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Mascotte-Cruz JU, Vera A, Leija L, Lopez-Salas FE, Gradzielski M, Koetz J, Gatica-García B, Rodríguez-Oviedo CP, Valenzuela-Arzeta IE, Escobedo L, Reyes-Corona D, Gutierrez-Castillo ME, Maldonado-Berny M, Espadas-Alvarez AJ, Orozco-Barrios CE, Martinez-Fong D. Focused ultrasound on the substantia nigra enables safe neurotensin-polyplex nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery to dopaminergic neurons intranasally and by blood circulation. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:60. [PMID: 38564106 PMCID: PMC10987469 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-04005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Neurotensin-polyplex nanoparticles provide efficient gene transfection of nigral dopaminergic neurons when intracerebrally injected in preclinical trials of Parkinson's disease because they do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, this study aimed to open BBB with focused ultrasound (FUS) on the substantia nigra to attain systemic and intranasal transfections and evaluate its detrimental effect in rats. Systemically injected Evans Blue showed that a two-pulse FUS opened the nigral BBB. Accordingly, 35 μL of neurotensin-polyplex nanoparticles encompassing the green fluorescent protein plasmid (79.6 nm mean size and + 1.3 mV Zeta-potential) caused its expression in tyrosine hydroxylase(+) cells (dopaminergic neurons) of both substantiae nigrae upon delivery via internal carotid artery, retro-orbital venous sinus, or nasal mucosa 30 min after FUS. The intracarotid delivery yielded the highest transgene expression, followed by intranasal and venous administration. However, FUS caused neuroinflammation displayed by infiltrated lymphocytes (positive to cluster of differentiation 45), activated microglia (positive to ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1), neurotoxic A1 astrocytes (positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and complement component 3), and neurotrophic A2 astrocytes (positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 calcium-binding protein A10), that ended 15 days after FUS. Dopaminergic neurons and axonal projections decreased but recuperated basal values on day 15 after transfection, correlating with a decrease and recovery of locomotor behavior. In conclusion, FUS caused transient neuroinflammation and reversible neuronal affection but allowed systemic and intranasal transfection of dopaminergic neurons in both substantiae nigrae. Therefore, FUS could advance neurotensin-polyplex nanotechnology to clinical trials for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan U Mascotte-Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Arturo Vera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica-Bioelectrónica, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Lorenzo Leija
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica-Bioelectrónica, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Francisco E Lopez-Salas
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Michael Gradzielski
- Institut für Chemie, Stranski-Laboratorium für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Koetz
- Institut für Chemie , Universität Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Bismark Gatica-García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Ciudad de México, México
- Nanoparticle Therapy Institute, Aguascalientes, México
| | | | - Irais E Valenzuela-Arzeta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Lourdes Escobedo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - M E Gutierrez-Castillo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios Sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo, Departamento de Biociencias e Ingeniería, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Minerva Maldonado-Berny
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Armando J Espadas-Alvarez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios Sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo, Departamento de Biociencias e Ingeniería, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Carlos E Orozco-Barrios
- CONAHCYT - Unidad de Investigaciones Médicas en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - Daniel Martinez-Fong
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, Ciudad de México, México.
- Nanoparticle Therapy Institute, Aguascalientes, México.
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2
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Tasset A, Bellamkonda A, Wang W, Pyatnitskiy I, Ward D, Peppas N, Wang H. Overcoming barriers in non-viral gene delivery for neurological applications. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:3698-3719. [PMID: 35195645 PMCID: PMC9036591 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr06939j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy for neurological disorders has attracted significant interest as a way to reverse or stop various disease pathologies. Typical gene therapies involving the central and peripheral nervous system make use of adeno-associated viral vectors whose questionable safety and limitations in manufacturing has given rise to extensive research into non-viral vectors. While early research studies have demonstrated limited efficacy with these non-viral vectors, investigation into various vector materials and functionalization methods has provided insight into ways to optimize these non-viral vectors to improve desired characteristics such as improved blood-brain barrier transcytosis, improved perfusion in brain region, enhanced cellular uptake and endosomal escape in neural cells, and nuclear transport of genetic material post- intracellular delivery. Using a combination of various strategies to enhance non-viral vectors, research groups have designed multi-functional vectors that have been successfully used in a variety of pre-clinical applications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, brain cancers, and cellular reprogramming for neuron replacement. While more work is needed in the design of these multi-functional non-viral vectors for neural applications, much of the groundwork has been done and is reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Tasset
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Arjun Bellamkonda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Wenliang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Ilya Pyatnitskiy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Deidra Ward
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Nicholas Peppas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute for Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Huiliang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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Fernandez-Parrilla MA, Reyes-Corona D, Flores-Martinez YM, Nadella R, Bannon MJ, Escobedo L, Maldonado-Berny M, Santoyo-Salazar J, Soto-Rojas LO, Luna-Herrera C, Ayala-Davila J, Gonzalez-Barrios JA, Flores G, Gutierrez-Castillo ME, Espadas-Alvarez AJ, Martínez-Dávila IA, Nava P, Martinez-Fong D. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor transfection in dopamine neurons using neurotensin-polyplex nanoparticles reverses 6-hydroxydopamine-induced nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:854-866. [PMID: 34472486 PMCID: PMC8530149 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.321001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of neurotrophic factors in nigral dopamine neurons is a promising approach to reverse neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine system, a hallmark in Parkinson's disease. The human cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (hCDNF) has recently emerged as a strong candidate for Parkinson's disease therapy. This study shows that hCDNF expression in dopamine neurons using the neurotensin-polyplex nanoparticle system reverses 6-hydroxydopamine-induced morphological, biochemical, and behavioral alterations. Three independent electron microscopy techniques showed that the neurotensin-polyplex nanoparticles containing the hCDNF gene, ranging in size from 20 to 150 nm, enabled the expression of a secretable hCDNF in vitro. Their injection in the substantia nigra compacta on day 21 after the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion resulted in detectable hCDNF in dopamine neurons, whose levels remained constant throughout the study in the substantia nigra compacta and striatum. Compared with the lesioned group, tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) nigral cell population and TH+ fiber density rose in the substantia nigra compacta and striatum after hCDNF transfection. An increase in βIII-tubulin and growth-associated protein 43 phospho-S41 (GAP43p) followed TH+ cell recovery, as well as dopamine and its catabolite levels. Partial reversal (80%) of drug-activated circling behavior and full recovery of spontaneous motor and non-motor behavior were achieved. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor recovery in dopamine neurons that also occurred suggests its participation in the neurotrophic effects. These findings support the potential of nanoparticle-mediated hCDNF gene delivery to develop a disease-modifying treatment against Parkinson's disease. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados approved our experimental procedures for animal use (authorization No. 162-15) on June 9, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A Fernandez-Parrilla
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, México
| | - David Reyes-Corona
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Yazmin M Flores-Martinez
- Programa Institucional de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rasajna Nadella
- Department of Biosciences, IIIT-Srikakulam, Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Michael J Bannon
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lourdes Escobedo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Minerva Maldonado-Berny
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jaime Santoyo-Salazar
- Departamento de Física, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luis O Soto-Rojas
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Edo. de México, México
| | - Claudia Luna-Herrera
- Departamento de Fisiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jose Ayala-Davila
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Juan A Gonzalez-Barrios
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Hospital Regional "1° de Octubre", ISSSTE, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gonzalo Flores
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Maria E Gutierrez-Castillo
- Departamento de Biociencias e Ingeniería, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Armando J Espadas-Alvarez
- Departamento de Biociencias e Ingeniería, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Irma A Martínez-Dávila
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Porfirio Nava
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Daniel Martinez-Fong
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias; Programa de Nanociencias y nanotecnología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, México
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Lopez-Salas FE, Nadella R, Maldonado-Berny M, Escobedo-Sanchez ML, Fiorentino-Pérez R, Gatica-García B, Fernandez-Parrilla MA, Mario Gil M, Reyes-Corona D, García U, Orozco-Barrios CE, Gutierrez-Castillo ME, Martinez-Fong D. Synthetic Monopartite Peptide That Enables the Nuclear Import of Genes Delivered by the Neurotensin-Polyplex Vector. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:4572-4588. [PMID: 33125243 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NTS)-polyplex is a multicomponent nonviral vector that enables gene delivery via internalization of the neurotensin type 1 receptor (NTSR1) to dopaminergic neurons and cancer cells. An approach to improving its therapeutic safety is replacing the viral karyophilic component (peptide KPSV40; MAPTKRKGSCPGAAPNKPK), which performs the nuclear import activity, by a shorter synthetic peptide (KPRa; KMAPKKRK). We explored this issue and the mechanism of plasmid DNA translocation through the expression of the green fluorescent protein or red fluorescent protein fused with KPRa and internalization assays and whole-cell patch-clamp configuration experiments in a single cell together with importin α/β pathway blockers. We showed that KPRa electrostatically bound to plasmid DNA increased the transgene expression compared with KPSV40 and enabled nuclear translocation of KPRa-fused red fluorescent proteins and plasmid DNA. Such translocation was blocked with ivermectin or mifepristone, suggesting importin α/β pathway mediation. KPRa also enabled NTS-polyplex-mediated expression of reporter or physiological genes such as human mesencephalic-derived neurotrophic factor (hMANF) in dopaminergic neurons in vivo. KPRa is a synthetic monopartite peptide that showed nuclear import activity in NTS-polyplex vector-mediated gene delivery. KPRa could also improve the transfection of other nonviral vectors used in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco E Lopez-Salas
- Programa de Doctorado en Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rasajna Nadella
- Biosciences, IIIT Srikakulam-RGUKT, Etcherla 532402, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Minerva Maldonado-Berny
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Maria L Escobedo-Sanchez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rosana Fiorentino-Pérez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Bismark Gatica-García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Manuel A Fernandez-Parrilla
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Moreno Mario Gil
- Departamento de Farmacología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - David Reyes-Corona
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ubaldo García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Carlos E Orozco-Barrios
- Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Unidad de Investigaciones Médicas en Enfermedades Neurológicas, CONACyT, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, 06720 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Maria E Gutierrez-Castillo
- Departamento de Biociencias e Ingeniería, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 30 de junio de 1520 s/n, La Laguna Ticoman, 07340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Daniel Martinez-Fong
- Programa de Doctorado en Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, No. 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Spencer AP, Torrado M, Custódio B, Silva-Reis SC, Santos SD, Leiro V, Pêgo AP. Breaking Barriers: Bioinspired Strategies for Targeted Neuronal Delivery to the Central Nervous System. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E192. [PMID: 32102252 PMCID: PMC7076453 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders encompass a vast spectrum of pathological conditions and represent a growing concern worldwide. Despite the high social and clinical interest in trying to solve these pathologies, there are many challenges to bridge in order to achieve an effective therapy. One of the main obstacles to advancements in this field that has hampered many of the therapeutic strategies proposed to date is the presence of the CNS barriers that restrict the access to the brain. However, adequate brain biodistribution and neuronal cells specific accumulation in the targeted site also represent major hurdles to the attainment of a successful CNS treatment. Over the last few years, nanotechnology has taken a step forward towards the development of therapeutics in neurologic diseases and different approaches have been developed to surpass these obstacles. The versatility of the designed nanocarriers in terms of physical and chemical properties, and the possibility to functionalize them with specific moieties, have resulted in improved neurotargeted delivery profiles. With the concomitant progress in biology research, many of these strategies have been inspired by nature and have taken advantage of physiological processes to achieve brain delivery. Here, the different nanosystems and targeting moieties used to achieve a neuronal delivery reported in the open literature are comprehensively reviewed and critically discussed, with emphasis on the most recent bioinspired advances in the field. Finally, we express our view on the paramount challenges in targeted neuronal delivery that need to be overcome for these promising therapeutics to move from the bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Spencer
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- FEUP—Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marília Torrado
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Custódio
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C. Silva-Reis
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia D. Santos
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Victoria Leiro
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana P. Pêgo
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.S.); (M.T.); (B.C.); (S.C.S.-R.); (S.D.S.); (V.L.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- FEUP—Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Gigante A, Li M, Junghänel S, Hirschhäuser C, Knauer S, Schmuck C. Non-viral transfection vectors: are hybrid materials the way forward? MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1692-1718. [PMID: 32180915 PMCID: PMC7053704 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00275h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transfection is a process by which oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) are delivered into living cells. This allows the synthesis of target proteins as well as their inhibition (gene silencing). However, oligonucleotides cannot cross the plasma membrane by themselves; therefore, efficient carriers are needed for successful gene delivery. Recombinant viruses are among the earliest described vectors. Unfortunately, they have severe drawbacks such as toxicity and immunogenicity. In this regard, the development of non-viral transfection vectors has attracted increasing interests, and has become an important field of research. In the first part of this review we start with a tutorial introduction into the biological backgrounds of gene transfection followed by the classical non-viral vectors (cationic organic carriers and inorganic nanoparticles). In the second part we highlight selected recent reports, which demonstrate that hybrid vectors that combine key features of classical carriers are a remarkable strategy to address the current challenges in gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gigante
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - M Li
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - S Junghänel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
- Biomedical Technology Center of the Medical Faculty , University of Muenster , Muenster , Germany
| | - C Hirschhäuser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
| | - S Knauer
- Faculty of Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany
| | - C Schmuck
- Institute of Organic Chemistry , University of Duisburg-Essen , 45141 Essen , Germany .
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Huang WC, Chi HS, Lee YC, Lo YC, Liu TC, Chiang MY, Chen HY, Li SJ, Chen YY, Chen SY. Gene-Embedded Nanostructural Biotic-Abiotic Optoelectrode Arrays Applied for Synchronous Brain Optogenetics and Neural Signal Recording. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:11270-11282. [PMID: 30844235 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b03264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics is a recently established neuromodulation technique in which photostimulation is used to manipulate neurons with high temporal and spatial precision. However, sequential genetic and optical insertion with double brain implantation tends to cause excessive tissue damage. In addition, the incorporation of light-sensitive genes requires the utilization of viral vectors, which remains a safety concern. Here, by combining device fabrication design, nanotechnology, and cell targeting technology, we developed a new gene-embedded optoelectrode array for neural implantation to enable spatiotemporal electroporation (EP) for gene delivery/transfection, photomodulation, and synchronous electrical monitoring of neural signals in the brain via one-time implantation. A biotic-abiotic neural interface (called PG) composed of reduced graphene oxide and conductive polyelectrolyte 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-modified amphiphilic chitosan was developed to form a nanostructural hydrogel with assembled nanodomains for encapsulating nonviral gene vectors (called PEI-NT-pDNA) formulated by neurotensin (NT) and polyethylenimine (PEI)-coupled plasmid DNA (pDNA). The PG can maintain high charge storage ability to respond to a minimal current of 125 μA for controllable gene delivery. The in vitro analysis of PG-PEI-NT-pDNA on the microelectrode array chip showed that the microelectrodes provided electrically inductive electropermeabilization, which permitted gene transfection into localized rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells with a strong green fluorescent protein expression that was up to 8-fold higher than that in nontreated cells. Furthermore, the in vivo implantation enabled on-demand spatiotemporal gene transfection to neurons with 10-fold enhancement of targeting ability compared with astrocytes. Finally, using the real optogenetic opsin channelrhodopsin-2, the flexible neural probe incorporated with an optical waveguide fiber displayed photoevoked extracellular spikes in the thalamic ventrobasal region after focal EP for only 7 days, which provided a proof of concept for the use of photomodulation to facilitate neural therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hui-Shang Chi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , National Chiao Tung University , No. 1001, Ta-Hsueh Road , Hsinchu 30010 , Taiwan , R.O.C
| | | | | | - Ta-Chung Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , National Chiao Tung University , No. 1001, Ta-Hsueh Road , Hsinchu 30010 , Taiwan , R.O.C
| | - Min-Yu Chiang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , National Chiao Tung University , No. 1001, Ta-Hsueh Road , Hsinchu 30010 , Taiwan , R.O.C
| | - Hsu-Yan Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , National Yang Ming University , No. 155, Section 2, Linong Street , Taipei 11221 , Taiwan , R.O.C
| | - Ssu-Ju Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , National Yang Ming University , No. 155, Section 2, Linong Street , Taipei 11221 , Taiwan , R.O.C
| | - You-Yin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , National Yang Ming University , No. 155, Section 2, Linong Street , Taipei 11221 , Taiwan , R.O.C
| | - San-Yuan Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , National Chiao Tung University , No. 1001, Ta-Hsueh Road , Hsinchu 30010 , Taiwan , R.O.C
- Frontier Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters , National Tsing Hua University , No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road , Hsinchu 30013 , Taiwan , R.O.C
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Aranda-Barradas ME, Márquez M, Quintanar L, Santoyo-Salazar J, Espadas-Álvarez AJ, Martínez-Fong D, García-García E. Development of a Parenteral Formulation of NTS-Polyplex Nanoparticles for Clinical Purpose. Pharmaceutics 2018; 10:pharmaceutics10010005. [PMID: 29301386 PMCID: PMC5874818 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin (NTS)-polyplex is a nanoparticle system for targeted gene delivery that holds great promise for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and various types of cancer. However, the high instability in aqueous suspension of NTS-polyplex nanoparticles is a major limitation for their widespread clinical use. To overcome this obstacle, we developed a clinical formulation and a lyophilization process for NTS-polyplex nanoparticles. The reconstituted samples were compared with fresh preparations by using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility, circular dichroism and transfection assays in vitro and in vivo. Our formulation was able to confer lyoprotection and stability to these nanoparticles. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and size exclusion-high performance liquid chromatography (SEC-HPLC) using a radioactive tag revealed that the interaction of reconstituted nanoparticles with fetal bovine or human serum did not alter their biophysical features. Furthermore, the formulation and the lyophilization procedure guaranteed functional NTS-polyplex nanoparticles for at least six months of storage at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity. Our results offer a pharmaceutical guide for formulation and long-term storage of NTS-polyplex nanoparticles that could be applied to other polyplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María E Aranda-Barradas
- Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnical Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
| | - Maripaz Márquez
- Chemistry Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnical Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
- Pharmacology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnical Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
| | - Liliana Quintanar
- Chemistry Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnical Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
| | - Jaime Santoyo-Salazar
- Physics Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnical Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
| | - Armando J Espadas-Álvarez
- Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnical Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
| | - Daniel Martínez-Fong
- Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnical Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
- Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnical Institute, Mexico City 07360, Mexico.
| | - Elizabeth García-García
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Department, Psicofarma, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City 14050, Mexico.
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9
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Chen J, Guan X, Hu Y, Tian H, Chen X. Peptide-Based and Polypeptide-Based Gene Delivery Systems. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:32. [DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0115-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Hsieh TY, Huang WC, Kang YD, Chu CY, Liao WL, Chen YY, Chen SY. Neurotensin-Conjugated Reduced Graphene Oxide with Multi-Stage Near-Infrared-Triggered Synergic Targeted Neuron Gene Transfection In Vitro and In Vivo for Neurodegenerative Disease Therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:3016-3026. [PMID: 27805786 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201600647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Delivery efficiency with gene transfection is a pivotal point in achieving maximized therapeutic efficacy and has been an important challenge with central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In this study, neurotensin (NT, a neuro-specific peptide)-conjugated polyethylenimine (PEI)-modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles with precisely controlled two-stage near-infrared (NIR)-laser photothermal treatment to enhance the ability to target neurons and achieve high gene transfection in neurons. First-stage NIR laser irradiation on the cells with nanoparticles attached on the surface can increase the permeability of the cell membrane, resulting in an apparent increase in cellular uptake compared to untreated cells. In addition, second-stage NIR laser irradiation on the cells with nanoparticles inside can further induce endo/lysosomal cavitation, which not only helps nanoparticles escape from endo/lysosomes but also prevents plasmid DNA (pDNA) from being digested by DNase I. At least double pDNA amount can be released from rGO-PEI-NT/pDNA under NIR laser trigger release compared to natural release. Moreover, in vitro differentiated PC-12 cell and in vivo mice (C57BL/6) brain transfection experiments have demonstrated the highest transfection efficiency occurring when NT modification is combined with external multi-stage stimuli-responsive NIR laser treatment. The combination of neuro-specific targeting peptide and external NIR-laser-triggered aid provides a nanoplatform for gene therapy in CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Ying Hsieh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; National Chiao Tung University; No. 1001, Ta-Hsueh Rd Hsinchu 30010 Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Huang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; National Chiao Tung University; No. 1001, Ta-Hsueh Rd Hsinchu 30010 Taiwan
| | - Yi-Da Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; National Chiao Tung University; No. 1001, Ta-Hsueh Rd Hsinchu 30010 Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yi Chu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; National Chiao Tung University; No. 1001, Ta-Hsueh Rd Hsinchu 30010 Taiwan
| | - Wen-Lin Liao
- Taiwan Institute of Neuroscience; National Chengchi University; No. 64, Sec. 2, Zhinan Rd., Wenshan Dist Taipei City 116 Taiwan
| | - You-Yin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; National Yang Ming University; No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St Taipei Taiwan
| | - San-Yuan Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; National Chiao Tung University; No. 1001, Ta-Hsueh Rd Hsinchu 30010 Taiwan
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11
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Movassaghian S, Xie Y, Hildebrandt C, Rosati R, Li Y, Kim NH, Conti DS, da Rocha SRP, Yang ZQ, Merkel OM. Post-Transcriptional Regulation of the GASC1 Oncogene with Active Tumor-Targeted siRNA-Nanoparticles. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:2605-21. [PMID: 27223606 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) accounts for the most aggressive types of breast cancer, marked by high rates of relapse and poor prognoses and with no effective clinical therapy yet. Therefore, investigation of new targets and treatment strategies is more than necessary. Here, we identified a receptor that can be targeted in BLBC for efficient and specific siRNA mediated gene knockdown of therapeutically relevant genes such as the histone demethylase GASC1, which is involved in multiple signaling pathways leading to tumorigenesis. Breast cancer and healthy breast cell lines were compared regarding transferrin receptor (TfR) expression via flow cytometry and transferrin binding assays. Nanobioconjugates made of low molecular weight polyethylenimine (LMW-PEI) and transferrin (Tf) were synthesized to contain a bioreducible disulfide bond. siRNA complexation was characterized by condensation assays and dynamic light scattering. Cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency, and the targeting specificity of the conjugates were investigated in TfR positive and negative healthy breast and breast cancer cell lines by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, RT-PCR, and Western blot. Breast cancer cell lines revealed a significantly higher TfR expression than healthy breast cells. The conjugates efficiently condensed siRNA into particles with 45 nm size at low polymer concentrations, showed no apparent toxicity on different breast cancer cell lines, and had significantly greater transfection and gene knockdown activity on mRNA and protein levels than PEI/siRNA leading to targeted and therapeutic growth inhibition post GASC1 knockdown. The synthesized nanobioconjugates improved the efficiency of gene transfer and targeting specificity in transferrin receptor positive cells but not in cells with basal receptor expression. Therefore, these materials in combination with our newly identified siRNA sequences are promising candidates for therapeutic targeting of hard-to-treat BLBC and are currently further investigated regarding in vivo targeting efficacy and biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Movassaghian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Yuran Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Claudia Hildebrandt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Kiel University , 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Rayna Rosati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Na Hyung Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Denise S Conti
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, College of Engineering, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Sandro R P da Rocha
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States.,Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia 23284, United States
| | - Zeng-Quan Yang
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Olivia M Merkel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , 80539 Munich, Germany
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12
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Neurotensin-polyplex-mediated brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene delivery into nigral dopamine neurons prevents nigrostriatal degeneration in a rat model of early Parkinson's disease. J Biomed Sci 2015. [PMID: 26198255 PMCID: PMC4511027 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-015-0166-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The neurotrophin Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) influences nigral dopaminergic neurons via autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. The reduction of BDNF expression in Parkinson’s disease substantia nigra (SN) might contribute to the death of dopaminergic neurons because inhibiting BDNF expression in the SN causes parkinsonism in the rat. This study aimed to demonstrate that increasing BDNF expression in dopaminergic neurons of rats with one week of 6-hydroxydopamine lesion recovers from parkinsonism. The plasmids phDAT-BDNF-flag and phDAT-EGFP, coding for enhanced green fluorescent protein, were transfected using neurotensin (NTS)-polyplex, which enables delivery of genes into the dopaminergic neurons via neurotensin-receptor type 1 (NTSR1) internalization. Results Two weeks after transfections, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence techniques showed that the residual dopaminergic neurons retain NTSR1 expression and susceptibility to be transfected by the NTS-polyplex. phDAT-BDNF-flag transfection did not increase dopaminergic neurons, but caused 7-fold increase in dopamine fibers within the SN and 5-fold increase in innervation and dopamine levels in the striatum. These neurotrophic effects were accompanied by a significant improvement in motor behavior. Conclusions NTS-polyplex-mediated BDNF overexpression in dopaminergic neurons has proven to be effective to remit hemiparkinsonism in the rat. This BDNF gene therapy might be helpful in the early stage of Parkinson’s disease.
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13
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Castillo-Rodríguez RA, Arango-Rodríguez ML, Escobedo L, Hernandez-Baltazar D, Gompel A, Forgez P, Martínez-Fong D. Suicide HSVtk gene delivery by neurotensin-polyplex nanoparticles via the bloodstream and GCV Treatment specifically inhibit the growth of human MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer tumors xenografted in athymic mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97151. [PMID: 24824754 PMCID: PMC4019532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231 has the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) phenotype, which is an aggressive subtype with no specific treatment. MDA-MB-231 cells express neurotensin receptor type 1 (NTSR1), which makes these cells an attractive target of therapeutic genes that are delivered by the neurotensin (NTS)-polyplex nanocarrier via the bloodstream. We addressed the relevance of this strategy for TNBC treatment using NTS-polyplex nanoparticles harboring the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) suicide gene and its complementary prodrug ganciclovir (GCV). The reporter gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as a control. NTS-polyplex successfully transfected both genes in cultured MDA-MB-231 cells. The transfection was demonstrated pharmacologically to be dependent on activation of NTSR1. The expression of HSVtk gene decreased cell viability by 49% (P<0.0001) and induced apoptosis in cultured MDA-MB-231 cells after complementary GCV treatment. In the MDA-MB-231 xenograft model, NTS-polyplex nanoparticles carrying either the HSVtk gene or GFP gene were injected into the tumors or via the bloodstream. Both routes of administration allowed the NTS-polyplex nanoparticles to reach and transfect tumorous cells. HSVtk expression and GCV led to apoptosis, as shown by the presence of cleaved caspase-3 and Apostain immunoreactivity, and significantly inhibited the tumor growth (55-60%) (P<0.001). At the end of the experiment, the weight of tumors transfected with the HSVtk gene was 55% less than that of control tumors (P<0.05). The intravenous transfection did not induce apoptosis in peripheral organs. Our results offer a promising gene therapy for TNBC using the NTS-polyplex nanocarrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A. Castillo-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), México, D.F., México
| | - Martha L. Arango-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Ciencias, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lourdes Escobedo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), México, D.F., México
| | - Daniel Hernandez-Baltazar
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), México, D.F., México
| | - Anne Gompel
- Unité de Gynécologie, Université Paris Descartes, AP-HP, Port Royal Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Forgez
- Department of Cellular Homeostasis and Cancer, Université Paris Descartes, INSERM UMR-S 1007, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Martínez-Fong
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), México, D.F., México
- Programa de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), México, D.F., México
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Hernandez ME, Rembao JD, Hernandez-Baltazar D, Castillo-Rodriguez RA, Tellez-Lopez VM, Flores-Martinez YM, Orozco-Barrios CE, Rubio HA, Sánchez-García A, Ayala-Davila J, Arango-Rodriguez ML, Pavón L, Mejia-Castillo T, Forgez P, Martinez-Fong D. Safety of the intravenous administration of neurotensin-polyplex nanoparticles in BALB/c mice. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2013; 10:745-54. [PMID: 24333586 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Neurotensin (NTS)-polyplex is a gene nanocarrier that has potential nanomedicine-based applications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and cancers of cells expressing NTS receptor type 1. We assessed the acute inflammatory response to NTS-polyplex carrying a reporter gene in BALB/c mice. The intravenous injection of NTS-polyplex caused the specific expression of the reporter gene in gastrointestinal cells. Six hours after an intravenous injection of propidium iodide labeled-NTS-polyplex, fluorescent spots were located in the cells of the organs with a mononuclear phagocyte system, suggesting NTS-polyplex clearance. In contrast to lipopolysaccharide and carbon tetrachloride, NTS-polyplex did not increase the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase. NTS-polyplex increased the levels of serum amyloid A and alkaline phosphatase, but these levels normalized after 24 h. Compared to carrageenan, the local injection of NTS-polyplex did not produce inflammation. Our results support the safety of NTS-polyplex. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR This study focuses on the safety of neurotensin (NTS)-polyplex, a gene nanocarrier that has potential in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and cancers of cells expressing NTS receptor type 1. NTS polyplex demonstrates a better safety profile compared with carrageenan, lipopolysaccharide, and carbon tetrachloride in a murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Victor M Tellez-Lopez
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, CINVESTAV-I.P.N., Mexico DF, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Jose Ayala-Davila
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, CINVESTAV-I.P.N., Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Martha L Arango-Rodriguez
- Instituto de Ciencias, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lenin Pavón
- Department of Psychoimmunology, INPRF, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | - Teresa Mejia-Castillo
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, CINVESTAV-I.P.N., Mexico DF, Mexico
| | | | - Daniel Martinez-Fong
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, CINVESTAV-I.P.N., Mexico DF, Mexico; PhD Program in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology; CINVESTAV-I.P.N., Mexico DF, Mexico.
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15
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Parhiz H, Shier WT, Ramezani M. From rationally designed polymeric and peptidic systems to sophisticated gene delivery nano-vectors. Int J Pharm 2013; 457:237-59. [PMID: 24060371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lack of safe, efficient and controllable methods for delivering therapeutic genes appears to be the most important factor preventing human gene therapy. Safety issues encountered with viral vectors have prompted substantial attention to in vivo investigations with non-viral vectors throughout the past decade. However, developing non-viral vectors with effectiveness comparable to viral ones has been a challenge. The strategy of designing multifunctional synthetic carriers targeting several extracellular and intracellular barriers in the gene transfer pathway has emerged as a promising approach to improving the efficacy of gene delivery systems. This review will explain how sophisticated synthetic vectors can be created by combining conventional polycationic vectors such as polyethylenimine and basic amino acid peptides with additional polymers and peptides that are designed to overcome potential barriers to the gene delivery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Parhiz
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 91775-1365, Mashhad, Iran
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O'Mahony AM, Godinho BMDC, Cryan JF, O'Driscoll CM. Non-viral nanosystems for gene and small interfering RNA delivery to the central nervous system: formulating the solution. J Pharm Sci 2013; 102:3469-84. [PMID: 23893329 DOI: 10.1002/jps.23672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The application of gene and RNAi-based therapies to the central nervous system (CNS), for neurological and neurodegenerative disease, offers immense potential. The issue of delivery to the target site remains the single greatest barrier to achieving this. There are challenges to gene and siRNA (small interfering RNA) delivery which are specific to the CNS, including the post-mitotic nature of neurons, their resistance to transfection and the blood-brain barrier. Viral vectors are highly efficient and have been used extensively in pre-clinical studies for CNS diseases. However, non-viral delivery offers an exciting alternative. In this review, we will discuss the extracellular and intracellular barriers to gene and siRNA delivery in the CNS. Our focus will be directed towards various non-viral strategies used to overcome these barriers. In this regard, we describe selected non-viral vectors and categorise them according to the barriers that they overcome by their formulation and targeting strategies. Some of the difficulties associated with non-viral vectors such as toxicity, large-scale manufacture and route of administration are discussed. We provide examples of optimised formulation approaches and discuss regulatory hurdles to clinical validation. Finally, we outline the components of an "ideal" formulation, based on a critical analysis of the approaches highlighted throughout the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife M O'Mahony
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
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Biomaterial-Based Vectors for Targeted Delivery of Nucleic Acids to the Nervous System. DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES POTENTIALLY APPLICABLE IN PERSONALISED TREATMENT 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6010-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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18
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Hernandez-Baltazar D, Martinez-Fong D, Trudeau LE. Optimizing NTS-polyplex as a tool for gene transfer to cultured dopamine neurons. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51341. [PMID: 23300540 PMCID: PMC3530538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of signal transduction in dopamine (DA)-containing neurons as well as the development of new therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease requires the selective expression of transgenes in such neurons. Here we describe optimization of the use of the NTS-polyplex, a gene carrier system taking advantage of neurotensin receptor internalization, to transfect mouse DA neurons in primary culture. The plasmids DsRed2 (4.7 kbp) and VGLUT2-Venus (11 kbp) were used to compare the ability of this carrier system to transfect plasmids of different sizes. We examined the impact of age of the neurons (1, 3, 5 and 8 days after seeding), of culture media used during the transfection (Neurobasal with B27 vs. conditioned medium) and of three molar ratios of plasmid DNA to carrier. While the NTS-polyplex successfully transfected both plasmids in a control N1E-115 cell line, only the pDsRed2 plasmid could be transfected in primary cultured DA neurons. We achieved 20% transfection efficiency of pDsRed2 in DA neurons, with 80% cell viability. The transfection was demonstrated pharmacologically to be dependent on activation of neurotensin receptors and to be selective for DA neurons. The presence of conditioned medium for transfection was found to be required to insure cell viability. Highest transfection efficiency was achieved in the most mature neurons. In contrast, transfection with the VGLUT2-Venus plasmid produced cell damage, most likely due to the high molar ratios required, as evidenced by a 15% cell viability of DA neurons at the three molar ratios tested (1:36, 1:39 and 1:42). We conclude that, when used at molar ratios lower than 1:33, the NTS-polyplex can selectively transfect mature cultured DA neurons with only low levels of toxicity. Our results provide evidence that the NTS-polyplex has good potential for targeted gene delivery in cultured DA neurons, an in vitro system of great use for the screening of new therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hernandez-Baltazar
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), México, D.F., México
| | - Daniel Martinez-Fong
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), México, D.F., México
| | - Louis-Eric Trudeau
- Department of Pharmacology, Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Kenny GD, Villegas-Llerena C, Tagalakis AD, Campbell F, Welser K, Botta M, Tabor AB, Hailes HC, Lythgoe MF, Hart SL. Multifunctional receptor-targeted nanocomplexes for magnetic resonance imaging and transfection of tumours. Biomaterials 2012; 33:7241-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Martinez-Fong D, Bannon MJ, Trudeau LE, Gonzalez-Barrios JA, Arango-Rodriguez ML, Hernandez-Chan NG, Reyes-Corona D, Armendáriz-Borunda J, Navarro-Quiroga I. NTS-Polyplex: a potential nanocarrier for neurotrophic therapy of Parkinson's disease. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2012; 8:1052-69. [PMID: 22406187 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2012.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Nanomedicine has focused on targeted neurotrophic gene delivery to the brain as a strategy to stop and reverse neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Because of improved transfection ability, synthetic nanocarriers have become candidates for neurotrophic therapy. Neurotensin (NTS)-polyplex is a "Trojan horse" synthetic nanocarrier system that enters dopaminergic neurons through NTS receptor internalization to deliver a genetic cargo. The success of preclinical studies with different neurotrophic genes supports the possibility of using NTS-polyplex in nanomedicine. In this review, we describe the mechanism of NTS-polyplex transfection. We discuss the concept that an effective neurotrophic therapy requires a simultaneous effect on the axon terminals and soma of the remaining dopaminergic neurons. We also discuss the future of this strategy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR This review paper focuses on nanomedicine-based treatment of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative condition with existing symptomatic but no curative treatment. Neurotensin-polyplex is a synthetic nanocarrier system that enables delivery of genetic cargo to dopaminergic neurons via NTS receptor internalization.
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21
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Non-viral gene therapy for neurological diseases, with an emphasis on targeted gene delivery. J Control Release 2012; 157:183-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Domingo-Espín J, Unzueta U, Saccardo P, Rodríguez-Carmona E, Corchero JL, Vázquez E, Ferrer-Miralles N. Engineered biological entities for drug delivery and gene therapy protein nanoparticles. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 104:247-98. [PMID: 22093221 PMCID: PMC7173510 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416020-0.00006-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of genetic engineering techniques has speeded up the growth of the biotechnological industry, resulting in a significant increase in the number of recombinant protein products on the market. The deep knowledge of protein function, structure, biological interactions, and the possibility to design new polypeptides with desired biological activities have been the main factors involved in the increase of intensive research and preclinical and clinical approaches. Consequently, new biological entities with added value for innovative medicines such as increased stability, improved targeting, and reduced toxicity, among others have been obtained. Proteins are complex nanoparticles with sizes ranging from a few nanometers to a few hundred nanometers when complex supramolecular interactions occur, as for example, in viral capsids. However, even though protein production is a delicate process that imposes the use of sophisticated analytical methods and negative secondary effects have been detected in some cases as immune and inflammatory reactions, the great potential of biodegradable and tunable protein nanoparticles indicates that protein-based biotechnological products are expected to increase in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Domingo-Espín
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo Saccardo
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Escarlata Rodríguez-Carmona
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luís Corchero
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Improving the transfection efficiencies of nonviral gene delivery requires properly engineered nanoscaled delivery carriers that can overcome the multiple barriers associated with the delivery of oligonucleotides from the site of administration to the nucleus or cytoplasm of the target cell. This article reviews the current advantages and limitation of polyplex nonviral delivery systems, including the apparent barriers that limit gene expression efficiency compared to physical methods such as hydrodynamic dosing and electroporation. An emphasis is placed on engineered nanoscaled polyplexes (NSPs) of modular design that both self-assemble and systematically disassemble at the desired stage of delivery. It is suggested that NSPs of increasingly sophisticated designs are necessary to improve the efficiency of the rate limiting steps in gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Fernandez
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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Rubio-Zapata HA, Rembao-Bojorquez JD, Arango-Rodriguez ML, Dupouy S, Forgez P, Martinez-Fong D. NT-polyplex: a new tool for therapeutic gene delivery to neuroblastoma tumors. Cancer Gene Ther 2009; 16:573-84. [PMID: 19180142 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2009.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT)-polyplex is a nonviral system for the targeted gene delivery to cells that express and internalize the high-affinity NT receptor (NTSR1). In hemiparkinsonian rats, we previously demonstrated the morphological and functional recovery from dopaminergic neurodegeneration using the NT-polyplex as a vehicle to transfect a neurotrophic gene. The main objective of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of NT-polyplex to transfect reporter or therapeutic genes into neuroblastoma tumors through the blood stream or by intratumoral injection. N1E-115 cells known to express NTSR1 were allografted into athymic mice to generate the neuroblastoma tumor model. Both routes of administration allowed the NT-polyplex to reach and transfect tumoral cells. A low transgene expression was also detected in intestinal tract cells only after the injection into the blood stream. The transfection of the thymidine kinase (HSVTK) suicide gene followed by ganciclovir (GCV) treatment decreased the size and weight of neuroblastoma tumors by 30-50% and increased apoptosis compared to controls. This study shows the potential of the NT-polyplex as specific gene-transfer system for NTSR1 cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Rubio-Zapata
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neuroscience, CINVESTAV, Mexico DF, Mexico
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25
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Lai WF, Lin MCM. Nucleic acid delivery with chitosan and its derivatives. J Control Release 2008; 134:158-68. [PMID: 19100795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2008] [Accepted: 11/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chitosan is a naturally occurring cationic mucopolysaccharide. It is generally biocompatible, biodegradable, mucoadhesive, non-immunogenic and non-toxic. Although chitosan is able to condense nucleic acids (NA) (both DNA and RNA) and protect them from nuclease degradation, its poor water solubility and low transfection efficacy have impeded its use as an NA carrier. In order to overcome such limitations, a multitude of strategies for chitosan modification and formulation have been proposed. In this article, we will first give a brief overview of the physical and biological properties of chitosan. Then, with a special focus on plasmid DNA delivery, we will have a detailed discussion of the latest advances in chitosan-mediated NA transfer. For future research, the following three important areas will be discussed: chitosan-mediated therapeutic small RNA transfer, structure-activity relationships (SAR) in chitosan vector design, and chitosan-mediated oral/nasal NA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Fu Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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26
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Pan H, Kopecek J. Multifunctional Water-Soluble Polymers for Drug Delivery. MULTIFUNCTIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL NANOCARRIERS 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-76554-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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27
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Park IK, Lasiene J, Chou SH, Horner PJ, Pun SH. Neuron-specific delivery of nucleic acids mediated by Tet1-modified poly(ethylenimine). J Gene Med 2007; 9:691-702. [PMID: 17582226 PMCID: PMC2633605 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of minimally invasive, non-viral gene delivery vehicles for the central nervous system (CNS) is an important technology goal in the advancement of molecular therapies for neurological diseases. One approach is to deliver materials peripherally that are recognized and retrogradely transported by motor neurons toward the CNS. Tet1 is a peptide identified by Boulis and coworkers to possess the binding characteristics of tetanus toxin, which interacts specifically with motor neurons and undergoes fast, retrograde delivery to cell soma. In this work, Tet1-poly(ethylenimine) (Tet1-PEI) was synthesized and evaluated as a neurontargeted delivery vehicle. METHODS Tet1-PEI and NT-PEI (neurotensin-PEI) were synthesized and complexed with plasmid DNA to form polyplexes. Polyplexes were assessed for binding and uptake in differentiated neuron-like PC-12 cells by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. In order to determine gene delivery efficiency, polyplexes were exposed to PC-12 cells at various stages of differentiation. Targeted binding of polyplexes with primary neurons was studied using dorsal root ganglion cells. RESULTS Tet1-PEI and NT-PEI polyplexes bound specifically to differentiated PC-12 cells. The specificity of the interaction was confirmed by delivery to non-neuronal cells and by competition studies with free ligands. Tet1-PEI polyplexes preferentially transfected PC-12 cells undergoing NGF-induced differentiation. Finally, neuron-specific binding of Tet1-PEI polyplexes was confirmed in primary neurons. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrate the potential of Tet1-PEI as a neuron-targeted material for non-invasive CNS delivery. Tet1-PEI binds specifically and is internalized by neuron-like PC-12 cells and primary dorsal root ganglion. Future work will include evaluation of siRNA delivery with these vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Kyu Park
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jurate Lasiene
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Shinn-Huey Chou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Philip J. Horner
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Correspondence to: Suzie H. Pun, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. E-mail:
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Bergen JM, Park IK, Horner PJ, Pun SH. Nonviral approaches for neuronal delivery of nucleic acids. Pharm Res 2007; 25:983-98. [PMID: 17932730 PMCID: PMC2292496 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-007-9439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2007] [Accepted: 08/20/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to neurons has the potential to treat neurological disease and spinal cord injury. While select viral vectors have shown promise as gene carriers to neurons, their potential as therapeutic agents is limited by their toxicity and immunogenicity, their broad tropism, and the cost of large-scale formulation. Nonviral vectors are an attractive alternative in that they offer improved safety profiles compared to viruses, are less expensive to produce, and can be targeted to specific neuronal subpopulations. However, most nonviral vectors suffer from significantly lower transfection efficiencies than neurotropic viruses, severely limiting their utility in neuron-targeted delivery applications. To realize the potential of nonviral delivery technology in neurons, vectors must be designed to overcome a series of extra- and intracellular barriers. In this article, we describe the challenges preventing successful nonviral delivery of nucleic acids to neurons and review strategies aimed at overcoming these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie M Bergen
- Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Abstract
Although currently less efficient than their viral counterparts, nonviral vectors are under intense investigation as a safer alternative for gene therapy. For successful delivery, the nonviral vector must be able to overcome many barriers to protect DNA and specifically deliver it for efficient gene expression in target cells. The use of peptides as gene delivery vectors is advantageous over other nonviral agents in that they are able to achieve all of these goals. This review will focus on the application of peptides to mediate nonviral gene delivery. By examining the literature over the past 20 years, it becomes clear that no other class of biomolecules are simultaneously capable of DNA condensation, blocking metabolism, endosomal escape, nuclear localization, and receptor targeting. Based on virtually limitless diversity of peptide sequence and function information from nature, it is increasingly clear that peptide-guided gene delivery is still in its infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E. Martin
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, 115 S Grand Avenue, 52242 Iowa City, IA
| | - Kevin G. Rice
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, 115 S Grand Avenue, 52242 Iowa City, IA
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Kang HC, Bae YH. Polymeric gene transfection on insulin-secreting cells: sulfonylurea receptor-mediation and transfection medium effect. Pharm Res 2007; 23:1797-808. [PMID: 16850268 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-006-9027-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2005] [Accepted: 04/05/2006] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In vitro transfection of secreting cells is regarded as one strategy for improved cell engineering/ transplantation. Insulin-secreting insulinoma cell lines or pancreatic beta-cells could be genetically engineered using designed polymeric vectors which are safer than viral vectors. This study investigates the effects of the constituents in transfection media on polymeric transfection. METHODS Polyplexes conjugated with sulfonylurea (SU) were evaluated under different transfection conditions for gene transfection and their effects on cytotoxicity and insulin secretion. Several components in transfection media specifically associated with the insulin secretion pathway were amino acids, vitamins, Ca2+ and K+. The interactions of the polyplexes with insulin were monitored by surface charge and particle size to monitor how insulin as a protein influences transfection. RESULTS For an insulin-secreting cell line (RINm5F), polyplexes in Ca2+--containing KRH medium (Ca2+(+)KRH) enhanced transfection and did not cause damage to biological functions. When adding amino acids, vitamins, or K+ or depleting Ca2+ from Ca2+(+)KRH, poly(L-lysine)/DNA complexes showed a greater reduction in transfection than SU receptor (SUR)-targeting polyplexes (SU-polyplex). Positively charged polyplexes interacted with insulin, developing a negative surface charge, and these interactions may cause a decrease in transfection. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that in vitro and ex vivo polymeric transfection of insulin-secreting cells can be modulated and enhanced by adjusting the transfection conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chang Kang
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Utah, 421 Wakara Way, Suite 318, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
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31
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Gonzalez-Barrios JA, Lindahl M, Bannon MJ, Anaya-Martínez V, Flores G, Navarro-Quiroga I, Trudeau LE, Aceves J, Martinez-Arguelles DB, Garcia-Villegas R, Jiménez I, Segovia J, Martinez-Fong D. Neurotensin polyplex as an efficient carrier for delivering the human GDNF gene into nigral dopamine neurons of hemiparkinsonian rats. Mol Ther 2006; 14:857-65. [PMID: 17015039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2006.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2006] [Revised: 05/31/2006] [Accepted: 06/19/2006] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently we showed that the neurotensin polyplex is a nanoparticle carrier system that targets reporter genes in nigral dopamine neurons in vivo. Herein, we report its first practical application in experimental parkinsonism, which consisted of transfecting dopamine neurons with the gene coding for human glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (hGDNF). Hemiparkinsonism was induced in rats by a single dose of 6-hydroxydopamine (30 microg) into the ventrolateral part of the striatum. We showed that transfection of the hGDNF gene into the substantia nigra of rats 1 week after the neurotoxin injection produced biochemical, anatomical, and functional recovery from hemiparkinsonism. RT-PCR analysis showed mRNA expression of exogenous hGDNF in the transfected substantia nigra. Western blot analysis verified transgene expression by recognizing the flag epitope added at the C-terminus of the hGDNF polypeptide, which was found mainly in dopamine neurons by double immunofluorescence techniques. These data indicate that the neurotensin polyplex holds great promise for the neuroprotective therapy of Parkinson disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Gonzalez-Barrios
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV, Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07000 México, D.F., México
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Mazella J, Vincent JP. Internalization and recycling properties of neurotensin receptors. Peptides 2006; 27:2488-92. [PMID: 16901585 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2005] [Accepted: 02/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The targeting, internalization and recycling of membrane receptors in response to extracellular ligands involve a series of molecular mechanisms which are beginning to be better understood. The receptor-dependent internalization of neurotensin has been widely investigated using endogenous or heterologous receptor expression systems. This review focuses on the general properties of neurotensin sequestration and on the characterization of the receptors involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Mazella
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Unité Mixte de Recherche 6097 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, et de l'Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France.
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Arango-Rodriguez ML, Navarro-Quiroga I, Gonzalez-Barrios JA, Martinez-Arguelles DB, Bannon MJ, Kouri J, Forgez P, Rostene W, Garcia-Villegas R, Jimenez I, Martinez-Fong D. Biophysical characteristics of neurotensin polyplex for in vitro and in vivo gene transfection. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2006; 1760:1009-20. [PMID: 16730907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2006.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2005] [Revised: 02/09/2006] [Accepted: 02/28/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Previously we improved the neurotensin (NT)-polyplex by the coupling of HA2 fusogenic peptide (FP) and Vp1 SV40 karyophilic peptide (KP). We now report the proportion of [(125)I]-NT, [(3)H]-FP, and poly-l-lysine (PLL) in the NT-polyplex, and some of its biophysical properties. We concluded that the most efficient NT-polyplex comprised 1 NT, 4 FP, and 2 PLL molecules. Electrophoresis revealed that high acidity is detrimental for NT-polyplex stability. Electron microscopy and electrophoresis studies showed that 6 muM KP and 1% serum condensed the plasmid DNA (pDNA) before the appearance of toroid structures. Four plasmids were used to evaluate the transfection efficiency. In vitro, maximum expression was produced at molar ratios (pDNA : [(125)I]-NT-[(3)H]-FP-PLL conjugate) of 1:34 for pEGFP-N1 and 1:27 for pECFP-Nuc. Cotransfection of those plasmids was attained at their optimum molar ratios. In vivo, maximum expression of the pDAT-BDNF-flag in dopamine neurons was produced at a 1:45 molar ratio, whereas that of pDAT-EGFP was at 1:20. The NT-polyplex in the presence of 1 muM SR-48692, an NT-receptor specific antagonist, and untargeted polyplex did not cause transfection in vivo demonstrating the specificity of gene transfer via NT-receptor endocytosis. This information is essential for synthesizing an efficient NT-polyplex that can provide a useful tool for specific gene transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha L Arango-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV, Apartado postal 14-740, México D.F. 07000, México
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Zeng J, Too HP, Ma Y, Luo ESE, Wang S. A synthetic peptide containing loop 4 of nerve growth factor for targeted gene delivery. J Gene Med 2005; 6:1247-56. [PMID: 15368587 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene delivery vectors that restrict the expression of a therapeutic gene to a particular type of cells are critical to gene therapy in a complex structure, such as the central nervous system. We constructed a nonviral vector for targeted gene transfer to cells expressing nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor TrkA. METHODS AND RESULTS The vector was a synthetic chimeric peptide composed of a targeting moiety derived from NGF loop 4 and a DNA-binding moiety of 10 lysine residues. The peptide activated signal transduction pathways of the NGF receptor TrkA in PC12 cells and supported the survival of the cells after serum deprivation. After forming complexes with plasmid DNA, the peptide dose-dependently increased reporter gene expression in PC12 cells, which could be inhibited by excess NGF. The peptide-mediated gene expression was not affected in PC12 cells by co-incubation with a blocking antibody against the low-affinity NGF receptor p75 and was significantly enhanced in NIH3T3 cells stably transfected with TrkA cDNA, suggesting the involvement of the high-affinity NGF receptor TrkA without the participation of p75. Moreover, the peptide did not assist gene transfer in TrkA-poor, but TrkB- and/or TrkC-positive primary cerebellar granule neurons and primary cortical glial cells. CONCLUSIONS The chimeric peptide reported will be useful in gene delivery to and gene therapy of the nervous system and other tissues/organs with cells expressing TrkA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieming Zeng
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore
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35
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Abstract
Over the past decade, significant research has been done in the area of polymer-mediated gene delivery. Synthesis of new polymers and modifications to existing polymers has resulted in polyplexes with improved in vitro and in vivo transfection efficiencies. Targeting has been an important aspect of this research, and various strategies for obtaining selective and enhanced gene delivery to the target site have been evaluated. This review covers the different aspects involved in polyplex targeting. Development of targeted polyplexes involves a careful consideration of the target site, the targeting ligand and the physicochemical properties of the polyplex itself. The need to redirect the polyplexes by using the 'shield and target' approach by reducing nonspecific interactions with negatively charged components, while conferring specificity by incorporating targeting ligands, is discussed. Basic chemistry involved in modifying polymers is covered and examples of targeting strategies used for tissue-specific gene delivery are discussed. Targeting is also discussed in the broader context of developing safe and effective polymeric vectors for in vivo gene delivery. Maximum benefit of targeting can be obtained when it is used as part of a multi-functional complex containing elements designed to improve gene delivery and reduce overall toxicity of the polyplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery A Hughes
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Zeng J, Wang S. Enhanced gene delivery to PC12 cells by a cationic polypeptide. Biomaterials 2005; 26:679-86. [PMID: 15282146 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2004.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2003] [Accepted: 03/13/2004] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Targeted gene delivery to diseased subtypes of neurons will be beneficial to the success of gene therapy of neurological disorders. We designed a recombinant cationic polypeptide to facilitate gene delivery to neuronal-like PC12 cells that express the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors. The recombinant polypeptide was composed of a targeting moiety derived from loop 4-containing hairpin motif of NGF and a DNA-binding moiety of 10-lysine sequence and expressed in Escherichia coli. It activated NGF receptor, TrkA and its downstream signaling pathways in PC12 and promoted the survival of neuronally differentiated PC12 cells deprived of serum. The polypeptide could also bind plasmid DNA and enhance polycation-mediated gene delivery in NGF receptor-expressing PC12 cells, but not in COS7 cells lacking NGF receptors. The enhancement of gene transfer in PC12 was inhibited by pretreatment of free, unbound polypeptides, suggesting a NGF-receptor-specific effect of the polypeptide. These observations demonstrated the concept of using receptor-mediated mechanism for targeted gene delivery to neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieming Zeng
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, IMRE Building, 3 Research Link, Singapore 117602, Singapore
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Bai J, Açan B, Ghahary A, Ritchie B, Somayaji V, Uludağ H. Poly(ethyleneimine)/arginine-glycine-aspartic acid conjugates prepared withN-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate: An investigation of peptide coupling and conjugate stability. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1002/pola.20472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Navarro-Quiroga I, Antonio González-Barrios J, Barron-Moreno F, González-Bernal V, Martinez-Arguelles DB, Martinez-Fong D. Improved neurotensin-vector-mediated gene transfer by the coupling of hemagglutinin HA2 fusogenic peptide and Vp1 SV40 nuclear localization signal. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 2002; 105:86-97. [PMID: 12399111 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(02)00396-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recently we reported that neurotensin-SPDP-poly-L-lysine (NT-vector) is able to bind plasmid DNA (NT-polyplex) and polyfect cells expressing the high-affinity neurotensin receptor (NTRH) although with low transfecting efficiency: in vitro, 6.5+/-1.5%, and in vivo, 5+/-4%. In this work, we attempted to increase the transfecting efficiency by integrating the hemagglutinin HA2 fusogenic peptide and the Vp1 nuclear localization signal of SV40 to the NT-polyplex (fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex). Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis showed that the fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex produced mostly nuclear localization of the plasmid DNA in NTRH-bearing N1E-115 cells. About 50% of N1E-115 cells internalized and expressed the reporter gene when the plasmid DNA was transferred by the fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex. Although to a less extent, the addition of each viral peptide separately to NT-polyplex (fusogenic-NT-polyplex or karyophilic-NT-polyplex) improved polyfection. Fusogenic-NT-polyplex produced 22.41+/-5.96% of internalization and 20.35+/-0.82% of expression in N1E-115 cells, whereas karyophilic-NT-polyplex yielded 13.75+/-3.88% and 10.94+/-2.04%, respectively. Basal internalization and expression were detected in N1E-115 cells in the presence of 100 nM SR-48692 and in NTRH-lacking cells. The fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex was microinjected into the substantia nigra to test its ability for gene transfer in vivo. Fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex internalization was observed within dopamine neurons only. Reporter gene expression was observed in a high proportion of dopamine neurons up to 60 days after NT-polyfection. Both internalization and expression were prevented by SR-48692. Our results show that the fusogenic-karyophilic-NT-polyplex is a highly efficient and specific gene vector and encourage its use to transfer gene of physiological interest to NTRH-bearing neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Navarro-Quiroga
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional de México, Apartado postal 14-740, 07000 México DF, Mexico
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Abstract
Recent progress in understanding the molecular basis of cancer brought out new materials such as oligonucleotides, genes, peptides and proteins as a source of new anticancer agents. Due to their macromolecular properties, however, new strategies of delivery for them are required to achieve their full therapeutic efficacy in clinical setting. Development of improved dosage forms of currently marketed anticancer drugs can also enhance their therapeutic values. Currently developed delivery systems for anticancer agents include colloidal systems (liposomes, emulsions, nanoparticles and micelles), polymer implants and polymer conjugates. These delivery systems have been able to provide enhanced therapeutic activity and reduced toxicity of anticancer agents mainly by altering their pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. Furthermore, the identification of cell-specific receptor/antigens on cancer cells have brought the development of ligand- or antibody-bearing delivery systems which can be targeted to cancer cells by specific binding to receptors or antigens. They have exhibited specific and selective delivery of anticancer agents to cancer. As a consequence of extensive research, clinical development of anticancer agents utilizing various delivery systems is undergoing worldwide. New technologies and multidisciplinary expertise to develop advanced drug delivery systems, applicable to a wide range of anticancer agents, may eventually lead to an effective cancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Kook Kim
- National Research Lab for Drug and Gene Delivery, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Kwanak-Gu, Korea.
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Bannon MJ, Michelhaugh SK, Wang J, Sacchetti P. The human dopamine transporter gene: gene organization, transcriptional regulation, and potential involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2001; 11:449-55. [PMID: 11704422 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-977x(01)00122-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The dopamine transporter is a plasma membrane protein that controls the spatial and temporal domains of dopamine neurotransmission through the accumulation of extracellular dopamine. The dopamine transporter may play a role in numerous dopamine-linked neuropsychiatric disorders. We review the cloning and organization of the human dopamine transporter gene, polymorphisms in its coding and noncoding sequence, and emerging data on its transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Bannon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Rm 2309 Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield Ave., 48201, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Alvarez-Maya I, Navarro-Quiroga I, Meraz-Ríos MA, Aceves J, Martinez-Fong D. In Vivo Gene Transfer to Dopamine Neurons of Rat Substantia Nigra via the High-Affinity Neurotensin Receptor. Mol Med 2001. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03401952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Emilien G, Maloteaux JM, Penasse C, Goodeve A, Casimir C. Haemophilias: advances towards genetic engineering replacement therapy. CLINICAL AND LABORATORY HAEMATOLOGY 2000; 22:313-23. [PMID: 11318796 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2257.2000.00332.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Both haemophilia A and B are X-linked recessive disorders and therefore occur almost exclusively in males. The genes for both factors VIII and IX have been mapped to the distal end of the long arm of the X chromosome, bands Xq28 and Xq27.1, respectively. The Factor VIII gene comprises 186 kb DNA with 9 kb of exon of DNA which encodes an mRNA of nearly 9 kb. The Factor IX gene is 34 kb in length and the essential genetic information is present in eight exons which encode 1.6 kb mRNA. In gene therapy, genetic modification of the target cells can be either ex vivo or in vivo. The advantage of the ex vivo approach is that the genetic modification is strictly limited to the isolated cells. In the in vivo approach, the integrity of the target tissue is maintained but the major challenge is to deliver the gene to the target tissue. The use of improved retroviral and adenovirus-based vectors for gene therapy has produced clinically relevant levels of human factor VIII in mice and haemophilic dogs. If further improvements can increase the persistence of expression and decrease the immunological responses, phase I clinical trials in patients can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Emilien
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium.
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Alisky JM, Davidson BL. Gene therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2000; 11:2315-29. [PMID: 11096437 DOI: 10.1089/104303400750038435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are several incurable diseases of motor neuron degeneration, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic hemiplegia, spinal muscular atrophy, and bulbospinal atrophy. Advances in gene transfer techniques coupled with new insights into molecular pathology have opened promising avenues for gene therapy aimed at halting disease progression. Nonviral preparations and recombinant adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpesviruses, and lentiviruses may ultimately transduce sufficient numbers of cerebral, brainstem, and spinal cord neurons for therapeutic applications. This could be accomplished by direct injection, transduction of lower motor neurons via retrograde transport after intramuscular injection, or cell-based therapies. Studies using transgenic mice expressing mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a model for one form of ALS, established that several proteins were neuroprotective, including calbindin, bcl-2, and growth factors. These same molecules promoted neuronal survival in other injury models, suggesting general applicability to all forms of ALS. Potentially correctable genetic lesions have also been identified for hereditary spastic hemiplegia, bulbospinal atrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy. Finally, it may be possible to repopulate lost corticospinal and lower motor neurons by transplanting stem cells or stimulating native progenitor populations. The challenge ahead is to translate these basic science breakthroughs into workable clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Alisky
- Program in Gene Therapy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Martinez-Fong D, Navarro-Quiroga I. Synthesis of a non-viral vector for gene transfer via the high-affinity neurotensin receptor. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH PROTOCOLS 2000; 6:13-24. [PMID: 11086259 DOI: 10.1016/s1385-299x(00)00032-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We describe herein a method for synthesizing a non-viral gene vector that exploits the internalization properties of neurotensin (NT), as well as the procedures for a successful gene transfer to cells via the high-affinity NT receptor. The gene vector is NT cross-linked with poly-L-lysine via N-succinimidyl-6-[3'-(2-pyridyldithio)propionamido]hexanoate (LC-SPDP). The SPDP-derivatives containing either NT or poly-L-lysine are purified by gel filtration. The non-viral vector resulting from the reaction of NT-SPDP with HS-SPDP-poly-L-lysine is purified on Biogel A-1.5 m. This vector is complexed with plasmid DNA at a specific molar ratio to form the NT-polyplex, which ensures the delivery of the gene of interest to cells under conditions of receptor-mediated internalization. The NT-polyplex has shown ability to mediate transient gene expression in vitro [Brain Res. Mol. Brain Res. 69 (1999) 249] and in vivo [Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 25 (1999) 67. 7]. This approach holds great promise for research and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Martinez-Fong
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias; Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional de México, Apartado postal 14-740, 07000 D.F., México, Mexico.
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