively utilized for antisense- and antigene-based biomedical applications. Significant efforts have been made to increase the cellular uptake of PNAs, but here we examined relatively unexplored aspects of intracellular trafficking and endocytic recycling of PNAs. For proof-of-concept, we used anti-microRNA (miR) PNA targeting miR-155. The sub-cellular localization of PNA was studied via confocal and flow-cytometry-based assays in HeLa cells. A comprehensive characterization of PNA-containing extracellular vesicles revealed spherical morphology, negative surface charge density, and the presence of tetraspanin markers. Most importantly, we investigated rab11a and rab27b GTPases' role in regulating the exocytosis of PNAs. Organelle staining, followed by confocal imaging, showed higher localization of PNA in lysosomes. Gene-expression analysis established the enhanced functional activity of PNA after inhibition of endocytic recycling. Multiple studies report the exocytosis of single-stranded oligonucleotides, short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and nanocarriers. To our knowledge, this is the first mechanistic study to establish that PNA undergoes endocytic recycling and exocytosis out of tumor cells. The results presented here can serve as a platform to develop and optimize strategies for improving the therapeutic efficacy of PNAs by avoiding the recycling pathways.
Collapse
|
6
|
Dhuri K, Vyas RN, Blumenfeld L, Verma R, Bahal R. Nanoparticle Delivered Anti-miR-141-3p for Stroke Therapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051011. [PMID: 33922958 PMCID: PMC8145654 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke and factors modifying ischemic stroke responses, such as social isolation, contribute to long-term disability worldwide. Several studies demonstrated that the aberrant levels of microRNAs contribute to ischemic stroke injury. In prior studies, we established that miR-141-3p increases after ischemic stroke and post-stroke isolation. Herein, we explored two different anti-miR oligonucleotides; peptide nucleic acid (PNAs) and phosphorothioates (PS) for ischemic stroke therapy. We used US FDA approved biocompatible poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticle formulations for delivery. The PNA and PS anti-miRs were encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. All the formulated nanoparticles showed uniform morphology, size, distribution, and surface charge density. Nanoparticles also exhibited a controlled nucleic acid release profile for 48 h. Further, we performed in vivo studies in the mouse model of ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke was induced by transient (60 min) occlusion of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by a reperfusion for 48 or 72 h. We assessed the blood-brain barrier permeability of PLGA NPs containing fluorophore (TAMRA) anti-miR probe after systemic delivery. Confocal imaging shows uptake of fluorophore tagged anti-miR in the brain parenchyma. Next, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy after systemic delivery of nanoparticles containing PNA and PS anti-miR-141-3p in mice after stroke. Post-treatment differentially reduced both miR-141-3p levels in brain tissue and infarct injury. We noted PNA-based anti-miR showed superior efficacy compared to PS-based anti-miR. Herein, we successfully established that nanoparticles encapsulating PNA or PS-based anti-miRs-141-3p probes could be used as a potential treatment for ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Dhuri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA;
| | - Rutesh N. Vyas
- Department of Neurosciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (R.N.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Leslie Blumenfeld
- Department of Neurosciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (R.N.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Rajkumar Verma
- Department of Neurosciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06032, USA; (R.N.V.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: (R.V.); (R.B.)
| | - Raman Bahal
- School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.V.); (R.B.)
| |
Collapse
|