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Zhu H, Huang D, Wang J, Zhao Y, Sun L. Viral Mimicking Polyplexes as Hierarchical Unpacking Vectors for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2402888. [PMID: 38923874 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Nano-delivery systems hold great promise for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Current research efforts are primarily focused on enhancing their targeting capabilities and efficacy. Here, this study proposes a novel viral-mimicking ternary polyplexes system for the controlled delivery of the anti-inflammatory drug Cyclosporin A (CsA) to effectively treat RA. The ternary polyplexes consist of a nanogel core loaded with CsA and a hyaluronic acid shell, which facilitates CD44-mediated targeting. By mimicking the Trojan Horse strategy employed by viruses, these polyplexes undergo a stepwise process of deshielding and disintegration within the inflamed joints. This process leads to the release of CsA within the cells and the scavenging of pathogenic factors. This study demonstrates that these viral-mimicking ternary polyplexes exhibit rapid targeting, high accumulation, and prolonged persistence in the joints of RA mice. As a result, they effectively reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. These results highlight the potential of viral-mimicking ternary polyplexes as a promising therapeutic approach for the targeted and programmed delivery of drugs to treat not only RA but also other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haofang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, P.R. China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, P. R. China
| | - Danqing Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, P. R. China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, P. R. China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, P.R. China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, P. R. China
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2
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Mesut B, Al-Mohaya M, Gholap AD, Yeşilkaya E, Das U, Akhtar MS, Sah R, Khan S, Moin A, Faiyazuddin M. Demystifying the potential of lipid-based nanocarriers in targeting brain malignancies. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03212-6. [PMID: 38963550 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Drug targeting for brain malignancies is restricted due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB), which act as barriers between the blood and brain parenchyma. Certainly, the limited therapeutic options for brain malignancies have made notable progress with enhanced biological understanding and innovative approaches, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. These advancements significantly contribute to improving patient prognoses and represent a promising shift in the landscape of brain malignancy treatments. A more comprehensive understanding of the histology and pathogenesis of brain malignancies is urgently needed. Continued research focused on unraveling the intricacies of brain malignancy biology holds the key to developing innovative and tailored therapies that can improve patient outcomes. Lipid nanocarriers are highly effective drug delivery systems that significantly improve their solubility, bioavailability, and stability while also minimizing unwanted side effects. Surface-modified lipid nanocarriers (liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, lipid nanocapsules, lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers, lipoproteins, and lipoplexes) are employed to improve BBB penetration and uptake through various mechanisms. This systematic review illuminates and covers various topics related to brain malignancies. It explores the different methods of drug delivery used in treating brain malignancies and delves into the benefits, limitations, and types of brain-targeted lipid-based nanocarriers. Additionally, this review discusses ongoing clinical trials and patents related to brain malignancy therapies and provides a glance into future perspectives for treating this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Mesut
- Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34216, Turkey
| | - Mazen Al-Mohaya
- Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34216, Turkey
| | - Amol D Gholap
- Department of Pharmaceutics, St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Palghar, 401404, Maharashtra, India
| | - Eda Yeşilkaya
- Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34216, Turkey
| | - Ushasi Das
- Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Mohammad Shabib Akhtar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal.
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, 411018, Maharashtra, India.
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, 411018, Maharashtra, India.
| | | | - Afrasim Moin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, 2440, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Faiyazuddin
- School of Pharmacy, Al - Karim University, Katihar, 854106, Bihar, India.
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Racaniello GF, Silvestri T, Pistone M, D'Amico V, Arduino I, Denora N, Lopedota AA. Innovative Pharmaceutical Techniques for Paediatric Dosage Forms: A Systematic Review on 3D Printing, Prilling/Vibration and Microfluidic Platform. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1726-1748. [PMID: 38582283 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms represents a unique challenge within the pharmaceutical industry. The primary goal of these formulations is to ensure therapeutic efficacy, safety, and tolerability in paediatric patients, who have specific physiological needs and characteristics. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in attention towards this area, driven by the need to improve drug administration to children and ensure optimal and specific treatments. Technological innovation has played a crucial role in meeting these requirements, opening new frontiers in the design and production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms. In particular, three emerging technologies have garnered considerable interest and attention within the scientific and industrial community: 3D printing, prilling/vibration, and microfluidics. These technologies offer advanced approaches for the design, production, and customization of paediatric pharmaceutical forms, allowing for more precise dosage modulation, improved solubility, and greater drug acceptability. In this review, we delve into these cutting-edge technologies and their impact on the production of paediatric pharmaceutical forms. We analyse their potential, associated challenges, and recent developments, providing a comprehensive overview of the opportunities that these innovative methodologies offer to the pharmaceutical sector. We examine different pharmaceutical forms generated using these techniques, evaluating their advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Silvestri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, D. Montesano St. 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Pistone
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Vita D'Amico
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Arduino
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nunzio Denora
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Angela Assunta Lopedota
- Department of Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
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Gao Z. Strategies for enhanced gene delivery to the central nervous system. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:3009-3028. [PMID: 38868835 PMCID: PMC11166101 DOI: 10.1039/d3na01125a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The delivery of genes to the central nervous system (CNS) has been a persistent challenge due to various biological barriers. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), in particular, hampers the access of systemically injected drugs to parenchymal cells, allowing only a minimal percentage (<1%) to pass through. Recent scientific insights highlight the crucial role of the extracellular space (ECS) in governing drug diffusion. Taking into account advancements in vectors, techniques, and knowledge, the discussion will center on the most notable vectors utilized for gene delivery to the CNS. This review will explore the influence of the ECS - a dynamically regulated barrier-on drug diffusion. Furthermore, we will underscore the significance of employing remote-control technologies to facilitate BBB traversal and modulate the ECS. Given the rapid progress in gene editing, our discussion will also encompass the latest advances focused on delivering therapeutic editing in vivo to the CNS tissue. In the end, a brief summary on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), ultrasmall, soft endovascular robots, and high-resolution endovascular cameras on improving the gene delivery to the CNS will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghong Gao
- Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas USA
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5
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Ottonelli I, Adani E, Bighinati A, Cuoghi S, Tosi G, Vandelli MA, Ruozi B, Marigo V, Duskey JT. Strategies for Improved pDNA Loading and Protection Using Cationic and Neutral LNPs with Industrial Scalability Potential Using Microfluidic Technology. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4235-4251. [PMID: 38766661 PMCID: PMC11102183 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s457302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose In recent years, microfluidic technologies have become mainstream in producing gene therapy nanomedicines (NMeds) following the Covid-19 vaccine; however, extensive optimizations are needed for each NMed type and genetic material. This article strives to improve LNPs for pDNA loading, protection, and delivery, while minimizing toxicity. Methods The microfluidic technique was optimized to form cationic or neutral LNPs to load pDNA. Classical "post-formulation" DNA addition vs "pre" addition in the aqueous phase were compared. All formulations were characterized (size, homogeneity, zeta potential, morphology, weight yield, and stability), then tested for loading efficiency, nuclease protection, toxicity, and cell uptake. Results Optimized LNPs formulated with DPPC: Chol:DOTAP 1:1:0.1 molar ratio and 10 µg of DOPE-Rhod, had a size of 160 nm and good homogeneity. The chemico-physical characteristics of cationic LNPs worsened when adding 15 µg/mL of pDNA with the "post" method, while maintaining their characteristics up to 100 µg/mL of pDNA with the "pre" addition remaining stable for 30 days. Interestingly, neutral LNPs formulated with the same method loaded up to 50% of the DNA. Both particles could protect the DNA from nucleases even after one month of storage, and low cell toxicity was found up to 40 µg/mL LNPs. Cell uptake occurred within 2 hours for both formulations with the DNA intact in the cytoplasm, outside of the lysosomes. Conclusion In this study, the upcoming microfluidic technique was applied to two strategies to generate pDNA-LNPs. Cationic LNPs could load 10x the amount of DNA as the classical approach, while neutral LNPs, which also loaded and protected DNA, showed lower toxicity and good DNA protection. This is a big step forward at minimizing doses and toxicity of LNP-based gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Ottonelli
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Adani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Bighinati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sabrina Cuoghi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Barbara Ruozi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valeria Marigo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, Modena, Italy
| | - Jason Thomas Duskey
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Hu M, Li X, You Z, Cai R, Chen C. Physiological Barriers and Strategies of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Drug Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303266. [PMID: 37792475 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are currently the most promising vehicles for nucleic acid drug (NAD) delivery. Although their clinical applications have achieved success, the NAD delivery efficiency and safety are still unsatisfactory, which are, to a large extent, due to the existence of multi-level physiological barriers in vivo. It is important to elucidate the interactions between these barriers and LBNPs, which will guide more rational design of efficient NAD vehicles with low adverse effects and facilitate broader applications of nucleic acid therapeutics. This review describes the obstacles and challenges of biological barriers to NAD delivery at systemic, organ, sub-organ, cellular, and subcellular levels. The strategies to overcome these barriers are comprehensively reviewed, mainly including physically/chemically engineering LBNPs and directly modifying physiological barriers by auxiliary treatments. Then the potentials and challenges for successful translation of these preclinical studies into the clinic are discussed. In the end, a forward look at the strategies on manipulating protein corona (PC) is addressed, which may pull off the trick of overcoming those physiological barriers and significantly improve the efficacy and safety of LBNP-based NADs delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhen You
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Rong Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
- The GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangzhou, 510700, China
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7
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Zapata-Acevedo JF, Mantilla-Galindo A, Vargas-Sánchez K, González-Reyes RE. Blood-brain barrier biomarkers. Adv Clin Chem 2024; 121:1-88. [PMID: 38797540 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic interface that regulates the exchange of molecules and cells between the brain parenchyma and the peripheral blood. The BBB is mainly composed of endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes. The integrity of this structure is essential for maintaining brain and spinal cord homeostasis and protection from injury or disease. However, in various neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis, the BBB can become compromised thus allowing passage of molecules and cells in and out of the central nervous system parenchyma. These agents, however, can serve as biomarkers of BBB permeability and neuronal damage, and provide valuable information for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Herein, we provide an overview of the BBB and changes due to aging, and summarize current knowledge on biomarkers of BBB disruption and neurodegeneration, including permeability, cellular, molecular and imaging biomarkers. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing a biomarker toolkit that can reliably assess the BBB in physiologic and pathophysiologic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Zapata-Acevedo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Mantilla-Galindo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karina Vargas-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Grupo de Neurociencia Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo E González-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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8
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Teng M, Xia ZJ, Lo N, Daud K, He HH. Assembling the RNA therapeutics toolbox. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:110-128. [PMID: 38680684 PMCID: PMC11046573 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
From the approval of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to the 2023 Nobel Prize awarded for nucleoside base modifications, RNA therapeutics have entered the spotlight and are transforming drug development. While the term "RNA therapeutics" has been used in various contexts, this review focuses on treatments that utilize RNA as a component or target RNA for therapeutic effects. We summarize the latest advances in RNA-targeting tools and RNA-based technologies, including but not limited to mRNA, antisense oligos, siRNAs, small molecules and RNA editors. We focus on the mechanisms of current FDA-approved therapeutics but also provide a discussion on the upcoming workforces. The clinical utility of RNA-based therapeutics is enabled not only by the advances in RNA technologies but in conjunction with the significant improvements in chemical modifications and delivery platforms, which are also briefly discussed in the review. We summarize the latest RNA therapeutics based on their mechanisms and therapeutic effects, which include expressing proteins for vaccination and protein replacement therapies, degrading deleterious RNA, modulating transcription and translation efficiency, targeting noncoding RNAs, binding and modulating protein activity and editing RNA sequences and modifications. This review emphasizes the concept of an RNA therapeutic toolbox, pinpointing the readers to all the tools available for their desired research and clinical goals. As the field advances, the catalog of RNA therapeutic tools continues to grow, further allowing researchers to combine appropriate RNA technologies with suitable chemical modifications and delivery platforms to develop therapeutics tailored to their specific clinical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Teng
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ziting Judy Xia
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicholas Lo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kashif Daud
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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9
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Coller J, Ignatova Z. tRNA therapeutics for genetic diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:108-125. [PMID: 38049504 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) have a crucial role in protein synthesis, and in recent years, their therapeutic potential for the treatment of genetic diseases - primarily those associated with a mutation altering mRNA translation - has gained significant attention. Engineering tRNAs to readthrough nonsense mutation-associated premature termination of mRNA translation can restore protein synthesis and function. In addition, supplementation of natural tRNAs can counteract effects of missense mutations in proteins crucial for tRNA biogenesis and function in translation. This Review will present advances in the development of tRNA therapeutics with high activity and safety in vivo and discuss different formulation approaches for single or chronic treatment modalities. The field of tRNA therapeutics is still in its early stages, and a series of challenges related to tRNA efficacy and stability in vivo, delivery systems with tissue-specific tropism, and safe and efficient manufacturing need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Coller
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Zoya Ignatova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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10
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Ronaldson PT, Davis TP. Blood-brain barrier transporters: a translational consideration for CNS delivery of neurotherapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:71-89. [PMID: 38217410 PMCID: PMC10842757 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2306138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Successful neuropharmacology requires optimization of CNS drug delivery and, by extension, free drug concentrations at brain molecular targets. Detailed assessment of blood-brain barrier (BBB) physiological characteristics is necessary to achieve this goal. The 'next frontier' in CNS drug delivery is targeting BBB uptake transporters, an approach that requires evaluation of brain endothelial cell transport processes so that effective drug accumulation and improved therapeutic efficacy can occur. AREAS COVERED BBB permeability of drugs is governed by tight junction protein complexes (i.e., physical barrier) and transporters/enzymes (i.e., biochemical barrier). For most therapeutics, a component of blood-to-brain transport involves passive transcellular diffusion. Small molecule drugs that do not possess acceptable physicochemical characteristics for passive permeability may utilize putative membrane transporters for CNS uptake. While both uptake and efflux transport mechanisms are expressed at the brain microvascular endothelium, uptake transporters can be targeted for optimization of brain drug delivery and improved treatment of neurological disease states. EXPERT OPINION Uptake transporters represent a unique opportunity to optimize brain drug delivery by leveraging the endogenous biology of the BBB. A rigorous understanding of these transporters is required to improve translation from the bench to clinical trials and stimulate the development of new treatment paradigms for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona College of Medicine
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11
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Khalil A, Barras A, Boukherroub R, Tseng CL, Devos D, Burnouf T, Neuhaus W, Szunerits S. Enhancing paracellular and transcellular permeability using nanotechnological approaches for the treatment of brain and retinal diseases. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2023; 9:14-43. [PMID: 37853828 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00306j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Paracellular permeability across epithelial and endothelial cells is, in large part, regulated by apical intercellular junctions also referred to as tight junctions (TJs). These junctions contribute to the spatial definition of different tissue compartments within organisms, separating them from the outside world as well as from inner compartments, with their primary physiological role of maintaining tissue homeostasis. TJs restrict the free, passive diffusion of ions and hydrophilic small molecules through paracellular clefts and are important for appropriate cell polarization and transporter protein localisation, supporting the controlled transcellular diffusion of smaller and larger hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic substances. This traditional diffusion barrier concept of TJs has been challenged lately, owing to a better understanding of the components that are associated with TJs. It is now well-established that mutations in TJ proteins are associated with a range of human diseases and that a change in the membrane fluidity of neighbouring cells can open possibilities for therapeutics to cross intercellular junctions. Nanotechnological approaches, exploiting ultrasound or hyperosmotic agents and permeation enhancers, are the paradigm for achieving enhanced paracellular diffusion. The other widely used transport route of drugs is via transcellular transport, allowing the passage of a variety of pro-drugs and nanoparticle-encapsulated drugs via different mechanisms based on receptors and others. For a long time, there was an expectation that lipidic nanocarriers and polymeric nanostructures could revolutionize the field for the delivery of RNA and protein-based therapeutics across different biological barriers equipped with TJs (e.g., blood-brain barrier (BBB), retina-blood barrier (RBB), corneal TJs, etc.). However, only a limited increase in therapeutic efficiency has been reported for most systems until now. The purpose of this review is to explore the reasons behind the current failures and to examine the emergence of synthetic and cell-derived nanomaterials and nanotechnological approaches as potential game-changers in enhancing drug delivery to target locations both at and across TJs using innovative concepts. Specifically, we will focus on recent advancements in various nanotechnological strategies enabling the bypassing or temporally opening of TJs to the brain and to the retina, and discuss their advantages and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Khalil
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Alexandre Barras
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Rabah Boukherroub
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Ching-Li Tseng
- Taipei Medical University, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering (GIBMTE), New Taipei City 235603, Taiwan
- Taipei Medical University, International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering (IPBME), New Taipei City 235603, Taiwan
| | - David Devos
- University Lille, CHU-Lille, Inserm, U1172, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, LICEND, Lille, France
| | - Thierry Burnouf
- Taipei Medical University, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering (GIBMTE), New Taipei City 235603, Taiwan
- Taipei Medical University, International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering (IPBME), New Taipei City 235603, Taiwan
| | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center Health and Bioresources, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory for Life Sciences and Technology (LiST), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Sabine Szunerits
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France.
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Pardridge WM. Treatment of Parkinson's disease with biologics that penetrate the blood-brain barrier via receptor-mediated transport. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1276376. [PMID: 38035276 PMCID: PMC10682952 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1276376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by neurodegeneration of nigral-striatal neurons in parallel with the formation of intra-neuronal α-synuclein aggregates, and these processes are exacerbated by neuro-inflammation. All 3 components of PD pathology are potentially treatable with biologics. Neurotrophins, such as glial derived neurotrophic factor or erythropoietin, can promote neural repair. Therapeutic antibodies can lead to disaggregation of α-synuclein neuronal inclusions. Decoy receptors can block the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines in brain. However, these biologic drugs do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Biologics can be made transportable through the BBB following the re-engineering of the biologic as an IgG fusion protein, where the IgG domain targets an endogenous receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) system within the BBB, such as the insulin receptor or transferrin receptor. The receptor-specific antibody domain of the fusion protein acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry the biologic into brain via the BBB RMT pathway. This review describes the re-engineering of all 3 classes of biologics (neurotrophins, decoy receptor, therapeutic antibodies) for BBB delivery and treatment of PD. Targeting the RMT pathway at the BBB also enables non-viral gene therapy of PD using lipid nanoparticles (LNP) encapsulated with plasmid DNA encoding therapeutic genes. The surface of the lipid nanoparticle is conjugated with a receptor-specific IgG that triggers RMT of the LNP across the BBB in vivo.
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Leal AF, Inci OK, Seyrantepe V, Rintz E, Celik B, Ago Y, León D, Suarez DA, Alméciga-Díaz CJ, Tomatsu S. Molecular Trojan Horses for treating lysosomal storage diseases. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 140:107648. [PMID: 37598508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are caused by monogenic mutations in genes encoding for proteins related to the lysosomal function. Lysosome plays critical roles in molecule degradation and cell signaling through interplay with many other cell organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and peroxisomes. Even though several strategies (i.e., protein replacement and gene therapy) have been attempted for LSDs with promising results, there are still some challenges when hard-to-treat tissues such as bone (i.e., cartilages, ligaments, meniscus, etc.), the central nervous system (mostly neurons), and the eye (i.e., cornea, retina) are affected. Consistently, searching for novel strategies to reach those tissues remains a priority. Molecular Trojan Horses have been well-recognized as a potential alternative in several pathological scenarios for drug delivery, including LSDs. Even though molecular Trojan Horses refer to genetically engineered proteins to overcome the blood-brain barrier, such strategy can be extended to strategies able to transport and deliver drugs to specific tissues or cells using cell-penetrating peptides, monoclonal antibodies, vesicles, extracellular vesicles, and patient-derived cells. Only some of those platforms have been attempted in LSDs. In this paper, we review the most recent efforts to develop molecular Trojan Horses and discuss how this strategy could be implemented to enhance the current efficacy of strategies such as protein replacement and gene therapy in the context of LSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Felipe Leal
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia; Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Orhan Kerim Inci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Volkan Seyrantepe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Estera Rintz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Betul Celik
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Yasuhiko Ago
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Daniel León
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diego A Suarez
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Javier Alméciga-Díaz
- Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Shunji Tomatsu
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland; Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Corydon IJ, Fabian-Jessing BK, Jakobsen TS, Jørgensen AC, Jensen EG, Askou AL, Aagaard L, Corydon TJ. 25 years of maturation: A systematic review of RNAi in the clinic. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:469-482. [PMID: 37583575 PMCID: PMC10424002 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The year 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the discovery of RNAi. RNAi-based therapeutics enable sequence-specific gene knockdown by eliminating target RNA molecules through complementary base-pairing. A systematic review of published and ongoing clinical trials was performed. Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase were searched from January 1, 1998, to December 30, 2022 for clinical trials using RNAi. Following inclusion, data from the articles were extracted according to a predefined protocol. A total of 90 trials published in 81 articles were included. In addition, ongoing clinical trials were retrieved from ClinicalTrials.gov, resulting in the inclusion of 48 trials. We investigated how maturation of RNAi-based therapeutics and developments in delivery platforms, administration routes, and potential targets shape the current landscape of clinically applied RNAi. Notably, most contemporary clinical trials used either N-acetylgalactosamine delivery and subcutaneous administration or lipid nanoparticle delivery and intravenous administration. In conclusion, RNAi therapeutics have gained great momentum during the past decade, resulting in five approved therapeutics targeting the liver for treatment of severe diseases, and the trajectory depicted by the ongoing trials emphasizes that even more RNAi-based medicines also targeting extra-hepatic tissues are likely to be available in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Juhl Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Bjørn Kristensen Fabian-Jessing
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 167, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Thomas Stax Jakobsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 167, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | | | - Emilie Grarup Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anne Louise Askou
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 167, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lars Aagaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thomas Juhl Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 167, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Moos T, Thomsen MS, Burkhart A, Hede E, Laczek B. Targeted transport of biotherapeutics at the blood-brain barrier. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:1823-1838. [PMID: 38059358 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2292697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment of neurological diseases is significantly hampered by the lack of available therapeutics. A major restraint for the development of drugs is denoted by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which precludes the transfer of biotherapeutics to the brain due to size restraints. AREAS COVERED Novel optimism for transfer of biotherapeutics to the brain has been generated via development of targeted therapeutics to nutrient transporters expressed by brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs). Targeting approaches with antibodies acting as biological drug carriers allow for proteins and genetic material to enter the brain, and qualified therapy using targeted proteins for protein replacement has been observed in preclinical models and now emerging in the clinic. Viral vectors denote an alternative for protein delivery to the brain by uptake and transduction of BCECs, or by transport through the BBB leading to neuronal transduction. EXPERT OPINION The breaching of the BBB to large molecules has opened for treatment of diseases in the brain. A sturdier understanding of how biotherapeutics undergo transport through the BBB and how successful transport into the brain can be monitored is required to further improve the translation from successful preclinical studies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Moos
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maj Schneider Thomsen
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Annette Burkhart
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Eva Hede
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Bartosz Laczek
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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