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Jérôme V, Synatschke CV, Freitag R. Transient Destabilization of Biological Membranes Contributes to the Superior Performance of Star-Shaped PDMAEMA in Delivering pDNA. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:26640-26654. [PMID: 33110991 PMCID: PMC7581230 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nonviral DNA vectors are promising alternatives to viral ones. Their use in DNA medicine is limited by an inability to transfect, for example, nondividing or suspension cells. In recent years, star-shaped synthetic polycationic vectors, so called "Nanostars", have shown some promise in this regard, at least when compared to the "gold standard" in nonviral vectors, namely, linear poly(ethyleneimine) (l-PEI). It has been hypothesized that an ability to transiently destabilize cellular membranes is partially responsible for the phenomenon. This hypothesis is investigated here, taking human leukemia suspension cells (Jurkat cells) as an example. Contrary to l-PEI, the Nanostars promote the cellular uptake of small, normally membrane-impermeant molecules (trypan blue and propidium iodide) as well as that of fluorescent polystyrene beads (average diameter 100 nm). Since Nanostars, but not l-PEI, are apparently able to deliver DNA to nuclei of nondividing cells, nuclear uptake is, in addition, investigated with isolated cell nuclei. Our results provide evidence that Nanostars are more efficient than l-PEI in increasing the nuclear membrane association/permeability, allowing accumulation of their cargo on/in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Jérôme
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Ruth Freitag
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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Xu R, Lu ZR. Design, synthesis and evaluation of spermine-based pH-sensitive amphiphilic gene delivery systems: Multifunctional non-viral gene carriers. Sci China Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-010-4198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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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.
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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
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Kan PL, Gray AI, Tetley L, Converse CA, Schätzlein AG, Uchegbu IF. Tumour gene expression from C12 spermine amphiphile gene delivery systems. J Drug Target 2008; 13:345-57. [PMID: 16278154 DOI: 10.1080/10611860500333700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy requires safe and efficient gene delivery systems. Towards this aim both the gene formulation and tumour transfection ability of C12 spermine amphiphiles were tested. Five amphiphiles were synthesised and characterised: 1-[N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,4-butane diamine] dodecane (12G0--a C12 spermine amphiphile), a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, MW = 2 kDa) derivative of 12G0, 1,12-[N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,4-butane diamine] dodecane (12G1--a C12 spermine bolaamphiphile) and N-methyl quaternary ammonium derivatives of both 12G0 (12QG0) and 12G1 (12QG1). All amphiphiles except 12G0, which precipitates, yield nanoparticles in aqueous media with and without DNA. Thus when 12G0 is substituted with either quaternary ammonium or PEG groups it forms nanoparticles both with and without DNA. The minimum nitrogen, phosphate ratio required to completely condense DNA (NP) was inversely proportional to the particles' zeta potential (zeta), NP = 1626/zeta(0.98). Biological testing showed that both PEG and quaternary ammonium groups diminished the membrane lytic ability of these C12 amphiphiles. On intratumoural injection, while PEG groups hamper gene transfer, the quaternary ammonium amphiphile (12QG0) produces tumour confined gene expression that is 80% of that produced by linear poly(ethylenimine) (LPEI, MW = 22 kDa); while the intratumoural injection of LPEI produced significant gene expression in the liver and lung, making 12QG0 suitable for the administration of cytotoxic tumouricidal genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Lee Kan
- University of Strathclyde, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Glasgow, UK
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Fabio K, Di Giorgio C, Vierling P. New perfluorinated polycationic dimerizable detergents for the formulation of monomolecular DNA nanoparticles and their in vitro transfection efficiency. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2005; 1724:203-14. [PMID: 15866520 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2005.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2005] [Revised: 03/04/2005] [Accepted: 03/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We describe the synthesis of new perfluorinated dimerizable detergents which contain a tricationic or tetracationic (linear or branched spermine, respectively) polar head, and report on their cmc, their ability to condense DNA into cationic monomolecular DNA nanoparticles as well as on the in vitro transfection efficiency of these nanoparticles. Such cationic nanoparticles were prone to display efficient cell transfection properties as a result of increased contact to the anionic cell surface and internalization by endocytosis, low size compatible with improved intracellular diffusion and nuclear pore crossing, and the presence of amine function of low pK(a) for their endosomal escape. The challenge was to design polymerizable polycationic detergents that display a cmc high enough for the monomer to perform monomolecular DNA condensation (as cationic particles) and low enough for the dimer to form stable nanoparticles capable of efficient cell transfection. Although we succeeded in formulating small-sized cationic monomolecular DNA nanoparticles (<40 nm) with these dimerizable perfluorinated spermine-based detergents for N/P ratios of up to 5 (N=number of detergent amine equivalents/P=number of DNA phosphate equivalents), these small-sized cationic nanoparticles proved to be poor non-specific transfection agents in vitro, even in the presence of chloroquine. Their poor transfection potential could be due more likely to Brownian motion which prevents these very small-sized particles from sedimentation and adsorption onto the adherent cell monolayer, and, consequently, from proteoglycan-triggered endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Fabio
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bioorganique, UMR 6001 CNRS, Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Faculté des Sciences, 06108 Nice Cédex 2, France
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Merdan T, Kunath K, Fischer D, Kopecek J, Kissel T. Intracellular processing of poly(ethylene imine)/ribozyme complexes can be observed in living cells by using confocal laser scanning microscopy and inhibitor experiments. Pharm Res 2002; 19:140-6. [PMID: 11883640 DOI: 10.1023/a:1014212630566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Critical steps in the subcellular processing of poly(ethylene imine)/nucleic acid complexes, especially endosomal/lysosomal escape, were visualized by using living cell confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM) to obtain an insight into their mechanism. METHODS Living cell confocal microscopy was used to examine the intracellular fate of poly(ethylene imine)/ribozyme and poly(L-lysine)/ribozyme complexes over time, in the presence of and without bafilomycin Al, a selective inhibitor of endosomal/lysosomal acidification. The compartment of complex accumulation was identified by confocal microscopy with a fluorescent acidotropic dye. To confirm microscopic data, luciferase reporter gene expression was determined under similar experimental conditions. RESULTS Poly(ethylene imine)/ribozyme complexes accumulate in acidic vesicles, most probably lysosomes. Release of complexes occurs in a sudden event, very likely due to bursting of these organelles. After release, poly(ethylene imine) and ribozyme spread throughout the cell, during which slight differences in distribution between cytosol and nucleus are visible. No lysosomal escape was observed with poly(L-lysine)/ribozyme complexes or when poly(ethylene imine)/ ribozyme complexes were applied together with bafilomycin A1. Poly(ethylene imine)/plasmid complexes exhibited a high luciferase expression, which was reduced approximately 200-fold when lysosomal acidification was suppressed with bafilomycin A1. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide, for the first time, direct experimental evidence for the escape of poly(ethylene imine)/nucleic acid complexes from the endosomal/lysosomal compartment. CLSM, in conjunction with living cell microscopy, is a promising tool for studying the subcellular fate of polyplexes in nucleic acid/gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Merdan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmacy, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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Rémy-Kristensen A, Clamme JP, Vuilleumier C, Kuhry JG, Mély Y. Role of endocytosis in the transfection of L929 fibroblasts by polyethylenimine/DNA complexes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2001; 1514:21-32. [PMID: 11513802 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2736(01)00359-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Polyethylenimine (PEI) is one of the most efficient nonviral vectors for gene therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of endocytosis in the transfection of synchronized L929 fibroblasts by PEI/DNA complexes. This was performed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, using the endocytosis marker FM4-64 and PEI/DNA complexes labeled either with the DNA intercalator YOYO-1, or with fluorescein covalently linked to PEI. Endocytosis appeared as the major if not the sole mode of entry of the PEI/DNA complexes into the L929 cells. The complexes followed a typical fluid phase endocytosis pathway and were efficiently taken up in less than 10 min in endosomes that did not exceed 200 nm in diameter. Later, the localization of the complexes became perinuclear and fusion between late endosomes was shown to occur. Comparison with the intracellular trafficking of the same complexes in EA.hy 926 cells (W.T. Godbey, K. Wu, A.G. Mikos, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (1999)) revealed that endocytosis of PEI/DNA complexes is strongly cell-dependent. In L929 cells, escape of the complexes from the endosomes is a major barrier for transfection. This limited the number of transfected cells to a few percent, even though an internalization of PEI/DNA complexes was observed in most cells. In addition, the entry of the complexes into the nucleus apparently required a mitosis and did not involve the lipids of the endosome membrane. This entry seems to be a short-lived event that involves only a few complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rémy-Kristensen
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Physico-Chimie des Interactions Cellulaires et Moléculaires, UMR CNRS 7034, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Louis Pasteur de Strasbourg, BP 24, 67401 Illkirch Cedex, France
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Abstract
To achieve effective non-viral gene therapy, the control of in vitro and in vivo stability, cellular access, intracellular trafficking and nuclear retention of plasmids must be achieved. Inefficient endosomal release, stability against cytosolic nucleases, cytoplasmic transport and nuclear entry of plasmids are amongst some of the key limiting factors in the use of plasmids for effective gene therapy. Synthetic peptide-based gene delivery systems can be designed for DNA compaction, serum stability, cell-specific targeting, endosomolysis, cytoplasmic stability and nuclear transport. The stability of compacted DNA under physiological conditions can be enhanced by the use of hydrophilic polymers, such as polyethylene glycol. The aims of this review are to (i) explore theoretical and experimental aspects of DNA compaction, (ii) describe approaches for stabilizing compacted DNA, (iii) assess techniques used for characterization of compacted DNA, and (iv) review possible use of peptides for efficient gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Center for Controlled Chemical Delivery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112-9452, USA.
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Pollard H, Remy JS, Loussouarn G, Demolombe S, Behr JP, Escande D. Polyethylenimine but not cationic lipids promotes transgene delivery to the nucleus in mammalian cells. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:7507-11. [PMID: 9516451 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.13.7507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 493] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The beta-galactosidase reporter gene, either free or complexed with various cationic vectors, was microinjected into mammalian cells. Cationic lipids but not polyethylenimine or polylysine prevent transgene expression when complexes are injected in the nucleus. Polyethylenimine and to a lesser extent polylysine, but not cationic lipids, enhance transgene expression when complexes are injected into the cytoplasm. This latter effect was independent of the polymer vector/cDNA ionic charge ratio, suggesting that nucleic acid compaction rather than surface charge was critical for efficient nuclear trafficking. Cell division was not required for nuclear entry. Finally, comparative transfection and microinjection experiments with various cell lines confirm that barriers to gene transfer vary with cell type. We conclude that polymers but not cationic lipids promote gene delivery from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and that transgene expression in the nucleus is prevented by complexation with cationic lipids but not with cationic polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Pollard
- Laboratoire de Physiopathologie et de Pharmacologie Cellulaires et Moléculaires, INSERM CJF96-01, Hôpital Hotel-Dieu, Nantes, France
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