1
|
Pozzi D, Caracciolo G. Looking Back, Moving Forward: Lipid Nanoparticles as a Promising Frontier in Gene Delivery. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1561-1573. [PMID: 37974625 PMCID: PMC10644400 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown remarkable success in delivering genetic materials like COVID-19 LNP vaccines, such as mRNA-1273/SpikeVax by Moderna and BNT162b2/Comirnaty by BioNTech/Pfizer, as well as siRNA for rare inherited diseases, such as Onpattro from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. These LNPs are advantageous since they minimize side effects, target specific cells, and regulate payload delivery. There has been a surge of interest in these particles due to their success stories; however, we still do not know much about how they work. This perspective will recapitulate the evolution of lipid-based gene delivery, starting with Felgner's pioneering 1987 PNAS paper, which introduced the initial DNA-transfection method utilizing a synthetic cationic lipid. Our journey takes us to the early 2020s, a time when advancements in bionano interactions enabled us to create biomimetic lipoplexes characterized by a remarkable ability to evade capture by immune cells in vivo. Through this overview, we propose leveraging previous achievements to assist us in formulating improved research goals when optimizing LNPs for medical conditions such as infectious diseases, cancer, and heritable disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pozzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department
of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University
of Rome, Viale Regina
Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department
of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University
of Rome, Viale Regina
Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cui L, Renzi S, Quagliarini E, Digiacomo L, Amenitsch H, Masuelli L, Bei R, Ferri G, Cardarelli F, Wang J, Amici A, Pozzi D, Marchini C, Caracciolo G. Efficient Delivery of DNA Using Lipid Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081698. [PMID: 36015328 PMCID: PMC9416266 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccination has been extensively studied as a promising strategy for tumor treatment. Despite the efforts, the therapeutic efficacy of DNA vaccines has been limited by their intrinsic poor cellular internalization. Electroporation, which is based on the application of a controlled electric field to enhance DNA penetration into cells, has been the method of choice to produce acceptable levels of gene transfer in vivo. However, this method may cause cell damage or rupture, non-specific targeting, and even degradation of pDNA. Skin irritation, muscle contractions, pain, alterations in skin structure, and irreversible cell damage have been frequently reported. To overcome these limitations, in this work, we use a microfluidic platform to generate DNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) which are then characterized by a combination of dynamic light scattering (DLS), synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Despite the clinical successes obtained by LNPs for mRNA and siRNA delivery, little is known about LNPs encapsulating bulkier DNA molecules, the clinical application of which remains challenging. For in vitro screening, LNPs were administered to human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines and ranked for their transfection efficiency (TE) and cytotoxicity. The LNP formulation exhibiting the highest TE and the lowest cytotoxicity was then tested for the delivery of the DNA vaccine pVAX-hECTM targeting the human neoantigen HER2, an oncoprotein overexpressed in several cancer types. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), immunofluorescence assays and fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCS), we proved that pVAX-hECTM-loaded LNPs produce massive expression of the HER2 antigen on the cell membrane of HEK-293 cells. Our results provide new insights into the structure–activity relationship of DNA-loaded LNPs and pave the way for the access of this gene delivery technology to preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Cui
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Serena Renzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Quagliarini
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Digiacomo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Ferri
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTechnology (NEST), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Cardarelli
- National Enterprise for NanoScience and NanoTechnology (NEST), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Junbiao Wang
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Daniela Pozzi
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Marchini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- NanoDelivery Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.M.); (G.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mikheev AA, Shmendel EV, Nazarov GV, Maslov MA. Influence of Liposome Composition on Plasmid DNA Delivery to Eukaryotic Cells. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162021050319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
4
|
Papagiannopoulos A, Pippa N, Demetzos C, Pispas S, Radulescu A. Lamellarity and size distributions in mixed DPPC/amphiphilic poly(2-oxazoline) gradient copolymer vesicles and their temperature response. Chem Phys Lipids 2020; 234:105008. [PMID: 33181095 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2020.105008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mixed liposomes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and gradient (pseudodiblock) poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-grad-poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline) (MPOx) copolymers are investigated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). All experimental data, from different phospholipid-copolymer compositions, concentrations and temperatures are fitted with one model. This model allows the determination of the separate contributions from vesicular populations of different lamellarity and size. MPOx copolymers are proved to modify both the size and lamellarity of DPPC liposomes. The gradient copolymer with higher hydrophilic content induces shrinkage of the uni- and bi-lamellar DPPC vesicles. The copolymer with lower hydrophilic content causes dramatic changes on the lamellarity of DPPC vesicles by the formation of hexa-lamellar vesicles. The tendency of multi-lamellar vesicles to transform into uni-lamellar ones as temperature increases is more pronounced in the presence of the copolymers. These findings may have direct implications on the drug loading and release properties of liposomes and their interactions with cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aristeidis Papagiannopoulos
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635, Athens, Greece.
| | - Natassa Pippa
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635, Athens, Greece; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Panepistimioupolis Zografou 15771, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Costas Demetzos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Panepistimioupolis Zografou 15771, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stergios Pispas
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635, Athens, Greece
| | - Aurel Radulescu
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Outstation at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Lichtenbergstraße 1, 85747 Garching, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Titze-de-Almeida SS, Soto-Sánchez C, Fernandez E, Koprich JB, Brotchie JM, Titze-de-Almeida R. The Promise and Challenges of Developing miRNA-Based Therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040841. [PMID: 32244357 PMCID: PMC7226753 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small double-stranded RNAs that exert a fine-tuning sequence-specific regulation of cell transcriptome. While one unique miRNA regulates hundreds of mRNAs, each mRNA molecule is commonly regulated by various miRNAs that bind to complementary sequences at 3’-untranslated regions for triggering the mechanism of RNA interference. Unfortunately, dysregulated miRNAs play critical roles in many disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the world. Treatment of this slowly, progressive, and yet incurable pathology challenges neurologists. In addition to L-DOPA that restores dopaminergic transmission and ameliorate motor signs (i.e., bradykinesia, rigidity, tremors), patients commonly receive medication for mood disorders and autonomic dysfunctions. However, the effectiveness of L-DOPA declines over time, and the L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias commonly appear and become highly disabling. The discovery of more effective therapies capable of slowing disease progression –a neuroprotective agent–remains a critical need in PD. The present review focus on miRNAs as promising drug targets for PD, examining their role in underlying mechanisms of the disease, the strategies for controlling aberrant expressions, and, finally, the current technologies for translating these small molecules from bench to clinics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simoneide S. Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, FAV, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil;
| | - Cristina Soto-Sánchez
- Neuroprosthetics and Visual Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bioengineering Institute, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Alicante, Spain; (C.S.-S.); (E.F.)
| | - Eduardo Fernandez
- Neuroprosthetics and Visual Rehabilitation Research Unit, Bioengineering Institute, Miguel Hernández University, 03202 Alicante, Spain; (C.S.-S.); (E.F.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine—CIBER-BBN, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - James B. Koprich
- Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; (J.B.K.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Jonathan M. Brotchie
- Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; (J.B.K.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Ricardo Titze-de-Almeida
- Technology for Gene Therapy Laboratory, Central Institute of Sciences, FAV, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-61-3107-7222
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Scheideler M, Vidakovic I, Prassl R. Lipid nanocarriers for microRNA delivery. Chem Phys Lipids 2019; 226:104837. [PMID: 31689410 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2019.104837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) like microRNAs (miRNAs) or small interference RNAs (siRNAs) with their power to selectively silence any gene of interest enable the targeting of so far 'undruggable' proteins and diseases. Such RNA molecules have gained much attention from biotech and pharmaceutical companies, which led to the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ncRNA therapeutic in 2018. However, the main barrier in clinical practice of ncRNAs is the lack of an effective delivery system that can protect the RNA molecules from nuclease degradation, deliver them to specific tissues and cell types, and release them into the cytoplasm of the targeted cells, all without inducing adverse effects. For that reason, drug delivery approaches, formulations, technologies and systems for transporting pharmacological ncRNA compounds to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect in the human body are in demand. Here, we review the development of therapeutic lipid-based nanoparticles for delivery of miRNAs, one class of endogenous ncRNAs with specific regulatory functions. We outline challenges and opportunities for advanced miRNA-based therapies, and discuss the complexity associated with the delivery of functional miRNAs. Novel strategies are addressed how to deal with the most critical points in miRNA delivery, such as toxicity, specific targeting of disease sites, proper cellular uptake and endosomal escape of miRNAs. Current fields of application and various preclinical settings involving miRNA therapeutics are discussed, providing an outlook to future clinical approaches. Following the current trends and technological developments in nanomedicine exciting new delivery systems for ncRNA-based therapeutics can be expected in upcoming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Scheideler
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Joint Heidelberg-IDC Translational Diabetes Program, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Ivan Vidakovic
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6/IV, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Ruth Prassl
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6/IV, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Degors IS, Wang C, Rehman ZU, Zuhorn IS. Carriers Break Barriers in Drug Delivery: Endocytosis and Endosomal Escape of Gene Delivery Vectors. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:1750-1760. [PMID: 31243966 PMCID: PMC6639780 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, major efforts were undertaken to develop devices on a nanoscale level for the efficient and nontoxic delivery of molecules to tissues and cells, for the purpose of either diagnosis or treatment of disease. The application of such devices in drug delivery has proven to be beneficial for matters as diverse as drug solubility, drug targeting, controlled drug release, and transport of drugs across cellular barriers. Multiple nanotherapeutics have been approved for clinical treatment, and more products are being evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. However, many biological barriers hinder the medical application of nanocarriers. There are two main classes of barriers that need to be overcome by drug nanocarriers: extracellular and intracellular barriers, both of which may capture and/or destroy therapeutics before they reach their target site. This Account discusses major biological barriers that are confronted by nanotherapeutics, following their systemic administration, focusing on cellular entry and endosomal escape of gene delivery vectors. The use of pH-responsive materials to overcome the endosomal barrier is addressed. Historically, cell biologists have studied the interaction between cells and pathogens in order to unveil the mechanisms of endocytosis and cell signaling. Meanwhile, it is becoming clear that cells may respond in similar ways to artificial drug delivery systems and, consequently, that knowledge on the cellular response against both pathogens and nanoparticulate systems will aid in the design of improved nanomedicine. A close collaboration between bioengineers and cell biologists will promote this development. At the same time, we have come to realize that tools that we use to study fundamental cellular processes, including metabolic inhibitors of endocytosis and overexpression/downregulation of proteins, may cause changes in cellular physiology. This calls for the implementation of refined methods to study nanocarrier-cell interactions, as is discussed in this Account. Finally, recent papers on the dynamics of cargo release from endosomes by means of live cell imaging have significantly advanced our understanding of the transfection process. They have initiated discussion (among others) on the limited number of endosomal escape events in transfection, and on the endosomal stage at which genetic cargo is most efficiently released. Advancements in imaging techniques, including super-resolution microscopy, in concert with techniques to label endogenous proteins and/or label proteins with synthetic fluorophores, will contribute to a more detailed understanding of nanocarrier-cell dynamics, which is imperative for the development of safe and efficient nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle
M. S. Degors
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical
Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cuifeng Wang
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of
New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen
University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Zia Ur Rehman
- Department
of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Sciences and Technology (KUST), Kohat 26000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Inge S. Zuhorn
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical
Center Groningen, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rasoulianboroujeni M, Kupgan G, Moghadam F, Tahriri M, Boughdachi A, Khoshkenar P, Ambrose J, Kiaie N, Vashaee D, Ramsey J, Tayebi L. Development of a DNA-liposome complex for gene delivery applications. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 75:191-197. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
9
|
Gosangi M, Mujahid TY, Gopal V, Patri SV. Effects of heterocyclic-based head group modifications on the structure–activity relationship of tocopherol-based lipids for non-viral gene delivery. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:6857-70. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ob00974c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy, a promising strategy for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids, is greatly dependent on the development of efficient vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vijaya Gopal
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Hyderabad-500007
- India
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Effect of charge ratio on lipoplex-mediated gene delivery and liver toxicity. Ther Deliv 2015; 6:1243-53. [PMID: 26608720 DOI: 10.4155/tde.15.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of studies investigating gene delivery have utilized cationic delivery vehicles, but anionic nanoparticles can also possess high transfection activity, and offer significant benefits in terms of ease of preparation and reduced toxicity. RESULTS Our study on lipoplexes possessing cholesterol nanodomains demonstrates that in vitro transfection after exposure to serum can be high at anionic charge ratios, and that this effect is also evident in studies assessing delivery to tumors in vivo, despite reduced circulation times. In addition, accumulation in the liver and lungs is reduced as compared with lipoplexes formulated at cationic charge ratios. CONCLUSION Lipoplexes prepared at anionic charge ratios offer comparable tumor delivery and reduced liver toxicity despite shorter circulation times.
Collapse
|
11
|
DOTAP/DOPE ratio and cell type determine transfection efficiency with DOTAP-liposomes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1848:1996-2001. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
12
|
de Jesus MB, Zuhorn IS. Solid lipid nanoparticles as nucleic acid delivery system: Properties and molecular mechanisms. J Control Release 2015; 201:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
13
|
Chan CL, Ewert KK, Majzoub RN, Hwu YK, Liang KS, Leal C, Safinya CR. Optimizing cationic and neutral lipids for efficient gene delivery at high serum content. J Gene Med 2015; 16:84-96. [PMID: 24753287 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cationic liposome (CL)-DNA complexes are promising gene delivery vectors with potential application in gene therapy. A key challenge in creating CL-DNA complexes for application is that their transfection efficiency (TE) is adversely affected by serum. In particular, little is known about the effects of a high serum content on TE, even though this may provide design guidelines for application in vivo. METHODS We prepared CL-DNA complexes in which we varied the neutral lipid [1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerophosphatidylcholine, glycerol-monooleate (GMO), cholesterol], the headgroup charge and chemical structure of the cationic lipid, and the ratio of neutral to cationic lipid; we then measured the TE of these complexes as a function of serum content and assessed their cytotoxicity. We tested selected formulations in two human cancer cell lines (M21/melanoma and PC-3/prostate cancer). RESULTS In the absence of serum, all CL-DNA complexes of custom-synthesized multivalent lipids show high TE. Certain combinations of multivalent lipids and neutral lipids, such as MVL5(5+)/GMO-DNA complexes or complexes based on the dendritic-headgroup lipid TMVLG3(8+) exhibited high TE both in the absence and presence of serum. Although their TE still dropped to a small extent in the presence of serum, it reached or surpassed that of benchmark commercial transfection reagents, particularly at a high serum content. CONCLUSIONS Two-component vectors (one multivalent cationic lipid and one neutral lipid) can rival or surpass benchmark reagents at low and high serum contents (up to 50%, v/v). We propose guidelines for optimizing the serum resistance of CL-DNA complexes based on a given cationic lipid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ling Chan
- Department of Materials, Department of Physics, and Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Department, University of California at Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA.,Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Kai K Ewert
- Department of Materials, Department of Physics, and Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Department, University of California at Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Ramsey N Majzoub
- Department of Materials, Department of Physics, and Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Department, University of California at Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Yeu-Kuang Hwu
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Keng S Liang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan.,Department of Electrophysics, National Chiao-Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Cecília Leal
- Department of Materials, Department of Physics, and Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Department, University of California at Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| | - Cyrus R Safinya
- Department of Materials, Department of Physics, and Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Department, University of California at Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Silva SG, Oliveira IS, do Vale MLC, Marques EF. Serine-based gemini surfactants with different spacer linkages: from self-assembly to DNA compaction. SOFT MATTER 2014; 10:9352-9361. [PMID: 25342304 DOI: 10.1039/c4sm01771d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cationic gemini surfactants have strong potential as compaction agents of nucleic acids for efficient non-viral gene delivery. In this work, we present the aggregation behavior of three novel cationic serine-based gemini surfactants as well as their ability to compact DNA per se and mixed with a helper lipid, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). All the surfactants have a 12-12-12 configuration, i.e. two main 12-carbon alkyl chains linked to the nitrogen atom of the amino acid residue and a 12 methylene spacer, but they differ in the nature of the spacer linkage: for (12Ser)2N12, an amine bond; for (12Ser)2CON12, an amide bond; and for (12Ser)2COO12, an ester bond. Interestingly, while the amine-based gemini aggregates into micelles, the amide and ester ones spontaneously form vesicles, which denotes a strong influence of the type of linkage on the surfactant packing parameter. The size, ζ-potential and stability of the vesicles have been characterized by light microscopy, cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The interaction of the gemini aggregates with DNA at different charge ratios and in the absence and presence of DOPE has been studied by DLS, fluorescence spectroscopy and cryo-SEM. All the compounds are found to efficiently compact DNA (complexation > 90%), but relevant differences are obtained in terms of the size, ζ-potential and stability of the lipoplexes formed. Results are rationalized in terms of headgroup differences and the type of aggregates present prior to DNA condensation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra G Silva
- Centro de Investigação em Química, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Porto, Rua do campo Alegre s/n, P 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Betker JL, Anchordoquy TJ. Relating toxicity to transfection: using sphingosine to maintain prolonged expression in vitro. Mol Pharm 2014; 12:264-73. [PMID: 25418523 PMCID: PMC4291780 DOI: 10.1021/mp500604r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cationic reagents are commonly used to facilitate DNA delivery, and transfection experiments are typically initiated in cell culture where the optimal charge ratio is determined. While transfection rates are often enhanced at higher +/- charge ratios, the cellular toxicity associated with the greater amounts of cationic components at elevated charge ratios is often not considered. In addition, the prolonged effects of cationic lipid uptake on cell viability are not evident in a typical 24-48 h transfection experiment. In this study, we compare the transfection efficiency of cationic lipoplexes to effects on viability of cultured cells in both the short and long term (7 days). Our results indicate that, while minimal toxicity is evident 24 h after exposure to DOTAP-based lipoplexes, cell viability continues to decline and ultimately compromises reporter gene expression at longer times. Substitution of a naturally occurring cationic amphiphile, sphingosine, for DOTAP greatly reduces toxicity and allows high expression to be maintained over prolonged periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Betker
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado , Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Herrero-Vanrell R, Vicario de la Torre M, Andrés-Guerrero V, Barbosa-Alfaro D, Molina-Martínez I, Bravo-Osuna I. Nano and microtechnologies for ophthalmic administration, an overview. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s1773-2247(13)50016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
17
|
Even-Chen S, Cohen R, Barenholz Y. Factors affecting DNA binding and stability of association to cationic liposomes. Chem Phys Lipids 2012; 165:414-23. [PMID: 22715503 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Lipoplexes are complexes formed between cationic liposomes (L(+)) and polyanionic nucleic acids (P(-)). They are commonly used in vitro and in vivo as a nucleic acid delivery system. Our study aims are to investigate how DOTAP-based cationic liposomes, which vary in their helper lipid (cholesterol or DOPE) and in media of different ionic strengths affect the degree, mode of association and degree of condensation of pDNA. This was determined by ultracentrifugation and gel electrophoresis, methods based on different physical principles. In addition, the degree of pDNA condensation was also determined using the ethidium bromide (EtBr) intercalation assay. The results suggest that for cationic lipid compositions (DOTAP/DOPE and DOTAP/cholesterol), 1.5 M NaCl, but not 0.15 M NaCl, both prevent lipoplex formation and/or induce partial dissociation between lipid and DNA of preformed lipoplexes. The higher the salt concentration the greater is the similarity of DNA condensation (monitored by EtBr intercalation) between lipoplex DNA and free DNA. As determined by ultracentrifugation and agarose gel electrophoresis, 30-90% of the DNA is uncondensed. SDS below its critical micellar concentration (CMC) induced "de-condensation" of DNA without its physical release (assessed by ultracentrifugation) for both DOTAP/DOPE and DOTAP/cholesterol lipoplexes. As was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis SDS induced release of 50-60% of DNA from the DOTAP/cholesterol lipoplex but not from the DOTAP/DOPE lipoplex. This study shows that there are conditions under which DNA is still physically associated with the cationic lipids but undergoes unwinding to become less condensed. We also proved that the helper lipid affects level and strength of the L(+) and DNA(-) electrostatic association; these interactions are weaker for DOTAP/cholesterol than for DOTAP/DOPE, despite the fact that the positive charge and surface pH of DOTAP/cholesterol and DOTAP/DOPE are similar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simcha Even-Chen
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, IMRIC, The Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, P.O. Box 12272, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Balbino TA, Gasperini AAM, Oliveira CLP, Azzoni AR, Cavalcanti LP, de La Torre LG. Correlation of the physicochemical and structural properties of pDNA/cationic liposome complexes with their in vitro transfection. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2012; 28:11535-11545. [PMID: 22788539 DOI: 10.1021/la302608g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we characterized the conventional physicochemical properties of the complexes formed by plasmid DNA (pDNA) and cationic liposomes (CL) composed of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) (50/25/25% molar ratio). We found that these properties are nearly unaffected at the studied ranges when the molar charge ratio (R(±)) between the positive charge from the CL and negative charge from pDNA is not close to the isoneutrality region (R(±) = 1). However, the results from in vitro transfection of HeLa cells showed important differences when R(±) is varied, indicating that the relationships between the physicochemical and biological characteristics were not completely elucidated. To obtain information regarding possible liposome structural modifications, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments were performed as a function of R(±) to obtain correlations between structural, physicochemical, and transfection properties. The SAXS results revealed that pDNA/CL complexes can be described as being composed of single bilayers, double bilayers, and multiple bilayers, depending on the R(±) value. Interestingly, for R(±) = 9, 6, and 3, the system is composed of single and double bilayers, and the fraction of the latter increases with the amount of DNA (or a decreasing R(±)) in the system. This information is used to explain the transfection differences observed at an R(±) = 9 as compared to R(±) = 3 and 6. Close to the isoneutrality region (R(±) = 1.8), there was an excess of pDNA, which induced the formation of a fraction of aggregates with multiple bilayers. These aggregates likely provide additional resistance against the release of pDNA during the transfection phenomenon, reflected as a decrease in the transfection level. The obtained results permitted proper correlation of the physicochemical and structural properties of pDNA/CL complexes with the in vitro transfection of HeLa cells by these complexes, contributing to a better understanding of the gene delivery process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago A Balbino
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kapoor M, Burgess DJ. Physicochemical characterization of anionic lipid-based ternary siRNA complexes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1818:1603-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
20
|
Agitation during lipoplex formation harmonizes the interaction of siRNA to cationic liposomes. Int J Pharm 2012; 430:359-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
21
|
Deng WW, Cao X, Wang M, Yang Y, Su WY, Wei YW, Ou-Yang Z, Yu JN, Xu XM. Efficient gene delivery to mesenchymal stem cells by an ethylenediamine-modified polysaccharide from mulberry leaves. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2012; 8:441-451. [PMID: 22213679 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201101554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the use of a natural polysaccharide isolated from mulberry leaves as a nonviral gene vector. Ethylenediamine is chemically grafted to the backbone of a polysaccharide from mulberry leaves (MPS) to acquire nucleic acid binding affinity. A particle-size observation indicates that the cationic mulberry leaf polysaccharide (CMPS) can efficiently combine with plasmid transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) to form nanoscaled particles. In addition, the electrophoresis assay indicates a retarded plasmid migration when the CMPS/pTGF-β1 weight ratio is increased to 30:1. The in vitro cell transfection experiment is performed based on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from rat femurs and tibias, and the findings reveal that the complex with a CMPS/pTGF-β1 weight ratio of 50:1 exhibits the highest cell transfection effect, which is significantly higher than that of branched poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) (25 kDa; p = 0.001, Student's t-test) and slightly higher than Lipofectamine 2000. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assay also demonstrates that all of these tested complexes and the plasmid TGF-β1 are nontoxic to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The results of the living cell imaging confirm that more of the CMPS/plasmid TGF-β1 nanoparticles can be taken up and at a faster rate by the MSCs than by the positive control Lipofectamine 2000; these data are consistent with the transfection efficiency data. Together, these results suggest that the CMPS/pTGF-β1 nanoparticle can potentially be developed into a promising alternative for the transfer of therapeutic genes into cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wen Deng
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Tissue Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Brgles M, Šantak M, Halassy B, Forcic D, Tomašić J. Influence of charge ratio of liposome/DNA complexes on their size after extrusion and transfection efficiency. Int J Nanomedicine 2012; 7:393-401. [PMID: 22334773 PMCID: PMC3273975 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s27471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physicochemical characteristics of liposome/DNA complexes influence transfection efficiency and affect each other in a very intricate way. The result of this is discrepancies in conclusions drawn about the individual influence of each one. METHODS Aiming to elucidate the influence of liposome/DNA charge ratio and size on transfection efficiency and on each other, we used liposome/DNA complexes with charge ratio (+/-) in the range of 1-50 and extruded through membranes of 400, 200, and 100 nm. Plasmid DNA encoding green fluorescent protein was used to measure transfection efficiency by flow cytometry. Sizes of liposome/DNA complexes were measured by dynamic light scattering. RESULTS Liposome size was reduced after extrusion but this was mainly driven by the charge ratio and not by the size of the membrane pores. Reduction of complex size at each charge ratio positively correlated with transfection efficiency. When the size of the complexes was approximately constant, increasing the charge ratio was found to promote transfection efficiency. Cationic lipid N-(1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)N,N,N trimethylammonium chloride was used for modulation of positive charge and a cytotoxicity test showed that increasing its amount increases cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that charge ratio dictates the size of the complex whereas overall size reduction and higher charge ratios promote transfection efficiency in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marija Brgles
- Institute of Immunology, Research and Development Department, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Giatrellis S, Nounesis G. Nucleic acid-lipid membrane interactions studied by DSC. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND BIOALLIED SCIENCES 2011; 3:70-6. [PMID: 21430956 PMCID: PMC3053523 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.76470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2010] [Revised: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 10/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactions of nucleic acids with lipid membranes are of great importance for biological mechanisms as well as for biotechnological applications in gene delivery and drug carriers. The optimization of liposomal vectors for clinical use is absolutely dependent upon the formation mechanisms, the morphology, and the molecular organization of the lipoplexes, that is, the complexes of lipid membranes with DNA. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has emerged as an efficient and relatively easy-to-operate experimental technique that can straightforwardly provide data related to the thermodynamics and the kinetics of the DNA-lipid complexation and especially to the lipid organization and phase transitions within the membrane. In this review, we summarize DSC studies considering nucleic acid-membrane systems, accentuating DSC capabilities, and data analysis. Published work involving cationic, anionic, and zwitterionic lipids as well as lipid mixtures interacting with RNA and DNA of different sizes and conformations are included. It is shown that despite limitations, issues such as DNA- or RNA-induced phase separation and microdomain lipid segregation, liposomal aggregation and fusion, alterations of the lipid long-range molecular order, as well as membrane-induced structural changes of the nucleic acids can be efficiently treated by systematic high-sensitivity DSC studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarantis Giatrellis
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Henriksen-Lacey M, Christensen D, Bramwell VW, Lindenstrøm T, Agger EM, Andersen P, Perrie Y. Comparison of the depot effect and immunogenicity of liposomes based on dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA), 3β-[N-(N',N'-Dimethylaminoethane)carbomyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol), and 1,2-Dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP): prolonged liposome retention mediates stronger Th1 responses. Mol Pharm 2010; 8:153-61. [PMID: 21117621 DOI: 10.1021/mp100208f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The immunostimulatory capacities of cationic liposomes are well-documented and are attributed both to inherent immunogenicity of the cationic lipid and more physical capacities such as the formation of antigen depots and antigen delivery. Very few studies have however been conducted comparing the immunostimulatory capacities of different cationic lipids. In the present study we therefore chose to investigate three of the most well-known cationic liposome-forming lipids as potential adjuvants for protein subunit vaccines. The ability of 3β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)carbomyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP), and dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA) liposomes incorporating immunomodulating trehalose dibehenate (TDB) to form an antigen depot at the site of injection (SOI) and to induce immunological recall responses against coadministered tuberculosis vaccine antigen Ag85B-ESAT-6 are reported. Furthermore, physical characterization of the liposomes is presented. Our results suggest that liposome composition plays an important role in vaccine retention at the SOI and the ability to enable the immune system to induce a vaccine specific recall response. While all three cationic liposomes facilitated increased antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells, the monocyte infiltration to the SOI and the production of IFN-γ upon antigen recall was markedly higher for DDA and DC-Chol based liposomes which exhibited a longer retention profile at the SOI. A long-term retention and slow release of liposome and vaccine antigen from the injection site hence appears to favor a stronger Th1 immune response.
Collapse
|
25
|
Buse J, El-Aneed A. Properties, engineering and applications of lipid-based nanoparticle drug-delivery systems: current research and advances. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2010; 5:1237-60. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.10.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid-based drug-delivery systems have evolved from micro- to nano-scale, enhancing the efficacy and therapeutic applications of these delivery systems. Production of lipid-based pharmaceutical nanoparticles is categorized into top-down (fragmentation of particulate material to reduce its average total dimensions) and bottom-up (amalgamation of molecules through chemical interactions creating particles of greater size) production methods. Selection of the appropriate method depends on the physiochemical properties of individual entities within the nanoparticles. The production method also influences the type of nanoparticle formulations being produced. Liposomal formulations and solid-core micelles are the most widely utilized lipid-based nanoparticles, with surface modifications improving their therapeutic outcomes through the production of long-circulating, tissue-targeted and/or pH-sensitive nanoparticles. More recently, solid lipid nanoparticles have been engineered to reduce toxicity toward mammalian cells, while multifunctional lipid-based nanoparticles (i.e., hybrid lipid nanoparticles) have been formulated to simultaneously perform therapeutic and diagnostic functions. This article will discuss novel lipid-based drug-delivery systems, outlining the properties and applications of lipid-based nanoparticles alongside their methods of production. In addition, a comparison between generations of the lipid-based nano-formulations is examined, providing insight into the current directions of lipid-based nanoparticle drug-delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Buse
- Drug Design & Discover Research Group, College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N5C9, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Donkuru M, Badea I, Wettig S, Verrall R, Elsabahy M, Foldvari M. Advancing nonviral gene delivery: lipid- and surfactant-based nanoparticle design strategies. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2010; 5:1103-27. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.10.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a technique utilized to treat diseases caused by missing, defective or overexpressing genes. Although viral vectors transfect cells efficiently, risks associated with their use limit their clinical applications. Nonviral delivery systems are safer, easier to manufacture, more versatile and cost effective. However, their transfection efficiency lags behind that of viral vectors. Many groups have dedicated considerable effort to improve the efficiency of nonviral gene delivery systems and are investigating complexes composed of DNA and soft materials such as lipids, polymers, peptides, dendrimers and gemini surfactants. The bottom-up approach in the design of these nanoparticles combines components essential for high levels of transfection, biocompatibility and tissue-targeting ability. This article provides an overview of the strategies employed to improve in vitro and in vivo transfection, focusing on the use of cationic lipids and surfactants as building blocks for nonviral gene delivery systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- McDonald Donkuru
- College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C9, Canada
| | - Ildiko Badea
- College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C9, Canada
| | - Shawn Wettig
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Ronald Verrall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C9, Canada
| | - Mahmoud Elsabahy
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ribeiro S, Mendes R, Madeira C, Monteiro G, da Silva C, Cabral J. A quantitative method to evaluate mesenchymal stem cell lipofection using real-time PCR. Biotechnol Prog 2010; 26:1501-4. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
28
|
Rodríguez-Pulido A, Martín-Molina A, Rodríguez-Beas C, Llorca O, Aicart E, Junquera E. A theoretical and experimental approach to the compaction process of DNA by dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide/zwitterionic mixed liposomes. J Phys Chem B 2010; 113:15648-61. [PMID: 19877682 DOI: 10.1021/jp906777g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The compaction of DNA by cationic liposomes constituted by a mixture of a cationic lipid, dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB), and a zwitterionic lipid, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) or 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC), has been evaluated by means of experimental studies (electrophoretic mobility, conductometry, cryogenic electron transmission microscopy or cryo-TEM, and fluorescence spectroscopy) as well as theoretical calculations. This information reveals that DODAB/DOPE and DODAB/DLPC liposomes are mostly spherical and unilamellar, with a mean diameter of around 70 and 61 nm, respectively, a bilayer thickness of 4.5 nm, and gel-to-fluid transition temperatures, T(m), of around 19 and 28 degrees C, respectively. Their positively charged surfaces efficiently compact the negatively charged DNA by means of a strong entropically driven surface interaction that yields DODAB/DOPE-DNA and DODAB/DLPC-DNA lipoplexes as confirmed by zeta potential and ethidium bromide fluorescence intercalation assays. These experiments have permitted as well the evaluation of the different microenvironments of varying polarity of the DNA helix, liposomes, and/or lipoplexes. DODAB/DOPE-DNA and DODAB/DLPC-DNA lipoplexes have been characterized by isoneutrality ratios (L/D)(phi) of around 4.7 and 4.8, respectively, a more fluid membrane than that of the parent liposomes, and T(m) around 24 and 28 degrees C, respectively, as revealed by fluorescence anisotropy. Cryo-TEM micrographs reveal a rich scenario of nanostructures and morphologies, from unilamellar DNA-coated liposomes to multilamellar lipoplexes passing through cluster-like structures. Phase diagrams (aggregation and re-entrant condensation phenomena), calculated by means of a phenomenological theory, have confirmed the experimental concentration domains and the isoneutrality conditions. The influence of helper lipid in the compaction process, as well as the optimum choice among those herein chosen, has been analyzed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rodríguez-Pulido
- Departamento de Química Física I, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Barichello JM, Ishida T, Kiwada H. Complexation of siRNA and pDNA with cationic liposomes: the important aspects in lipoplex preparation. Methods Mol Biol 2010; 605:461-472. [PMID: 20072901 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-360-2_32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In the last two decades, cationic liposomes have been investigated as vehicles for nucleic acids [plasmid DNA (pDNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA)] delivery in vitro and in vivo. The formation of cationic liposomes-nucleic acids complexes, termed lipoplexes, depends on a number of experimental variables. The quality of the nucleic acid and the cationic liposome as well as the selection of diluents for diluting the concentrated stocks strongly affect the resulting lipoplexes and their efficiency of gene-expression or gene-silencing effect following transfection. In addition, the molar ratio of cationic lipid nitrogen (N) to siRNA or pDNA phosphate (P) (N/P ratio) influences the final characteristics of the lipoplexes, such as size, surface zeta potential, and reproducibility, thereby reflecting their efficiency following transfection. The methods presented in this chapter could be helpful to obtain reliable and reproducible lipoplexes and experimental results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Mario Barichello
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Subdivision of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wan F, Tang Z, He W, Chu B. A chemistry/physics pathway with nanofibrous scaffolds for gene delivery. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2010; 12:12379-89. [DOI: 10.1039/c002515a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
31
|
Michanek A, Kristen N, Höök F, Nylander T, Sparr E. RNA and DNA interactions with zwitterionic and charged lipid membranes - a DSC and QCM-D study. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2009; 1798:829-38. [PMID: 20036213 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2009.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Revised: 11/12/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to establish under which conditions tRNA associates with phospholipid bilayers, and to explore how this interaction influences the lipid bilayer. For this purpose we have studied the association of tRNA or DNA of different sizes and degrees of base pairing with a set of model membrane systems with varying charge densities, composed of zwitterionic phosphatidylcholines (PC) in mixtures with anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) or cationic dioctadecyl-dimethyl-ammoniumbromide (DODAB), and with fluid or solid acyl-chains (oleoyl, myristoyl and palmitoyl). To prove and quantify the attractive interaction between tRNA and model-lipid membrane we used quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) monitoring to study the tRNA adsorption to deposit phospholipid bilayers from solutions containing monovalent (Na(+)) or divalent (Ca(2+)) cations. The influence of the adsorbed polynucleic acids on the lipid phase transitions and lipid segregation was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The basic findings are: i) tRNA adsorbs to zwitterionic liquid-crystalline and gel-phase phospholipid bilayers. The interaction is weak and reversible, and cannot be explained only on the basis of electrostatic attraction. ii) The adsorbed amount of tRNA is higher for liquid-crystalline bilayers compared to gel-phase bilayers, while the presence of divalent cations show no significant effect on the tRNA adsorption. iii) The adsorption of tRNA can lead to segregation in the mixed 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC)-1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylserine (DMPS) and DMPC-DODAB bilayers, where tRNA is likely excluded from the anionic DMPS-rich domains in the first system, and associated with the cationic DODAB-rich domains in the second system. iv) The addition of shorter polynucleic acids influence the chain melting transition and induce segregation in a mixed DMPC-DMPS system, while larger polynucleic acids do not influence the melting transition in these system. The results in this study on tRNA-phospholipid interactions can have implications for understanding its biological function in, e.g., the cell nuclei, as well as in applications in biotechnology and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Michanek
- Physical Chemistry 1, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, 22100 Lund, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Giatrellis S, Nikolopoulos G, Sideratou Z, Nounesis G. Calorimetric study of the interaction of binary DMTAP/DOTAP cationic liposomes with plasmid DNA. J Liposome Res 2009; 19:220-30. [DOI: 10.1080/08982100902746596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
33
|
|
34
|
Rosa M, Rosa M, Penacho N, Simöes S, Lima MC, Lindman B, Miguel MG. DNA pre-condensation with an amino acid-based cationic amphiphile. A viable approach for liposome-based gene delivery. Mol Membr Biol 2009; 25:23-34. [DOI: 10.1080/09687680701499451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
35
|
Shende P, Gaud R. Formulation and Comparative Characterization of Chitosan, Gelatin, and Chitosan–Gelatin-Coated Liposomes of CPT-11–HCl. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2009; 35:612-8. [DOI: 10.1080/03639040802498849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
36
|
Labbé JF, Cronier F, C-Gaudreault R, Auger M. Spectroscopic characterization of DMPC/DOTAP cationic liposomes and their interactions with DNA and drugs. Chem Phys Lipids 2009; 158:91-101. [PMID: 19428353 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2009.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Revised: 12/12/2008] [Accepted: 01/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gene and synthetic drug-delivery vectors have been developed and characterized to treat several genetic diseases and cancers. Our study aims at characterizing cationic liposomes containing the zwitterionic phospholipid DMPC and the cationic lipid DOTAP as well as their interactions with two types of DNA and a new class of antineoplastic agents derived from arylchloroethylureas (CEU). Results obtained using FTIR spectroscopy as well as (31)P and (2)H NMR indicate that DMPC and DOTAP form cationic liposomes in a highly disordered fluid phase at a molar ratio of 1:1. In addition, the FTIR results indicate that the presence of DNA or CEUs within the liposomes does not significantly affect the conformational order of both the DMPC and DOTAP acyl chains. Our results therefore provide a detailed characterization of complexes between cationic liposomes and both DNA and drugs and indicate that these complexes are stable and fluid assemblies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Labbé
- Département de Chimie, Centre de Recherche sur la Fonction, Structure et Ingénierie des Protéines, Centre de Recherche sur les Matériaux Avancés, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
A structure–activity investigation of hemifluorinated bifunctional bolaamphiphiles designed for gene delivery. CR CHIM 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crci.2008.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
38
|
Ultradeformable cationic liposomes for delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) into human primary melanocytes. J Control Release 2008; 133:214-20. [PMID: 18973779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Revised: 09/26/2008] [Accepted: 10/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to develop a system that can deliver siRNA into cells present in the human epidermis. More specifically, we wanted to block the expression of a specific Myosin Va exon F containing isoform that is physiologically involved in melanosome transport in human melanocytes. Therefore, we prepared and investigated the capacity of ultradeformable cationic liposomes (UCLs) to deliver siRNA in hard-to-transfect human primary melanocytes. UCLs were formulated from different w:w ratios (6:1, 8:1 and 10:1) of the cationic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) and the edge activator sodium cholate. Subsequently, UCL/siRNA complexes were prepared and their particle size, surface charge, deformability, cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency and long-term stability were tested. The best results were obtained with UCLs composed of a DOTAP/NaChol ratio of 6:1 (w:w) which are promising for future in vivo experiments.
Collapse
|
39
|
Simberg D, Hirsch-Lerner D, Nissim R, Barenholz Y. Comparison of Different Commercially Available Cationic Lipid-Based Transfection Kits. J Liposome Res 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08982100009031091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
40
|
Rodríguez-Pulido A, Ortega F, Llorca O, Aicart E, Junquera E. A Physicochemical Characterization of the Interaction between DC-Chol/DOPE Cationic Liposomes and DNA. J Phys Chem B 2008; 112:12555-65. [DOI: 10.1021/jp804066t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rodríguez-Pulido
- Departamento de Química Física I, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain, and Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Ortega
- Departamento de Química Física I, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain, and Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Llorca
- Departamento de Química Física I, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain, and Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Aicart
- Departamento de Química Física I, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain, and Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Junquera
- Departamento de Química Física I, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain, and Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Chiaramoni NS, Baccarini LC, Taira MC, Alonso SDV. Liposome/DNA systems: correlation between hydrophobicity and DNA conformational changes. J Biol Phys 2008; 34:179-88. [PMID: 19669501 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-008-9103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2007] [Accepted: 06/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous work, we found that liposome hydrophobicity could affect deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) association efficiency. Now, we have focused on the possible correlation between liposome hydrophobicity and DNA conformation. DNA lyophilized with cationic vesicles with high hydrophobicity changes its conformation into a more condensed form, probably the C form. With noncharged vesicles, it changes its conformation from B to a partial A form. These results contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between DNA and lipids, suggesting there is direct relationship between hydrophobicity and DNA conformation changes: The higher the hydrophobicity factor, the more pronounced the changes in DNA form, to a more condensed form.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N S Chiaramoni
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, B1876BXD, Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rodríguez-Pulido A, Aicart E, Llorca O, Junquera E. Compaction Process of Calf Thymus DNA by Mixed Cationic−Zwitterionic Liposomes: A Physicochemical Study. J Phys Chem B 2008; 112:2187-97. [DOI: 10.1021/jp7095828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
43
|
Liu D, Qiao W, Li Z, Cui X, Li K, Yu L, Yan K, Zhu L, Cheng L. Carbamate-linked cationic lipids for gene delivery. Bioorg Med Chem 2008; 16:995-1005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2007.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2007] [Revised: 10/02/2007] [Accepted: 10/04/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
44
|
Letizia C, Andreozzi P, Scipioni A, La Mesa C, Bonincontro A, Spigone E. Protein binding onto surfactant-based synthetic vesicles. J Phys Chem B 2007; 111:898-908. [PMID: 17249834 DOI: 10.1021/jp0646067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic vesicles were prepared by mixing anionic and cationic surfactants, aqueous sodium dodecylsulfate with didodecyltrimethylammonium or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The overall surfactant content and the (anionic/cationic) mole ratios allow one to obtain negatively charged vesicles. In the phase diagram, the vesicular region is located between a solution phase, a lamellar liquid crystalline dispersion, and a precipitate area. Characterization of the vesicles was performed by electrophoretic mobility, NMR, TEM, and DLS and we determined their uni-lamellar character, size, stability, and charge density. Negatively charged vesicular dispersions, made of sodium dodecylsulfate/didodecyltrimethylammonium bromide or sodium dodecylsulfate/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, were mixed with lysozyme, to form lipoplexes. Depending on the protein/vesicle charge ratio, binding, surface saturation, and lipoplexes flocculation, or precipitation, occurs. The free protein in excess remains in solution, after binding saturation. The systems were investigated by thermodynamic (surface tension and solution calorimetry), DLS, CD, TEM, 1H NMR, transport properties, electrophoretic mobility, and dielectric relaxation. The latter two methods give information on the vesicle charge neutralization by adsorbed protein. Binding is concomitant to modifications in the double layer thickness of vesicles and in the surface charge density of the resulting lipoplexes. This is also confirmed by developing the electrophoretic mobility results in terms of a Langmuir-like adsorption isotherm. Charges in excess with respect to the amount required to neutralize the vesicle surface promote lipoplexes clustering and/or flocculation. Protein-vesicle interactions were observed by DLS, indicating changes in particle size (and in their distribution functions) upon addition of LYSO. According to CD, the bound protein retains its native conformation, at least in the SDS/CTAB vesicular system. In fact, changes in the alpha-helix and beta-sheet conformations are moderate, if any. Calorimetric methods indicate that the maximum heat effect for LYSO binding occurs at charge neutralization. They also indicate that enthalpic are by far the dominant contributions to the system stability. Accordingly, energy effects associated with charge neutralization and double-layer contributions are much higher than counterion exchange and dehydration terms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Letizia
- Department of Chemistry, SOFT-INFM-CNR Research Centre, La Sapienza University, P. le A. Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Vaccination with DNA is one of the most promising novel immunization techniques against a variety of pathogens and tumors, for which conventional vaccination regimens have failed. DNA vaccines are able to stimulate both arms of the immune system simultaneously, without carrying the safety risks associated with live vaccines, therefore representing not only an alternative to conventional vaccines but also significant progress in the prevention and treatment of fatal diseases and infections. However, translation of the excellent results achieved in small animals to similar success in primates or large animals has so far proved to be a major hurdle. Moreover, biosafety issues, such as the removal of antibiotic resistance genes present in plasmid DNA used for vaccination, remain to be addressed adequately. This review describes strategies to improve the design and production of conventional plasmid DNA, including an overview of safety and regulatory issues. It further focuses on novel systems for the optimization of plasmid DNA and the development of diverse plasmid DNA delivery systems for vaccination purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Jechlinger
- Institute of Bacteriology, Mycology and Hygiene, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A- 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Madeira C, Loura LMS, Prieto M, Fedorov A, Aires-Barros MR. Liposome complexation efficiency monitored by FRET: effect of charge ratio, helper lipid and plasmid size. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2007; 36:609-20. [PMID: 17262222 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-007-0130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2006] [Revised: 12/21/2006] [Accepted: 01/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cationic lipid/DNA complexes (lipoplexes) are promising vehicles for DNA vaccines or gene therapy. In these systems, transfection efficiency is highly related to lipoplex charge ratio, since lipoplexes with charge ratios (+/-) lower than electroneutrality have most DNA uncovered by the liposomes, and thus are unprotected from enzyme degradation. However, a large excess of cationic lipids is undesirable because of eventual cytotoxicity. The aim of this work was to determine the minimum charge ratio from which all DNA molecules are complexed by the liposomes varying the lipid formulation and plasmid size, using a new FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) methodology. The similarity of FRET results, fluorescence intensity data and fluorescence decays of several charge ratios above (+/-) > or = 4 or 5 confirmed that once all DNA is covered by the liposomes, additional lipid molecules do not affect the lipoplex multilamellar repeat distance. It was also verified by FRET that the presence of helper lipid reduces the amount of cationic lipid required for DNA protection but does not affect the lipoplex multilamellar repeat distance. This distance varies with the plasmid size when supercoiled plasmid is used, being apparently larger when longer plasmids are used. Our study indicates that, despite the complexity of these systems not being totally described by our model, FRET is an informative technique in lipoplex characterization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Madeira
- Centro de Engenharia Biológica e Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Av Rovisco Pais, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Boktov J, Hirsch-Lerner D, Barenholz Y. Characterization of the interplay between the main factors contributing to lipoplex-mediated transfection in cell cultures. J Gene Med 2007; 9:884-93. [PMID: 17721894 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfection efficiency of lipoplex-mediated gene delivery is multifactorial. However, the mode of interaction between the factors which affect transfection is not fully understood. To help fill this deficiency we evaluated the effect of the interplay between several variables that affect transfection efficiency in cell cultures. For this, we applied the Analysis of Variance Model with Fixed Effects and Repeated Measures to assess the data. The variables studied include: two different genes, Luc, and human growth hormone (hGH), in three different plasmids (two of which contain the luciferase (Luc) gene, but different promoter-enhancer regions (CMV and H19) and one plasmid coding hGH with a S16 promoter); three topoisoforms of pDNA (supercoiled (SC), open circular (OC), and closed circular (CC)); three cationic lipid compositions, all based on the monocationic lipid DOTAP (100% DOTAP, DOTAP/DOPE 1 : 1, and DOTAP/cholesterol 1 : 1, all ratios are mole ratios); two DNA-/L+ charge ratios (0.2 and 0.5); and two cell lines (NIH 3T3 and MBT-2). Our statistical analysis confirmed that the cell type, the gene used for transfection, the promoter type, the type of helper lipid, and DNA-/DOTAP+ charge ratio, all affect transfection efficiency in a statistically significant manner. The most efficient lipoplex formulation in both cell lines was that based on DOTAP (without helper lipid), having CC plasmid DNA. We suggest that for obtaining the most transfection-efficient lipoplex one should select the best topoisoform of pDNA for each particular cell type, and complex it with cationic liposomes having optimal lipid composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Boktov
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Khazanov E, Simberg D, Barenholz Y. Lipoplexes prepared from cationic liposomes and mammalian DNA induce CpG-independent, direct cytotoxic effects in cell cultures and in mice. J Gene Med 2006; 8:998-1007. [PMID: 16741997 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies demonstrated the cytotoxic activity of bacterial DNA (pDNA) complexed with cationic lipids. This cytotoxicity is related to the ability of pDNA to induce potently the immune system, which is associated with release of inflammatory cytokines. Both activities seem to be related to the nonmethylated CpG sequences present in the pDNA. Here we study the cytotoxic activity of nonbacterial DNA complexed with cationic lipids against various tumor cell lines. METHODS Various nucleic acids complexed with cationic liposomes were prepared and their cytotoxic activity was studied in cell cultures and in tumor-bearing mice. Cell uptake of lipoplexes was evaluated, and mechanism of DNA cytotoxic activity was studied. RESULTS We found that nonbacterial (vertebrate) genomic DNA when complexed with cationic lipids is highly cytotoxic against C-26 and M-109 tumor cells. Cationic lipids alone were not toxic to these cells. The cytotoxic activity does not result from nonspecific acidification of the intracellular milieu, as substitution of DNA by poly-L-glutamate did not result in cytotoxicity, although the level of uptake of anionic charges per cell was similar to that of the nucleic acids, suggesting that this cytotoxic effect is specific to nucleic acids. By studying the nucleic acid fate using confocal microscopy, we found that cytotoxicity correlated with the release of DNA into the cytoplasm following uptake of lipoplexes. Injection of calf thymus DNA-based lipoplexes to mice with peritoneal C-26 metastases resulted in doubling of median survival time and long-term survival in 20% of the tumor-bearing mice. Judging by low levels of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the treated mice, this effect cannot be ascribed to Th-1 inflammation, but rather to a direct cytotoxic effect on the tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS The above data provide a new insight into the mechanisms of lipoplex-mediated antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo and new perspectives in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Khazanov
- Laboratory of Membrane and Liposome Research, Department of Biochemistry, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School Jerusalem, Israel.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Koumbi D, Clement JC, Sideratou Z, Yaouanc JJ, Loukopoulos D, Kollia P. Factors mediating lipofection potency of a series of cationic phosphonolipids in human cell lines. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2006; 1760:1151-9. [PMID: 16730412 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2006.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2005] [Revised: 03/04/2006] [Accepted: 03/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A series of cationic liposomes known as cationic phosphonolipids (CPs) were evaluated as vehicles for in vitro gene transfer in K562 erythroleukemia cells and 5637 epithelial carcinoma cells. For each CP and target cell type examined, detailed analyses were performed to determine optimal transfection conditions (lipid/ DNA (+/-) charge ratio, amount of complexed episomal DNA, liposomal and lipoplex size, complexation medium and duration of complex-cell exposure time). Lipofection conditions were determined to be both cell- and lipid-type specific. Complexation medium critically affected transfection competence. The initial size of the liposome was not always predictive of lipofection potency. The lipid chemical composition had a strong impact upon lipofection efficiency; DOPE inclusion in the liposome formulations was found to affect the levels of transgene expression in a cell-dependent way. Notably, effective transgene expression was characterized by prominent plasmid nuclear incorporation. Human A gamma- and epsilon-globin transgene nuclear incorporation and expression in 5637 cells post GLB.391-mediated lipofection lends credence to its use as a vehicle of therapeutic transgene delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Koumbi
- First Department of Medicine, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Meidan VM, Glezer J, Salomon S, Sidi Y, Barenholz Y, Cohen JS, Lilling G. Specific lipoplex-mediated antisense against Bcl-2 in breast cancer cells: a comparison between different formulations. J Liposome Res 2006; 16:27-43. [PMID: 16556548 DOI: 10.1080/08982100500528685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
G3139 is an antisense oligonucleotide (ODN) that can down-regulate bcl-2, thus potentially acting as a potent anticancer drug. However, effective therapy requires efficient ODN delivery, which may be achieved by employing G3139 lipoplexes. Yet, lipofection is a complex, multifactorial process that is still poorly understood. In order to shed more light on this issue, we prepared 18 different G3139 lipoplex formulations and compared them in terms of their capability to transfect MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Each formulation was composed of a cationic lipid and sometimes a helper lipid. The cationic lipid was either DOTAP (N-(1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride), DC-CHOL (3ss[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)carbamoyl]-cholesterol), or CCS (ceramide carbomoyl spermine). The helper lipid was either DOPC, DOPE, or cholesterol. Each lipid combination existed in two different structural forms--either large unilamellar vesicles (approximately 100 nm LUV) or unsized heterolamellar vesicles (UHV). Cell proliferation assays were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of G3139 lipoplexes, control cationic lipid assemblies, and free G3139. Western blots were used to confirm the specific activity of G3139 as an anti-bcl-2 antisense agent. We determined that treatment of MCF-7 cells with G3139:CCS lipoplexes (UHV-derived) produced a maximal 50-fold improvement in antisense efficacy compared to treatment with free G3139. The other G3139 lipoplexes were not superior to free G3139. Thus, successful lipofection requires precise optimization of lipoplex lipid composition, structure, and concentration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor M Meidan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SIBS, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NR, Scotland, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|