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Hu Y, Luo Z, Ge Z, Li Q, Yang P, Zhang H, Zhang H. Morphology Dictated Immune Activation with Framework Nucleic Acids. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303454. [PMID: 37559164 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Framework nucleic acids (FNAs) of various morphologies, designed using the precise and programmable Watson-Crick base pairing, serve as carriers for biomolecule delivery in biology and biomedicine. However, the impact of their shape, size, concentration, and the spatial presentation of cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) on immune activation remains incompletely understood. In this study, representative FNAs with varying morphologies are synthesized to explore their immunological responses. Low concentrations (50 nM) of all FNAs elicited no immunostimulation, while high concentrations of elongated DNA nanostrings and tetrahedrons triggered strong activation due to their larger size and increased cellular uptake, indicating that the innate immune responses of FNAs depend on both dose and morphology. Notably, CpG ODNs' immune response can be programmed by FNAs through regulating the spatial distance, with optimal spacing of 7-8 nm eliciting the highest immunostimulation. These findings demonstrate FNAs' potential as a designable tool to study nucleic acid morphology's impact on biological responses and provide a strategy for future CpG-mediated immune activation carrier design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Hu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Zhongxu Luo
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Zhilei Ge
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Peihui Yang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Honglu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, 511442, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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Rodríguez-Franco HJ, Weiden J, Bastings MMC. Stabilizing Polymer Coatings Alter the Protein Corona of DNA Origami and Can Be Engineered to Bias the Cellular Uptake. ACS POLYMERS AU 2023; 3:344-353. [PMID: 37576710 PMCID: PMC10416322 DOI: 10.1021/acspolymersau.3c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
With DNA-based nanomaterials being designed for applications in cellular environments, the need arises to accurately understand their surface interactions toward biological targets. As for any material exposed to protein-rich cell culture conditions, a protein corona will establish around DNA nanoparticles, potentially altering the a-priori designed particle function. Here, we first set out to identify the protein corona around DNA origami nanomaterials, taking into account the application of stabilizing block co-polymer coatings (oligolysine-1kPEG or oligolysine-5kPEG) widely used to ensure particle integrity. By implementing a label-free methodology, the distinct polymer coating conditions show unique protein profiles, predominantly defined by differences in the molecular weight and isoelectric point of the adsorbed proteins. Interestingly, none of the applied coatings reduced the diversity of the proteins detected within the specific coronae. We then biased the protein corona through pre-incubation with selected proteins and show significant changes in the cell uptake. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between DNA nanomaterials, proteins, and cells at the bio-interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo J. Rodríguez-Franco
- Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory,
Institute of Materials, Interfaculty Bioengineering Institute, School
of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale
Lausanne, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Jorieke Weiden
- Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory,
Institute of Materials, Interfaculty Bioengineering Institute, School
of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale
Lausanne, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Maartje M. C. Bastings
- Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory,
Institute of Materials, Interfaculty Bioengineering Institute, School
of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale
Lausanne, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
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3
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Linko V, Keller A. Stability of DNA Origami Nanostructures in Physiological Media: The Role of Molecular Interactions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2301935. [PMID: 37093216 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Programmable, custom-shaped, and nanometer-precise DNA origami nanostructures have rapidly emerged as prospective and versatile tools in bionanotechnology and biomedicine. Despite tremendous progress in their utilization in these fields, essential questions related to their structural stability under physiological conditions remain unanswered. Here, DNA origami stability is explored by strictly focusing on distinct molecular-level interactions. In this regard, the fundamental stabilizing and destabilizing ionic interactions as well as interactions involving various enzymes and other proteins are discussed, and their role in maintaining, modulating, or decreasing the structural integrity and colloidal stability of DNA origami nanostructures is summarized. Additionally, specific issues demanding further investigation are identified. This review - through its specific viewpoint - may serve as a primer for designing new, stable DNA objects and for adapting their use in applications dealing with physiological media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veikko Linko
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu, 50411, Estonia
- Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P. O. Box 16100, Aalto, 00076, Finland
| | - Adrian Keller
- Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Paderborn University, Warburger Str. 100, 33098, Paderborn, Germany
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Langlois NI, Ma KY, Clark HA. Nucleic acid nanostructures for in vivo applications: The influence of morphology on biological fate. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 10:011304. [PMID: 36874908 PMCID: PMC9869343 DOI: 10.1063/5.0121820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The development of programmable biomaterials for use in nanofabrication represents a major advance for the future of biomedicine and diagnostics. Recent advances in structural nanotechnology using nucleic acids have resulted in dramatic progress in our understanding of nucleic acid-based nanostructures (NANs) for use in biological applications. As the NANs become more architecturally and functionally diverse to accommodate introduction into living systems, there is a need to understand how critical design features can be controlled to impart desired performance in vivo. In this review, we survey the range of nucleic acid materials utilized as structural building blocks (DNA, RNA, and xenonucleic acids), the diversity of geometries for nanofabrication, and the strategies to functionalize these complexes. We include an assessment of the available and emerging characterization tools used to evaluate the physical, mechanical, physiochemical, and biological properties of NANs in vitro. Finally, the current understanding of the obstacles encountered along the in vivo journey is contextualized to demonstrate how morphological features of NANs influence their biological fates. We envision that this summary will aid researchers in the designing novel NAN morphologies, guide characterization efforts, and design of experiments and spark interdisciplinary collaborations to fuel advancements in programmable platforms for biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole I. Langlois
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Kristine Y. Ma
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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5
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Knappe GA, Wamhoff EC, Bathe M. Functionalizing DNA origami to investigate and interact with biological systems. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2023; 8:123-138. [PMID: 37206669 PMCID: PMC10191391 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-022-00517-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
DNA origami has emerged as a powerful method to generate DNA nanostructures with dynamic properties and nanoscale control. These nanostructures enable complex biophysical studies and the fabrication of next-generation therapeutic devices. For these applications, DNA origami typically needs to be functionalized with bioactive ligands and biomacromolecular cargos. Here, we review methods developed to functionalize, purify, and characterize DNA origami nanostructures. We identify remaining challenges, such as limitations in functionalization efficiency and characterization. We then discuss where researchers can contribute to further advance the fabrication of functionalized DNA origami.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant A. Knappe
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
- Address correspondence to or
| | - Eike-Christian Wamhoff
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Mark Bathe
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
- Address correspondence to or
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Wamhoff EC, Romanov A, Huang H, Read BJ, Ginsburg E, Knappe GA, Kim HM, Farrell NP, Irvine DJ, Bathe M. Controlling Nuclease Degradation of Wireframe DNA Origami with Minor Groove Binders. ACS NANO 2022; 16:8954-8966. [PMID: 35640255 PMCID: PMC9649841 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c11575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Viruslike particles (VLPs) fabricated using wireframe DNA origami are emerging as promising vaccine and gene therapeutic delivery platforms due to their programmable nature that offers independent control over their size and shape, as well as their site-specific functionalization. As materials that biodegrade in the presence of endonucleases, specifically DNase I and II, their utility for the targeting of cells, tissues, and organs depends on their stability in vivo. Here, we explore minor groove binders (MGBs) as specific endonuclease inhibitors to control the degradation half-life of wireframe DNA origami. Bare, unprotected DNA-VLPs composed of two-helix edges were found to be stable in fetal bovine serum under typical cell culture conditions and in human serum for 24 h but degraded within 3 h in mouse serum, suggesting species-specific endonuclease activity. Inhibiting endonucleases by incubating DNA-VLPs with diamidine-class MGBs increased their half-lives in mouse serum by more than 12 h, corroborated by protection against isolated DNase I and II. Our stabilization strategy was compatible with the functionalization of DNA-VLPs with HIV antigens, did not interfere with B-cell signaling activity of DNA-VLPs in vitro, and was nontoxic to B-cell lines. It was further found to be compatible with multiple wireframe DNA origami geometries and edge architectures. MGB protection is complementary to existing methods such as PEGylation and chemical cross-linking, offering a facile protocol to control DNase-mediated degradation rates for in vitro and possibly in vivo therapeutic and vaccine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike-Christian Wamhoff
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Anna Romanov
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Hellen Huang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Benjamin J Read
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Eric Ginsburg
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-2006, United States
| | - Grant A Knappe
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Hyun Min Kim
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Nicholas P Farrell
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-2006, United States
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, United States
| | - Mark Bathe
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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