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Wang G, Han S, Lu Y. From Structure to Application: The Evolutionary Trajectory of Spherical Nucleic Acids. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2310026. [PMID: 38860348 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Since the proposal of the concept of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) in 1996, numerous studies have focused on this topic and have achieved great advances. As a new delivery system for nucleic acids, SNAs have advantages over conventional deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nanostructures, including independence from transfection reagents, tolerance to nucleases, and lower immune reactions. The flexible structure of SNAs proves that various inorganic or organic materials can be used as the core, and different types of nucleic acids can be conjugated to realize diverse functions and achieve surprising and exciting outcomes. The special DNA nanostructures have been employed for immunomodulation, gene regulation, drug delivery, biosensing, and bioimaging. Despite the lack of rational design strategies, potential cytotoxicity, and structural defects of this technology, various successful examples demonstrate the bright and convincing future of SNAs in fields such as new materials, clinical practice, and pharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijia Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Sanyang Han
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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2
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Yang C, Lin ZI, Zhang X, Xu Z, Xu G, Wang YM, Tsai TH, Cheng PW, Law WC, Yong KT, Chen CK. Recent Advances in Engineering Carriers for siRNA Delivery. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300362. [PMID: 38150293 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been a promising treatment strategy for combating intractable diseases. However, the applications of RNAi in clinical are hampered by extracellular and intracellular barriers. To overcome these barriers, various siRNA delivery systems have been developed in the past two decades. The first approved RNAi therapeutic, Patisiran (ONPATTRO) using lipids as the carrier, for the treatment of amyloidosis is one of the most important milestones. This has greatly encouraged researchers to work on creating new functional siRNA carriers. In this review, the recent advances in siRNA carriers consisting of lipids, polymers, and polymer-modified inorganic particles for cancer therapy are summarized. Representative examples are presented to show the structural design of the carriers in order to overcome the delivery hurdles associated with RNAi therapies. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspective for developing RNAi as a clinical modality will be discussed and proposed. It is believed that the addressed contributions in this review will promote the development of siRNA delivery systems for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengbin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Zheng-Ian Lin
- Polymeric Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Xinmeng Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Zhourui Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Gaixia Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Min Wang
- Polymeric Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsien Tsai
- Division of Cardiology and Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, 60002, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wen Cheng
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 81362, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Wing-Cheung Law
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Ken-Tye Yong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Chih-Kuang Chen
- Polymeric Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
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3
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Liu S, Yu CY, Wei H. Spherical nucleic acids-based nanoplatforms for tumor precision medicine and immunotherapy. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100750. [PMID: 37545568 PMCID: PMC10400933 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise diagnosis and treatment of tumors currently still face considerable challenges due to the development of highly degreed heterogeneity in the dynamic evolution of tumors. With the rapid development of genomics, personalized diagnosis and treatment using specific genes may be a robust strategy to break through the bottleneck of traditional tumor treatment. Nevertheless, efficient in vivo gene delivery has been frequently hampered by the inherent defects of vectors and various biological barriers. Encouragingly, spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) with good modularity and programmability are excellent candidates capable of addressing traditional gene transfer-associated issues, which enables SNAs a precision nanoplatform with great potential for diverse biomedical applications. In this regard, there have been detailed reviews of SNA in drug delivery, gene regulation, and dermatology treatment. Still, to the best of our knowledge, there is no published systematic review summarizing the use of SNAs in oncology precision medicine and immunotherapy, which are considered new guidelines for oncology treatment. To this end, we summarized the notable advances in SNAs-based precision therapy and immunotherapy for tumors following a classification standard of different types of precise spatiotemporal control on active species by SNAs. Specifically, we focus on the structural diversity and programmability of SNAs. Finally, the challenges and possible solutions were discussed in the concluding remarks. This review will promote the rational design and development of SNAs for tumor-precise medicine and immunotherapy.
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Uchida S, Lau CYJ, Oba M, Miyata K. Polyplex designs for improving the stability and safety of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114972. [PMID: 37364611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have contributed to the recent clinical success of RNA therapeutics, including siRNA and mRNA. RNA delivery using polymers has several distinct properties, such as enabling RNA delivery into extra-hepatic organs, modulation of immune responses to RNA, and regulation of intracellular RNA release. However, delivery systems should overcome safety and stability issues to achieve widespread therapeutic applications. Safety concerns include direct damage to cellular components, innate and adaptive immune responses, complement activation, and interaction with surrounding molecules and cells in the blood circulation. The stability of the delivery systems should balance extracellular RNA protection and controlled intracellular RNA release, which requires optimization for each RNA species. Further, polymer designs for improving safety and stability often conflict with each other. This review covers advances in polymer-based approaches to address these issues over several years, focusing on biological understanding and design concepts for delivery systems rather than material chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan; Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Chun Yin Jerry Lau
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Makoto Oba
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
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5
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Kusmierz CD, Callmann CE, Kudruk S, Distler ME, Mirkin CA. Transferrin Aptamers Increase the In Vivo Blood-Brain Barrier Targeting of Protein Spherical Nucleic Acids. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:1803-1810. [PMID: 36194889 PMCID: PMC10424462 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The systemic delivery of exogenous proteins to cells within the brain and central nervous system (CNS) is challenging due to the selective impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Herein, we hypothesized that protein delivery to the brain could be improved via functionalization with DNA aptamers designed to bind transferrin (TfR) receptors present on the endothelial cells that line the BBB. Using β-galactosidase (β-Gal) as a model protein, we synthesized protein spherical nucleic acids (ProSNAs) comprised of β-Gal decorated with TfR aptamers (Transferrin-ProSNAs). The TfR aptamer motif significantly increases the accumulation of β-Gal in brain tissue in vivo following intravenous injection over both the native protein and ProSNAs containing nontargeting DNA sequences. Furthermore, the widespread distribution of β-Gal throughout the brain is only observed for Transferrin-ProSNAs. Together, this work shows that the SNA architecture can be used to selectively deliver protein cargo to the brain and CNS if the appropriate aptamer sequence is employed as the DNA shell. Moreover, this highlights the importance of DNA sequence design and provides a potential new avenue for designing highly targeted protein delivery systems by combining the power of DNA aptamers together with the SNA platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline D. Kusmierz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Cassandra E. Callmann
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Sergej Kudruk
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Max E. Distler
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chad A. Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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6
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Zhang W, Callmann CE, Meckes B, Mirkin CA. Tumor-Associated Enzyme-Activatable Spherical Nucleic Acids. ACS NANO 2022; 16:10931-10942. [PMID: 35849553 PMCID: PMC10440806 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c03323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Maximizing the tissue-targeting efficiency of nanomaterials while also protecting them from rapid clearance from the bloodstream and limiting their immunogenicity remains a central problem in the field of systemic-administered nanomedicine. Herein, we introduce a generalizable strategy to simultaneously increase tumor accumulation, prolong blood circulation, and limit nonspecific immune activation of nanomaterials via peptide-based, tumor-responsive, "sheddable" coatings. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) were designed and synthesized to contain an exterior coating composed of zwitterionic polypeptides with recognition sequences for tumor-associated proteases. In the presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the polypetide coating is rapidly cleaved, leading to increased cellular uptake of these SNAs, relative to SNAs containing nonsheddable shells. Moreover, the zwitterionic nature of the polypeptide shell shields the SNAs from immune system recognition, which extends their blood circulation time and improves tumor accumulation and in vivo cellular uptake relative to control SNAs with no protective coating. Taken together, these results indicate that this strategy is a viable method for increasing nanoparticle tumor accumulation and can have utility for the systemic delivery of oligonucleotides and nanomaterials to target cells in vivo with low immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuliang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Cassandra E. Callmann
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Brian Meckes
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chad A. Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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7
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Mahajan AS, Stegh AH. Spherical Nucleic Acids as Precision Therapeutics for the Treatment of Cancer-From Bench to Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071615. [PMID: 35406387 PMCID: PMC8996871 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spherical Nucleic Acids (SNAs) emerged as a new class of nanotherapeutics consisting of a nanoparticle core densely functionalized with a shell of radially oriented synthetic oligonucleotides. The unique three-dimensional architecture of SNAs protects the oligonucleotides from nuclease-mediated degradation, increases oligonucleotide bioavailability, and in the absence of auxiliary transfection agents, enables robust uptake into tumor and immune cells through polyvalent association with cell surface pattern recognition receptors. When composed of gene-regulatory small interfering (si)RNA or immunostimulatory DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, SNAs silence gene expression and induce immune responses superior to those raised by the oligonucleotides in their "free" form. Early phase clinical trials of gene-regulatory siRNA-based SNAs in glioblastoma (NCT03020017) and immunostimulatory Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-agonistic SNAs carrying unmethylated CpG-rich oligonucleotides in solid tumors (NCT03086278) have shown that SNAs represent a safe, brain-penetrant therapy for inhibiting oncogene expression and stimulating immune responses against tumors. This review focuses on the application of SNAs as precision cancer therapeutics, summarizes the findings from first-in-human clinical trials of SNAs in solid tumors, describes the most recent preclinical efforts to rationally design next-generation multimodal SNA architectures, and provides an outlook on future efforts to maximize the anti-neoplastic activity of the SNA platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha S. Mahajan
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, The International Institute for Nanotechnology, The Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Alexander H. Stegh
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, The International Institute for Nanotechnology, The Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Correspondence:
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8
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Song Y, Song W, Lan X, Cai W, Jiang D. Spherical nucleic acids: Organized nucleotide aggregates as versatile nanomedicine. AGGREGATE (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2022; 3:e120. [PMID: 35386748 PMCID: PMC8982904 DOI: 10.1002/agt2.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are composed of a nanoparticle core and a layer of densely arranged oligonucleotide shells. After the first report of SNA by Mirkin and coworkers in 1996, it has created a significant interest by offering new possibilities in the field of gene and drug delivery. The controlled aggregation of oligonucleotides on the surface of organic/inorganic nanoparticles improves the delivery of genes and nucleic acid-based drugs and alters and regulates the biological profiles of the nanoparticle core within living organisms. Here in this review, we present an overview of the recent progress of SNAs that has speeded up their biomedical application and their potential transition to clinical use. We start with introducing the concept and characteristics of SNAs as drug/gene delivery systems and highlight recent efforts of bioengineering SNA by imaging and treatmenting various diseases. Finally, we discuss potential challenges and opportunities of SNAs, their ongoing clinical trials, and future translation, and how they may affect the current landscape of clinical practices. We hope that this review will update our current understanding of SNA, organized oligonucleotide aggregates, for disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangmeihui Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenyu Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoli Lan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Weibo Cai
- Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dawei Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
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9
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Zhang W, Callmann CE, Mirkin CA. Controlling the Biological Fate of Liposomal Spherical Nucleic Acids Using Tunable Polyethylene Glycol Shells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:46325-46333. [PMID: 34547202 PMCID: PMC8590845 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Liposomal spherical nucleic acids (LSNAs) modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) units are studied in an attempt to understand how the circulation time and biodistribution of the constructs can be manipulated. Specifically, the effect of (1) PEG molecular weight, (2) PEG shell stability, and (3) PEG modification method (PEG in both the core and shell versus PEG in the shell only) on LSNA blood circulation, biodistribution, and in vivo cell internalization in a syngeneic, orthotopic triple-negative breast cancer mouse model is studied. Generally, high PEG molecular weight extends blood circulation lifetime, and a more lipophilic anchor stabilizes the PEG shell and improves circulation and tumor accumulation but at the cost of cell uptake efficiency. The PEGylation strategy has a minor effect on in vitro properties of LSNAs but significantly alters in vivo cell uptake. For example, surface-only PEG in one design contributed to higher in vivo cell internalization than its counterpart with PEG both in the shell and core. Taken together, this work provides guidelines for designing LSNAs that exhibit maximal in vivo cancer cell uptake characteristics in the context of a breast cancer model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuliang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Cassandra E Callmann
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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10
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Gulumkar V, Äärelä A, Moisio O, Rahkila J, Tähtinen V, Leimu L, Korsoff N, Korhonen H, Poijärvi-Virta P, Mikkola S, Nesati V, Vuorimaa-Laukkanen E, Viitala T, Yliperttula M, Roivainen A, Virta P. Controlled Monofunctionalization of Molecular Spherical Nucleic Acids on a Buckminster Fullerene Core. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:1130-1138. [PMID: 33998229 PMCID: PMC8382215 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
An azide-functionalized
12-armed Buckminster fullerene has been
monosubstituted in organic media with a substoichiometric amount of
cyclooctyne-modified oligonucleotides. Exposing the intermediate products
then to the same reaction (i.e., strain-promoted alkyne–azide
cycloaddition, SPAAC) with an excess of slightly different oligonucleotide
constituents in an aqueous medium yields molecularly defined monofunctionalized
spherical nucleic acids (SNAs). This procedure offers a controlled
synthesis scheme in which one oligonucleotide arm can be functionalized
with labels or other conjugate groups (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic
acid, DOTA, and Alexa-488 demonstrated), whereas the rest of the 11
arms can be left unmodified or modified by other conjugate groups
in order to decorate the SNAs’ outer sphere. Extra attention
has been paid to the homogeneity and authenticity of the C60-azide scaffold used for the assembly of full-armed SNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Gulumkar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Äärelä
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Olli Moisio
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Jani Rahkila
- Instrument Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20500 Åbo, Finland
| | - Ville Tähtinen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Leimu
- Department of Biologics, Orion Pharma, 20101 Turku, Finland
| | - Niko Korsoff
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Heidi Korhonen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | | | - Satu Mikkola
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Victor Nesati
- Department of Biologics, Orion Pharma, 20101 Turku, Finland
| | | | - Tapani Viitala
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marjo Yliperttula
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Roivainen
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Pasi Virta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland.,Department of Biologics, Orion Pharma, 20101 Turku, Finland
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11
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Holmes TR, Paller AS. Gene Regulation Using Spherical Nucleic Acids to Treat Skin Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E360. [PMID: 33147737 PMCID: PMC7693734 DOI: 10.3390/ph13110360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are nanostructures consisting of nucleic acids in a spherical configuration, often around a nanoparticle core. SNAs are advantageous as gene-regulating agents compared to conventional gene therapy owing to their low toxicity, enhanced stability, uptake by virtually any cell, and ability to penetrate the epidermal barrier. In this review we: (i) describe the production, structure and properties of SNAs; (ii) detail the mechanism of SNA uptake in keratinocytes, regulated by scavenger receptors; and (iii) report how SNAs have been topically applied and intralesionally injected for skin disorders. Specialized SNAs called nanoflares can be topically applied for gene-based diagnosis (scar vs. normal tissue). Topical SNAs directed against TNFα and interleukin-17A receptor reversed psoriasis-like disease in mouse models and have been tested in Phase 1 human trials. Furthermore, SNAs targeting ganglioside GM3 synthase accelerate wound healing in diabetic mouse models. Most recently, SNAs targeting toll-like receptor 9 are being used in Phase 2 human trials via intratumoral injection to induce immune responses in Merkel cell and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Overall, SNAs are a valuable tool in bench-top and clinical research, and their advantageous properties, including penetration into the epidermis after topical delivery, provide new opportunities for targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy S. Paller
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
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12
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Xiao F, Chen Z, Wei Z, Tian L. Hydrophobic Interaction: A Promising Driving Force for the Biomedical Applications of Nucleic Acids. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2001048. [PMID: 32832360 PMCID: PMC7435255 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The comprehensive understanding and proper use of supramolecular interactions have become critical for the development of functional materials, and so is the biomedical application of nucleic acids (NAs). Relatively rare attention has been paid to hydrophobic interaction compared with hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction of NAs. However, hydrophobic interaction shows some unique properties, such as high tunability for application interest, minimal effect on NA functionality, and sensitivity to external stimuli. Therefore, the widespread use of hydrophobic interaction has promoted the evolution of NA-based biomaterials in higher-order self-assembly, drug/gene-delivery systems, and stimuli-responsive systems. Herein, the recent progress of NA-based biomaterials whose fabrications or properties are highly determined by hydrophobic interactions is summarized. 1) The hydrophobic interaction of NA itself comes from the accumulation of base-stacking forces, by which the NAs with certain base compositions and chain lengths show properties similar to thermal-responsive polymers. 2) In conjugation with hydrophobic molecules, NA amphiphiles show interesting self-assembly structures with unique properties in many new biosensing and therapeutic strategies. 3) The working-mechanisms of some NA-based complex materials are also dependent on hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, in recent attempts, NA amphiphiles have been applied in organizing macroscopic self-assembly of DNA origami and controlling the cell-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xiao
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthern University of Science and Technology1088 Xueyuan Blvd.Nanshan DistrictShenzhenGuangdong518055P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringHarbin Institute of TechnologyNangang DistrictHarbin150001P. R. China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthern University of Science and Technology1088 Xueyuan Blvd.Nanshan DistrictShenzhenGuangdong518055P. R. China
- Cancer Centre and Centre of ReproductionDevelopment and AgingFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacau999078P. R. China
| | - Zixiang Wei
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthern University of Science and Technology1088 Xueyuan Blvd.Nanshan DistrictShenzhenGuangdong518055P. R. China
- Cancer Centre and Centre of ReproductionDevelopment and AgingFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacau999078P. R. China
| | - Leilei Tian
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthern University of Science and Technology1088 Xueyuan Blvd.Nanshan DistrictShenzhenGuangdong518055P. R. China
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13
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Zhang W, Meckes B, Mirkin CA. Spherical Nucleic Acids with Tailored and Active Protein Coronae. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2019; 5:1983-1990. [PMID: 31893228 PMCID: PMC6936096 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b01105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are nanomaterials typically consisting of a nanoparticle core and a functional, dense, and highly oriented oligonucleotide shell with unusual biological properties that make them appealing for many applications, including sequence-specific gene silencing, mRNA quantification, and immunostimulation. When placed in biological fluids, SNAs readily interact with serum proteins, leading to the formation of ill-defined protein coronae on the surface, which can influence the targeting capabilities of the conjugate. In this work, SNAs were designed and synthesized with functional proteins, such as antibodies and serum albumin, deliberately adsorbed onto their surfaces. These particles exhibit increased resistance to protease degradation compared with native SNAs but still remain functional, as they can engage in hybridization with complementary oligonucleotides. SNAs with adsorbed targeting antibodies exhibit improved cellular selectivity within mixed cell populations. Similarly, SNAs coated with the dysopsonizing protein serum albumin show reduced macrophage uptake, providing a strategy for tailoring selective SNA delivery. Importantly, the protein coronae remain stable on the SNAs in human serum, exhibiting a less than 45% loss of protein through exchange after 12 h at 37 °C. Taken together, these results show that protein-SNA complexes and the method used to prepare them provide a new avenue for enhancing SNA stability, targeting, and biodistribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuliang Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International
Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern
University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United
States
| | - Brian Meckes
- Department
of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International
Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern
University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United
States
| | - Chad A. Mirkin
- Department
of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International
Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern
University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United
States
- E-mail:
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14
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Applications of Spherical Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles as Delivery Systems. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:1066-1079. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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15
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Shen Z, Loe DT, Fisher A, Kröger M, Rouge JL, Li Y. Polymer stiffness governs template mediated self-assembly of liposome-like nanoparticles: simulation, theory and experiment. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:20179-20193. [PMID: 31617539 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr07063j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study suggests that the self-assembly of a template-mediated liposome (TML) can be utilized as a general method to produce liposomes with controlled sizes. A polymer tethered core is used here as a starting configuration of a TML. Lipids anchored to the free ends of the tethered polymers direct the self-assembly of surrounding free lipid molecules to form liposome-like nanoparticles. Characterizing the flexibility of polymers by their persistence lengths, we performed large scale molecular simulations to investigate the self-assembly process of TMLs with tethered polymers of different stiffness values. The stiffness of tethered polymer is found to play a crucial role in the self-assembly process of TMLs. The flexible and rigid-like polymers can accelerate and delay the self-assembly of TMLs, respectively. In addition, the critical grafting of tethered polymers and required lipid concentrations to from perfectly encapsulated TMLs are found to increase with the flexibility of tethered polymers. To scrutinize these simulation-based findings, we synthesized DNA-polyethylene glycol (PEG) TMLs and performed corresponding experiments. To this end we incorporate increasing concentrations of DNA as a proxy for increasing the rigidity of the tethered polymers. We find that the resulting structures are indeed consistent with the simulated ones. Finally, a theory is developed that allows one to estimate the required free lipid number (or lipid concentration) and grafting density analytically for polymers of a given persistence length. Through these combined computational, experimental, and theoretical studies, we present a predictive model for determining the effect of polymer stiffness on the self-assembly of TMLs, which can be used as a general approach for obtaining perfectly encapsulated TMLs as potential drug delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Shen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - David T Loe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Alessandro Fisher
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Martin Kröger
- Department of Materials, Polymer Physics, ETH Zürich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica L Rouge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. and Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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16
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Duan X, Chan C, Han W, Guo N, Weichselbaum RR, Lin W. Immunostimulatory nanomedicines synergize with checkpoint blockade immunotherapy to eradicate colorectal tumors. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1899. [PMID: 31015397 PMCID: PMC6478897 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles can potentially stimulate tumour microenvironments to elicit antitumour immunity. Herein, we demonstrate effective immunotherapy of colorectal cancer via systemic delivery of an immunostimulatory chemotherapeutic combination in nanoscale coordination polymer (NCP) core-shell particles. Oxaliplatin and dihydroartemesinin have contrasting physicochemical properties but strong synergy in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and anticancer activity. The combined ROS generation is harnessed for immune activation to synergize with an anti-PD-L1 antibody for the treatment of murine colorectal cancer tumours. The favourable biodistribution and tumour uptake of NCPs and the absence of peripheral neuropathy allow for repeated dosing to afford 100% tumour eradication. The involvement of innate and adaptive immune systems elicit strong and long lasting antitumour immunity which prevents tumour formation when cured mice are challenged with cancer cells. The intrinsically biodegradable, well tolerated, and systemically available immunostimulatory NCP promises to enter clinical testing as an immunotherapy against colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopin Duan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Cancer Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Christina Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Wenbo Han
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Nining Guo
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, The University of Chicago, 5758, S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Ralph R Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, The University of Chicago, 5758, S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Wenbin Lin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, The University of Chicago, 5758, S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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17
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Epanchintseva A, Dolodoev A, Grigor'eva A, Chelobanov B, Pyshnyi D, Ryabchikova E, Pyshnaya I. Non-covalent binding of nucleic acids with gold nanoparticles provides their stability and effective desorption in environment mimicking biological media. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 29:355601. [PMID: 29851383 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aac933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The ability of gold nanoparticles to bind different substances has resulted in the high interest of researchers determining their usage as a promising carrier of various biological substances including nucleic acids (NAs) for therapeutic applications. Most publications report covalent binding (conjugation) of an NA to spherical AuNPs via the Au-S bond. In this work, we obtained non-covalent associates of different ssDNA, ssRNA and siRNAs with spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and examined their physico-chemical properties and stability in media mimicking intracellular space (bacterial 'cytosol') and cell culture media (10% FBS in DMEM). The 'cytosol' was obtained from E. coli and possessed nuclease activity. For the first time, we used the phosphoryl guanidine (dimethylimidazolidin-2-imine, Dmi) group for modification of 3'-ends to enhance the stability of ssRNAs and siRNAs against nuclease destruction. Trying to evaluate the material balance, we analyzed the whole nucleotide species obtained after incubation of NA-AuNPs associates in 'cytosol' and FBS and evaluated the degree of NAs destruction, a share of full-size NAs remained on the surface of the AuNPs and in the solution. Native ss- and siRNAs, both free and in composition of non-covalent associates with AuNPs, were less resistant to degrading factors than ssDNA. The introduction of two Dmi-groups into the ssDNA increased its stability in 'cytosol' three times within 2.5 h. Dmi-modified siRNAs in non-covalent associates with AuNPs were two times more stable than unmodified siRNA within 4 h. We showed that non-covalent siRNA-AuNPs associates serve as a kind of storage for full-size NAs and thereby prolong their presence in nuclease-active media. Our study showed that non-covalent binding of siRNAs with a surface of AuNPs provides desorption of both strands, which is necessary for siRNA functioning in living cells, and could be considered as an important way to construct siRNA and ssDNA delivery systems based on AuNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Epanchintseva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Science, Novosibirsk, Russia
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18
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Abstract
Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are highly oriented, well organized, polyvalent structures of nucleic acids conjugated to hollow or solid core nanoparticles. Because they can transfect many tissue and cell types without toxicity, induce minimum immune response, and penetrate various biological barriers (such as the skin, blood-brain barrier, and blood-tumor barrier), they have become versatile tools for the delivery of nucleic acids, drugs, and proteins for various therapeutic purposes. This article describes the unique structures and properties of SNAs and discusses how these properties enable their application in gene regulation, immunomodulation, and drug and protein delivery. It also summarizes current efforts towards clinical translation of SNAs and provides an expert opinion on remaining challenges to be addressed in the path forward to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chintan H Kapadia
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Jilian R Melamed
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Emily S Day
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
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19
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Kim HJ, Yi Y, Kim A, Miyata K. Small Delivery Vehicles of siRNA for Enhanced Cancer Targeting. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:2377-2390. [PMID: 29864287 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs have been considered to treat various diseases in major organs. However, siRNA drugs developed for cancer therapy are hindered from proceeding to the clinic. To date, various delivery formulations have been developed from cationic lipids, polymers, and/or inorganic nanoparticles for systemic siRNA delivery to solid tumors. Most of these delivery vehicles do not generate small particle sizes and pharmacokinetics required for accumulation in target cancer cells compared with clinically tested anticancer drug-loaded polymeric micelles. This review describes the significance of small, long-circulating vehicles for efficient delivery of siRNA to cancer tissues via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. We summarize recent biological evidence that supports the size effect of delivery vehicles in tumor microenvironments and introduce promising strategies for the construction of small vehicles with sizes of 10-50 nm. We then discuss the feasibility of these delivery vehicles with respect to translation to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jin Kim
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine , The University of Tokyo , 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 , Japan
| | - Yu Yi
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering , The University of Tokyo , 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656 , Japan.,CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety , National Center for Nanosciecne and Technology , No. 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Ahram Kim
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences , University of Tsukuba , 1-1-1 Tennoudai , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8573 , Japan
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering , The University of Tokyo , 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656 , Japan
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20
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Roloff A, Nelles DA, Thompson MP, Yeo GW, Gianneschi NC. Self-Transfecting Micellar RNA: Modulating Nanoparticle Cell Interactions via High Density Display of Small Molecule Ligands on Micelle Coronas. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:126-135. [PMID: 29286237 PMCID: PMC5993044 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular delivery of synthetic nucleic acids represents a major challenge in biotechnology and in biomedicine. Methods to deliver short, double-stranded RNA to living cells are of particular interest because of the potential to engage the RNA interference machinery and to regulate mRNA expression. In this work, we describe novel RNA-polymer amphiphiles that assemble into spherical micellar nanoparticles with diameters of ca. 15-30 nm and efficiently enter live cells without transfection reagents. Each micelle consists of approximately 100 RNA strands forming a densely packed corona around a polymeric core. Importantly, the surface-displayed RNA remains accessible for hybridization with complementary RNA. Chemical modification of the termini of hybridized RNA strands enabled the display of small organic moieties on the outer surface of the micelle corona. We found that some of these modifications can have a tremendous impact on cellular internalization efficiencies. The display of hydrophobic dabcyl or stilbene units dramatically increased cell uptake, whereas hydrophilic neutral hydroxy or anionic phosphate residues were ineffective. Interestingly, neither of these modifications mediated noticeable uptake of free RNA oligonucleotides. We infer that their high density display on micellar nanoparticle surfaces is key for the observed effect; achieved with local effective surface concentrations in the millimolar range. We speculate that weak interactions with cell surface receptors that are amplified by the multivalent presentation of such modifications may be responsible. The installation of small molecule ligands on nanomaterial surfaces via hybridization of chemically modified oligonucleotides offers a simple and straightforward way to modulate cellular uptake of nanoparticles. Biological functionality of micellar RNA was demonstrated through the sequence-specific regulation of mRNA expression in HeLa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Roloff
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - David A. Nelles
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Matthew P. Thompson
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Gene W. Yeo
- Stem Cell Program and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Nathan C. Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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21
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McGeachy AC, Dalchand N, Caudill ER, Li T, Doğangün M, Olenick LL, Chang H, Pedersen JA, Geiger FM. Interfacial electrostatics of poly(vinylamine hydrochloride), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly-l-lysine, and poly-l-arginine interacting with lipid bilayers. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:10846-10856. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp07353d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Charge densities of cationic polymers adsorbed to lipid bilayers are estimated from SHG spectroscopy and QCM-D measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. C. McGeachy
- Department of Chemistry
- Northwestern University
- Evanston
- USA
| | - N. Dalchand
- Department of Chemistry
- Northwestern University
- Evanston
- USA
| | - E. R. Caudill
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison
- USA
| | - T. Li
- Department of Chemistry
- Northwestern University
- Evanston
- USA
| | - M. Doğangün
- Department of Chemistry
- Northwestern University
- Evanston
- USA
| | - L. L. Olenick
- Department of Chemistry
- Northwestern University
- Evanston
- USA
| | - H. Chang
- Department of Chemistry
- Northwestern University
- Evanston
- USA
| | - J. A. Pedersen
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison
- USA
- Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program
| | - F. M. Geiger
- Department of Chemistry
- Northwestern University
- Evanston
- USA
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22
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Roloff A, Carlini AS, Callmann CE, Gianneschi NC. Micellar Thrombin-Binding Aptamers: Reversible Nanoscale Anticoagulants. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:16442-16445. [PMID: 29135251 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b07799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are nucleic acid-based ligands that exhibit promising features including specific and reversible target binding and inhibition. Aptamers can function as anticoagulants if they are directed against enzymes of the coagulation cascade. However, they typically suffer from nucleolytic digestion and fast clearance from the bloodstream. We present thrombin-binding aptamer amphiphiles that self-assemble into nanoscale polymeric micelles with a densely functionalized aptamer-displaying corona. We show that these micellar aptamers retain their native secondary structure in a crowded environment and are stabilized against degradation by nucleases in human serum. Moreover, they are effective inhibitors of human plasma clotting in vitro. The inhibitory effect can be rapidly reversed by complementary nucleic acids that break the aptamers' secondary structure upon hybridization. Compared to free aptamers, the increased molecular weight and size of the overall assembly promotes extended blood circulation times in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University , Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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